Author: Martin Banks

Martin Banks

Martin Banks is a highly experienced, British-born journalist with over 16 years' experience of covering the EU and other international bodies based in Brussels/Belgium for several titles. Prior to that, he had worked on a range of leading UK regional newspapers since 1980. He is an occasional contributor to Brussels Express writing on a wide variety of issues, including travel and eating out.

Antwerp

China Diplomatic Bag News Opinion

China’s new ambassador to Belgium pledged for closer economic ties between the two countries

24 October 201824 October 2018 Martin Banks

Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, Cao Zhongming pointed to the existing relationship, saying that last year Belgian-China bilateral trade amounted

Belgium Foodie Gastronomy Megavino

Sam van Houcke: the Star of Belgian cuisine

24 October 2018 Martin Banks

Sam van Houcke is the “star of Belgian cuisine” – and that’s official. Sam, aged 35, has just won a top

Asian Foodie French Gastronomy Opinion

Asian and French cuisine mix at Happy’s – The place to be

19 October 2018 Martin Banks

There’s more to eating well in Belgium than what is on offer in the country’s capital and Happy’s near Wavre is

Foodie Gastronomy Restaurant

From a short term internship to success – American chef Alex at Rouge Tomate

10 October 201810 October 2018 Martin Banks

Alex Joseph is something of a rarity in Brussels – an American chef who also happens to be doing rather

Milorad Dodik

Bosnia Diplomatic Bag News Opinion

Bosnia-Herzegovina doomed to become a failed state if Dayton is ignored

6 October 2018 Martin Banks

The leader of Bosnia’s Serb population Milorad Dodik is heading into crunch elections on Sunday (7 October) defending the Dayton

Ardennes Foodie Gastronomy Restaurant Wallonia

Le P’tit Troquet offering delicious and pocket-friendly meals

6 October 2018 Martin Banks

Many of us will be familiar with the feeling. You’ve just enjoyed a nice meal but then the pleasure is overshadowed by

Ardennes Foodie Gastronomy Opinion Wallonia

Le Repos des Chasseurs: for those who enjoy wild game meat

27 September 2018 Martin Banks

It’s back! Yes, it is that time of year again when restaurant menus suddenly include game alongside the year-round favourites.

Foodie Gastronomy Morocco Opinion Restaurant

La Kasbah: genuine Moroccan food in Brussels

21 September 2018 Martin Banks

Can you tell the difference between ordinary Moroccan food and excellent Moroccan food? For an example of the latter you

Asian Festival Foodie Gastronomy Opinion

Celebrate China’s Mid-Autumn Festival at Dam Sum

10 September 201810 September 2018 Martin Banks

China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, which is celebrated later this month, is the second most important traditional festival in China but it

Bokrijk cycle path

Belgium Flanders Opinion Travel Pulse

Chocolate, cycling, and history: exploring the Belgian Limburg

1 September 20186 September 2018 Martin Banks

Belgium’s Limburg region suffered massively with the closure a few years back of Ford Genk. Up to 10,000 jobs were lost,