Amy Morton
09.03.2025
Have not been this disappointed in a meal since my last school dinner which was over 20 years ago. We had been to the theatre and at 6pm on a sunday
Ray Murphy
07.03.2025
We’ve been frequenting the Belgium Monk every time we have visited Norwich in the past six years. We love the vibe, the food, the beer(!) and the staff. Ross has everything under control, multitasking at the bar, serving food, making customers feeling welcome, briefing his colleagues and finding time, even when its busy, to say bye to people as they leave. Also Ryan and Kieran provide great service. We’ll be back! Ray & Stella.
Jenny Zsibrita
06.03.2025
Best selection of Belgian beer and staff who know their beer.
Good place for a few drinks, reasonable food menu as well.
John Harvey
05.03.2025
Very disappointed went for Sunday lunch some of the mussels were not much bigger than my thumbnail when I asked if they came from Brancaster I was told mostly they come from Scotland or Spain won’t be going there again.
Anastasya Shepherd
25.02.2025
Great beer, great food, good service, reasonable prices
sandro vidmar
23.02.2025
I was very dissatisfied with this pub.
We arrived on a Saturday night after booking and the place was almost completely full. They told us that several dishes were not available so we ordered what was left. Then they insisted that we order drinks (they only have Belgian beers, a few of which are on tap and the maximum quantity that can be ordered is 1/2 pint - the price of which is the same as 1 pint in other pubs). After a while they told me that one of the beers ordered was no longer available. We ordered another.
Once we ordered drinks they told us that we would have to wait a bit as they had to serve a large (and very noisy - we couldn't talk -) table near us..
Finally the dishes arrived and one was wrong. We sent it back asking for the one we originally ordered.
After about ten minutes they told me that the dish ordered (tartiflette espana) was no longer available. No comment. So I chose a tartiflette regular. After another 10 minutes or so they told me that we would have to wait another 10 minutes. I wait patiently for another 20 minutes or so (in the meantime everyone at my table had finished eating and about 1.30 had passed since entering) and then I decide to cancel the order and ask for the bill.
Incredibly the bill was wrong because they had marked an extra beer, the one that was not available. No comment.
I advise everyone to go to other pubs in the area where, in addition to PAYING a minimum OF ATTENTION TO THE CUSTOMER, they have an acceptable real menu (half the food and beers were not available) and the beers do not cost double.
Mike Anderson
21.02.2025
Excellent beers. Will return soon to try the food.
Really friendly staff that help you choose from the vast number of beers.
Edward Mawby
19.02.2025
Welcoming service. Great food and fabulous beer selection.
Matthew Shaw
01.12.2021
Visit one. Absolute gem of a place with a great range of Belgian beers and really good food. Loved our three hours there just experiencing the beer, cosiness and general vibe.
Visit two. Disappointing. Welcome from staff as we took our table was good, assuring us of a warm evening. One hour and three minutes later they returned to tell us our table was needed in 15 minutes. We had reserved a table for two, day after Valentine's, for 19.15. being politely told time was up at 20.18 was a shock. The service was fast, we felt rushed and I didn't bother finishing my beer.
Mr Ryder
15.02.2025
Booked months ahead for Valentine’s Day. Arranged babysitter and transport all set. Well we thought arrived just before 7 for 7pm table waited ages at reception to shown a table by the front door and toilets not really what we had in mind for valentines so waited for another table to become free upstairs. Without going into all the details quite frankly they couldn’t organise a drink in a pub so gave the food a miss and walked out and we were not the first to walk out that night and probably not the last it’s the perfect setting for Gordon Ramsay to step in save before it’s boarded up. Norwich is a small place once you get a bad name your done so I would listen to the feedback before it’s too late.
Samantha Dale
15.02.2025
Unfortunately we had a bad experience here for Valentines 2025. We used to visit the place regularly when we lived in Norwich 4ish year ago but it just isn’t the same.
Firstly, we booked a table for 8, and we’re not seated until 8:40. A couple who had a reservation for 8.30 got seated before us and only when we decided to raise this did we then get seated.
While at the bar for 40 minutes we tried to engage with the barman and were met with a cold and frosty reception.
The team didn’t seem as knowledgeable as we remember about the beers on offer and it didn’t have the homey touch we were used to.
Once we finally got seated we were met with a set menu we knew nothing about, which had limited options and no choice to only opt for 2 courses instead of 3.
When we ordered we were told the steak could only be cooked either medium or rare, and not medium rare. We were also told we had to order all three courses straight away.
As the meal progressed, for two out of the three courses we were not given cutlery, and the lack of staff attentiveness was noticeable.
The food was okay, nothing special but not terrible. The fondue desert felt half hearted with a few bits of fruit,a few Haribo sweets and a flump.
We paid the bill, but will not be returning or recommending to friends who visit Norwich in the future. It felt disappointing compared to what this place used to be.
Perhaps you can forgive the busy valentines night, and put some misgivings down to that, however it felt like the place was falling apart at the seams. Talking to surrounding tables, and seeing other reviews from the evening, it seems our experience was not an isolated incident.
I’d sooner travel to Bruges than return here.
Kirrie Young
15.02.2025
A usual favourite spot, this missed the mark for valentines which I suspect is from overwhelming themselves and changing up their formula in efforts to likely clean up financially. Maybe times are tough for them. Tables lacking cutlery and being wiped down as new customers are about to sit. Limited 3 course menu that you wasn’t made aware of when booking (£50 a head). Had to order every course up front. Burnt pastry on starter sent back, relatively cold mash on the main and slow on the drinks service too. Really really disappointed and clearly same vibe from other couples as I saw people leaving before eating, apologies from staff being heard and constantly seeking out staff as something needed or not right.
Chris Bennett
12.02.2025
A must visit, when in Norwich.
Tara Welsh
04.02.2025
Lovely pub, excellent Cherry Beer on offer, good food, great staff, just a bit too dark upstairs for dining.
Rob T
03.02.2025
Great mussel dishes in particular the rest of the menu is very good. a must try is the cherry beer.
Calum J
01.02.2025
Mussels and beer all varieties available
Miss Lane
26.01.2025
Always nice food, nice beer and good service.
Lady W
10.05.2023
Great Belgian beers. Nice atmosphere.
Hayley Reeve
26.10.2018
Love the Bush Amber at 12% z delicious
M. Daouk
13.01.2025
If you're a fan of Belgian beer and food, The Belgian Monk is an absolute must-visit! This gem offers one of the best dining and drinking experiences I've had outside of Belgium itself. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Belgian cuisine or a newcomer looking to try something special, this place won't disappoint.
First, let’s talk about the beer selection. It’s genuinely incredible. The variety of Belgian beers on offer is vast, and the quality is on par with what you’d find in Brussels or Bruges. Their Kriek Terdolen cherry beer is absolutely sublime—perfectly balanced, fruity but not overly sweet, and refreshing in every sip. They also have a range of other beers, from rich Trappist ales to lighter wheat beers. The depth of flavor in every glass is a testament to their dedication to authentic Belgian brewing traditions. Each beer is served in its traditional glassware, which adds to the authenticity of the experience.
Now, onto the food. The menu is filled with Belgian classics, and everything we tried was cooked to perfection. The highlight for me was the moules (mussels)—absolutely fantastic! They offer several preparation styles, and I tried the traditional garlic and white wine sauce, which was so flavorful I ended up dipping the complimentary bread to soak up every last drop. The portion sizes are generous, and the mussels themselves were fresh, tender, and delicious. You’d think you were eating them right by the Belgian coast!
The other food offerings are just as impressive. Their range of dishes includes authentic Belgian specialties that are rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. The accompanying sides and sauces are all thoughtfully crafted to complement the main dishes. It's clear the chefs know their craft and are passionate about delivering the best.
The atmosphere at The Belgian Monk deserves a mention too. The interior has a warm and cozy vibe, reminiscent of a traditional Belgian brasserie. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to help you navigate the menu or recommend a beer pairing. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, take your time, and savor every bite and sip.
In short, The Belgian Monk brings an authentic slice of Belgium to town. Whether you're here for the beers, the food, or the full experience, you'll leave with a smile and the kind of satisfaction that only exceptional hospitality and quality can bring. I can’t recommend it enough! If you’re craving great Belgian beer and food, this is the place to be.
Richard King
10.01.2025
Great service considering the large group. Staff went above and beyond.
Katy Jon Went
08.01.2025
Friendly knowledgeable service. Great advice on beers and wines. Tartiflette is a must but will fill you up. First ate mussels here 10 years ago. Clive is one of my top 3-4 front of house/management to ever work in Norwich. Courteous and committed to service and even when human errors happen always correcting them to keep clientele happy, I've witnessed that in several places he's worked over 15 years. The human touch.
