Antwerp’s Iconic Bonaparte Karaoke Bar Renamed Bar België for World Cup
For 65 years, Bonaparte has been a beloved fixture on Antwerp’s Grote Markt — a karaoke bar where countless couples met, bachelor parties unfolded, and memories were made. But starting today, the iconic venue has a new name: Bar België. The temporary rebranding coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as owner Dimitri Vantomme transforms his establishment into a patriotic hub for Belgian football fans.
A Playful Pivot for a Historic Venue
Bonaparte first opened its doors in 1960 — the same year John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon and King Baudouin of Belgium married Fabiola. Located at Grote Markt 21 in the heart of Antwerp’s historic center, the bar has long been known as an LGBTQ+-friendly karaoke bar and small disco, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Dimitri Vantomme (47), a former TV presenter for Belgian music channel JIM, has run the bar for 30 years. He announced the name change after posting a cryptic message on social media about a “drastic decision,” which sparked widespread concern — including calls from city aldermen — that the bar might be closing permanently. As Het Laatste Nieuws reported, the reaction was far more emotional than Vantomme anticipated.
“I received an enormous number of calls from friends and family asking if I was quitting, even from aldermen at City Hall,” Vantomme told HLN. “I didn’t expect it to have such an impact; it means Bonaparte is in everyone’s heart.”
World Cup Fever Takes Over
The rebranding is tied directly to the performance of Belgium’s national football team, the Red Devils, at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the first to feature 48 teams.
“Soon the Red Devils will play in the World Cup, and of course we hope they will win,” Vantomme said. “As long as they are in the competition, we will change our name to Bar België.”
The new logo and a giant Belgian flag now hang on the facade. All World Cup matches will be broadcast on ten screens inside and a large screen outside. For late-night matches, the bar will stay open until eight in the morning (instead of the usual five) and serve coffee pastries, or ‘koffiekoeken.’
To mark the occasion, Vantomme has released a single called ‘België’ — an unofficial World Cup anthem that will likely become the bar’s soundtrack for the coming weeks.
How Long Will the Name Last?
The duration of the ‘Bar België’ name depends entirely on how far the Red Devils advance in the tournament. In the worst-case scenario, if Belgium is eliminated early, the name would last only until June 27 — after their match against New Zealand. But Vantomme is optimistic: “Of course we would most like to keep our new name until July 19, when the final is played.”
More Than Just a Name Change
What makes this story resonate is the deep emotional connection Antwerp residents have with Bonaparte. Vantomme noted that he still regularly receives birth announcements from new parents who met at the bar. “It’s a place full of memories, emotions, and stories,” he said. “That’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The temporary rebranding is a clever blend of marketing savvy and genuine national pride — a reminder that even in a rapidly changing nightlife landscape, some establishments remain woven into the fabric of their city. Whether Bar België lasts a month or all the way to the final on July 19, one thing is certain: Antwerp will be cheering every step of the way.
Sources: Het Laatste Nieuws, Bonaparte Official Website