Belgo Noord

brenna

mussels and chips galore 17th August 2009

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If you love mussels and chips, Belgo's is your place. With an industrial decor, Belgo also has a huge selection of beers on offer.

AlexWoods

Mools. Fritz. Beers. Pucker! 6th August 2009

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They say that it is impossible to screw up mussels and chips. This, I can assure you, is not true. Too many times have I sat down to a dish of over cooked, floury, cold, insipid mussels with limp, soggy fries. And there are few things more heartbreaking.

Fortunately you run no such risk at Belgo!

Now then. The décor is a little... unusual. Utilitarian, simple, with a few odd little quirks (random food related words set into the walls, a distinctly nautical stairway and a curious bar) It's comfortable but I reckon when busy it must be extremely noisy.

The menu has a a bit of something for everyone but frankly why you'd want to go somewhere like Belgo and eat anything other than mussels and chips I don't know. In fact, there is a small part of me that would be quite happy if every eatery in town served only mussels and chips. (I feel quite sure that, were this the case, that small part of me would die pretty rapidly...)

One can chose from the ubiquitous moules mariniere, Provençal or green Thai, or fragrant, peppery and fresh Poivre.

I opted for the latter and it was a joyous experience. Generous quantities of green peppercorns added a subtle and almost herby little kick, and handfuls of parsley (the most under rated and maligned herb we are fortunate enough to have at our disposal!) with white wine made for a delicious sauce.

The chips were as they should be and I can give no greater nor lesser compliment. Crisp, crunchy, and floury in the middle, not at all greasy. Basically, the kind of frites that you want to find everywhere, but so rarely do.

(Please note: Moules frites is one of only two occasions when I will opt for frites, the French fry, as opposed to proper thick cut Man Chips. The other is when presented with a minute steak. Other than that, frites should be left well alone. Ideally on the other side of the Channel. And if you disagree with me then frankly you're wrong.)

The selection of beers is quite impressive. If you're into, or interested, in your Belgian brews then you're in for a treat. There's a range of Trappist, Abbey, Blonds, Whites, the lot. I have skirted over the fruit beers as quickly as seems decent. I suggest you Man Up and do the same. Not for the faint hearted, nor for the session drinker, if you stray away from the familiar Leffes, Chimays and Hoooeegaaardens and experiment a little you're sure to find something you like. If in doubt ask the staff, who seem to know what they're talking about. Or just order the drinks with the funniest names. Your call.

At a shade under £45 for a couple of bowls of moules and a couple of beers a piece, this isn't the cheapest place you will ever eat but it is well worth the money. I'm going to keep this one in my back pocket - one of those "I can't decide where to eat. Let's go get some mussels" places. And I predict being pretty indecisive over the next few months....

StarvinMarvin

Solid 7th January 2009

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This place is a sure bet for a good solid meal. Yes, it's a chain, but it's quite quirky still and the food is delicious. It's not amazingly adventurous, but the brasserie style food it does serve is scrummy.

The restaurant has some large tables, so it's great for large parties of people, and if you're into Belgian beers, and beer in general, there are MANY to choose from. Some of them are pretty pricey, but they are pretty special too!

This isn't a romantic, cosey rendevouz, but it is good, tasty food in a lively atmosphere with a bit of a twist.

madgenes

Great food, great beer 4th September 2008

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If you love good beers and enjoy noisy fun places than Belgo is the place for you. The mussels are fantastic and if you like fruity tasting beers than the Floris Mango never disappoints. They have a very good deal, Beat The Clock means you'll pay for your food the time shown on the receipt when you order(between 5.30 and 7). Worth dinning early!

gilka

20th July 2007

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I was there for my Birthday- it is good for a large group. I liked the beers with the funny taste like Casis... They have amazing selection of beers. I liked the mussels in the Thai curry sauce.
The place was designed by Ron Arad but I have to say I wasn't overwhelmed by the interiors- it feels a bit cold.

ham82

2nd April 2007

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general Belgo restaurant with nice food and good beer. The Camden branch is a nice venue and it's a good place to go after a morning going round the market.

sue at 14/05/07

Hi - does it get really noisy in the restaurant?

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ouce100

Great Steak in Chalk Farm 22nd July 2006

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I understand this is a chain but the whole experience at the Camden branch was extremely good. The food was excellent as were the staff. Thoroughly recomendable