Brewers from Norwich and Leuven have collaborated on Strangers’ Blonde, inspired by Belgian and British brewing traditions, and brewed in Norwich.
The beer is the latest fruit of an ongoing partnership between Norfolk and Belgian brewers, developed through a Norwich and Leuven beer twinning initiative.
Strangers’ Blonde is a Belgian-style ale made using locally-sourced UK malts, grains, and hops, including heritage varieties, combined with a classic Belgian-style yeast chosen for its fruity esters and subtle spicy phenols. The beer is finished with British hops, including the relatively new Opus variety, added late in the brewing process for aroma and character.
“Following the success of Strangers’ Red Ale, which was more British in style, we wanted to create something that had more Belgian features,” said Phil Halls, of Grain Brewery.
“Working with Adept and De Coureur breweries, from Leuven, meant we could blend Norfolk brewing expertise with traditional Belgian influences to create a beer that reflects both regions.”
The collaboration continues a cultural connection between Norwich and Flanders that dates back to the 14th century. Then, Flemish refugee weavers, who became known as the ‘Strangers’, settled in Norwich after fleeing religious persecution in the Low Countries. Their arrival transformed Norwich’s textile industry, bringing prosperity and wealth to the area, and left a lasting cultural influence that still links the two regions today.
That shared heritage became the inspiration behind the original Strangers’ beer collaborations and remains central to the project today, celebrating friendship, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange between Norfolk and Leuven through brewing.
The first public outing will be at the Cambridge Beer Festival this week, followed by a simultaneous launch in Leuven at De Coureur Brewery, and at The Plough pub, in Norwich, on 28th May.
Strangers’ Blonde will be available in Norwich at The Plough, The Grain Brewery Taproom, and The Leopard, where plans are under way for a special keg versus cask serving of the beer.
In Belgium, in addition to the De Coureur taproom, the beer will be available at De Smederij, a converted forge and meeting point just outside Leuven, where visitors can find a range of beers by the Adept brewery.
