An OktoberFEAST at Belgo

Want to be a part of Oktoberfest this month? One word – BELGO. Excuse capitalisation but you should capitalise on this; Wednesday Night Pilgrimage at a Belgo near you.

What’s all the fuss about then? With décor reminiscent of the Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles’ hideout, Belgo Centraal is instantly buzzing on entering. There is a big cage housing 95 or so Belgium beers. Overtly three-dimensional in its approach – moules, frites and bieres – Belgo has built on this winning combination and created an intricately well put together evening boasting attention to detail I didn’t think a chain like Belgo was capable of.

For £33 a head you get three courses of food and beer married together expertly, with three options available for each course and Belgo’s very own ‘Master of Beer’ giving you the lowdown on all the beers.

To start, a no brainer; I went Moules Marinière paired with a Belgo Witbier. The mussels were exceedingly good – I found myself mopping up the sauce with bread as I came up to breathe. The Witbier is a modest five per cent and was well received on the palette. The two were a good match but I hoped better was to come in the complementing stakes.

I didn’t have to wait long. For main the Beef Carbonnade chose me, not vice versa. And it worked on all levels. A side point, the frites were the best I’ve had in 2010. Fact. The braised beef – soaked overnight and then cooked in Faro beer with prunes, chopped apple and nutmeg – was so sweet and succulent I would have happily had it again for dessert. Seriously. And the beer pairing, a Witcap Stimulo brewed by monks, competed courageously with the strength of the beef’s flavours, holding its own and providing a fantastic resonance with all the flavours of the dish.

Dessert wise, as appealing as the poached pear and typically Belgium waffle were, the Chocolate pudding was the one for me. This is because with a girlfriend who works in charity, I always feel guilty I’m not doing my bit (to save the world etc). On hearing the story behind the accompanying seven per cent dark, treacle-esque Westmalle Double beer – brewed by monks with all profits going to charity – I was sold. How was it? The dark, smoky texture conjured up indecent thoughts; it’s the sort of pudding that would leave Masterchef’s Greg Wallace gagging for a second spoonful.

All in all, the Oktoberfest themed communal affair served out on Belgo’s typically long tables is great; it’s fun, it’s different and it’s well worth £33. I’d veer on the edge of caution when sampling the Delirium Nocturnum though, just a little after thought for you.

Taking place at 7pm every Wednesday throughout October at Belgo Centraal, Belogo Noord and Belgo Kingsway, simply quote ‘Wednesday Night Pilgrimage’ when booking.

www.belgo-restaurants.co.uk