Belgo, the Belgian-inspired artisan beer and mussels concept operated by Casual Dining Group (CDG), the UK’s leading restaurant group, has reopened its flagship Centraal restaurant in Covent Garden, following a major refurbishment.
Famous for its mussels, rotisserie chicken and vast range of craft beers, the 420-cover restaurant has received an extensive revitalisation, which has added a new bar, overlooking an open plan theatre kitchen and a refreshed look and feel with wall art, church chairs and authentic beer-hall tables and benches.
Coinciding with the reopening, the Covent Garden site has re-introduced an initiative, which operates across the Belgo portfolio – ‘Beer Adventure’ experiences – which will see a Master of Beer take groups of 6-8 people through a food and beer pairing programme and show guests how to tell the difference between beer varieties, such as a Trappist and a Blonde, as well as offer opportunities for customers to create their own beer-based cocktails, behind the bar.
Following the six-figure investment, Belgo’s Operation Director, Chris Anderton, said: “We always aim to stay on the front foot of consumer trends and it’s no surprise there is an ever-growing consumer demand for craft beers across the UK. With this in mind, we really scrutinised our existing offer and not only wanted to introduce an even bigger range, but an educational experience too, which is fun, engaging and also plays homage to its Belgian roots.
“Belgo has a unique positioning and has been offering craft beer in traditional style even before the UK boom, so we’re confident this new element will be a success with customers.”
In addition to the beer tasting initiative, the Centraal restaurant will also have a dedicated on-site party organiser for bespoke events such as corporate events, birthday parties and office ‘dos’ for groups from 20 up to 300 people in a private area of the restaurant.