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The original Belgo branch – there are now four in London, plus a franchise – this Chalk Farm restaurant and bar has been going since '92. More than 20 years on and it's still specialising in moules, frites and an extensive selection of Belgian beers – at least 50 by the bottle at the last count. There's more to it than mussels, fries and booze, though.
The food menu includes rotisserie chickens, 'dirty grazers', burgers, steaks and carbonade – slow-braised beef in a spiced beer gravy, served with mash. Express lunches are also available.
Most diners visit for the mussel dishes - it's what the chain is known for. Options range from kilo pots in an Italian (tomato, vegetable ragu, Sardinian pasta balls and aubergine puree) or Thai (lemongrass, chilli, ginger, kaffir lime, coconut and coriander) broth, to those baked with pancetta, creamed spinach, garlic and cheese.