In Brussels: no one is buying as customers disappear

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Chocolatier Thierry Wirtz, 42, of Galler chocolate shop in the city, said he had seen a 25per cent drop in custom in the last six months.

He said: "No one is buying [here]. It is very good for Belgians going to London. I want to go as well. It is bad for managers here, but good for London." Other businesspeople admitted they would like to cross the Channel for bargains. Sabrina Van Meerbeek, 24, of fashion shop Filippa K said: "I am looking forward to taking advantage of [the falling pound], although I hope it does not take away all of our customers."

Luxury goods are among the worst hit. Tapestry shop manager Alain Lefebvre, 49, said custom was down 20 per cent in the first weekend of January sales. His shop, Belgian Art Style in the Grand Place district, was "suffering", he said.

Pascal Van Rymenant, 39, a barman at the Char D'Or bistro just off the Grand Place for the past 22 years, said trade had fallen by about 35 per cent in six months.

He said: "Customers are only coming for one drink, spending less money. The next three months will be a bad period too. You can get a good price if you go to London."