Belgo’s Restaurant, Covent Garden
This idea is from London WeekendNotes for Thursday the 7th of January 2010. For more recent ideas subscribe here.
Next time you crave a sticky, crispy, sweet Belgian waffle, don’t jump on the Eurostar. Belgian food in a distinctive atmosphere is only as far away as Covent Garden.
Belgo’s flagship location is located on 50 Earlham Street and doesn’t look like a restaurant. All the ground floor holds are a maître d’ with a reservations list and an elevator.
The restaurant proper is located in the basement. The waiters dress as monks and piles of kegs line the bare stone walls. It is designed to look like the cellar of a monastery, perhaps one of those that make the Trappist beers Belgo’s sells.
Belgo’s specializes in the three pillars of Belgian nosh: Beer. Mussels. Waffles. Treat yourself to all three; the prices are reasonable and Belgo’s has frequent deals. On weekdays from 5 to 6:30pm, you can get mussels for the price on the clock when you order. Occasional lobster specials make it affordable even for students.
The drinks menu is an impressive seven pages, and it’s worth it to experiment. Connoisseurs will appreciate the list of Trappist brews, but if you’re not into beer, you might try one of their specialty selection. The Floris Framboise, which is raspberry beer, is particularly nice. Alternately, refined palettes will enjoy the Rodenbach Grand Cru, described as the wine of beers. There are also full lists of wine, spirits, soft drinks and coffee.
Other locations are in Clapham, Holborn, and Chalk Farm, but for a special night out, it’s worth coming to the Centraal location in Covent Garden. You can now make reservations online.
Why? A distinct dining experience with good affordable food.
WHEN: Every weekend
WHERE: 50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden
COST: £5-£30
