London Fields full of Belgian Beers

Prince George, London Fields, E8 3AG

Just around the corner from my flat we popped in here on our way to the nearby Prince Arthur because started feeling the cold and fancied a beer. Having never been in here I was quite impressed by the small selection of draught beers which included a Fuller's range and the drinking pub vibe due to their only food being crisps and nuts. I went for the Fuller's Discovery blonde beer first up and this was very refreshing, I then tried a pint of HSB from George Gale Co Ltd Brewery - this was a fresh tasting bitter, nice but not really the type of beer I really like. On draught we also tried Aspinals Suffolk cider (a typical fizzy cider but better than Strongbow) and Fuller's Honey Dew (mild honey undertones and sweetness - I'd like to try in the summer)

The Prince Arthur, London Fields, E8 3BH

We wanted to eat here but on enquiring were told that they were understaffed in the kitchen because of the time of year - this sounded odd to me. We didn't stay for a drink therefore as we wanted to eat but will probably try to come back at some point that's if the staff turn up.

The Dove, Broadway Market, E8 4QJ

We headed to Broadway Market to find somewhere else to eat and decided to try the food here which I'd heard was good. I knew they specialised in Belgian beers but was nearly knocked down by the size of the beer menu, literally hundreds of different types from different regions including some lambic. I opted for a Bruges Triple which at 9% was surprisingly smooth and light bodied, it had a nice subtle spiciness and I could have ordered another one straight away had it not been for the huge choice in front of me.

Steak and Kidney Pie topped with puff pastry and served with garlic mash and French beans

The pie was served in a dish with a disc of puff pastry resting on top, the meat in the filling was very tender and cooked obviously slowly over reasonable time. I failed to notice any kidney in the filling but this wasn't much of a problem for such a robust homely dish. On the cold January evening this was exactly what was needed. The three of us then decided to share a cheese board which had a recommended beer match in Mort Subite Fond Gueuze - this 7% lambic beer was beautifully sour with a ruby like colour, I was actually surprised how the sourness of the beer worked similarly to Port with cheese and cleansed the palate with it's strength. It also carried quite a high fizz but this gave it a cider like quality rather than over fizzy lager. The cheeses were all traditional English ones such as Wensleydale and Cheddar - nothing special or interesting really.

I now feel lucky to have a pub like the Dove so close to my flat, the selection of belgian beers all served in their own glasses is truly amazing, if there wasn't so many places I want to go try then I'd be in here far too often working my way through the beer menu.

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Lazy Saturday in Hackney

Broadway Market, Hackney, E8

Not as many stalls here as usual due to time of year and a lot of people still being away for new year. This is an old market which has come into prominence again in last five years, it has a great selection of quality food from independent producers. I bought some big fat green olives in a tarragon and garlic marinade to eat later but couldn't resist trying a couple of things.

Mushroom sandwich with truffle oil

Two lovely slices of wholemeal bread could barely contain the vast selection of mushrooms in this. The mushrooms had parmesan shaved on top and also drizzled with truffle oil, this was all the accompaniment the fabulous mushrooms needed. Really very good but I was still hungry after finishing it.

Hog roast sandwich

With a couple of bits of pork crackling on top to entice you to the meat crammed into the floury ciabatta this really got you salivating at thought of the taste. As well as the pork the bap contained tart apple sauce and fresh peppery rocket leaves. A lot more filling than the mushroom this really hit the spot

We walked down the canal to the Pavilion Cafe in Victoria park for a quick coffee and then up to the Ginger Pig shop on Lauriston Road, as well as the butchery they have a deli downstairs. I ended up buying some anchovies, a block of parmesan and some vibrant green pesto. I also decided I wanted to make some brownies at some point in the weekend so got three packets of Sumatran 72% chocolate, expensive but will be amazing in squidgy buttery brownies.

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