CULT is a gastronomic restaurant within the historic Portinari hotel in Bruges, launched by the acclaimed sommeliers behind Blend wine bar. The restaurant showcases their passion for fine dining with an expansive wine selection and a menu featuring uniquely matured steaks unavailable anywhere else.

While the Portinari hotel offers a rich backdrop, opening a restaurant within its walls presented a cultural challenge: Belgians traditionally hesitate to dine in hotel restaurants, often seeing them as inaccessible to the average diner. 

To break down those boundaries, we leaned into the cultural richness of Bruges and the hotel’s historic ties to artists like Hans Memling. The atmosphere shifts between the bright, airy veranda and the moodier, theatrical bar in the back, beckoning patrons to explore deeper into the restaurant. Cowhide-paneled walls bring texture, while deep burgundy furniture mirrors the lush tones of fine wine. From branding to interior, bold contrasts take center stage, creating a cohesive identity that’s reflected both in the space and on the plate.

"With Cult, we set out to create a complete experience around meat and wine. From the start, the response has been incredible, with sold-out nights and guests eager to discover our wine cellar and unique meat selection. Together with WeWantMore, we’ve created an atmosphere that perfectly reflects our craftsmanship - from classic cuts to more innovative techniques like butter aging - where the design truly elevates the entire experience.”

— Anthony Vermeersch, General Manager Portinari