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.

Go Ape

England Opinion Tourism Travel Pulse

Finding Belgium in England: a trip to Leeds Castle

21 August 201831 August 2018 Martin Banks

It’s known as the loveliest castle in the world – and that’s partly thanks to Belgium. The magnificent tapestries that

london

Belgium Entertainment News Tourism

In the Brussels landscape Britain remains, Océade bids farewell

1 August 20181 August 2018 Martin Banks

The UK may be leaving the EU but that does not mean everything that is British will leave Europe. MiniEurope

Chez Leon Restaurant

Belgium Foodie Gastronomy Opinion

Iconic restaurant Chez Leon celebrates 125 years

31 July 2018 Martin Banks

The year was 1893, a time of great turbulence in the world. It was the year of the first ever

Fête des Voisins

Belgium Foodie Gastronomy Opinion

Outdoor dining by the pond in Watermael-Boitsfort

25 July 2018 Martin Banks

The lovely weather shows no sign of abating so what better excuse for a spot of dining – al fresco

Wynyard Hall Exterior

Opinion Travel Pulse UK

Where is the home of the modern railway?

19 July 201820 July 2018 Martin Banks

Here’s a good trivia question: where is the home of the modern railway? The answer, as many train buffs may know,

Easy-installation-817

Diplomatic Bag Opinion

Safety concerns over some fibre-based insulation products

28 June 201828 June 2018 Martin Banks

A new report entitled “Is it time to legislate the Mineral Wool industry more tightly at EU level” was launched

food

Foodie Gastronomy Opinion

Pottok Restaurant: good food done right

27 June 201827 June 2018 Martin Banks

From burgers to gourmet food. That is the fascinating culinary journey made by Alexandre Pottock. Until relatively recently he was

Football

Foodie Opinion World Cup

Tangla Hotel offers goal-den deal to celebrate the world cup

13 June 201813 June 2018 Martin Banks

The World Cup beckons and a leading Brussels hotel has come up with a “goal-den” idea to help celebrate this

Bocconi

Foodie Gastronomy Italia Opinion

The best of Belgium and the best of Italy

8 June 2018 Martin Banks

The “best of Belgium and the best of Italy.” That’s the mantra at Bocconi, a delightful restaurant at the heart of

L'Orchidée Blanche

Foodie Gastronomy In focus Opinion

L’Orchidée Blanche, fine Vietnamese cuisine in Ixelles

25 May 2018 Martin Banks

Back in 1986, Katia Nguyen opened a restaurant in a quiet Brussels neighbourhood, little realising what a huge success it