Lowlander

Brightly logoed and Benelux-themed, the smart Lowlander’s expansive, long-tabled main space is easily filled, thanks to an impressive range of draught and bottled beers, a fine kitchen and likeable staff who are well up to what is, given the bar’s popularity, often a tough job.

Some 15 tap beers, by the half-pint glass or two-pint jug, include Palm Spéciale, St Louis Premium and Poperings Hommelbier, as well as more familiar compatriots. Of the 100 bottled varieties, Achel, Charles Quint and St Feuillien Blond stand out among the 20 abbey types – and you won’t see a lambic Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus in many bars even in Belgium.

The own-made Stoemp stew, meanwhile, is ubiquitous there, while mussels come in a choice of four sauces. The attractive mezzanine is often occupied by private parties.