Cafe Belge

Cafe Belge is a growing chain of belgian-themed cafes, the big idea being an offering of moules-frites and a wide selection of beers. It's an appealing idea, and the Brighton outlet certainly is a good location at the seaside-end of West Street. Decor is quite fun with big Tin Tin cartoons on the walls.

I opted for a sausage and Belgian-style mash, which for the uninitiated is crushed potato with little snips of carrot. It was fine, but a little cold from half-way through as the plate hadn't been warmed. My co-diner went for a mussel platter with a honeyed goats cheese dressing; we both thought it very good (it's one of 50 moules-frites options). Belgian-style frites, naturally.

Desserts were ok but nothing special; my chocolate pudding with Cointreau sauce just too heavy and sweet.

The selection of Belgian beers is extensive, and each is served in the preferred glass of the brewer. You are looking at £3+ for a 33cl glass, though - and much more for some of them.

We've had just the one meal here so far. It never got really busy, but even so the service fell short of attentive from time to time.

I do expect to go back but it won't be in a particular rush as the bill mounts up quite rapidly with the beers.
Comment on this reader review

Kingsley - View all reviews by this user
Thursday, September 21, 2006