The History of the Belgian Monk

The Belgian Monk opened in December 2000. The original objective, inspired by many trips across the channel to Belgium, was to create something unique to Norwich yet something that was to stand out in the crowd and that would appeal to young and old, experts and novices, beer and food lovers alike. The culture of eating and drinking has changed over the last 20 years and the new owners know that our guests are looking for authenticity, value for money and an experience which the Monk brings in abundance. It is a successful and established bar and restaurant, offering customers a choice of a regular selection of some 45 beers together with a selection of special beers.

The new owners are keen to keep tapping into the exhaustive range of beers that Belgium has to offer, and have already made some changes to the old beer menu. This doesn’t mean that all of the favourite bottled beers disappear they will be expanded to give you more choice. The new exciting food menu is inspired by Flemish and Northern French style of cooking. Using sustainable local produce where possible your food will be prepared and cooked fresh to order. Our team bring experience and knowledge so if you’re unsure what to drink with your meal, don’t be overwhelmed ask one of them for recommendations. If we had to sum up The Belgian Monk we’d say it has a personality, it has style, it is user friendly, personable, unique and welcomes you with open arms whatever the occasion.

As new owners we also respect our Belgian brewing associates whom without we wouldn’t be able to deliver something truly unique the people of Norfolk.

The Home of the tasty blondes 

The Belgian Monk is the place to rediscover that life is best in its simplicity. It aims to sell a unique range of Belgian Beers and to produce food of exceptional quality, efficiently served with genuine warmth in a relaxed "friends and family" atmosphere, which are true to typical Belgian style bringing together a "stew of tastes". Themed on the Grimbergen Abbey, the offer at the Belgian Monk is positioned to be value for money, maintaining proof that good food does not have to be synonymous with haute cuisine. 

The respect reserved for wine in most countries is in Belgium accorded to beer. No country has so many distinct styles of beer, retained and refined during the centuries of brewing tradition. At the Belgian Monk we give you the opportunity to experience some of the great beers of Belgium. Whether bottled or draught, they are served the Belgian way each in their own unique glass.