Sir Kwinten

The story

Sir Kwinten: Two-Michelin-Star Modern French Cuisine in Sint-Kwintens-Lennik

A Manor House in the Pajottenland

On the market square of Lennik, a classified manor house in the rolling Pajottenland countryside sets the stage for Sir Kwinten. This is the domain of chef Glenn Verhasselt and sommelier Yanick Dehandschutter, who together with a young, dynamic team create a dining experience centred on what they call the “Essence of Taste.” The restaurant occupies the first floor, while the ground floor houses a private dining room for groups. After a meal, guests are welcome next door at Ferment, a sister establishment, for a glass.

The Chef and His Philosophy

Chef Glenn Verhasselt’s culinary priorities are clear: purity and quality of the product. His modern French cuisine (with a contemporary twist) focuses on the best seasonal ingredients in their most stripped-down form. Trained at the hotel school Ter Duinen in Koksijde and seasoned in top restaurants at home and abroad, Verhasselt developed his own identity. From the open kitchen, he leads his team with calm authority. His cooking has been recognised with titles such as “Premier Chef of Belgium 2017” (Prosper Montagné) and “Young Chef of the Year 2020” (Gault&Millau). In 2020, Sir Kwinten earned its first Michelin star; a second followed in 2024. Today, the collaboration between Verhasselt and Dehandschutter is the backbone of the restaurant.

The Glass and the Plate

Yanick Dehandschutter’s passion for wine began early. After training at Spermalie and Ter Groene Poorte, with mentor José Lemahieu, he worked at iconic houses like Hof Van Cleve and Villa Lorraine. His style mirrors the kitchen’s: elegance, refinement, and respect for the vigneron’s craft. The wine list holds some 450 references, with about twenty wines by the glass. For both chef and sommelier, the perfect harmony between dish and wine is paramount. The menu changes with the seasons and the market. Diners can choose a tasting menu (“Essence of Taste”) or à la carte dishes, including signature creations. A lunch menu of three courses is available on select days. The search for purity extends to the decor: a stylish interior punctuated by contemporary art, designed to let the food and wine speak.