Les Estaminets - Taverns

The word "Estaminet" is of Walonne origin and comes from "staminate", meaning a pillared hall. A Flemish origin is also assigned, from the word "Stamm," which means family, and the tavern would be a family reunion. The Flemish boss also invited customers to enter by throwing a "Sta Menheer" mischievous (stop off, sir).

It also gives him a Spanish origin (Flanders was a time, Spanish) from "Esta un minuto", a place where we go for a drink quickly, or more rogue "Esta minettas?" meaning "Is there any girls?" ... This second course better acceptance sticks to the atmosphere of the place.

Today, we give the name Estaminet in taverns or inns typically resuming decorations of old utensils, and traditional decor.

The Estaminet word was widely used before the first world war, and instead referred to a drinking establishment. We often found there, in the same place, a grocery store or a farrier, and resembled a bit to our multi cafes today.

These small taverns or small eateries were usually found in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. They were a common place for mine, farmers, and textile workers to gather and socialize after work. Regional dishes were normally served and the locations were sometimes used for club meetings. Although there are very few of the estaminets left, they are preserved as part of the history of region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais.