Last orders for Leuven as Belgian beer bar taps out of hospitality
Thursday, 29 January 2026
What are your memories of Leuven? Have your say in the comments
After a quarter of a century, an inner-city stalwart bar has closed its doors.
Wellington’s Leuven Belgian Beer Cafe had its last day of service on Wednesday, with owner Russel Scott saying said the end of the lease was the main reason for the closure bars closure.
Leuven’s last day of service had been fantastic and super busy, he said.
“Everyone was sad that we’re going, but it’s just our time,” Scott said.
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Scott had opened the bar on June 28, 2000, employing more than 1000 staff over the years and selling thousands of kilos of mussels over the years.
On Wednesday, he auctioned off the bar’s final pot of mussels, selling it for $500. The money was then donated to the Wellington Free Ambulance, he said.
“People had such a good time yesterday, and we’ve raised a considerable amount of money [for charity]. That’s our parting gift”.
The bar had introduced a lot of people in Wellington to high quality beer, he said.
On Thursday, the bar had auctioned off its remaining glassware - selling out in 20 minutes, Scott said.
Scott, who also owns The Featherston, said Leuven’s closure coincides with his decision to wind down his involvement in the hospitality industry.
After 49 years in the industry, he was ready to spend some quality time with his family, he said.
The remaining glassware and beer has been moved to nearby The Featherston, where Belgian beer would continue to be sold with the proper glassware, he said.
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