Bars & Pubs

Brightly logoed and Benelux-themed, the smart Lowlander fills its expansive, long-tabled space easily, thanks to an impressive range of draught and bottled beer. The efficient table service adds extra appeal to knackered workers, shoppers and the terminally lazy. Sit back and relax as you take your pick from 15 tap beers, by the half-pint glass or two-pint jug, including Palm Speciale, Poperings Hommelbier and St Louis Premium. Of the 100 bottled varieties, Charles Quint, Achel and St Feuillien Blond stand out among the 20 abbey types, and the lambic Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus (£5.50) is a rare find. Stoemp (£3.25) stew is ubiquitous in Belgium and perfectly made here; mussels (£5.95/£11.95) come in four sauces. A pleasant mezzanine is often occupied by private parties.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9