Tipped

A Tasty Selection of Beers

December 10, 2007

If you like your beer tasteless and uncomplicated, this is not the place for you. If you like a bit more nuance and flavour when it comes to your brew, then come on down! Dovetail is a small-ish Belgian restaurant and bar, although to my mind the emphasis is more on the bar front. They have a range of Belgian (and some Dutch) beers on tap, as well as a pretty good sized selection of bottled beers as well - which is essential to a good collection as a lot of the best Belgian beers (especially Trappist ones) don't come in ye olde keg.

As I noted, the place is a bit small, and it was quite crowded with City types the night I visited. Still, my drinking partner and myself managed to find room to sit and enjoy a variety of delicious beers. There are a bunch of old beer posters and signs adorning the walls, and a big ol chalkboard to promote the food specials of the day. We didn't have anything to eat apart from some peanuts, so I can't really comment on the food. Nobody else seemed to be eating either, however, but plenty of calories were consume via liquid refreshments.

There are better Belgian bars in London, but this is, to my mind, a pretty good one. It is probably a great place for a mid-afternoon drink, as it would likely be less crowded and more mellow at that time, but it's also good for a (small) group of friends to gather after work and have a few. Don't be afraid to try new stuff, and ask advice in terms of what kind of flavours you are looking for, you can find everything from spicy hops to fruity tastes and coffee or chocolate notes. Nice.

Tags: belgian beer, small space

Belgian Beauties

July 12, 2007

So this is a bit of a favourite, but a dangerous one. It takes just one of the Trappist range (Westmalle, one of the Rocheforts, Duvel etc) to send me on my way - but oh so hard to stop ... DRINK The Dovetail has an excellent range of the liquid grain, Belgian style, and although many hit the higher (8-10% +) alcohol range there are also plenty (e.g Pils - Juliper, Stella etc) which do considerably less damage. EAT One good way to extend the visit is of course to have a snack, and the chips - served in a pint glass - are usually (although sadly not always) crisp and delicious. There is a decent-looking menu too but it's been a while since I ate off it so I'm probably out of date - the Posh Fish'n'Chips used to be the bomb. FEEL A lot of wood, quite snug down the back but much nicer near the doors with a bit of air wafting in the open front (admittedly less important with smoking ban). Fresh flowers on the bar and care over upkeep (recent lick of paint) make it a great pleasure to be in and keep 'cosy' from becoming 'crusty'. The usual beer posters contribute nicely to creating a continental feel. TOP TIP Beat the after work/ evening crowd and you'll be able to converse/ read/ relax - don't and you won't. PRICE Usual London drinking prices. A couple of drinks and a pint of chips for two approx. £20.

Tags: Belgian beer, atmosphere & character