Lowlander

The brewing & culinary traditions of the grand cafes that line Dutch & Belgian town squares are celebrated at this independent bar/brasserie. Tables, arranged canteen-style, face a chunky counter whose chrome spouts dispense 15 good-to-find draughts such as the coconutty Brugge Blond, rich & complex Maredsous 6 & the venerable La Chouffe. Fifty or so bottled beers include reds, whites, pilsners, fruits & Trappist brews rarely encountered in Britain, including the devastatingly handsome Westmalle Dubbel. On the food front, Belgian regional classics such as stoemp (mashed potato with bacon & cream) & moules-frites are joined by more international options such as Caesar salads & burgers. Ambience is breezily casual, while retro beer advertising posters jolly up the otherwise sober decor.