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a * i c e p FREE S No.164 Spring 2013

Welcome to Norwich. 2013 CAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM

Also inside: THE ANGEL POTY FOR WEST NORFOLK BEER FESTIVAL DIARY PUB AND TRADE NEWS AND MUCH MORE! Tr af ford Arms Thank you to all our customers and our fantastic team of staff for making the 20th valentine beer festival a great success!

Great Beer, Great Food, Great Atmosphere - situated in a Great City!

Raising money for for the Magdalene Group Jigsaw Project

Chris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms - 61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466 www.traffordarms.co.uk [email protected] Norwich & Norfolk Branch Chairman: Graham Freeman Welcome to Tel: 01603 687495 Email: [email protected] our Fine City Secretary: Warren Wordsworth Tel: 01603 665557 Email: [email protected] The Halls are ready, the beers Social Secretary: Michael Philips and ciders have been ordered, Email: Pubs and Breweries are waiting [email protected] to welcome new friends. Yes, Pubs Officer: Ian Stamp the 2013 CAMRA Members’ Email: Weekend and AGM is almost [email protected] upon us and you can feel the West Norfolk Branch excitement. At the time of Chairman: Steve Barker writing, over 1,000 CAMRA menu. Blackfriars’ Hall is also email: [email protected] Members have pre-registered where you will find the CAMRA Secretary: Ian Bailey and we are on course for a merchandising stall, on the Contact: Ian Bailey Tel: 01553 766904 stage. record attendance for this pres - Branch websites: tigious event, which takes www.norwichcamra.org.uk place from Friday 19th – The Branch have organised www.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk Sunday 21st April in Norwich. six pub walks, which radiate Twitter: from the Halls in all directions, Norfolk_nips Facebook: Many will already have been visiting many of the City’s best West Norfolk: West-Norfolk-Camra here for the Norwich Beer loved real ale pubs. Printed Branch mailing list web Festivals, but the Halls will have leaflets with pub descriptions page: a different feel about them this and directions will be at the groups.yahoo.com/group/ time. The entrance to the Halls – you can also find details CAMRA_Norwich venue is via the doors to The on the website. There is also a Published every 3 months by the Norwich, Norfolk & West Norfolk branches of the Cloisters, where the Registra - cider crawl which will visit four Campaign for Real Ale © N&N CAMRA tion desk will be found. St pubs, including the East Anglia 2012 Norfolk Nips is produced and distrib - uted by members of the branch in their Andrew’s Hall is the main Cider Pub of the Year 2012 – own time. Views expressed in Norfolk Nips Conference venue and will The White Lion. Brewery Trips are not necessarily those of the editor or of have tiered seating facing the are very popular and six have CAMRA. stage, as it does for the regular been laid on, three each on Edited by: concerts held there. Friday and Saturday evenings. Mike Baldwin They are sure to sell out, as will Email: [email protected] The Members’ Bar will be in the Cider Trip which visits two Chris Lucas Email: [email protected] Blackfriars’ Hall, tantalising popular Producers. drinkers with around sixty Design & Production: beers and eleven ciders and CAMRA Members have until Daniel Speed - Orchard House Media perries. The average strength 22nd March to pre-register Email: [email protected] will be about 4.5% in a variety with CAMRA for the weekend Distribution: of styles, so there will be some - and get the Handbook in 12,000 copies / four times a year thing for everybody; all advance. If you are not a Norwich and Norfolk District: Member, then this is the Tony Miles produced by local Breweries [email protected] and Cider Makers. It will show - perfect opportunity to sign up West Norfolk District : case the best that Norfolk and and join in the festivities! Ros Harre [email protected] its environs have to offer. Soft Advertising: drinks and tea and coffee will For further information: For advertising enquiries please also be available, and the www.agmnorwich2013.org.uk contact Jane Michelson or Chris Caterers have produced a tasty www.camraagm.org.uk Shilling on: 01778 420888 / 421550 [email protected]

SPRING 2013 3 | Chairman’s Bits NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk By the time you are reading this, spring will be here, hopefully with warmer weather. Very soon we should be enjoying our Ale alfresco, with all thoughts of the dark winter nights behind us. NOW UNDER

It was very encouraging to see the turnout in NEW MANAGEMENT December from all over the country marching on London to lobby Parliament. Jeff Hoyle from Kings Totally refurbished, retaining the Lynn was amongst those who travelled down and traditional feel with a contemporary was fortunate enough to meet up with the local MP, Henry Bellingham MP, who subsequently paid twist • 3 real ales available tribute to CAMRA and Jeff in particular for lobbying Fantastic food • Superb service MP’s to further the aims of CAMRA. “The best ambience in Norwich” As you are reading this magazine, the National AGM in Norwich in April is looming ever nearer. This is an event not to be missed as it is unlikely to be 12 Farmers Ave, Norwich NR1 3JX held as close to us again in the near future. Various Tel: 01603 611135 trips and pub crawls have been arranged to enter - [email protected] tain the CAMRA members in their free time. www.number12norwich.co.uk

In February, the Norfolk Liaison Meeting was held at the Stuart House Hotel Kings Lynn, who we thank for their hospitality. This event was well attended Victory Inn and a very useful forum for discussion of issues Clenchwarton affecting the two County Branches and the part of Main Road, Clenchwarton, Mid Anglia which falls in Norfolk. To finish, just Kings Lynn PE34 4AQ leaves me to wish you all a Happy Easter and look Tel: 01553 775668 forward to many happy hours of drinking Ale. h Three Real Ales esh fis Fr s Cheers, regularly available & chip riday Steve Barker every f de main W.N. Chairman Fresh, home-made food (alongsi menu) served from Tuesday to Sunday onal Got a short pint? Traditi Locally sourced oast R day If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in ingredients ery Sun ev ) a pub, club or bar, you should contact the Trading (12 - 4pm Standards service by writing to them at Norfolk We cater for all dietary requirements including Coeliac, Trading Standards Service, County Hall, Martineau Vegan and Vegetarian. Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UD or faxing them on 01603 222999. Pub Quiz first Wednesday of every month. A wide range of consumer information and advice All proceeds going to local charities is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk NORFOLK NIPS Chairman’s Bits | Another One Bites the Dust

Sitting here in the Pub enjoying a good beer we had a great night at the Beers of the with the snow all around outside made me feel Norwich Festival awards. It was complimented how welcoming and essential our local is to the by the awards for best Beer in a Bottle that had Community. previously been cancelled due to the snow. It just showed what a great choice of beers we In a rural County like Norfolk it was heart- have on offer in Norfolk. And finally I would like warming to hear a local mention that a to mention the forthcoming Members Weekend neighbour had fallen on the ice and another say and National AGM which will be held in he would go and visit to make sure everything Norwich on the weekend 19th April in St was all right. Where could you do this if the local Andrew’s and Blackfriar’s Halls. We already have Pub has been closed. The Pub is a comfort for all over 1000 members pre-registered to attend walks of life and a place to meet your friends which will be fantastic when they visit our local and make new ones. Mardling was something I Pubs and Breweries. I know we will all celebrate had not heard about before but have since the event and I look forward to seeing the many found it very enjoyable. Every week 13 Pubs photos and hearing the stories of this historic close for various reasons and we must do all we occasion. Preferably when I have a pint in my can to prevent this happening. hand. Graham Freeman In these austere times I appre ciate we only have Norwich & Norfolk Chairman so much money to spend but I encourage you to spend as much as you can on beer and ciders in the Pub. Your custom just might be the help the Pub needs to keep the wolves from the door. Now the weather is getting better please visit your local. But what about the Breweries? If the Pub closes where are they going to sell their beers that they spend so much time and dedica - tion in brewing for us. I sometimes feel that as 4th Annual CAMRA we may not be focusing on the main issue of keeping the Pub open but getting George’s Fest distracted by other aspects like what is Real Ale, Friday 19th - Sunday 28th April Beer Tax and those strange Craft Beers. OVER 50 ALES, CIDERS As mentioned previously, I did attend the mass AND PERRIES lobby of Parliament on the 12th December and ALSO was able to discuss matters with my MP. I under - stand over 300 MPs were lobbied (or harassed) MUSIC FROM: Hard Rain, Roop Murphy, by 1200 CAMRA members and we received The Vagaband, Starbuck, We Ghosts & Lou national media coverage. My highlight was and The Diamonds having a pint in the Stranger's Bar. We then had a rally where various MPs spoke to the audience and we were privileged that the only publican BBQ and Paella al fresco will be available! invited to speak was our own Dawn Hopkins of 9 SILVER RD, NORWICH NR3 4TB the Kett's Tavern, Rose and Norwich Bear fame. TEL: 01603 665535 She did Norfolk proud. Talking of local Brewers

SPRING 2013 5 |

NORFOLK NIPS Words from the Editors | The Ed’lines Extra copies of this magazine to and should be quite an have been ordered, so there experience. I will be there with should be some available at St the camera and notebook and Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls. a full report will appear in the Welcome to the Spring 2013 Summer Edition. But we need Edition! In this bumper 72 I must start the year by saying your help! Please send in your page issue, we celebrate the thank you to Chris (Stig) Lucas photos, memories and experi - vibrant real ale scene in Norfolk for editing the Winter Edition, ences and we will publish a by highlighting some of the while we were recovering from selection. Spring Beer Festivals that are the 35th Norwich Beer Festival. taking place throughout the It was a brilliant edition with an It has been a long time County. You will find all the innovative front cover that coming, starting with the details in the Special Festival certainly got people talking. Handover meeting at The section on pages 53 onwards. A tough act to follow, well Pineapple in London, when the done Chris! baton was handed to us by the In April, Norwich welcomes South Devon CAMRA Branch CAMRA Members from all over I am looking forward to the last year. It will finally end the UK to the 2013 CAMRA Members’ Weekend & AGM. It when we hand over to Scarbor - Members’ Weekend and AGM. will be the first that I have been ough for 2014. Words from Stig I find that being original when know how, then neither do the you’ve edited a magazine for a government). The A11 will be few years become increasingly dualled before we all collect difficult. You can start with a our pensions (at 85) and most seasonal reference or grab hold important, real ale is about the Norwich of the tail of a large sporting only growing part of the drinks and visit some of the excep - event but only so many times market. We have better quality tional pubs in rural locations. before it becomes robotic! beers in more diversity than ever before, new breweries Jeff Hoyle’s lobbying of his MP So let’s try something else, seem to spring up like mush - has got him mentioned in the national pastime, with a rooms from the forest floor! Hansard, when his MP spoke in brief hiccough last year has favour of the reduction of beer been gloom and pessimism. So Some of course have the duty in the debate our petition bad has it become that profes - same lifespan as a fungus, so achieved. So one or two sional pessimists such as yours get out there and try them. reasons to take that half full truly just can’t compete! Here glass and fill it right up. are some reasons to be The National AGM is in cheerful: The Asteroid missed Norwich, which gives the Finally a little plug for our us! (Please disregard if you live County as a whole a chance to Branch Pub of the Year the in parts of Russia). Unemploy - shine. I hope many of the dele - Angel at Larling, ideal for a ment is going down (Don’t gates will make it out of stopover en route to the AGM!

SPRING 2013 7 | NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News The Vine in Hopton and The blamed for the demise of this much smarter pub than before, White Horse in Thelnetham large pub. A recent poll for the with wood-panelling and more have both just re-opened after Evening News showed that comfortable seating and three a period of closure. 79% of respondents would or four real ales, although welcome the Co-op taking it much of the old ‘character’ The Vine – Hopton over. (‘characters’!?) has gone unfor - Landlord Ivor Noble (& Zoe) - tunately. ales will be Adnams Southwold The Ram, Brundall. Bitter, Woodforde's Wherry and Brundall Parish Council have The Earlham Arms, an ale from a local micro started proceedings to have Norwich, has re-opened after brewery e.g. Old Chimneys, this pub listed as a community a very nice refurb, under the Wolf, Humpty Dumpty etc. asset under the 2011 Localism ownership of Chris Coughbor - (When I visited on 31st Act. This would mean that ough, the ‘Flying Kiwi’. Up to December this pump had an Tesco’s plans to take over the eight ales are available, excellent Adnams Old Ale on at site would be delayed. 200 including (of course) Jo C’s £2.70) villagers attended a recent Norfolk Kiwi and Bitter Old meeting to discuss the plan. Bustard at very attractive The White Horse, 1,700 had signed a petition prices, plus others from mostly Thelnetham which asked for views on Enter - local breweries, some on Landlady Dawn Abel has prise Inns plans to lease the gravity in the cellar - a neat worked at the Old Brewery building to Tesco, with 90% touch is that you can watch Hotel in Reepham and the Buck coming out against the super - your beer being poured via a at Thwaite. Ales will be Adnams market. camera in the cellar linked up Southwold Bitter (excellent to a big screen behind the bar! when visited), Woodforde's The Brickmakers, Horsford At our visit on the February FFF Wherry and the intention is to changed hands in November the food being served (with have a third, guest ale from last year, with the previous difficulty, there were about 40 local breweries. licensee moving to the Dog in of us) looked excellent, and the the same village. bar snacks / tapas were all very The Railway Tavern, Holt reasonably priced. No real The plan by owners Capricorn The Marquee, Norwich re- cider at the time of going to Estates Partnership to convert opened in November serving press, but watch this space...! this pub has been deferred by Greene King beers. We visited North Norfolk District Council. the pub on the January First The Mill, Saxlingham They wanted to create a Friday Five and found a warm Thorpe had re-opened under ground floor shop with two welcome and an excellent pint an experienced landlord who flats above and two more in of Old Golden Hen. The land - was very welcoming when we the yard. Planners decided to lord wants to extend the range visited as part of the November give tenant Tony Groom time of real ales, as well as adding Campaign Trip. to submit figures which would bottled ales and possibly new- prove that this “working man’s style polypins. The Bridge Tavern, pub” is viable. Norwich (in the Riverside The Wild Man, Norwich complex, previously Old The Millhouse, Thorpe St re-opened in December 2012 Orleans) is offering Moongazer Andrew following a major refurb. On beers (from Norfolk Brew - Poor investment is being the January FFF we found a house) ast 10% off TO CAMRA

8 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Pub News | members. For details of offers about pubs in Norfolk, please Keith Loney from other pubs for CAMRA let me know at pubsofficer@ Foreign & Bottled Beers Manager members, please see our norwichcamra.org.uk. We have News from the West Discounts List on p68. over 1000 pubs in the county, and as hard as we try, we can’t It has been a tough time for The Cherry Tree, Dereham possibly keep tabs on all of some of our pubs recently. has re-opened after a long them. So if a pub opens, Bradleys wine bar on the period of closure, and has re-opens, closes, starts or stops South Quay in Kings Lynn has Greene King ales on the bar. A selling real ale, check our data - closed and I believe that it is up little birdie tells us that the base, at norwichcamra.org.uk/ for sale. A couple of informants Railway, Framlingham Earl pubdb and if it’s out of date, told me about the sudden will be re-opening ‘soon’ (as of please let us know! closure of the Duck Inn February), initially serving (formerly the Crown) in Greene King beers, but not tied De Dolle Brouwers Stanhoe, although we believe so may increase the range as that it is likely to reopen. and when trade allows. Presentation Greene King seems to have a On to the bad news: Castle - policy of selling off pubs in the gates , Norwich has been sold area. In Kings Lynn the and converted to a steak London Porterhouse has restaurant, the Griffin , Thorpe been up for sale. The tap room St Andrew and the Bear , Attle - tittle tattle suggests that there borough have closed, as has is a buyer interested with plans the Green Man , Rackheath, in to reinstate the racks behind November. the bar and once again serve In December, Annie & I made beer by gravity. If this is true it We also understand that the the arduous trip to Belgium to could once again become a New Inn at Rockland St visit friends, sample some beer real gem of a pub. Also on the Mary has closed - this is a and do some Christmas shop - market is the famous Wenn's Punch pub, and even the ping. While we were over Hotel on Saturday Market in excellent landlords there appar - there, we made the trip to De Lynn. About 18 months ago ently couldn’t make it work. Dolle Brouwers at Esen in West the area manager for Greene And on the brewing front, Flanders, to pick up some Stille King came along to one of our Wilbur Wood, previously Nacht (12% blonde Christmas meetings and told us of the brewer at Oakham and Fyne beer) and to present them with exciting plans the company Ales, is the new Head Brewer at the certificate for Foreign Beer had for the pub, but these have the old Blackfriars Brewery, of the 2012 Norwich Beer not come to pass. Yet another possibly soon to become Festival for Arabier. We also Greene King pub on the Lacons , although the Wilbur had the chance to sample a market is the Chequers at Wood name has been seen version of the 2010 Stille Nacht Wimbotsham which, as I write, recently on pumpclips. Trial that had been maturing in oak appears to be under offer. beers have also been released for 25 months - superb. Another former Greene King under the Courtyard Brewery pub is to be found at the South name. His 95 year old mother leads Gates in Lynn. Once upon a the brewery tours every Sunday time this was the Prince of Norwich Bear Brewery’s and says that her health and Wales, but it has been through plant had been installed at The long life are due to drinking a a number of different names Rose, Norwich . bottle of Arabier a day. You If you have any information can't argue with that! Continued Overleaf

SPRING 2013 9 | NORFOLK NIPS | This independently run freehouse has been Angel Gardens under the ownership of Ian Warren since 1988 and is situated on the north of the city Free House near to Waterloo Park.

Homecooked and speciality meals Prepared by Ian - a qualified chef with years of experience.

Up to SEVEN reasonably priced Real Ales including THREE guest ales

96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT Monthly Quiz & Darts 01603 427490 Live Music on Saturdays email: [email protected] Beer Garden www.norwichinns.com 2 Bars (with one for Private Hire) We are part of the "Norwich City of Ale" ale trail Ample Car Parking and Woodfordes Summer Ale Trail

A warm welcome from Rob and Fawnda to... HE GREYHOUND T • TIBENHAM NR16 1PZ • An old Fashioned, traditional country pub. Serving a selection of Real Ales and Fine food. Children’s play area and large car park. OPENING TIMES Camping space & Mon: 12 - 3pm and 6.30pm - midnight Electric hook ups Tues: 6.30 - midnight. Weds and Thurs: 12 - 3pm and 6.30pm - midnight. for Caravans Friday: 12 - 3pm and 6.00pm - midnight. available Sat and Sun: 12 midday -12 midnight. Carvery lunch Sunday afternoon 1pm - 3pm. Dog Friendly Booking advisable 01379 677676. Carvery lunch Sunday afternoon 1pm - 3pm. Booking advisable 01379 677676. Tel: 01379 677676 smithrjsmith@btinternetcom For up and coming events see or website the-greyhound tibenham.co.uk

10 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Pub News continued | and uses before opening as the future and a few possible objection to the new plan. For Ciao international sports bar outlets have been investigated my troubles, I have received a last autumn. This has proved to so keep your eyes peeled. Over letter from Hutchinson’s plan - be a fleeting incarnation and it in Wisbech there is a new ning and development is again closed. brewery called the Mile Tree consultants based in Kimbolton brewery which has been in Cambridgeshire, which is a It is not all bad news. The brewing since October. I touch tetchy in tone. It House on the Green at haven’t heard of any beers suggests for example, that my North Wootton reopened coming eastwards so far, but assertions are ‘clearly made around the end of January and once again, be alert. with no knowledge of the is serving good beer from the community and what it can likes of Adnams and Wood - CAMRA has put a lot of effort sustain’, that my comments fordes, whilst the Winch at into persuading the Chancellor ‘appear to be made as a West Winch seems to have put of the Exchequer to scrap the general ‘knee jerk’ reaction to the uncertainty behind it and beer duty escalator and this any proposed public house to be open regularly. In Lynn culminated in a mass lobby of conversion wherever it may be’ both the Glendevon Hotel parliament, where members and that ‘the emotive objec - and Antonio’s Wine Bar from all over the country were tions put forward…detract have been sold and are under - encouraged to go down to from the credibility of the going refurbishment. The parliament and arrange to organisation I purport to repre - Glendevon is to remain as a meet with their M.P. and sent.’ Gosh. I remember when hotel but to incorporate an persuade him or her to work my photo adorned the wall of Indian restaurant, whilst for the removal of the escalator. the nearby Ostrich presenting a Antonio’s future is at the I made the trip and was well certificate for being one of the moment is unclear. For a received by Henry Bellingham, few pubs to appear in every clearer insight into what is M.P. for West Norfolk, who issue of the Good Beer Guide. available on the pub scene took a lot of interest in the Now it seems that if I set foot check out the property points I raised. I am pleased to in the village they might have websites such as rightbiz or say that he attended a debate to put the stocks back on Fleurets. Many of the pubs for on the issue of the unfair way Stock’s Green. sale do not have names or that tenants of some large pub The consultants anticipate detailed locations, but you owning companies are treated. support from the Parish might be surprised by how Not only did he speak in the Council for the latest applica - many you recognise. debate to praise the work of tion, so it seems that yet CAMRA, and to help to another pub will bite the dust. Good news also on the persuade Vince Cable to intro - brewing front. John, from West duce legislation on the issue, Norfolk’s newest brewery, Two but he also commented on the Subscriptions Rivers at Denver, came along tax issue and asked to treasury To receive the next 4 issues of to one of our meetings with to consider scrapping the esca - Norfolk Nips and Cask Force some samples of his beer which lator as it makes no money and by post please send either 10 were met with universal is a big factor in making some first class stamps or a cheque approval. At the moment he is pubs unviable. for £6.50 payable to ‘West only producing bottled beer On planning issues, once Norfolk CAMRA’ to and it can be found at places again an application has been Norfolk Nips and Cask Force such as Dent’s Farm Shop on made to change the use of the 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn the A10, the Chalk and Cheese Albert Victor in Castle Acre Norfolk PE30 5NG in Shouldham and Worzals to residential use. This was near Wisbech. There are plans refused at a planning meeting I to produce cask ale in the attended last year. I filed an SPRING 2013 11 | Beer Legends NORFOLK NIPS | Rita McCluskey For the second article in this series, where we interview people who have made the Norwich and Norfolk Beer scene what is today, I made my way to The Adam and Eve, to interview Rita McCluskey.

Rita is well known as the Landlady of this iconic Norwich Pub. She is also a supporter of City of Ale and won several prizes in the first year. The “Everyone sells alcohol, but I don’t sell milk pub is always a riot of colour in the summer and eggs” is what she said in an interview with months with its impressive floral displays and I the Norwich Evening News when she was asked was not surprised to hear that she is now a about the challenges facing pubs today. Compe - Trustee of Norwich in Bloom. tition from Supermarkets, the uncertain job security felt by customers, VAT and beer prices But what of the early days? How did it all start? all have an effect on trade. Rita tells me that she has been in the trade for twenty three years. She worked in Catering at Rita was full of praise for the Norwich and the West Norwich Hospital, “feeding the Norfolk Branch of CAMRA. In addition, the Beer Doctors seemed a good idea”, she said, “you Festival in October always brought in regular have to look after the men in white coats.”After visitors and she was looking forward to that she worked at the Newsman’s Social Club welcoming visitors for the CAMRA Members’ for Eastern Counties Newspapers and then in Weekend and AGM in April. many pubs and hotels, before taking on the Adam and Eve. Rita, who claims that she has no plans to move on, and never leaves the pub, is clearly enthusi - It was the total uniqueness that attracted her astic and passionate about the pub and the to the pub, it’s a true one-off, she added, and trade. “All surviving pubs need support,” she you have to agree. The pub had already been said firmly,” to preserve the unique nature of modernised when she took over, the bars had British Pubs!” been installed, but the catering side needed an upgrade. She installed the chillers and fridges I couldn’t agree more. and created the menu. Sipping my half of Old Peculier, I asked her what makes a decent real Subscriptions and ale pub? Without hesitation, she listed perfectly Branch information kept beer, with a good choice of ales on offer, We have a growing number of postal subscribers to good glassware, branded if possible for that Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, and I would like to extra attention to detail. “You also need knowl - send my thanks for the kind comments and best edgeable staff, and give a friendly warm wishes from those who have renewed their subscriptions recently. If you would like to join welcome,” she smiled. them in receiving the next 4 issues by post, send 12 first class stamps to Norfolk Nips and Cask Running a pub is hard work and her advice to Force, 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, anyone contemplating doing so was to do the PE30 5NG. research, learn the trade and make sure that you I also send out occasional emails to members with want to make the commitment. “Have a plan details of forthcoming meetings and Branch events. and stick to it” she said firmly, “don’t over - All are welcome at these meetings so if you wish to stretch.” add your name to my mailing list, send your email address to [email protected]. 12 SPRING 2013 |

NORFOLK NIPS West Norfolk Editorial | Beer in Hawaii

Fellow real ale enthusiasts, I try the first local real ale it was reefer installed under the bar to tried the first cask of real ale on Sierra Nevada week. It made hold his casks. However, this the first day it was introduced for a fun time. They also had a would still require him to move to Oahu (13 Nov 2012). There rep from the brewery there to the casks from the main cooler is a new bar in Honolulu that answer questions, have a quiz to the small one under the bar. specializes in good, peculiar, and give out some prizes! His plan might be to move it hard to find, etc. beers. They early in the week, let it settle, typically have 20 brews on tap Now for the real ale, I talked and then tap it on a Friday for with a huge selection of with the head man who is in the weekend crowd. bottled beers as well. They charge of beer ordering, etc. serve a very eclectic selection of He knew right away what I told him about the cooling food too. For example, we had CAMRA was and I didn't have jackets as an option. Obvi - French fries fried in duck fat, to explain that part. ously, it isn't an ideal setup but buffalo chicken, deviled eggs he is trying and is determined and maple syrup cured Amer - When I asked about a cask to provide real ale, at least on ican bacon. All three were breather he understood that the weekends. pretty good but different. too. When I asked about the They are really catering for a proper temps he was clear on I'll just have to go down and different experience. Here is that as well. So they are off to a support him in his endeavor! their website, www.realgas - good start. They had two casks My only complaint is the drive tropub.com/ they have a on and I had a pint of each. is about 25 minutes from the Facebook page too. They were both very good, house and the traffic can be clear, the correct temperature bad. Sandi has been a sweet - Back to the beer, the beer and tasty! It is hard to explain, heart and will drive me home if mostly rotates around so it is a but I really miss the British real I drive there and back in to the great place to stop in because ales. The cold, fizzy stuff we parking stall. you can always find something have over here is good but it new to sample. Their selection could be so much better. I have one final complaint of beers can be almost as inter - However, American real ale is (That’s two Craig! Stig) , the esting as their food selection. slowly catching on so there is price of real ale was $8 or For example, they recently hope. My concern with the real about £4.80. It could be less had the Belgian brew Delirium ale they are serving here is that expensive! Tremens on draft or draught they just put on a cask and for you Brits. serve it until it is gone. I wish they took Wether - They don't have a cellar or spoon's coupons. Another interesting thing they refrigerator to keep the do is have weeks where the full temperature consistent. I Cheers from range of a brewery on at one pressed him about this and he time. When we went down to was planning to get a smaller Craig in Hawaii

SPRING 2013 15 | Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 16 NORFOLK NIPS | This series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years or so. Here we feature a former CAMRA Norfolk Pub of the Year and the hotel bar that was a rare outlet for real ale in Norwich when CAMRA was formed in 1971. Angel, Larling 3 1 0 2

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oxford 2013 © Michael Cr

A 17th century former Above: Angel, Larling lounge Bar Coaching Inn on the former Left: Angel, Larling exterior A11, this bypassed pub has been in the ownership of the Sun. Meals are served from 12 Stammers family for most of to 9.30pm (Fri, Sat 10pm). the period since 1913. It retains Phone number is 01953 a number of fittings from an 717963. Website: www.angel- inter-war refurbishment that retains the off sales hatch. The larling.co.uk. Has a tent and took place in two of its four small rear Dining Room and caravan site. Real ales on sale rooms. In the public bar on the Breakfast Room have been are Adnams Best Bitter and four left the 1930s bar back has brought into use and have no changing guest beers mostly some modern additions, the old fittings. The Angel was from microbreweries. bar counter was replaced in Norfolk Pub of the Year in 1983 and the 1930s brick fire - 2010, holds one of the largest place has increased in size. The pub beer festivals in Norfolk in lounge on the right retains its early August, and sells over 100 1930s wood panelled walls, bar malt whiskies. back fitting, slatted bar counter, distinctive 1930s Angel, off A11, Larling NR16 doorways and some fixed 2QU. It opens from 10 to seating. The inner lobby still Midnight Mon to Sat; 10 to 11

16 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS | Maids Head Hotel, Norwich

Dating back to at least the Maids Head Hotel, 20 Tomb - If you require photographs of 16th century, the red brick land, Norwich NR3 1LB. The your pub interior / exterior exterior dates from the early Maids Head Bar is open to non- you can contact Mick on 20th century. There are many residents from 10.30am to 01733 390598 or email old fittings to admire both in 11.30pm. Meals are served all [email protected] and around the public bar, day. Phone number is 01603 to discuss your requirements. which is situated at the rear of 209955. Website www.maid - the hotel. There are two rooms sheadhotel.co.uk The real ales – the bar itself and a snug are on sale are currently which is often laid out for Adnams Best Bitter and Wood - diners. fordes Wherry.

The snug is one of the oldest remaining parts of the hotel and was used as a reception in the past – look for the letters slot in the wall and note how the original hotel door from Wensum Street led into this area with a flagstone floor. The

tiny snug has panelled walls 3 1 0 which could be 300 or more 2

r e t

years old, an old fireplace with h g u

Delft tiles, 3 bell pushes, and a l S

l

old fitted cabinets in the wall. A e a h part glazed partition wall sepa - c i M rates the snug from the bar © and has two sliding windows The snug at The Maids Head Hotel now permanently open. The main bar has old wood panelled walls and the good carved wood surround and brick fireplace which also looks old, but the bar counter appears to be post war and the fine mirrored bar back fitting is a modern addition. Elsewhere in the hotel the Oak Room has

fielded panelled walls from the 3 1 0 2

1930s, bell pushes around the r e t

room and 1930s brick fire - h g u place. Look for the decorative a l S

l

plasterwork cornice throughout e a h c

the hotel and there is a Tudor i M shaped stone fireplace in the © lounge. The bar at The Maids Head Hotel

SPRING 2013 17 | “Take Co u

When I were but a lad growing up in the wilds of Northern Hampshire, my beer of choice was Courage Best Bitter. It was sold in the Courage pubs where I lived and also in Reading near The Berkshire College of Art, which I attended. It was everything I wanted in a beer and I lamented its EATON COTTAGE demise and replacement with Courage Tavern, UNTHANK RD, NORWICH Tel: 01603 453048 in pasteurised keg form. Never mind, there was always Inde Coope Double Diamond, Youngers Fine Real Ales, lagers, wines and spirits Tartan Bitter and of course, Watneys Special. Ho All Sky Sports • A traditional pub hum… Good covered outside areas The last time I had a pint of Courage Best was a couple of years ago in The Dog Inn in Hors - Doggies welcome ford. Ah, I hear you ask, but did it taste just as good? Frankly, after 50 years I hadn’t a clue, but “A festival of beers every day” it was in fine knick and certainly drinkable. Of course, I could buy a bottle or two from my local supermarket and drink at my leisure anytime. But something is not right. The Courage Best A short course at Easton Otley College Norwich that I drank all those years ago was brewed in Reading, I know, I visited the Brewery and drank it in the Brewery Tap. Now, the brand is owned An Introduction by Wells and Youngs and no longer brewed in to Micro Brewing that Brewery in Reading. The point is that the pump clip looks the same, This 10 week course will provide a comprehensive overview the label on the bottle looks the same, except of the brewing process and examine the practicalities of establishing a micro brewery. By the end of the course for the name and address on the back of the participants will cover the following:- neck label. But it is clever marketing, if it’s aimed at the • An examination of the theory relevant to the brewing process likes of me. When I see the distinctive cockerel • Beer styles, recipe formulation and ingredients and the brand name it brings back memories of times long gone. It is however, misleading, it’s • Process of sitting up a microbrewery, consideration of plant, Courage Best Bitter in name only – and it is not equipment premises and legal requirements the only beer affected in this way. • Demonstration of quality control procedures •Visit to a Norfolk Micro Brewery, discussion with staff. It is now common practice by many Brewers to use Brand names of beers formerly brewed else - One evening a week (Wednesday) for ten weeks plus one Saturday session visiting a Micro Brewery. where, usually in Breweries that they have Start Date: May 15th 2013 Cost £300.00 closed. You could argue that this is a good thing – maintaining famous brands which other - For further details contact: Tel: 01603 616209 [email protected] wise would have been lost, but are these beers as close as possible to the originals or pale imita - tions, and does it matter? 18 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS The Rant | rage” for example...

The Norwich and Norfolk Branch Committee It should be an interesting debate, and CAMRA certainly thinks so, and the following motion has can take a lead in resolving this issue. You never been put forward for discussion at the 2013 know, I might chuck in my two penn’orth – I CAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM: didn’t get where I am today without recognising a drum that wants beating when I see it! “This Conference notes that some breweries are using brand names of closed or non-existent brew - It’s a common complaint that beers brewed eries on their pump-clips, while not naming the away from their place of origin do not taste the actual brewery, and that this misleading practice is same, and the usual given reason is the water. also used by CAMRA in the Good But face facts, unless you brew with water from Beer Guide, NBSS and other publi - your own borehole, the quality of the water you cations and databases. use and where it comes from, is determined by This Conference instructs the NE your supplier. to develop and publish a stan - Brewers have to constantly monitor and dard for naming of beers in “doctor” the water to maintain consistent CAMRA publications and data - quality, and if you are doing that – why not treat bases which includes the it so that you can replicate water available else - commonly-known name of where – soft water that is wanted to produce a the brewery, and to set up a beer that is now brewed in a hard water area process by which disputes and hard water that is wanted to produce a beer regarding beer names can that is now brewed in a soft water area! be resolved.” Does that make sense? (I think so, keep going, Ed). So this practice will continue to happen, always has, always will. And the answer? In my view, it’s all down to the marketing again. Take that Courage Best pumpclip and bottle label for example. I want to see the cockerel and the name Best Bitter, so I know what it is.

But, if Wells and Youngs added the slogan – “Proudly brewed by Wells and Young to the original Courage recipe”, that, in my view, would do. It would tell me that Wells and Youngs have done their best, they have respected the beer’s heritage – and that they are proud to do so. Sounds simple, just going to need a bigger pump clip!

SPRING 2013 19 | NORFOLK NIPS | Bars on Film

One of the delights of Kings Lynn that I have that The Angel Inn near Oldham was used in rediscovered recently is the Majestic Cinema. ‘Life On Mars’, the Wellington Inn in West Not only is it centrally located, but it is also great Gorton in Manchester, which featured as the value, and so it was that I recently went along to Jockey in ‘Shameless’ closed in 2010 and the see Quentin Tarantino’s new film, ‘D’Jango Vick and Comet in Newcastle from the film ‘Get Unchained’. Even when lost in a world of Carter’ is now an Irish theme bar called O’Neills. escapism, a small portion of my brain is still rooted in the real world, so imagine my surprise Film location tourism pulls in the crowds for when I noticed that in a scene set in a saloon in many years after the original production. Parts of pre-civil war Texas our heroes were helping North Yorkshire are still ‘Herriot Country’, whilst themselves to beer from hand pumps on the apparently Holmfirth is known as ‘Little Holly - bar. I have no idea if this is an authentic recon - wood’ on account of it being the location for struction – I suppose it is possible that hand ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. It is surprising that pumps proliferated throughout the Confederate Lynn is not billed as the home of ‘Revolution’. States and, like much of America’s brewing heritage, became victim to the rigours of prohi - bition. “Murder one surly varmint in It is far from the first scene to feature on either the big screen or TV. Some of the more famous cold blood and find yourself pubs are sets constructed especially for the show, the Rovers Return in Coronation Street and the Queen Vic in East Enders being notable banned from all the saloons in examples. Many, however, use real locations, but care must be taken in sorting fact from Texas. That would teach you.” fiction. As a child, the bar wife lived in the house I am told that many fans like to act out their in Swaffham which was used in the TV series favourite scenes. A visit to the café used in the Kingdom. Unlike Stephen Fry, she could not see film ‘When Harry Met Sally’ could be an inter - the sea when she looked out of the window. In esting experience if a coachload of fans were the same way, a pub may be shown in a film visiting at the time. For pubs, you might just from the outside, but the interior may be a about get away with a re-creation of Albert studio set. An example is the City Barge in Finney’s drinking contest if you could find a pub Chiswick, the exterior of which features in the selling enough pints of mild, but there is not a Beatles film ‘Help’, whilst the interior was a lot I would like to imitate from D’Jango. Indeed, mock up filmed at Twickenham Studios. One I don’t ever recall a scene set in a saloon in the that was a real pub was the White Horse in old west that turned out well. I am surprised Nottingham, scene of the drinking contest in that they don’t have bouncers on the door, or at the British New Wave film, Saturday Night, least display stickers advertising their member - Sunday Morning. The building, out in Radford, ship of the Saloon Watch scheme. Murder one is one of the few locations used in the film that surly varmint in cold blood and find yourself still exist, but sadly it became an Indian Restau - banned from all the saloons in Texas. That rant in 2011. would teach you. [email protected] There are a large number of websites dedi - Read the bar man every Friday in the Lynn News cated to film and TV locations, so I can reveal or check out the website to see archived copies

20 SPRING 2013 | West Norfolk Pub of the Year 3

1 jaws of Norwich brewery who had come to own 0 2

d the pub in the intervening years. A true lover of r o f x all things real ale, if ever there was a man in the o r C

l perfect place Andrew is him. This is reflected in e a h the quality and choice of beers at the Angel. c i M

© The Angel hosts an annual beer festival, every August, which is by far the largest in West Norfolk. The Angel retains a real feel of the rural farming community of which it is the heart. Since being bypassed by the busy A11, it has gone from strength to strength, and is much I am pleased to reveal that West Norfolk CAMRA easier to pull into! pub of the year is ………. (The Oscars are on the telly!) The Angel at Larling! The home made food is rightly famous and makes it harder to drive out again as you’ll The Angel has been in and out (and in again) struggle to fit behind the wheel… of the ownership of the Stammers family since the current landlord’s grandfather bought it When asked for his reaction to the news that almost exactly a hundred years ago. he had won our branch award he “Was as pleased as punch”, and seemed keen to know The current landlord Andrew has run the pub which Norwich branch pub he was up against for most of his working life, he has transformed for Norfolk pub of the year! As I write this has it into a true real ale Nirvana, seizing it from the not been revealed but good luck to both. 26 St Leonards Road A real gem, Norwich NR1 4BL 01603 618734 well worth a visit.

Lovely enclosed beer garden with Eight real ales to choose from, two of large sheltered smoking area. which change regularly. Only a ten minute walk from the Two pooltables upstairs. train station and city centre.

Hot pies,pasties and Open all day from 12 noon everyday. sausage rolls available all day. Sky Sports and ESPN

JOIN TIM IN CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE JUBILEE!

22 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Dragon Hall Beer Fest | Third Dragon Hall Beer Festival

Back for its third year, this has become one of Norfolk’s most popular and friendly beer festi - vals – as well as perhaps the most female friendly.

The Dragon Hall Beer Festival concentrates on celebrating the quality and diversity of Norfolk’s finest ales from independent brewers in the magnificent surroundings of one of Norwich’s best-loved historic buildings. The festival is supported by The Fat Cat, CAMRA and Tipples Brewery and features an impressive range of Norfolk ales and cask conditioned ciders. There is a discount on admission for CAMRA members. All profits will help towards the upkeep of Dragon Hall which is run by an inde - pendent charity.

The Dragon Hall Norfolk Beer Festival Friday 3 – Sunday 5 May Times: Friday 6 – 11pm, Saturday 12 – 3.30pm and 6 – 11pm, Sunday 12-3.30pm Admisson: Lunchtimes £5 (CAMRA members £4), Evenings £6 (CAMRA £5), includes £2 beer vouchers and souvenir glass.

Dragon Hall, 115-123 King St, Norwich NR1 1QE Tel: 01603 663 922

SPRING 2013 23 | CAMRA Lobby Day report NORFOLK NIPS | Norfolk Landlady makes a stand! discussing alternatives proved and not just their so called quite difficult as many lessees representatives. see this as the way forward (and better for the consumer As for the BDE lobby in and small breweries too!). December, I was astonished Dawn Hopkins, Landlady The discussion centred around and very pleased at the turnout of The Kett’s Tavern and whether lessees could opt for and honoured to be invited to The Rose reports on her part tied (i.e. just on soft drinks speak at the rally, alongside the two visits to London: & wine if they wanted to likes of MPs Greg Mulholland, specialise in ale) and how that Andrew Griffiths, Hazel Blears On Tuesday 5th February, I would be workable within the as well as Colin Valentine from attended a Labour Party Round pubco model. CAMRA and Duncan Sambrook Table Conference.- I was one of of Sambrook Ales. around 20 publicans, plus As for adjudication it would representatives from SIBA seem that many lessees feel In my speech, I tried to (Julian Grocock & Nigel Sadler) , that they are ‘fobbed off’ by convey that it was now a myth CAMRA (Mike Benner & the pubco grievance proce - that only bad pubs were Jonathon Mail), The Publicans dures and that they take too closing and only bad publicans Morning Advertiser (Michelle long, so a time limit was called were losing their livelihoods - Perrett), BII (Phil Dixon), ALMR for. Most also seemed in we have lost many great pubs and others, who met with Toby favour of a panel of adjudica - and publicans (point in case for Perkins (Labour MP for Chester - tors that are not in the trade Norwich - The Rosary & Ian & field) in The Thatcher Room at i.e. not working for pubcos or Nina) and without a serious Portcullis House in Westminster other companies with vested change this will continue - it's a to discuss pubco regulation. The interests in the outcome. With hard life and it's getting debate was split into 3 groups Rent Reviews many were harder! I also pointed out that and we were asked to choose concerned that they did not with every price rise we face - two to join for 30 minutes each get a fair outcome as the be it beer duty, rates, utilities - - the debates were 'Alternatives valuers were ‘recommended’ that we as publicans have to to the Free Of Tie option', 'Rent by the pubcos, so looked at pass this on to the consumer, Reviews' and 'How adjudication ways to change this. as the alternative is to not be should work'. I joined in the able to invest in our pubs, discussion on the FOT option There is a real feeling of hope move forward, employ staff or and adjudication. amongst lessees that some - in some cases even keep them thing may actually change to open. And all of that comes Not surprisingly, most tied help them run their pubs the before having anything for lessees wanted to be given the way they would like to without ourselves of course! choice of a Free of Tie option, being penalised for doing well to enable them to buy the beer and with a choice of what they (I must have done alright they want at the market price, want to sell. I was very pleased because Greg Mulholland shook rather than be limited in choice to see that these discussions my hand and said it was a great and paying twice the price of were conducted with people at speech afterwards, and he is a freeholders. Therefore the sharp end of the industry, pub hero!)

24 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS | 77 Church Street Coltishall, Norwich NR12 7DW Tel: 01603 736644 www.redlion-coltishall.co.uk The Red Lion is a traditional Norfolk Real Ale and Wine Freehouse Pub situated in the picturesque village of Coltishall on the Norfolk Broads. The pub dates Opening Times back to the 17th Century and has recently undergone a major refurbishment. The interior now offers contemporary style décor with many Monday - Closed original, period features that have been retained. Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm - 11pm Friday to Saturday: 12noon - 11pm Several locally brewed real ales avaliable Sunday: 12noon - 6pm Selection of fine wines from Adnams Unique combination of seating areas to accommodate drinkers who like to stay at the bar, friends wishing to share a bottle of wine by the fire and a top bar where things can get lively whilst live sport is shown on the television! Large Beer Garden • Ample Car Parking The Red Lion is managed by Kevin and Sue Gardner who also run the King’s Head gastro pub down the road in the same village.

A traditional Free House owned by local people from the village offering you a warm welcome and enjoyable stay. Try our Award Winning Norfolk Ales

The Wolf Brewery will Available All Year Round soon be moving to: Decoy Farm, Norwich Road, Available in bottles and 36 pint polyp Besthorpe, Norfolk, NR17 2LA on-line atwww.wolfbrewery.comor Telephone: 01953 457775 E-mail: [email protected] from our brewery shop

SPRING 2013 25 | Whin Hill Cider Trip NORFOLK NIPS | A farewell and a new be g

The Coasthopper Bus, a good place to be on a machine its bearings were not at their best. Two cold Saturday morning such as the one before varieties of apple were being pressed. The Norwich beer festival. It was certainly popular. Brown’s Apples were large, soft and went At Hunstanton Cliffs the driver had to check the through easily. The others, Michelins, were a number of passengers already standing before different story, they were small and hard, being letting anyone else board. At Wells the weather described as bullets; if too many were put was no better. It was running down the North through, the scratter stopped dead in your Sea, across the harbour and driving up the hands. Not much fun. Predictably, everybody narrow streets of the town. No matter, across through the gates was “offered” a chance to give the car park, Whin Hill’s Ciderworks beckoned a turn of the handle. Most didn’t keep it up long. with something special on offer.

We wondered whether change was afoot. Jim “All I’d ever seen it used as Ferguson and Pete Lynn, Whin Hill’s founders had recently sold the cider company to Mark was as a convenient ledge to and Lisa Jarvis. The cider had always been put a cider glass down on a pressed at their orchard near Stanhoe, however an ancient press had been a feature of their warm summer’s day when Stearman’s Yard premises for as long as I’d been going there. All I’d ever seen it used as was as a outside seems the best place convenient ledge to put a cider glass down on a to drink. This time was warm summer’s day when outside seems the best place to drink. This time was different, the different, the press had been press had been restored to working order (apparently with surprisingly less work than may restored to working order...” have been anticipated) and was promised to be back in action for the first time in more years From there the pulp was taken to the press than anybody could remember. where another surprise awaited. Instead of using conventional nylon ‘horsehairs’ (the porous On arrival, having partaken of a particularly cloths used to hold the pomace as the juice welcome glass of freshly mulled cider, it became drains away), the more traditional straw was clear what was afoot. Apples from the orchard being used. This is a very traditional process were being put through a scratter of similarly whereby each layer of straw used to build the ancient vintage. A scratter is the equipment used cheese (successive layers of pulp and filtration to break the fruit up into a coarse pulp. This is medium) is put together by hand, a laborious done between toothed and flat rollers, hence process. A recent visit to one of the last straw the term cider mill. The scratter was fitted with a pressers remaining in the West Country belt wheel on the side to drive it; indeed a suggested that the last straw, so to speak, was reproduction Victorian poster on the wall adver - the introduction of the combine harvester tising a similar machine was promoting it as which, apparently, leaves straw too short to be being suitable for steam or horse power (and useful for pressing. Back at Wells, the apple juice could be conveniently operated by two boys). gushing from the press was, having had a few On this occasion, it was being hand cranked. It surreptitious tasters, agreeably tasty. Jim reck - was hard work. This being an old and well used oned that considerably less juice was being

26 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS | inning at Whin Hill Cider produced than Whin Hill’s modern belt press awkward steps down to the hold. would make from the same apples although the slower process today was allowing more oxida - A worthwhile visit seeing the elderly equip - tion giving a greater depth of colour. ment restored and in use, if only for special occasions. The resultant cider is much antici - The juice was then transferred to an oak cask pated, this being the only straw pressed cider I to ferment naturally through the winter. On the am aware of having been produced commer - day, bottles were being sold in advance to raise cially in the Eastern Counties for many years. funds for Wells Community Hospital. Afterwards there was time for an agreeable lunch at The Ian Bailey Edinburgh and a visit to some of the town’s pleasing variety of independently owned shops. Following a return to Whin Hill for goodbyes (and another drop of cider), a wait for the next bus home allowed a first visit to The Albatross, a Good Beer Guide listed pub in the hold of a working sailing ship. An interesting location but not for those who have trouble with the

The Gatehouse Pub The Ha rte 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ Tel: 01603 620340 Old Costessey, Norwich, NR8 5BS Tel: 01603 742755

FREE FOUR REAL ALES

ACCESS Wednesday Irish Folk Music Privately owned freehouse and restaurant with a Thursday Folk Mixed Music wide selection of real ales, lagers and ciders. Friday & Saturday Live Music Freshly cooked locally sourced food. Sunday Celtic Folk Music Child friendly, large beer garden, pool table, easy Large garden overlooking access from A47, ample parking and on 23A bus route from the city centre. the River Wensum Visit www.thehartenorwich.co.uk to OPEN: Mon - Thurs 12-11 check out the menu and opening times Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

SPRING 2013 27 |

NORFOLK NIPS CAMRA News | Converted Hardware Store Judged Britain’s Best Pub!

CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2013 describes the pub as “A split-level hostelry with old world charm next door to the world’s first co-operative store. The Baum has eight hand - pumps, one dedicated to cider, and a large variety of conti - nental bottled beers. Excellent food includes vegetarian dishes, with a tapas menu available throughout the week. There is an upstairs dining / function room. The large rear garden, over looked by a The Baum, Rochdale, Lancashire On hearing the news, Heidi conservatory, contains two full- has been crowned the best pub Crompton said, “We were size pétanque pistes.” in Britain by CAMRA, the ecstatic to hear that we had Campaign for Real Ale. been voted CAMRA’s National The other finalists were: Pub of the Year. We are very Bridge End Inn , Ruabon, Wales CAMRA’s National Pub of the proud of the team that have – winner of CAMRA’s National Year competition recognises all played an important role in The Pub of the Year last year and the criteria that make a great Baum’s success and it is a testa - the first Welsh winner of this pub, including atmosphere, ment to their hard work that award. Taken over by the decor, welcome, service, value the consumers have recognised McGivern family in 2009, it for money, customer mix, but our pub with this prestigious sells five different real ales. most importantly, the quality of award.” the beer. The building, which Conqueror Alehouse , sits next door to the Pioneers Heidi continued, “We are a Ramsgate, Kent – Ramsgate’s Museum, which is the original family run pub with our values smallest free house, where ale Co-op store, has only been a influencing every aspect of the and cider are served straight pub for around 30 years and business in relationships with from barrels. It offers a quiet, was converted from Morris’s our staff and suppliers. We are music and TV free atmosphere Hardware Store in the 1980’s. dedicated to the ‘buy local, in which to enjoy a pint or two. shop local’ initiative, always Simon Crompton, one of the willing to support independent Tom Cobley Tavern , owners, started work in The businesses. The support from Spreyton, Devon – a former Baum in 1993 and became the regular customers and local CAMRA National Pub of the manager in 1994. In 2005, CAMRA members is valued and Year in 2006, it sells 14 Simon and his wife Heidi, who we would like to thank everyone different real ales every week, co-owns the business, bought for their continued support.” plus 20 ciders in a pub that is the pub just two days after ‘part of the community life’. having their first child.

SPRING 2013 29 | Norfolk A - Z NORFOLK NIPS | G is for…

Two places in Norfolk which perhaps show the wonderful diversity in the County. The first is Great Yarmouth, the County’s largest seaside resort, where you can breathe can catch a glimpse of it’s harbour in deeply the bracing air and and the wide expansive sea have some fun. Like most heritage at The Time and Tide Museum, housed in a former front with its miles of golden places in Norfolk though, it sandy beaches and piers, lies takes some getting to. Yes Victorian Herring Curing House, which brings the the heart of the town and the there is the rail link and yes, Heritage Quarter. Part of the there is an express bus service, atmosphere of a 1950’s fish wharf. medieval town remains with but if driving you have to some of the old houses contend with the Acle Straight crammed in narrow alleys, – the only road on which I have Great Yarmouth still has a busy commercial harbour on which were called rows in been stuck in traffic and over - Great Yarmouth. Modern taken by a sailing boat on the the river and there is the new outer harbour, built for delights include the Sea Life nearby river! It’s an ancient Centre, the Funfair and the town, which relied on the commerce that has yet to materialise. Between the Merivale Model Village, all on fishing industry before it the Promenade. became a seaside resort. You Earle Arms Heydon Traditional Norfolk freehouse and restaurant Three Real Ales always available Good Food • Real Fires 01263 587376 Satnav: NR11 6AD (Just off B1149 Holt - Norwich Rd)

30 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS | By now, you are ready for a and it opened as a Museum in Freehouse (NR20 5HH) is on drink! There is a Wetherspoons 1976. The farm still remains your right. This is a popular here, The Troll Cart (NR30 2AF) and you can have cart rides rural community pub which in Regent Road and no less around it, whilst the house has hosts the Norwich and Norfolk than three pubs in the 2013 been converted into Galleries, Branch December Meeting and Good Beer Guide. The celebrating the lives of those Christmas Quiz every year. Mariners Tavern (NR30 1LN) in who lived and worked on the Howard Street South was the land. You can see a 1950’s Branch Pub of the Year, in room, the Land Girls and Attleborough 2010. A bit hard to find, but Lumber Jills Gallery, the Engine this former Lacons pub has up Rooms, the Transport Gallery Heritage Group to eight real ales and ciders and the Workhouse Corridor. and perries on offer. The Oliver In the grounds you will find The Attleborough Heritage Twist (NR30 2DX) in North the lovely 1930’s Cherry Tree Group is holding an Illustrated Market Road is even harder to Cottage, the Village Row, with Talk on the History of Public find, tucked away in a cosy the Smithy, Grocer and Post - Houses in Attleborough and back street. The St John’s Head master and the Panhard et the Surrounding Area. (NR30 1JB) in North Quay, one Levassor Motor House, where of the oldest parts of the town Charles Roll’s 1899 vintage Believe it or not, there were is reputed to be built on land Panhard motor car has been around twenty two pubs in confiscated from monks of The lovingly retored. Attleborough, four or five in Carmelite Order. Besthorpe, five or six in Old Time for a pint! Dereham is Buckenham and seven in New Many of the pubs were just to the South. It has one Buckingham. In addition, owned by Lacons Brewery and Good Beer Guide Pub, The research is going on into the it easy to spot their distinctive Romany Rye (NR19 1DL) a six in Great and Little style, with flint walls, decorated typical Wetherspoons, in Ellingham and the six in Rock - windows and the Lacons Church Street. Other pubs are lands. Falcon Crest embedded in the available, as they say on the walls. BBC. And there may have been more. The Group are looking The other “G” is Gressenhall Alternatively, head north on for anyone with memories or Farm and Workhouse (NR20 the B1146 to the crossroads old photos to build up an 4DR). This “house of industry” and turn right. Drive through archive and incorporate into for the poor was built on farm - the village and you will find the presentation. They want to land in 1776. The Poor Law The Brisley Bell (NR20 5DW) know about the pubs them - Amendment Act of 1834 saw it set back from the road, appar - selves, their Landlords and converted into a Workhouse. ently miles and miles from Landladies, their customers Not much fun here then. Costs anywhere! Carry on to the and the beers and ciders that were kept low by making life crossroads and you have The they drank. for the paupers so hard and Kings Head (NR20 5JB) in front unpleasant that they didn’t of you. If you can help, then please want to be there. Men, women get in touch. Please call 01953 and children were separated But if you are looking for a 455877 or e-mail attlebor - and were given menial tasks. Good Beer Guide pub, then [email protected] They did get Health Care and head east on the B1145. Just Education though! after the railway crossing (The The talk will be on Saturday Mid Norfolk Railway will even - 23rd March, 19.00 for 19.30 Incredibly, the Workhouse did tually have trains running here at St Mary’s Church Hall, Attle - not close until as late as 1948, from Dereham) The Railway borough SPRING 2013 31 | The London Tavern Free House Great real ales, fine wines and spirits. Food Served: Monday- Friday 11am - 5pm Saturdays 11am - 3pm Sundays 11am - 3pm Evening meals on request The Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licence Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm offering over 60 bottle conditioned ales Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1.00 from 15 Norfolk brewers.

We are located on a beautiful arable farm Attleborough’s only Good Beer close-by Wells-next-the-Sea, which provides Guide pub 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 much of the malt used in brewing the Camra Discount Scheme & Local Ale ales we sell. Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing, The Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm, Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden. Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome. Tel: 01328 710810 Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415

COAST ROAD, WALCOTT, NORFOLK NR12 OPE

Telephone (01692) 650371

FREE HOUSE Proprietor since 1989: STEVE BULLIMORE OPEN FOR FOOD & DRINKS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, 11am - 11pm Food available all day until 10.30pm 10% off food and drink on production of CAMRA membership card FOUR REAL ALES & CIDER www.lighthouseinn.co.uk

32 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS CAMRA News and LocAle | Yorkshire Brewery bags repeat winter beer award

Elland Brewery 1872 Porter, at The winning beer is described regarded as endangered beers, 6.5 per cent ABV, was crowned in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide they are beers for today’s CAMRA's Supreme Champion 2013 as a creamy, full flavoured discerning drinkers. And on a Winter Beer of Britain 2013 by porter, with rich liquorice cold day, 1872 Porter is a a panel of judges at the flavours and more than a hint perfect winter warming beer. National Winter Ales Festival in of chocolate. “Elland Brewery 1872 Porter Manchester. is a fine example of a modern Nik Antona, CAMRA Director, day interpretation of one of this The West Yorkshire brewery praised the outstanding quality country’s classic beer styles. It’s first scooped the country’s top of the champion. He said: gorgeous, drinkable, likeable winter beer award in 2010. “Porters should not be and is highly recommended.”

Here is a current list of all the pubs in Norfolk which are part of the CAMRA LocAle scheme. Update New entries are in Bold.

Alby, Horseshoes Hickling, Pleasure Boat Norwich, Ribs of Beef Aldborough, Black Boys Hilborough, Swan Norwich, Rose Attleborough, London Tavern Holt, Kings Head Norwich, Take 5 Binham, Chequers Holt, Railway Tavern Norwich, Trafford Arms Broome, Artichoke Hopton, White Hart Norwich, Vine Cantley, Reedcutter Kenninghall, Red Lion Norwich, Wig and Pen Catfield, Crown Kings Lynn, Live and Let Live Norwich, York Tavern Cley, George & Dragon Loddon, Swan Inn Poringland, Royal Oak Clenchwarton, Victory Ludham, Dog Reedham, Ferry Clippesby, Muskett Arms Newton by Castle Acre, George & Reedham, Lord Nelson Cromer, Cottage Dragon Reedham, Ship Cromer, Red Lion North Elmham, Railway Reepham, Kings Arms Drayton, Bob Carter Leisure Centre North Walsham, Orchard Gardens Rockland St Mary, New Inn Downham Market, Railway Norwich, Beehive (Leopold Road) Sheringham, Lobster Downham Market , White Hart Norwich, Bell Hotel Sheringham, Windham Arms Earsham, Queens Head Norwich, Champion Surlingham, Ferry House Filby, Kings Head Norwich, Cottage (Silver Road) Swardeston, Lakenham/Hewitt Geldeston, Ferry Inn Norwich, Duke of Wellington Rugby Club Geldeston, Locks Inn Norwich, Fat Cat Tacolneston, Pelican Gorleston, Dock Tavern Norwich, Fat Cat & Canary Thorpe Market, Gunton Arms Gorleston, Mariners Compass Norwich, Fat Cat Tap Thurlton, Queens Head Great Yarmouth, Barking Smack Norwich, Jubilee Watton, Willow House Great Yarmouth, Mariners Norwich, Ketts Tavern West Acre, Stag Great Yarmouth, Red Herring Norwich, Kings Head Wiveton, Bell Great Yarmouth, St Johns Head Norwich, Lord Rosebery Wroxham, Brewery Tap Great Massingham, Dabbling Duck Norwich, Murderers Wymondham, Cross Keys Heacham, Fox & Hounds Norwich, Red Lion Wymondham, Green Dragon Hethersett, Kings Head Norwich, Reindeer

SPRING 2013 33 | st oted be V & Norfolk pub A h CAMR Norwic nter ale 2012 wi trail

The Street, Catfield, Great Yarmouth, “The Country Pub On The Edge of Town” Norfolk NR29 5AA Bacton Road, North Walsham NR28 0RA Telephone: 01692 580128 FREE OPEN ALL DAY Serving a good selection of ACCESS FIVE REAL ALES local real ales Meals Served Also serving home cooked food 12noon to 2.30pm Parties catered for and in the evening 6.30 to 9.30pm Bookings 01692 404800 Open 7 days a week

34 SPRING 2013 |

Awards Night NORFOLK NIPS |

Awards Night at The Cottage

On Thursday 24th January, the Norwich and Norfolk Branch celebrated the 35th Norwich Beer Festival by presenting the awards to the winning Breweries. The Category Winners were announced in the Winter Edition of NIPS and most gathered at The Cottage in Silver Road, Norwich to collect their Certificates.

The Nominated Charity of the Festival, NorLSAR - Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue, were also on hand to collect their cheque for £3,500 from Branch Chairman, Graham Freeman. They were clearly delighted to receive such an amount. Chairman Paul Chamberlain said that the money would go to useful equip - ment, such as radios, tents, and display boards for events, because awareness of who they are and what they do is as important as raising money.

Already it has been a busy year for them. One night they were training near Thetford when they got a callout to look for a missing person in Awards were also made on the night to Gimmingham, the other side of the County! winners of Norfolk Real Ale in a bottle. Fortunately, the missing person turned up safe The overall Champion was India Pale Ale from and sound. They provide this service to the the Grain Brewery which was the winner of the Police 365 days a year and so far have had 2 call Strong Bitter Category and Runner up was The outs and 5 stand byes and it’s not even Squirrels Nuts from the Beeston Brewery which February. won the Mild Category.

36 SPRING 2013 | CAMRA Members’ 2700 members Weekend and AGM 2013 1934 male When: Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April d Blackfriars’ 76 f Where: St Andrew’s an 3 emale Halls, Norwich 3 others What time: Registration desk opens 16.00 274 are on Friday, 09.00 on Saturday and Sunday. k for full young memb See www.agmnorwich2013.org.u ers details

Members can pre-register with CAMRA before 22nd March 2013

The Sum mer issue lk Branch o and Norfo f Norfolk Norwich Nips will b ral Meeting e available Annual Gene : 3rd June 13 y 21st May 20 Deadl hen: Tuesda ch (in ine for E W bland, Norwi ditorial Take 5, Tom co Where: airs). py is 1st Room upst May the Function ime: 8pm What t mbers only! CAMRA Me Card carrying Qandu Waeveeneny B’rsew inHg Ceomapadny Traditional Village Pub with a brewery producing permanent and seasonal ales on site Large beer garden, traditional games, lunchtime menu and a good selection of real ale, spirits and soft drinks

Listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2000.

Station Road, Earsham, Norfolk Tel: (01986) 892623

38 SPRING 2013 | BBPA Challenges Cambridge’s City of Ale Pubs Protection Policy Update

Chair of the All Party Parlia - greater protection to pubs and mentary Save the Pub Group to give local communities a say Greg Mulholland has, during over their future. Community and Local Govern - ment questions on the floor of “The fact that the BBPA, the the House of Commons, so called ‘British Beer and Pub condemned the British Beer Association’ are seeking to and Pub Associations (BBPA) overturn this, despite it being decision to pursue judicial introduced by a democratically review against Cambridge City elected council, exposes the Planning for the 3rd Festival is Council’s supplementary plan - BBPA for who they really are, already under way and the Organ - ning policy for pubs. which is the Big Brewers’ and isers are hoping to build on the Pubco Association who, successes of the first two events. The BBPA have announced pretend to campaign for pubs that they will pursue judicial whilst they really simply lobby The new logo has been review of Cambridge City on behalf of their pubco launched as has the website Council’s supplementary planning paymasters. which will be updated. policy, which was introduced by Louisa Griffith-Jones MCIPR, the Council in 2012 to give “The BBPA are now prepared Director, LGJ Public Relations pubs greater protection in to spend thousands of pounds has been appointed as the PR planning law including to defend the indefensible right supremo for City of Ale 2013. ensuring that local communi - of some of their members to ties have a say over the future continue to sell viable, wanted Louisa will be promoting of their local pubs, rather than pubs and asset strip pubs Norwich far and wide with an allowing the large unaccount - without letting the community engaging and informative bi- able pubcos to sell off their have a say, which is appalling. monthly email newsletter pubs, even when they are This stance is anti pub, anti which will go out to trade and viable, simply to pay off their small business and anti consumer journalists, beer- debt or to appease share - community”. bloggers, CAMRA members holders and creditors, despite and real ale lovers. Pubs and this meaning the loss of a pub “It is time that Councils and breweries are encouraged to valued by local people. the Government saw through submit stories for inclusion. the claims of the BBPA to speak Each edition will also feature a Greg Mulholland said: “The for pubs, they do not, they beer-writer's take on City of Ale decision by the BBPA to pursue speak for the large pub owning plus news of new pubs, brew - a judicial review into Cambridge companies who often pursue eries and beers and other City Council’s ground breaking an agenda that is directly real ale related stories. The pubs protection policy is both damaging to pubs. It is time intention is to cement extraordinary but also that we had better pro pub Norwich's reputation as the disgraceful. The democratically leadership in the pub industry UK's City of Ale and make it a elected Council have done and time for non pubco must-visit destination for beer exactly what Ministers envis - members to consider their lovers everywhere. aged in the Localism Bill, which position and to evaluate is to build on the National whether the BBPA are really Email: [email protected] with Planning Policy Framework and advancing their interests and any news item for inclusion in introduce local policies to suit the interest of the Great British the newsletter! local needs, in this case to give pub”. SPRING 2013 39 | Beer Sommelier NORFOLK NIPS | Being a Beer Academy Sommelie r by Nigel Sadler “You’re a what?” “A beer sommelier” I reply. That’s how conversations usually start when I chat to people these days. And continue along the lines of “What’s a beer sommelier?” or “What do you actually do then?”

So what is a Beer Sommelier? Well the definition strong growth in recent years. In addition on Wikipedia, admittedly not always the most undoubtedly one of the ways forward is to offer reliable source but in this case quite succinct, is: beer, of all styles, as a worthy companion to the food menu. Indeed “beer cards” and chalk “A beer sommelier, (sometimes known as a boards with beer details are becoming more 'cicerone') is a professional who works in the alco - common sights in pubs. holic beverage industry specializing in the service and knowledge of beer. This knowledge includes an My own interest in food and beer pairing understanding of styles, brewing, ingredients, started back in 2002 when in Bruges on a busi - history of beer and brewing, glassware, beer ness trip. I realised that the drink I had enjoyed service, draught systems and food pairings. The for so long was in fact a far better match for profession is relatively new but growing.” some of the dishes on the menu than anything (abridged) from the wine list. Over the following months I experimented (enthusiastically!) using a couple I chose to become a Beer Academy Sommelier of different beer styles with one particular dish at 18 months ago to further my knowledge on a time. Wheat beers in particular were a great food and beer pairing, an area of particular success I seem to remember and proved very interest to me and one that is becoming more versatile. and more common at many venues from local pubs to some more established restaurants. The role of the Beer Academy Sommelier is Many people are choosing beer to accompany varied; we offer advice and guidance to both meals for a variety of reasons such as; lower outlet and consumer by helping pair menu alcohol levels, price against wine and finally items with beers available at the venue. We are because, very often, it works better with some ambassadors for the industry helping to foods than wine. promote beer, in all its forms from cask ale to bottled lager and encourage the public to try Over the past few years we’ve all seen the various styles. We are all knowledgeable people many changes and challenges that face the with experience in the trade whether, like brewing industry. We are still seeing pubs close, myself, as a brewer or a beer judge or beer albeit at a slower rate than previously, supermar - writer. Above all we have a passion for the kets seemingly have an ever growing share of product which we’re keen to pass on and the market and the population has changed its communicate to others. After all beer is our drinking habits. However, all is not lost and there national drink in many ways and there’s so are many positive notes, which we must much more to it than a pint glass on a Friday or consider, as to where growth lies. One of which Saturday night. The Beer Academy was set up to is that more and more licensees are looking to offer a range of short courses that would provide develop their cask ale sales, this sector has seen education to anyone and everyone who wished

40 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Beer Sommelier | to learn more about beer. These build up knowl - and food matching element. This course will not edge over a range of levels thus helping the only equip candidates with the skills to commu - attendee gain from a step by step approach. The nicate knowledgeably about beer with title of “Beer Academy Sommelier” being the customers and consumers but will enhance their pinnacle of achievement and final course in the professional status in the beer sector. series. Finally we reach the Sommelier accreditation So how do you get there and what’s on the - ultimate award. Having completed the offer? Advanced Course and How to Judge Beer First of all there are 90 minute tasting events, Course you are eligible to go forward for this usually themed such as Belgian or American title. You will have developed menus, hosted beers. These short sessions are the starting point beer and food events by now in your own right. of the journey so to speak. They offer guidance These are submitted for scrutiny by the chief on the brewing process, different styles and examiner followed by a 90 minute interview and highlight tastes and flavours. assessment

There are then 2 different half day courses on The journey with the Beer Academy nears the offer. The first “How to Judge Beer” is essential end but the role as a Beer Academy Sommelier for the route to the Sommeliership. This is continues out in the wide world, which I designed to help professionals, enthusiasts and mentioned at the beginning of this article, as an beginners understand how to assess and judge ambassador with the knowledge, experience the quality and style of a beer. The second half and communication skills to inspire people. It’s a day course “Beer and Food Matching”, though great feeling to be able to get people to redis - suited to all, is aimed at retailers who are looking cover beer, to encourage those who have never to generate sales by inspiring and guiding tried it and even be able to start people off on customers to choose a well thought out and the same journey I’ve made over the past 18 highlighted beer and food option. This course months. would help staff, from bar to kitchen, in offering advice and preparing menus. So if you’re looking to improve your own or the knowledge of your staff and want to be Moving on from these there is the One Day trained by experts look at Foundation Course, which incidentally is City & www.beeracademy.co.uk or call 020 7499 8144 Guilds Accredited to Level 1and therefore gives a for further details. qualification on successful completion. This again is perfect for staff training perhaps along - Biog side the BII ABCQ Certificate. It provides a sound Nigel Sadler is Commercial Manager of knowledge of brewing ingredients and their Wibblers Brewery and owns the craft brewing impact on flavour, the basics of food and beer school Learn2brew Ltd. He qualified as Beer pairing and introduction to beer style character - Academy Sommelier in 2011 and was voted istics. This course is to be recommended for APPBG Beer Sommelier of the Year 2012. anyone looking to build a career in the beer/hospitality trade. He is Vice-Chairman of the Society of Inde - pendent brewers (SIBA) and has written blogs The Two Day Advanced Course builds signifi - for the BBC Food & Drink website. He is a cantly on the aspects of the Foundation Course. member of the Chelmsford and Mid-Essex The range of styles sampled and detailed by branch of CAMRA, candidates is increased to some 50 beers. It also introduces the art of beer tasting and beer assessment. Finally it builds further on the beer

SPRING 2013 41 | We are THE BANNINGHAM in it! CROWN FREE HOUSE Traditional Country Pub and Restaurant •5 Real Ales • •Great Food • •Sheltered Gardens & Patio • Colby Road, Banningham, Aylsham, NR11 7DY 01263 733534 www.banninghamcrown.co.uk

42 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Appeal for our heroes | Calling all Publicans – can you help the Normandy Veterans Association?

“There are 28,000 British dead in Normandy: We have no right to forget” so said Corporal Eric Gunton (1903 – 1978).

Normandy Veterans never estimated at around £20,000. forget, they have been making The horrors of the D-Day Land - their way back to visit their fallen ings have been well comrades in the many War documented. These veterans Grave Cemeteries ever since. have never received counselling, just left to get on with their lives, Since 1984, the 40th anniver - and for many, those horrors that sary of the landings, there has they witnessed have come back been a series of “Final” pilgrim - to haunt them. ages, celebrating the 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th and the 65th So, how can you help? anniversary, which was thought The Veterans have launched the to be the last one possible. 70th Anniversary Appeal – The Teddy Bear Fund Raiser. They are But, in 2014, there will be looking for pubs to take a pack, another final organised which includes a Teddy Bear, a pilgrimage to celebrate the 70th Poster, and a book of Raffle anniversary. The Norwich and tickets. Then sell the raffle tickets District Branch plan to take part, at £1 per ticket, make the draw but need your help. and award the winner the prize bear and then send the proceeds The 65th anniversary was to the NVA Norwich Branch. All funded by a Government Initia - funds raised will go to fund this tive called Heroes Return, this final, final pilgrimage. “The time they must fund themselves. veterans of Normandy deserve With each Veteran being over nothing less.” 90 years of age, the Insurance cost is astronomical, plus they Please contact Jack Woods on will need carers, first-aiders and 01603 627706 or e-mail him at other helpers. The total cost is [email protected]

SPRING 2013 43 | The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask. Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events. Tongue twizzling food, and great value. Huge garden and children’s play area. Shooting parties, lunch & dinner menus available Victory Barn Function Room for Weddings and Parties Come & visit Nelson’s local.

Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk PE31 8HN 01328 738241

Drop in and enjoy the warm, friendly, informal atmosphere. The Burston Serving tasty food and superb ale. Our food is all homemade, some traditional, some inspired and locally sourced where possible. The portions are best described as hearty -you certainly won’t leave hungry!

We serve Adnams and Greene King Abbot from the cask and two guest local Ales.

We have a beer festival, live music, Steak nights, Buskers nights and lots more going on throughout the year.

Please take a look at our website: www.burstoncrown.com or call 01379 741257

44 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Dates for your diary | CAMRA Calendar

Norwich and North Norfolk Branch The Branch Annual General Meeting Take 5, Tombland, Norwich 8 – 10pm Tuesday 19th March For events outside Norwich, a coach will be Branch Meeting provided. This is free for Branch Meetings with a The Grange Hotel and Freehouse, Ormseby, charge of £5 for Members and £7 for Non- NR29 3QG. Voting for the Branch Pub of the members for other events. Year at this meeting 8 – 10 pm Coach pick-ups: 6.47 p.m. junc. Southwell Rd./Grove Rd.; 6.55 junc. Old Palace Rd./West Saturday 23rd March End St.; 7.02 junc. Mile Cross La./Eversley Rd.; Visit to The Green Jack Brewery and tour of pubs 7.06 Sprowston Fire Stn.; 7.10 Heartsease in Lowestoft. Coach departs from John Lewis at (Harvey Lane bus stop); 7.15 Norwich Railway 12.30 Stn. (Thorpe Rd. bus stops). Friday 29th March Please contact Michael Philips, our Social Campaign Coach Trip Secretary to obtain further details or to book a Visiting pubs to the East of Norwich seat on the coach on 07851 923 554 or [email protected]. Friday 5th April First Friday Five CAMRA Members who have registered their A pub walk visiting five pubs in Norwich e-mail address with the Branch will receive a Route to be advised monthly update on this list. If you would like to take advantage of this service, or have not Tuesday 16th April received the latest e-mail, please contact the Branch Meeting Membership Secretary, David Rackham, at 8 – 10pm Venue to be confirmed [email protected] Friday 19th – Sunday 21st April All Branch Meetings start at 8pm. National CAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls Pre-register on the CAMRA website West Norfolk Branch Card carrying CAMRA Members only

Friday 26th April Branch meetings (All include social) Campaign Coach Trip Visiting county pubs to the North of Norwich Tuesday 12th March Ship, Brandon Creek Friday 3rd May First Friday Five Tuesday 9th April A pub walk visiting five pubs in Norwich William IV, Sedgeford

Tuesday 14th May Angel, Larling Tuesday 21st May

SPRING 2013 45 | 46 SPRING 2013 | A unique Country Pub & Restaurant near Dereham, featuring a fine selection of real ales: Adnams Broadside & Best, Beeston Afternoon Delight and Woodforde’s Wherry, plus guest ales, all served directly from the cask.

Our menu is changed regularly and offers an irresistible selection of fresh, locally-sourced seasonal fare.

Darby’s Freehouse, Opening Times Elsing Road, Swanton Morley, Mon - Thurs Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4NY 11.30am to 3pm and Tel: 6pm to 11pm 01362 637647 Email: Fri & Sat [email protected] 11am to 11pm Web: Sunday www.darbysfreehouse.com (offer ends 30/04/13) 12noon - 10.30pm

SPRING 2013 47 | The King’s Head KEG FREE HOUSE Open 12.00noon - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday 12.00noon - 10.30pm Sunday

Run by enthusiastic drinkers E WE AR and CAMRA members. IN IT!

Keg Free Zone 14 Hand Pumps Norfolk Ales and Cider Mild always available Worldwide Bottled Beers Belgian Beers Television-free Bar Billiards www.norwichbarbilliards.co.uk rfolk CAMRA No ear Pub of the Y 8 2006 & 200 The Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JE www.kingsheadnorwich.com NORFOLK NIPS | From the Archives

Issue No. 48 April/May 1990 Issue No. 49 reported that the event was a On the 6th - 8th April 1990, CAMRA’s National success for Norwich as member delegates were Conference and AGM, as it was then, came to “impressed with the welcome afforded them in Norwich for the first time, and issue No.48 the pubs, the efficiency of the staff of St heralded the event. Members were promised Andrews Hall and the many attractions of our the chance to sample over 30 East Anglian Real fine City.” A quarter of the beer ordered was Ales in Blackfriars’ Hall. City pubs were getting Mild, as it was known that members would go in on the act – The Rosary was having Pitfield for low gravity beers. This was borne out as the and Premier beers, The St Andrews Tavern was best-selling beers were Reepham Dark Mild, having a Welsh Weekend, and the Reindeer Woodfordes New Broadsman and Batemans were going to have the full range of their home- Dark Mild. brewed beers, including the return of their excellent stout and a special new mild. It was noted that members were not the same as Beer Festival drinkers as they were polite and A selection of Manchester beers was available prepared to wait patiently to be served at busy at The Bystanders Club. They had just had a periods, knew what they wanted and said please successful Beer Festival in February with beers and thank you. from Ash Vine, Martin, Oakhills, Malton, Moles and Whitby Breweries, not normally seen in As for the Conference debates, it was thought Norwich. All beers were £1.00 per pint and it that Whitbread would be worried, and anyone was hoped to make this a regular event. The with an interest in cask-breathers would be Club had recently changed its Constitution to happier. recognise its long association with CAMRA, so that CAMRA members were now associate So CAMRA said thank you and bade farewell members of the Bystanders, entitling them to all and set off for Sheffield and then Bristol. the benefits of full membership.

Bateman’s of Wainfleet had organised a pub trail for the weekend. Batemans Mild was avail - able at The Reindeer, White Lion, Pottergate Tavern, St Andrews Tavern, Ribs of Beef and the Bystanders Society. XXXB was at the Rosary and The Jubilee. Members were invited to get their entry forms stamped and answer questions about these pubs, to be in with a chance of winning the prize – a night in Wainfleet and a tour of the Brewery! 50 SPRING 2013 | NORFOLK NIPS Competiton | NIPS 164 Competition By popular request - The Mystery Prize is back! As part of the CAMRA Members’ Weekend and KENT VEST ART AGM, Members will be exploring the City’s Pubs on six Pub Walks. VEIN

Some of the Pubs on the Walks are listed on DING SHAKE the right, in anagram form. In order to win the Mystery Prize, all you have to do is solve the FARM FOR DARTS anagrams and name the pubs. GET COAT E-mail your entries to [email protected] or post to LARGEST DON Norfolk NIPS 164 Competion, 201 RE STAPLERS Kingswood Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6GJ. Entries must be received by Friday 3rd May. TOIL WHINE

Please note that we do not collect readers’ HUGE SO EAT details for any purpose whatsoever, other than to know where to send the prize! BANKING MOLE

SPRING 2013 51 | 52 SPRING 2013 | B ee Sp r rin Fe g / st Su iv mm a er l Norfolk Pub 20 s 13 Beer Festivals - Spring / Summer 2013

Over the next three months, a During the summer months In the following pages is a celebration of real ale is taking there are dozens of beer festi - selection of pubs which have place in pubs and other venues vals being held in pubs advertised their beer festivals across the county. throughout Norfolk. Some of with us. We have also included these festivals are well estab - a diary which lists all of these Norfolk is rapidly becoming lished and some are new this events and any others we have centre stage for real ale in the year. Some of these festivals been made aware of. To get an UK. With Norwich holding the run over a few days and others idea of location, there is also a CAMRA AGM in April when go on for a week or more! map included. The numbers on over 1,000 CAMRA members the map correspond to the will descend on the city and There are a wealth of attrac - numbers next to the diary list - surrounding area, inbibing the tions at these beer festivals, ings. beery best our county can including beer and food provide, along with spreading pairing, hog roasts, live music, A well-run pub can cater for the joys of real ale and children’s entertainment, all ages, offering a place where supporting our pubs. bouncy castles and even a friendships can be formed and funfair, many of these festivals provides a convenient stopping Then in June the ‘Norwich City are raising money for charity. point for a family enjoying a of Ale’ event returns for its third bike ride on a sunny day. To year. Many pubs in the city With there never being so help you plan your travel to have teamed up with Norfolk’s many micro-breweries in the and from these events we have finest breweries to offer up UK, not only will you get the also included a brief guide to some of the best real ale in the chance to sample a variety of bus and train travel and where country. Also a huge range of real ales you may never have to find further information and events throughout Norwich is tried before - including those timetables. organised. ‘Norwich City of Ale’ brewed specially for the occa - is becoming a major event in sion - you’ll be able to try your So whether you want a quick the city and beyond, attracting hand at traditional pub games, pint after work, a night out visitors from all over the take part in an ‘ale-trails’ and with your friends or a family country and from abroad! history walks and learn how day out with the kids; look in at this great tasting drink is the local, you won’t regret it. brewed. SPRING 2013 53 | A Beer Festival is near you!

1 29 March - 1 April 11 22 - 27 May 20 26 - 28 July Old Bell Easter Beer Festival Dove Street Inn Beer Festival Worstead Music & Beer Saham Toney St Helen’s St, Ipswich Festival 8 Ales, 2 Cider and Entertainment White Lady, Worstead NR28 9RW 12 21 - 23 June Over 50 Real Ales and live music 2 29 March - 1 April Norfolk Real Ales Beer Union Jack Easter Beer Festival 21 9 - 11 August Festival Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Saithe PE31 4th Ranworth Beer Festival Union Jack, Roydon 8BJ Village Hall, NR13 6HS 8 Ales, 2 Ciders and entertain - Over 20 Ales and Ciders ment 13 27 - 28 June Charity Biker Rally & Beer 3 30 March - 1 April Festival STOP PRESS!! Pie and Ale Festival The White Lady, Worstead NR28 These festivals were listed Rickinghall Village Hall, Hinderclay 9RW Road IP22 1HD at the last minute so are out of date order sorry! 14 24 - 29 June 4 29 March - 2 April ‘Small but perfectly formed’ Easter Beer Festival beer festival 22 16 - 21 July Royal Oak, Poringland NR14 7JT The Vine, Dove Street, Norwich Heathland Community Beer Music all weekend Festival 15 4 - 7 July Heathlands Community Centre, 5 5 - 7 April NR13 4QH Beer and Bike Show The Beehive Beer Beer 12 Real Ales, 2 Ciders and loads of Railway, North Elmham Festival and BBQ Leopold Rd, Norwich NR4 7PJ entertainment 15 - 21 April over 30 Ales 6 22 - 24 March The Mad Moose Beer Festival 23 16 Fakenham Beer Festival 2 Warwick St, Norwich NR2 3LD 19 - 21 July Crusaders RFC Beer Festival 20 plus local ales and entertain - 7 18 - 21 April Beckhithe, Little Melton NR9 3NP ment Best of Norfolk Ales Beer 20 Ales and Cider from Local 24 29 March -1 April Fest Breweries. Camping and Caravan - Reedham Riverside Beer The Murderers, 2-8 Timber Hill, ning available Festival Norwich 20 plus ales and live music 17 25 - 28 July 8 19 - 28 April Fox and Hounds Beer 25 24 - 27 May Cottage George’s Fest Festival May Bank Holiday Beer Fest The Cottage, Norwich NR3 4TB Fox and Hounds, Heacham Over 50 ales, ciders and perries Green Dragon, Wymondham NR18 0PH 18 26 - 28 July Live music every day 9 3 - 5 May Humpty Dumpty Reedham Dragon Hall Norfolk Beer Beer Festival 26 20 - 24 June Festival Reedham Village Hall & Field, NR13 13th Solstice Beer Festival 115 - 123 King Street, Norwich 3HL The Hill House Inn, Happisburgh NR1 1QE Real Ales, Ciders, Live Music, BBQ NR12 0PW & entertainment. A family friendly 10 4 - 6 May event The Oliver Twist Bank Holiday Cider Festival OTHER BEER 19 27 July North Market Road, Great Mattishall Beer Festival FESTIVALS Yarmouth South Green Park, Mattishall, Over 20 Real Ciders and enter - Dereham NR20 3JY 23 May - 2 June tainment Over 50 Ales, entertainment and 3rd Norwich City of Ale Hog Roast Festival Throughout Norwich

54 SPRING 2013 |

A beer festival is near you! The numbers on the map match the numbers next to the events described on page 54. This map is to show yo

12 Brancaster Staithe

Little Walsi g 17

23

Gt. Massingham 5 2 Roydon

1

West Acre

1

Feltwell

56 SPRING 2013 | Beer Festivals section

ou the general area and is not to scale!

ingham

26

Heydon

13 20

9 21 10 15

22 9 7 14 24 6 8 18 16 Reedham 25 4

Poringland

Tacolneston

Geldeston

North Lopham

11

3 SPRING 2013 57 | THE MAD MOOSE REAL ALE FESTIVAL 15th to 21 st April 2 01 3

A week long festival celebrating the great taste of British Real Ale.

Come and enjoy our fabulous food and great atmosphere with a pint or two of proper beer!

We hope to see you soon. Y £5.00 HAPP es UR nch O Fri lu H Mon - e -7pm vailabl 4 FF a 30% O

The Mad Moose 2 Warwick Street Norwich NR2 3LD

T: (01603) 627687 [email protected] www.animalinns.co.uk Beer Festivals section Travelling around Norfolk Norfolk is well served by train and bus services The Coasthopper route sets off from Kings between all the major towns, villages and out of Lynn and covers Hunstanton - Wells - Norfolk via Kings Lynn and Norwich. There are Weybourne - Sheringham - Cromer and many of also many cycle and walking routes available for the smaller villages in between. the more adventerous beer hunter or those with families looking for a full day out with some Other services include X8 covering Kings Lynn excercise thrown in. to Fakenham and Heacham.

Greater Anglia and East Midlands Trains X5 and X6 services from Fakenham to Norwich Services run everyday into Norfolk from Ely, covering many villages including Little Snoring, Peterborough, Cambridge and Ipswich. Erpingham. Aylsham and Mile Cross.

All services pass through Norwich where you There is a large map of the routes available for can then go on to the coastal Norfolk towns of download at: www.norfolkgreen.co.uk Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Cromer and Sheringham. The X1 First group service runs into Norfolk from Peterborough passing through Kings Lynn, Go to www.greateranglia.co.uk Narborough, Swaffham and several other or www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk to check times villages to Norwich. The service then runs on through Acle and Great Yarmouth. Heritage Train services Mid Norfolk Railway Cycling Travelling between Dereham - Yaxham - Norfolk has hundreds of miles of quiet country Thuxton - Kimberley Park - Wymondham Abbey lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of England Tourism has developed a range of Free This volunteer run railway has a variety of circular Cycling Discovery Maps. locomotives including a fleet of heritage diesels. These are available at: Go to www.mnr.org.uk to check times. http://www.visiteastofengland.com/ things-to-do/Cycling.aspx The North Norfolk Railway Travelling between Sheringham - Weybourne - The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes Kelling Heath Park - Holt through Norfolk and is designed to make cycling fun, safe and simple as you cover huge The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile stretches of the UK. round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains on some journeys) through a delightful area of One third of the Network is completely free North Norfolk designated as being of from motor traffic, using old railway paths, outstanding natural beauty. forest tracks, country parks and bridleways, and the rest uses quiet minor roads and Go to www.nnrailway.co.uk/timetable.php to traffic-calmed streets in towns and cities. so if check times. your having a drink - get out of the car and on yer bike! Bus Services Norfolk Green run a number of Bus services into and around Norfolk.

SPRING 2013 59 |

Heathlands Community Centre, Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath, Norwich, NR13 4QH Tel: 01603 714164 Mob: 07818466473. SUMMER FAIR & BEER FESTIVAL TUESDAY 16TH TO SUNDAY 21ST JULY Proud to be providing publishing 12 REAL ALES & 2 CIDERS services to CAMRA SESSION Entertainment: Print Management TIMES Thurs: Blofield Heath Jammers Tues 16th - Thurs 18th: Fri: KC’s Karaoke & Video Disco Magazine Publishing Services 7.30pm until late Sat: The Rob Holmes Band, on the field, (weather permitting) from 9pm. Digital Marketing Friday 19th: Sunday: Summer Fair - 12 Noon 5pm until late Web Sites and Hosting Fully Licenced Bar Saturday 20th: Graphic Design Light Snacks available 2pm until late Illustration Sunday 21st: Kindly supported by Greenjack Brewery, Lowestoft. 12 noon until late. Search Orchard House Media www.heathlandscommunitycentre.org.uk Registered Charity: 303909

60 SPRING 2013 | Beer Festivals section

er m al ly m tiv Ju Su es th r F n 7 s! e Su er Be - e th b s 4 30 ur r Th ve O

SPRING 2013 61 | 4th Norfolk Ale & Music Festival 21,22 & 23 June 2013 Norfolk real ales • Live music all weekend Beer marquee • Freshly cooked pub food

Introducing the 5th

29th March (Good Friday) to Monday April 1st 20+ Ales on every session Live music every night • All ales locally sourced Date for your Diary August Bank Holiday Beer Fest 23rd - 26th August 2013 Live Music from ‘The Water Rats’ on Bank Holiday Monday For further information please call:

62 SPRING 2013 | Exclusively available at the Fat Cat during the CAMRA Members’ Weekend

For all your bar requirements please phone Julie on 07816 070658

d n w a o l r h ri e S p e e A B k th i 7 B - th 5

THE WHITE LADY • WORSTEAD Proprietor DENNIS GILLIGAN A freehouse in the heart CHARITY BIKER RALLY of Worstead MUSIC AND BEER FESTIVAL JUNE 27th - 28th Open 11 Till Late 7 days a week REAL ALE , FOOD, BIKES AND MUSIC! Newly refurbished bar with up to 9 Real Ales

Large New Restaurant Serving Food 7 Days A Week WORSTEAD 5 Luxury Bed And Breakfast All En Suite MUSIC & BEER FESTIVAL Function Room Available To Hire For Weddings 26th - 28th July Live music and over check web site for details 50 real ales over 3 days Folk And Quiz Nights OPEN ALL DAY

www.thewhitelady.co.uk NR28 9RW (01692) 535391

64 SPRING 2013 | Beer Festivals section

SPRING 2013 65 | The Smallest Pub in Norwich • Open Monday - Saturday • Families welcome

A great real ale pub in the centre of the City

Exceptionally good Thai Food lunchtimes and evenings

Sunday 21st April CAMRA AGM, we will be open from 12 to 6pm. We are Food served all day in the Good Beer Guide 2013

The ONLY Thai Restaurant SSmmaallll bbuutt PPeerrffeeccttllyy for Norwich in THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE! ffoorrmmeedd SSuummmmeerr Beer Fest www.vinethai.co.uk Beer Fest We are part of the 2244tthh -- 2299tthh JJuunnee 22001133.. “Norwich City of Ale” ale trail NORFOLK NIPS Obituaries | Mick Watts Roger Jeckells Terry Walpole writes: “‘Tis with a heavy heart bu t Roger Jeckells, formerly of I must announce the passing of Mick Watts Norwich, passed away peace - after a long illness. . . I know Mick and his fully in Chandler’s Ford, daughter Emma were involved with Norwich Hampshire, on the 4th and Norfolk CAMRA and especially involved in February 2013. Roger was a the beer festivals in October over a long period member of Norwich and of time , but not necessarily in the last few years. Norfolk CAMRA branch for I remember back in the day when the music was many years, distributing all week and a ticket only on the Saturday . “ Norfolk Nips to outposts in the north of the county until he moved south with Mick, and his brother Nigel were involved his wife in 2010. A regular in The Fat Cat, with the Norwich Beer Festival for many years. Roger could generally be found there in the late Nigel was in charge of overall security and Mick afternoon with his group of friends and a pint of was always on the door. Mick was very well strong ale. Having moved to Hampshire, Roger known, mostly to the folks that he and his preached with missionary zeal to anyone who brother barred from entering the Halls! would listen about the wonder of the pubs in his ‘Fine City’. He will be greatly missed. He also provided some musical entertainment on the decks occasionally, before retiring owing to ill health.

SPRING 2013 67 | Spring Fair at Gressenhall Farm Bank Holiday Monday 1st April

Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse hold an Apple Day event every year in October which is very well attended and popular. It is an autumn themed event that includes music and dancing, crafts people and cider drinking as well as other apple related activities. The Spring Fair in April is the Spring version of Apple Day and this year they plan to add a mini beer festival to the event. Local microbreweries are being invited to celebrate the great number of small brew - eries in Norfolk.

It will be a colourful and fun event for all the family including: music from Klezmerized; molly dancing with the Ouse Washes Molly Dancers; crafts people demonstrating; a marquee full of stalls-food, gifts, etc; a chapelful of local brewers; circus workshops; Punch and Judy shows; an April Fools Parade; traditional games; and an inflatable obstacle course.

The Plasterers, Cowgate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales (avail - able to all customers on Mondays)

The Red Lion, Drayton: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint real ale

London Tavern, Attleborough: 10% off all real ales

Cherry Tree, Wicklewood: 30p off a pint of Buffy’s (see wicklewoodcherrytree.co.uk/what.php)

If your pub or business offers a discount to CAMRA, but isn’t on this list, please contact [email protected] and let us know the details (including any restrictions)!

Please note: We believe this is correct at the time of going to press, however pubs may withdraw or change offers at any time!

68 SPRING 2013 | SPRING 2013 69 | Hill House Inn - Happisburgh For 2013: FIVE DAYS Thursday 20th June to Monday 24th June inclusive The Over 100 Beers & Ciders 13th (and the odd perry) from far and wide, at competitive pub prices. LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT inc. Rock, Traditional Jazz, Rockabilly, Skiffle, Folk and much more.

Family Friendly FREE PRINTED FESTIVAL CAMPING AVAILABLE GLASS AND TASTING NOTES. Food served all day inc BBQ & our One Off Entry payment of £5.00 to festival valid NEW IN Coffee shop and Carvery for the whole weekend. (Numbered wristband). Festival T-Shirts available Come and join us at the independent festival by the sea. Celebrate the 13th Solstice festival and 4 centuries of the Hill House. For more details contact:- Clive and Sue Stockton, The Hill House Inn, Happisburgh, Norfolk NR12 OPW Tel/Fax 01692 650004 Web www.hillhouseinn.co.uk Award Winning Real Ale Pub

We Don’t Have a Big Screen TV, Food Or a Juke Box We do have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide, 2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales From gravity, a large car park, large beer garden with heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes and crib.

We now serve morning coffee from 11am, children are welcome.

The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and new customers are always welcome. Come along and get a real welcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!! Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon. EASTER BEER FESTIVAL Friday 29th March to Tuesday Norwich And Norfolk 2nd April 2013 Pub Of The Year 2007 Music all weekend with Tosh and Friends Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 A dream of a pub situated in the village of 14 years in the Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay. Good Beer Guide! The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside.

44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JT www.poringlandroyaloak.co.uk Tel: 01508 493734