Strangers, Soulmates, and the Perfect Pour: My Journey from Norwich to Leuven

Back in 2022, if you had asked me for directions to Belgium, I probably would have struggled. I set off on a trip with three other brewers I barely knew, headed for a country I knew even less about.

Five trips later? I’m hooked.

Whenever people ask me why Belgium is so special, I tell them it’s not just the chocolate or the legendary beer. It’s the vibe. There is a historical and cultural soul to a place like Leuven that feels like a mirror image of Norwich. If you can hop on a train from Thorpe Station and be standing in the heart of Leuven just a few hours later, why wouldn’t you?

The "Best Club in the World"

There is a secret language spoken by brewers worldwide. I’ve walked into breweries unannounced across Europe, and the moment you say "I’m a brewer," the doors fly open. They want to show you the kit, share their stories, and pour you their best glass.

The brewers in Leuven were no exception. They welcomed us with open arms and a shared passion for experimentation. Between us, we’ve probably tried putting just about everything imaginable into a fermentation tank!

A Culture of "Belgian Clean"

In Belgium, brewing isn't just an industry; it’s a form of expression. It feels like everyone homebrews, and even the servers in the local bars are essentially beer sommeliers, pairing complex ales with hearty, gravy-laden dishes (and in one memorable case, five different types of potatoes!).

This obsession is rooted in education. KU Leuven is a world-renowned center for brewing science. That academic pride translates into a level of perfectionism we’ve brought back to Tindall Brewery. We now ask ourselves: "Is this tank Belgian-level clean?" If the answer is no, we wash it again.

Brewing Together, Not Against Each Other

One of the most refreshing parts of this journey happened between us Norfolk brewers. In any other industry, four business rivals wouldn't spend 48 hours straight sharing meals and war stories.

Hanging out in Leuven, we realized we share the same highs, the same frustrations, and go to the same events. I don’t take the "business" side as personally anymore; I’ve realized I’m not on an island. I have a community of friends around me who actually get it.

How Leuven Changed the Way We Brew

My time with our Leuven friends completely blew the doors off my perception of

what beer can be. It’s not just about the liquid; it’s about the art of the presentation:

· The Vessel: We’ve started looking at larger bottles made for sharing.

· The Detail: We’ve adopted wax seals, a common sight in Europe that signals the care we put into the product.

· The Style: I’ve even become a convert to the complex world of sour beers—something I now actively seek out.

More Than Just a "Twin" City

This partnership has delivered real-world results. Our friends at Brouwerij De Coureur recently helped us source new brewing equipment from their own supplier, ensuring we got the best kit possible. From sourcing rare hops to tweaking recipes, the line between Norwich and Leuven is now permanently blurred.

We started as strangers, but we’ve ended up as part of a global family. And honestly? Who doesn’t want to know a brewer?