An intrepid young entrepreneur has traded bustling Baku for Brussels to launch a new business. Jamil Khalafov has chosen the self-proclaimed “capital of Europe” above his native Azerbaijan for a new venture into the horeca trade.

The move is courageous on two counts: first, because it comes at a time of economic turbulence and, second, as it is in a market – hospitality – which is still struggling to recover from the health pandemic.

A refreshing sign of his confidence in Belgium is reflected in the fact that he has moved his family, including a young son, to live and work here even though it is thousands of kilometres from their homeland.

His chosen venture is located in a converted Brussels townhouse, located in a quiet residential street, just a stone’s throw from the city’s EU Quarter.

The brightly coloured 120,000 square metre space can be hired for any number of events or occasions and, since its launch this month, it has been used for everything from a fashion catwalk to a business conference.

The modern, ground floor facilities feature a bar area, meeting room, cosy studio room and also a garden terrace. There is also a well equipped kitchen for catering.

Jamil spent some time in the UK and studied at the University of Essex in Colchester before coming to Belgium four years ago.

His entrepreneurial skills have extended to Flanders where he also runs an Airbnb property in Bruges. There are also possible plans for a small hotel, also in Flanders, in the New Year.

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