On the surface Viktor is simply a coffee shop, which isn’t to say there’s anything run-of-the-mill about it – quite the opposite. Lots of quirky little personality features are carefully dotted around the Antwerp café, such as the colourful shawl-swatches hanging on the walls; what could look like a critical lack of closet space comes across as intimate and relaxing, likewise the decoratively placed skateboards are youthful and fun. Some innovative furniture also adds a maturity to the space and ensures the impression of informality doesn’t detract from the overall quality of the experience.

Venture downstairs and the laid-back vibe takes a slight turn for the dramatic. What greets visitors below is a gallery and workspace where local creative types can produce and exhibit their work. The completed objets d’art are displayed in a cave-like cellar – a low-curved roof and shadows cast from the individually-lit pieces give a moody but interesting atmosphere. Viktor is two storeys with two different stories, but both unite to collect the spoils as an attractive and worthy winner in the Belgian art scene arena.

http://www.weheart.co.uk/2013/03/07/hidden-depths/