The Legendary Legacy of Café Charlatan in Ghent: A Tale of Brothers, Nightlife, and Music

Those who have experienced a weekend in Ghent surely have heard of the renowned nightclub Café Charlatan on the Vlasmarkt. Known as the 'House of Destruction', this club has been an essential part of Ghent's nightlife scene since it first opened its doors in 1989. Café Charlatan is so iconic that it was immortalized in the film Belgica, directed by Felix van Groeningen, in 2016.

Following the success of Belgica, van Groeningen ventured to Hollywood to work on Beautiful Boy, a film starring Steve Carell and Timothée Chalamet.The story of Belgica revolves around two brothers, Jo and Frank, who couldn't be more different from each other. Jo is a slender young man with artistic aspirations who ultimately decides to open a café in Ghent.

On the other hand, Frank, Jo's elder brother, is a new father who owns a car dealership and has plans to build his own house. Despite his seemingly successful life, Frank finds himself unsatisfied. When Frank visits Jo's café, the brothers decide to join forces and run the café together.

Jo needs Frank's assistance, and Frank is drawn to the exciting nightlife scene. Together, they transform Café Belgica, a traditional brown pub, into the epicenter of Ghent's nightlife. However, as their business flourishes, the brothers begin to drift apart.

It's no coincidence that Felix van Groeningen chose to create a film centered around Café Charlatan and its origins. The father of the filmmaker, Jo van Groeningen, is one of the original founders of the iconic club in Ghent. In 2000, Joris and Gerald Claes took over the café and continued its legacy.

Belgica begins at the time of this transformative takeover, highlighting the evolution of the establishment.The soundtrack of Belgica was curated by the talented Dewaele brothers, Stephen and David, known by their stage name Soulwax (or 2mandydj's). Born and raised in Ghent, this electrohouse duo is perhaps one of the most well-known Belgian musical acts worldwide, following in the footsteps of artists like Stromae.

Their popularity even reached new heights when they were featured in the popular video game GTA V with their fictional radio station, Soulwax FM, in 2013. Overall, Café Charlatan's story is deeply intertwined with the fabric of Ghent's nightlife. It has become more than just a nightclub - it is a symbol of creativity, ambition, and unity.

Through the film Belgica and the talents of filmmakers and musicians, the legacy of Café Charlatan continues to thrive and inspire new generations of nightlife enthusiasts in Ghent.