Brouge (Restaurant)

There’s no better setting for cuisine with a Belgian accent than a basement bistrot where you’d almost expect to see Walloon monks tucking into ‘moules frites’. Brouge is a love letter to the fine food and drink of this northwestern European country conveniently located in the heart of Richmond.

It may be in a basement but the restaurant makes for a charming dining experience. It is well lit with both chairs and comfy benches, plenty of space between diners and tables on two levels. This is the right place to come for customers who like a wide range of beverages, especially if Belgian beer is their weakness. If you’re a wheat beer fan then try a citrusy Vedette White or the Blanche de Bruxelles with a hint of spice. Meanwhile, if you prefer amber then look out for Palm. This punchy and fruity beer puts the ales you get on tap in most pubs to shame.

The food gives plenty to shout about too. For the starters it’s well worth trying the creamy goats’ cheese that is combined with sun-dried tomatoes into a mousse. Elsewhere, the Aylesbury duck and pork rillettes are a wholesome meaty treat.

The chef has more to impress for the main courses. Braised lamb shank was cooked with skill in fruit beer with redcurrant, rosemary and garlic jus. The meat slides off the bone with satisfying ease. Elsewhere, if you want to feel like you’re dining a stone’s throw from the Grand Place, go for the moules marinières à la crème. The mussels are juicy, the portion is large and the creamy sauce at the bottom makes it feel like two meals for the price of one.

A sensational end to a meal at Brouge comes in the form of the traditional Belgian waffle served with maple syrup and vanilla ice cream. The waffle is light and fluffy but with a slight crispness to bite that makes this a gourmet winner.

With good deals on offer such as a ‘beat the clock’ and convivial service, this restaurant deservedly takes its place on the list of Richmond favourites.
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