Château du Mylord

The story

Château du Mylord, Ronse – Contemporary Cuisine in a Historic Belgian Château

A Historic Setting, Reimagined

Château du Mylord stands on grounds that have seen nearly two centuries of life. Built in the 1860s for an English general, the manor sits in a three-hectare park in the Pays des Collines, its terrace and open fireplace setting the stage for a meal that feels both timeless and fresh. The restaurant’s long gastronomic legacy – forty-two years under Jean-Baptiste and Lisbeth Thomaes – now belongs to Chef Martin Simonart and his wife Nuria, who took over in 2023 with a clear ambition: to rejuvenate the kitchen and bring contrast to the plate.

Chef Martin Simonart’s Contrasted Cuisine

Martin Simonart’s cooking is described as “contrastée” – a contemporary cuisine that puts local products first, then adds a surprising twist. “Sometimes with a touch from elsewhere,” the restaurant notes. His path included stints at L’Air du Temps and Le Bateau Ivre, where he met Nuria. Together they returned to the region, and at Château du Mylord they continue a tradition of excellence that the Michelin guide has recognised with a Recommended award.

The menus reflect this approach. A starter of bar tartare with courgette and lovage; artichoke with anchovy and lemon; quail with onion and corn – each dish balances familiar ingredients with sharp, unexpected accents. A lunch menu (three courses, weekdays only) offers a compact entry point, while the longer “Intuition” and “Immersion” menus allow the kitchen to stretch across six or eight services, paired with wines or alcohol-free creations.

The Complete Experience

Beyond the dining room, the château offers an all-in package that includes a night at the nearby Green Loft, a tea-time on arrival, and a shuttle service – everything designed for a stress-free evening. The loft itself, a 105 m² guesthouse with a Japanese futon and a locavore breakfast, extends the stay into the landscape.

For those who simply want dinner, the large terrace and the winter fireplace provide two very different atmospheres for the same contemporary cuisine. The Michelin recommendation is a nod to the consistency and ambition of the Simonarts’ project – a young team writing a new chapter in a storied house.