Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe Looks, Feels Like Traditional European Tavern
The cavernous 350-seat Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe bar and restaurant is right at home in the heritage district of The Rocks. The Heritage Belgian Beer Cafe is housed in a picturesque period building, and inside looks and feels like a traditional European tavern, with its mahogany-stained solid oak furnishings, vintage beer posters and authentic Belgian antiques.
Naturally, beer is the major drawcard here and the portfolio of Belgian beers on offer is impressive. Full-bodied, full-flavoured beverages are the order of the day, from well-known breweries such as Hoegarden and Stella Artois through to a lengthy list of lesser-known boutique gems (Try the knock-out La Guillotine, with its powerful 9 percent alcohol punch, and the dense, caramel flavour of the Leffe Radieuse). There’s surprising range of more fruity, feminine beers on offer, including apple beer and a traditional Brussels favourite called Pink Killer.
The food menu is designed to pair with the bold flavours of the beer. It’s full of robust, rather-wintery European fare – think schnitzels, steaks, sausages, stews and soups. Many loyal customers come here to dine almost exclusively on the mussels. Served in the shell in rustic iron pots with chips and mayonnaise on the side, they come in a choice of flavours including poulette (white wine, bacon, vegetables and cream) and Provençale (tomato, capsicum, herbs and garlic).
Other dishes include a very palatable Belgian steak tartare with pickles and toast, char-grilled kangaroo loin in a beer-and-juniper berry sauce, twice-cooked pork belly with sauerkraut and apples, and fish and chips in Hoegarden beer batter.
The Congo curry takes its inspiration from Belgium’s African colonies, and is made of spiced seasonal vegetables served with mango chutney, yoghurt and rice.
HelloSydney tip: If you're on the north side of the harbour, there's another Belgian Beer Cafe at 429 Miller St., Cammeray.
Posted by Fiona Davies
