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Brasserie LeFort
Why LeFort?
In 1647, under the French occupation of the city of Courtrai, a large fort, or the "Citadel of Courtrai," was built. This fort was designed by the French war engineer Vauban. In 1684, the city of Courtrai was liberated by the Spanish Netherlands and the fort was destroyed.
Brewery on conquered land
Years later, in 1854, Felix Verscheure built a brewery on this reclaimed land with the name "Brasserie LeFort," referring to the old Fort. The brewery flourished in a period of optimism, pride and elegance. Brand names did not yet exist, so all beers were named after this beautiful city brewery.
Omer & Marguerite
In 1898, Omer Vander Ghinste made his first acquaintance with Marguerite Vandamme, the granddaughter of Felix Verscheure, owner of Brasserie LeFort on the Plein in Kortrijk. Felix started that brewery in 1854 and ran it for more than 50 years.
Marguerite inherits the brewery
When Felix Verscheure died in 1911, however, he had outlived both his children and his children-in-law. Marguerite Vandamme inherited the brewery and many pubs in Kortrijk. Brewing activities were discontinued on the Plein in Kortrijk and transferred to the brewery in Bellegem.
Tripel LeFort & LeFort
The period of Brasserie LeFort was characterized by beers with a high alcohol content. LeFort and Tripel LeFort are a tribute to the rich tradition of this Kortrijk brewery. Today, the remains of Brasserie LeFort serve as a restaurant (Plein Twaalf).