WORK IN PROGRESS
10th April 2026
Ian Rogers
If you can see the Gü desserts factory (no tours offered), then you are almost at The Belgian Brewer. Just into the industrial estate beyond you will find an A-board signposting you to turn left and then see the big sign attached to the end industrial unit. It is not recommended to try coming by car unless you are picking up a takeaway order as it is a working area with extremely limited parking.
There are a few tables and chairs outside, which you pass between to reach the single entrance door. If you were to sit outside, you are highly likely to view planes either taking off or landing at Stansted Airport.
As you enter there is a door to the single WC on your right before you enter the Taproom itself. In front of you slightly to the left is the single bar. One thing that takes you by surprise is that there is also an upstairs seating area above the bar which also includes a darts area.
I arrived at a lunchtime on a Friday and was surprised that I was their first customer. I ordered a couple of 2/3rds, beginning with the lower strength beers and started chatting to Liv who was running the bar by herself.
Realising my interest and the fact they were quiet and that the brewer was on holiday, she offered to show me into the next door unit which is where the brewing takes place and allowed me to take some pictures of the set up. There is also a third unit which can be used for private functions.
The Brewery was founded by Nik Lemmens in 2018 who was inspired by his cousins who had 30 years of Belgian beer brewing experience. Traditional natural methods are used without chemicals enhancers or animal product resulting in all beers being 100% vegan. Capacity is three thousand bottles per week and on average takes two months from brew to bottle ready.
Above the bar is a row of clipboards showing which beers are currently on tap, giving name, percentage ABV, description of the beer and price per 2/3rd measure. Prices increase according to the strength.
On at the time of visit were Petit Saison 3.4%, Pilsner 4.8%, Summer Blond 5.8%, IPA 6.35, Dubbel 7.6%, Saison 6.7%, Champagne Blonde 8.4%, Tripel 9.5%, Wild Peach(Wild Sour) 6.5%, Strong Blond7.5%, Blond 4.5%. Guest on Tap Westmalle Dubbel 7%. All were sampled with the exception of the Pilsner and Westmalle Dubbel and were found to be truly representative of anything brewed in Belgium. Beer floats of 4 x 150 ml are also on offer.
In addition to on tap, bottles of their beer are also available together with a few guests. There are also Ciders, Wines, Spirits, Cocktails and Non-alcoholic beverages available.
Food options have recently been enhanced by the acquisition of one of the first six industrial air fryers in the country (three of which have gone into the Tottenham Hotspur stadium). In addition to bar snacks, Pizzas, Nachos, Fries, Nuggets, Chicken bites and Bitterballen are available.
Important information:
The Belgian Brewer, Unit 11, Links Business Centre, Raynham Road, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. CM23 5NZ
Tel: 01279 507 515; Web: thebelgianbrewer.co.uk
Hours: Monday-Tuesday Closed; Wednesday-Thursday 16.30-Late; Friday-Saturday 10.00-23.30; Sunday 14.00-Late
Bishop’s Stortford station is on London Liverpool Street to Cambridge/Stansted Airport routes.
25 minutes uphill walk - leave the station from the Eastern exit.
For buses leave from the Western exit: 7, 7A, 20, 42A (Sundays), 306, 315, 322, 323, 324, 335.
Two minutes from the nearest stop.