‘Once upon a time there was…’ is how many fairy tales begin.
This particular fairy tale begins, ‘once upon a time there was not’.
Once upon a time there was not a casino in Brussels. But ‘Casinos Austria International’ wanted to do something about it. The chronicle of how a genuine all-in-one entertainment centre came into being was based on the motto ‘if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well’.
From 2005, fans of roulette, blackjack and jackpots were already able to start warming up at Grand Casino Brussels in La Madeleine. Meanwhile, work on the ultimate Valhalla was continuing apace.
Five years later, in April 2010, ‘Grand Casino Brussels VIAGE opened its doors in premises on the Anspachlaan. The new place-to-be, a genuine temple of relaxation with playing areas, bars, restaurants and shows, was a reality.
VIAGE, a name combining the Italian ‘viaggio’ and the Spanish ‘Viaje’, which in both cases means as much as adventure and journey, was at the start of its own amazing journey. But visitors feel a bit like adventurers too as they stroll from floor to floor, from room to room in a building of 14,500 m2 where entertainment, restaurant visits, bars and games go hand in hand.
Upon arrival at reception, the ‘Cinna-Bar’ invites you to come and sample a delicious cocktail. You can enjoy a drink in this colourful lounge area at any time of the day, with happy hour a daily event. From there, you can see a part of the casino area. When you look around at the abundance of gaming tables and slot machines, it will not surprise you that eighty percent of the activity take place there.
Unless you happen to enter the ‘Poker Room’ when one of the famous World Poker Tours is underway. Since 2013, the big names have been playing each other twice a year at VIAGE. Last year a record number of more than 500 players was logged!
For a quieter place, it is best to look a bit higher up in ‘The Oak Room’. Mark Banks, Managing Director since 2011, says it is his favourite room. “The Oak Room with its classical architectural design reminds me of my earlier years in London. Everything is made of high-quality materials”, says Mr Banks. While the casino has fifty tables, this room has only six and is very popular with high rollers. No wonder that players flock from far and near to place their bets here.
Strolling a little further, you come to the ‘Viage Grill’ restaurant, newly opened in 2019. Here the best cuts of meat and fish from renowned Belgian and European suppliers are prepared on an Australian broiler grill.
Unless you get stuck on the floor lower of the ‘Viage Theatre’. The sensational show ‘The Great Gatsby’ was on last year, Prince performed twice, George Benson, Paul Anka, Level 42, The Gibson Brothers, Kool & The Gang and many others appeared in recent years. And of course, the legendary VIAGE VIAGE Musical Dinnershow began life here. While enjoying a snack and a drink, stars such as Chris Van Tongelen and Sasha Rosen accompanied by more than 12 singers, dancers and musicians presented a compilation of the best musicals from the international scene: Evita, Cats, Notre-Dame de Paris, Grease, Les Misérables or The Phantom of the Opera. A show that you can watch again in an updated version in honour of our 10-year anniversary. Stay tuned for more information!
Viage never sleeps. After ten years the entertainment centre is finally up and running! If you are looking for somewhere in Brussels to have a nice, cosy dinner, gamble, enjoy a show or sip a cocktail, it is all possible under one roof here.
And as they say in fairy tales: they lived happily ever after.
