Westmalle Dubbel, the Belgian trappist favourite, blesses very few London beer taps. This trappist beer, brewed by the impressive Westmalle Brewery, has a complexly dark flavour, making it a true standout in the beer-sphere. This masterpiece may be a difficult find for beer lovers anywhere outside of Belgium, however locating a London tap is no impossible task.
Where Westmalle Dubbel is on Tap in London
1. The Dovetail – Clerkenwell
Nestled down the narrow back street of Jerusalem Passage, you’ll find the lively Dovetail freehouse. In godly fashion, this boozer is one of the few in London that serves Westmalle Dubbel.
The Dovetail is a small pub that livens up once the local crowds seep out from nearby offices. Despite this, it never feels overcrowded and has a true warmth emanating from both staff and patrons. In summer, the bay windows are opened at the front and drinkers leak out into the passageway.
The boozer’s vibrancy is fuelled by a great beer selection on the taps. A wide range of Belgian ales adorn the bar top, however the stand out is Westmalle Dubbel. Served in its coupe, this creamy concoction tastes all the sweeter as you study all the old fashioned beer ads that adorn the walls.
If you feel peckish after a few, The Dovetail also serves Belgian classics. A real standout is their pint of chips, served in a Vedett pint glass. Whilst one may prefer a pint of the Vedett Extra in that glass, sometimes a bit of food is necessary to prolong the evening.
When on the hunt for a Belgian ale, be sure to pay The Dovetail a visit, and as always, search away on the Where’s My Booze map.
2. The Pear Tree – Hammersmith
Despite its rarity, Westmalle Dubbel can be found at the homely Pear Tree. This freehouse is a gem of west London.
Resilient against take-over waves of conglomerate pub chains in the local area, this family owned boozer has stayed true to its values, consistently serving up delicious brews from best-of-the-best brewers. It is no wonder Westmalle Dubbel is an ever present on their taps.
The cosiness of the public living room does not end there. Adjacent rooms are lined with coffee tables, sofas (internal and external) and a piano. Stepping foot inside The Pear Tree feels like stepping into home. The main difference being Westmalle Dubbel on draft.
It is therefore no wonder that this pub is the community’s living room, with many locals lining the array of seats around the bar.
For those in search of a west London beer garden with an exciting array of beers on draft, The Pear Tree is blessed with multiple sun traps lining both the front and back. The rear beer garden continues the cosy feel, with mini alcoves covered by pear trees providing shade in the intense summer sun.
As is the nature of a freehouse, the taps are destined to change. Make sure to check up on The Pear Tree’s current rotation on the Where’s My Booze map.
3. Lowlander Grand Cafe – Covent Garden
Within the unpretentious exterior and subtle frontage on the madness of Drury Lane, Lowlander Cafe underplays the grand beer hall within.
Upon entering the cafe, you are teleported to Brussels and the many beer taverns that Belgian communities have been formed at for hundreds of years. Here though, Lowlander is an asylum from the Covent Garden masses, one in which you could hide out for multiple rounds.
The back bar glistens with every coupe and glass of the numerous Belgian brews on tap. There is nothing greater than the perfect pour, into the correct coupe when it comes to Belgian beer.
Westmalle Dubbel is a permanent fixture at Lowlander, and this is reflected in the staff’s know-how to leave a thick, creamy head on the Trappist beer.
The transportive nature of Lowlander is not only due to the 15 Belgian masterpieces on offer, but the enticing smell of Moules Frites that wafts across from the kitchen, and memorabilia from all beers Belgian on the walls.
When in need of an escape from the whirlwind of Covent Garden, grab a pint of Westmalle Dubbel and watch the chaos transcend through their grand windows.
To check where Westmalle Dubbel is pouring right now – and explore pub features nearby – use Where’s My Booze before you head out.