Once the formalities were concluded in Brussels, EU leaders including Charles Michel, Xavier Bettel, Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, went to the Grand Place, without Theresa May, to drink and talk

As Angela Merkel and other EU leaders enjoyed late-night drinks on Belgium’s famous Grand Place, two tourists took advantage of the unique opportunity to ask the question on everyone’s lips.

“How are the Brexit negotiations going”, the American and German visitors quizzed the assembled chancellor, president and prime ministers on the next table. Mrs Merkel’s answer was swift and blunt: “It’s a beautiful evening. Let’s not spoil it.”

President Macron, Charles Michel, the Belgian prime minister, Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s leader, and Mrs Merkel appeared more keen to gossip and drink beer until 1am than talk about Britain’s exit from the EU.

The drinks in the bar of Le Roy d’Espagne followed one of the shortest summit evenings in recent memory. Matters were wrapped up by