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Fe Sp sti ec * va ia see l l pa s ge ec s 5 ti 3 - on 65

&& CACACASKSKSK FFFORCEORCEORCE No.156 Spring 2011 NORWICH ‘CITY OF ALE’ EVENT LAUNCHED THIS SPRING!

Also inside: EE BEER FESTIVAL DIARY FR NORFOLK’S TRUE HERITAGE PUBS part 9 PUB AND TRADE NEWS Newsletter of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:20 Page 2 Tr af ford Arms

YOUR PUB, OUR COMMUNITY our nominated charity this year is the Downs Syndrome Society

Chris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms - 61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466 www.traffordarms.co.uk email: [email protected] NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:20 Page 3

Norwich & Norfolk Branch Chairman: Graham Freeman New Festival to be Tel: 01603 687495 Email: [email protected] Secretary: Warren Wordsworth opened by Roger Protz Tel: 01603 665557 Email: [email protected] Social Secretary: Tim MacDonald landlord of The Murderers. Tel. 01603 865505 There will be a programme, Email: [email protected] which will be on sale soon. This Pubs Officer: Mark Stimpson Email: [email protected] will give full details of the Pubs West Norfolk Branch and Breweries taking part, Chairman: Phil Buffham which beers are available, and Secretary: Ian Bailey where plus listings of events, Contact: Bruce Ward including Brewery Open days, Tel: 01485 609107 Branch websites: Meet the Brewer events in www.norwichcamra.org.uk This year, the year in which Pubs, BBQ’s, Quizzes, Live www.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk CAMRA is forty years young, Entertainment, etc. Branch mailing list web page: Norwich will have not one, but groups.yahoo.com/group/ two Beer Festivals. It is hoped that The Eastern CAMRA_Norwich Counties Transport Collection Published every 3 months In addition to the 34th will be available to provide by the Norwich, Norfolk & West Norwich CAMRA festival which some transport for the event. Norfolk branches of the Campaign will be held at St Andrews and There will also be a Brewers’ for Real Ale © N&N CAMRA 2009 Market outside the Forum on Norfolk Nips is produced and Blackfriars Halls in October, distributed by members of the there will be another, running 28th May, where local Brewers branch in their own time. from 26th May – 5th June. This will be selling bottled beers exciting new addition is very and other merchandise. Edited by: Mike Baldwin different from the CAMRA Email: [email protected] Festival, but is intended to The event will kick off with a complement it, both then launch party on the 26th May Chris Lucas Email: [email protected] promoting Norwich as The and will be officially opened by City of Real Ale. Roger Protz. It will end with a Views expressed in Norfolk Festival Awards event, with Nips are not necessarily those So how is this festival prizes for Beer of the Festival, of the editor or of CAMRA Pub of the Festival, etc as voted Design & Production: different? for by the public. Daniel Speed - Tamoko Design Firstly, It is the coming together Email: [email protected] of local Maltsters, Breweries In essence, it is LocAle, but and Norwich City Pubs to Distribution: not as we know it, and is a 12,000 copies / four times a year promote real ale. There will be golden opportunity for local Norwich and Norfolk District: at least 20 Breweries and 30 Brewers to get quality, local Tony Miles [email protected] Pubs participating. West Norfolk District : ales into quality local Pubs. Ros Harre [email protected] That can only be good for the Secondly, the event will take real ale scene in Norwich and Advertising: place in the Pubs themselves, Norfolk. Compare that to the For advertising enquiries please so there is no single venue. contact Chris Shilling on: scene 40 years ago. Tel: 01778 421 550 Mike Baldwin Email: [email protected] A committee has been set up to organise the event, co- Steve Whadcock FRONT COVER PICTURE: Tel: 01778 420888 / 421550 chaired by Dawn Leeder from courtesy of The Norwich Mobile: 07736 635916 PintPicker and Phil Cutter, Evening News [email protected]

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NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Bits Springing into Action With the 40th Anniversary of to the local press on matters the Festival Awards which coin - CAMRA coming up on 16th relating to the Government's cided with the opening of the March, why not celebrate with betrayal on the minimum Fat Cat Brewery Tap. It was a a pint of Real Ale in your local pricing of alcohol and the grand night out. We also Pub. There have been many effects of the smoking ban on presented a cheque to our successes over the years and our Pubs. You will have noticed Branch Charity 2010 – Norwich we still campaign for many that our Branch members are Door to Door for over £5000 issues relating to promoting working with the local media which allowed them to order a Real Ale. Nationally we have to encourage various new bus. We have yet to won a major victory in campaigns and if you would like choose our new Charity and I persuading the Pub’s Minister to help then please contact me. hope they will as successful this to begin public consultation year. into banning restrictive Our new Committee will be covenants. Many of our local elected at the AGM in March Finally I would like to thank communities will benefit from and I’m pleased that more Mike Baldwin and Warren removal of this anti-competi - members are becoming Wordsworth for assisting on tive practice and hopefully involved and are prepared to the Committee for the forth - Pubs will remain Pubs. work for the Campaign. It’s not coming Norwich City of Ale all about trips to Pubs and Festival although for some We have also seen local Pubs Breweries although we do all reason it was my quote they being demolished without find these very enjoyable. used in What’s Brewing . Fame planning permission and that at last. must change. Recently I spoke We recently held our Beers of Graham Freeman

Difficult Days Another years gone by, and gling and leases are up for sale. good variety of Ales. Reepham 2011 is here, A year which is Add to this that I’ve just been Railway Beer festival is the first going to be a difficult one for informed Tom Woods Brewery weekend in March, and Easter many Landlords. and Beer distribution have promises numerous Festivals gone bust; it makes it a poor around the country. Only two months have passed start to 2011. and already four pubs in west I hope to see you at some of Norfolk have shut. The Beding - On a brighter note having them. All the best for 2011. field Arms at Oxborough, the got over my ailments, it was Crown at Middleton, the good to get back into some Buff Rampant Horse at Gayton and social drinking at the Trafford West Norfolk chairman the Queens Arms kings Lynn, Arms Beer festival on Saturday three others look like becoming 9th February, A good collection private residential dwellings, of Ale’s along the bar plus a and several others are strug - marquee at the back with a

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NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors The Ed’lines

“From the Archives” delves into The second celebrates the very old copies of Norfolk NIPS and best in real ale, cider, and perry highlights the burning issues of from the UK, plus exquisite the day. It would appear that beers from around the world, something’s never change! all in the magnificent surround - ings of St Andrews and Welcome to the Spring 2011 We have said before that Blackfriars Halls. edition. Norwich can claim to be the UK City of Ale and with the CAMRA have asked Branches to This bumper Beer Festival number of real ale Pubs in the do something to celebrate their edition has more pages and City and Breweries countywide, 40th Birthday on 16th March. some new features. no one can deny that the real We are going one better; we ale scene in the city is vibrant. are celebrating all year! We have introduced our new “whiteboard”. Here you will And now, Norwich has two So, next time that you are in a find details of important Beer Festivals. great local pub, drinking a upcoming news and events, decent pint of fresh real LocAle, with the Branch Calendars The first, which will be opened raise your glass and say “Happy conveniently arranged on the by Beer Legend Roger Protz, Birthday CAMRA!” preceding page. celebrates LocAle in our excel - lent City real ale Pubs. Words from The Stig So 2011 is here, two months good real ale pub we don’t old by the time you read this. know about please tell us.

Much has been going on in As I said last year surveying is West Norfolk, with pubs an onerous task which we coming on the market as pubs steadfastly carry out on behalf for a change. Plus A GBG pub of real ale drinkers everywhere! from another culture, under new management, and read on to find out what it was! some worrying news on If it sounds like something another. good to do, come and meet us May I thank all the contribu - at a branch meeting or social. tors and people in the real ale The branch has along with business for their support of Norwich branch been engaged We have also managed to fit this issue. in surveying pubs nominated in the usual walks and beer for consideration as 2012 GBG festivals some of which you’ll Finally good luck to “Norwich entries. Remember there are read about in this issue. City of Beer” in its first year an only a small number of people exciting idea. giving us input by way of pub Personally I visited another visits and news, so if you use a pub celebrating a tradition

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| NORFOLK NIPS Pub News

Ramblings from While not immediately under together in the future to save threat, the Sir Garnet some of our pubs. Until next time. the Snug Wolsey is up for sale. At one time there were at least 13 Mark Stimpson I’d like to start by saying thank pubs around the market. Sadly Pubs Officer you to everyone who nomi - the Sir Garnet Wolsey is the last nated pubs for inclusion in the remaining pub on Norwich News from the West 2012 Good Beer Guide and also market place so it deserves to to the small army of volunteers be saved. It would be a real It seems that things are looking that have given up their time shame if it were to be snapped up in West Norfolk. The to survey the pubs. up by a coffee shop chain and Deer’s Leap in Lynn is up and lost forever. running, although we have yet I had a tremendous response to make a visit. for nominations with well over I was shocked to learn that Out at West Winch, the 100 pubs being put forward. the landlord of the Maid Sportsman has reverted to It would be great if I could Marian had taken the drastic being called the Winch. The have them all in the guide but step of locking himself and his new owner is Peter Collis, who unfortunately our branch are family inside the pub and has a couple of pubs down in only given space for 77 pubs. declared squatters rights. This London. We called in at around is in response to Enterprise Inns 9.30 one evening, and were At the time of writing, a increasing the rent. What I find lucky to find it open as it is very couple of Norwich pubs are totally unbelievable is that much a food pub, but this gave under threat of being lost Enterprise are currently adver - us a chance to have a chat with forever. The Rosary closed tising for a new tenant to take the barman, who, it turned about a year ago. An applica - over the running of the pub out, was really the handyman. tion to turn the building into rather that trying to reach an He managed to rustle up a pint flats was turned down by the agreement with the existing of IPA, and being unsure of the City planning last year. A new landlord. I would be interested prices, we came to an agree - slightly altered application was to hear from any tenant of an ment that suited us both. recently submitted. Again Enterprise Inns pub who have CAMRA has objected to the or are experiencing problems Apparently the place was in application and I hope that the from Enterprise. You can email pretty poor condition when the planning committee see sense me at pubsofficer@norwich - new owners took over, and and refuse this application. camra.org.uk there are some things still to do, but the carvery is back in The other pub under threat is I, along with Pubs Preserva - business and trade is picking the Queen Charlotte on tion Officer, Mike Spivey had a up, especially at weekends. Dereham Road which has had very positive meeting with Other pubs with new landlords an application for a change of councillor Victoria MacDonald include the Woolpack at use to charity and community about the plight of Norwich Terrington St Clements. This is use. The Queen Charlotte has pubs in general. Victoria was not the same as it was when had a chequered past but at previously a landlady in Lucille ran it, but it still serves a one point it was a decent Sudbury so has an under - good pint – London Pride and music venue. standing of the issues pubs face Wherry, I think, when we today. Hopefully we can work called. In Lynn, the ‘To Let’

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NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News notices are down from the retiring. Formerly the Princess selling IPA and a Beeston beer. Fenman and the hand pumps Royal, it is situated on the edge For our January meeting we on the bar suggest a visit of town, near the car parks and went to the Hare Arms at would not be in vain. The swimming pool and should Stow Bardolph, and were made Retreat , also in Lynn has been have a future in one form or very welcome. There was a taken over by Loraine Tomlin another. fine selection of the Greene and Malcolm Kilbourne who King range of beers, a few new have moved down from There are plans afoot to refur - faces at the meeting and even Aberdeen. They aim to make it bish the Wenns on Saturday a look at the cellar. We have into a community pub, and market Place in Lynn. These neglected this place a bit in have revived the darts and include internal and external recent times. It has a great domino teams, with crib, pool decoration and a plan to serve atmosphere, a good-looking and football to follow. My coffee alongside the Greene menu and is well worth calling in. memories of playing dominoes King beer and food. This has in the pub are coloured by not met with universal As well as the odd beer, I watching the Heysel disaster approval, and one of the staff is quite like football and in the unfold on the pub TV as we involved in a campaign to cold of November I had a played a summer league fixture ‘Save Our Wenns’. Check this couple of trips down to many years ago, but it will be out on Facebook on the site Cambridge. I walked out to see good to see it at the heart of ‘Wenns Drunkards’. Personally, United, and also strolled out to local life again. I would consider changing the Histon. Both visits involved name of the campaign group if dropping into a few randomly Several people have told us the idea was to garner support chosen pubs in the east and that the Rose and Crown out across a wide spectrum of the north of the city. It was great at Harpley is being refurbished public. to find that not only every one and is to open again. I tried sold real ale, but also Out in Barton Bendish, the Back in the snows of that about two thirds had Berney Arms has been open December we headed up to special offers with cheap pints. since August. This was the coast. Being early for the These were mostly on Greene formerly the Spread Eagle event at Thornham Lifeboat we King IPA, but one pub had and this handsome chalk and stopped for lunch in the Yurt . Thwaites Original for £1.90 per brick building is surrounded by The industrial sized wood pint. Since Christmas I have a large garden. It serves food burner made it warm and cosy, been to see games in such all day including afternoon and although on the pricey diverse place as Bolton, Fleet - teas. The refurbishment is side it is an interesting change wood, Bradford, Accrington, tasteful in a sort of toned down if you don’t fancy a pint. Borehamwood and Southend North Norfolk style and there We did, and after a beautiful as well as Lynn’s 10-1 win on were three beers on offer when and very cold walk around the New Year’s day. One other we visited, all from Adnams. marshes we dropped into the place we went was Wigan but They also do accommodation Orange Tree . A roaring log when I tried to buy a couple of in what looks like the converted fire, comfy armchair and an tickets for the game against stable block. excellent pint of Adnams made Arsenal, it turned out that I was it very difficult to leave. banned. Despite being a life - There is less good news for Another place we dropped long Bury FC supporter, they the Cobblestones in Lynn. into for the first time in years decided that I was an Arsenal The future is uncertain for this was the Windmill at Necton. fan on the grounds that I also Mexican themed pub and This is just east of Swaffham to bought a ticket for Wigan v restaurant run by Dave Kilv - the south of the A47. It proved ington since 2004 as he is now to be a pleasant village local Continued Overleaf

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eston Locks I eld Locks Lane, Geldeston nn G NR34 0HW Tel: 01508 518414

OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY from 12noon to late evening Food Service Summer Hours: Monday to Friday 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 9pm Saturday and Sunday 12pm all day through to 9pm

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THURSDAY 21st TO SUNDAY 24th APRIL EASTER BEER, CIDER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Live music all weekend, over 30 beers, ciders and perries, cake shop, barbecues, and famous curries of the world food session on the Friday night Open all-day-every-day-from 12 to close • All FREE entry!!!

SUNDAY MAY 1st MAYDAY FAYRE 12pm to 8pm Crowning the Waveney May Queen , Morris sides, eatre from ameside Mummers, Maypole Dancing, music From Murphy’s Lore, beers, barbecue and cake shop

Go to www.geldestonlocks.co.uk for more information on our events, parties and music line-up! NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:20 Page 11

NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News continued local pub feel rather than a Planning Issues restaurant, the change in Recently we have been keeping an atmosphere is already notice - eye on planning issues in the West able. She plans to expand the Norfolk area, and in between the number of hand pumps selling relatively uncontroversial applica -

real ale as the spring and tions, such as those for new signs at summer come along, poten - the Deer’s Leap, new windows for tially having five pumps. the Dukes Head, both in Kings Lynn, and some log cabins at the back of Arsenal two seasons ago. No Already sold are GK IPA, the Le Strange Arms in Hunstanton amount of persuasion could there are some more issues lurking. Abbot, Beeston beers plus First some good news, with an make the computer change it’s Elgoods and Humpty Dumpty. application in the pipeline to refur - mind, so we had to go and Clare hopes to offer a changing bish the Red Lion at Caston. This has have a couple of pints of range of beers mainly of local the support of the local parish Thwaites instead. So, to all you origin. council, and as the plans include a good people of Wigan, my bar and cellar it looks like the aim is message is this. May all your Popular quiz nights are held to reopen this pub. Less good are a pies be Octopus pies. on the last Friday in the month. couple of change of use applications for pubs to housing. The Kings Arms Clare was born in Hilborough in Swaffham has aroused little oppo - Jeff RT and comes from a family of sition, other than my letter, and has gamekeepers, she hope to been given permission. More The Swan at organise meets for gamekeepers controversial is the case of the Albert which will require tickets. Clare Victor in Castle Acre. This has gath - Hilborough ered a number of comments. It hopes to organise other events during the year. The Swan also seems that there was a new manager The Swan has recently been offers accommodation and a and staff ready to take over when it AL closed. There is a clear and cogent leased to new husband and caravan park. letter detailing the views of local and wife team Clare and James councillors opposing the scheme, as Elmer. They have a great deal A larger range of beers need well as several others in opposition of experience in the pub busi - to be drunk so let’s hope they to the scheme, including one from ness running pubs for get the support they need! I’d us, as the local CAMRA branch. In Whitbread, but are now setting like to wish them good luck in favour of turning the pub into out to create their own vision their new venture. housing there are a rather odd of a country pub. I went along Stig. collection of letters. These include one from a resident of Leigh On Sea, for a chat with Clare to see Essex who says that he has been m what they hoped to do with the This piece of good news is stopping in the village on the way to rs, Swan in the next year or so. put into perspective by the Cromer for lunch every year for the news that the Red Lion at last 20 years, and as none of the The food is already going Hockwold is on the market as a three pubs in the village are busy, the well, James is a chef and they house. However on the positive pub should close. The most are focussing on good tradi - side the Chequers at Feltwell intriguing, to me at least, is a tional pub food with the has been bought with a view to submission from the area manager of the Grimsby brewery, Tom Woods carvery on Sundays already leasing it out as a pub, builders arguing the case for change of use. needing to be booked. are already clearing it up. I find it odd that a brewery would Apparently the steak and ale want a free house to close and I have pie is a speciality. written to Tom Woods for clarification. I have not received a reply. To view the Clare has plans to continue to details of the application and the check change the interior to give a the West Norfolk planning website application number 10/01988/F.

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Pub Post Its | NORFOLK NIPS Pub Post-its As always, remember that these post-its are subjective and reflect the personal experience of our correspondents. Please feel free to email your post-its in to [email protected] - and if you really like the pub, why not nominate it for next year’s CAMRA Good Beer Guide?

Coach & Horses, Bethel Street, Norwich hand-pumps with a fluctuating range sometimes This well-known theatre pub has been under local, sometimes Wadworths, and that lingering new management since November last year, hint of eccentricity but minus Spanish waiter! and has benefited from a good clean-up by the looks of it. Still a Green King lease with Abbot, The Star, Fakenham. IPA and Speckled Hen, but the new landlords, The sign on the front wall says “ Back to a tradi - Dave and Tracy, have added a couple of extra tional, friendly, family pub, The oldest pub in handpumps for guests, including regular non- town.” This is the mission for new Landlady GK beers - recent examples have included Janine Scott. She admits that when she took Brewdog (yes!), Hyde's and Holden's, all in over the pub in November, this former GBG excellent condition. The genuinely home- guide pub was sadly neglected. With parts cooked food (lasagne, proper ham egg and dating back to the 15th Century, it is worth a chips) are also very good value, as are the hot visit. It’s open plan with a single bar and two pies and baguettes. Pop in! seating areas, with a pool room at the rear. There is an open fire and the cellar has a bread New Inn, Horning oven! Outside, behind the pub, is a delightful Having spent my usual month of January, garden, which is a pleasant surprise as the pub is ‘Alcohol’ free, it was a joy to enter a pub with set back off the road, creating a small car park. such warmth, (and it was not just from the fire), The ceiling beams have coins stuck into them. both staff and customers alike contributed to the The story is that, during the war RAF crews would reception. At this time of the year, there was place a coin here as a good luck talisman before only a choice of two Real Ales, namely Greene their next mission. If and when they returned, the Kings ‘Abbot’ and Adnams Bitter. Being a money for the beer was there waiting! lunchtime I decided on the weaker of the two, There are two real ales, Woodfordes Wherry which is not normally one of my favourite Breweries. plus a guest from The Admiral Taverns list. However, it was served Crystal clear, the aroma On my visit, Ruddles Best was available, with London was very pleasant and the taste was Superb. Pride and Hobgoblin having been on earlier.

Weybourne Ship Subscriptions and Visited on one of the darker days of January but Branch information a steady flow of coast-path walkers and locals We have a growing number of postal subscribers to through the door; two Norfolk beers on the Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, and I would like to pumps with a third just sold out and you could send my thanks for the kind comments and best wishes from those who have renewed their almost smelt iron on the wood-burner! subscriptions recently. If you would like to join Just at the western end of the village is the them in receiving the next 4 issues by post, send Malting’s Hotel with the bar open to non-resi - 12 first class stamps to Norfolk Nips and Cask dents. The old stables annex, where the bar Force, 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, used to be located, has been put to other uses. PE30 5NG. But the present counter is housed in the main I also send out occasional emails to members with block of the building and is a trip back into the details of forthcoming meetings and Branch events. English Country Hotel c.1970’s style wise All are welcome at these meetings so if you wish to add your name to my mailing list, send your email (comfortable; not cutting edge). But it has two address to [email protected]. 12 | SPRING 2011 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 13 The King’s Head KEG FREE HOUSE Open 12.00noon - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday 12.00noon - 10.30pm Sunday Run by enthusiastic drinkers and CAMRA members.

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 Dating from the 14th century, the pub has been restored to a Victorian style.

The Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JE www.kingsheadnorwich.com NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 14 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 15

NORFOLK NIPS | Burn’s Day Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin’-race!

with a helping of neeps and My favourite was the “Vital tatties. Spark Dark”, which was surpris - ingly hoppy. You may well wonder what this has to do with real ale but The piper returned to regale all will now become clear. The us with more poems and music event was supported by Fyne accompanied the ex-pat Scots Ales of Argyllshire, contributing in fine voice, the decibel level the whole range of their beers of bagpipes in a small bar is for sale in the pub, a rare treat incredible, I can hear quite well in East Anglia. again now!

I had a chat with Rob Jenner It was worth it to hear the Burn’s day at the their sales director who very funny address from the revealed an interesting link to Haggis to its consumers, which Angel, Larling. our region. For the last six years is far too rude to repeat here.

Earlier in the year I was tipped Fyne Ales held a weekend off that a foreign tradition was event at the Angel last year, going strong in the heart of the only this year becoming Norfolk countryside. It seemed involved with the Burns event a good idea to investigate as it which Andrew has held for links in with my report on the many years. If you are free in Vine in Norwich at Christmas. early January, try it, I guarantee you won’t be bored. It turned out that the Angel, Larling, currently Norfolk the head brewer at Fyne Ales CAMRA pub of the year, cele - has been Will Wood previously brates the birthday of the great second brewer at Oakham! Scottish bard Robbie Burns on This was, I would say, 25th January every year. reflected in the style and flavour of the beers. This featured a full address to I commented on this to Rob The Haggis, the first line of he told me that the tradition - which appears as the title of ally perceived malty taste of this piece. This was carried out Scottish beers is no longer the by a piper in full traditional norm, with Scotland going dress in front of a packed pub from four to forty four real ale some of whom had also gone breweries in fifteen years. for full Scottish rig. The Haggis It seems that there has truly is anointed with Whiskey at the been a real ale renaissance end of the address and then North of the border. piped out to be distributed

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Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 9 | NORFOLK NIPS

This series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years or so. This issue features the oldest of Norfolk’s ‘true heritage pubs’, a building dating from the mid 15th century; and one of the youngest in terms of its interior, having been refitted in the early 1960s but barely changed since. Green Dragon, Wymondham 0 1

A timber-framed, flint and brick 0 2

r

pub built to a standard hall- e t h

house plan and the only one g u a l S

featured in this series to be l e

statutory listed at Grade II*. a h c i

Prior to 1993 the Green M

Dragon had possibly the most © impressive historic pub interior in the whole of Norfolk and even today it is of significant 'true heritage' interest. The front door leads into a passage and at the rear is the main bar split in two by a wooden parti - tion forming a snug area with settle seating around an inglenook fireplace. Whereas most similar snugs have been fully opened-up to create one large room, at the Green Dragon sections of the parti - tion, which reach the ceiling, survive to the left and right and make this a remark - able survivor. Sadly, the central section of the partition was removed in 1993. (For a rare example of an intact snug visit the Red Lion, Kenninghall The lounge and Exterior of the featured in Norfolk Nips Green Dragon, Wymondham 149). The fireplace is a the hand - This room has another 1930s massive one of 1930s pumps on brick fireplace and service is via brick but the carved the back a tiny hatch cut into the door mantelpiece looks older. wall. The to the servery. Other 1930s In recent years there have bare wooden floored changes include the adding of been changes to the bar itself - lounge at the front of the pub the ladies toilets - note the it was originally much smaller, was at one time a shop and is period 'Ladies only' illuminated more like a tiny servery, with now in use as a dining room. sign. Look for figure '1' on the 16 | SPRING 2011 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 17

NORFOLK NIPS | door to the cellar and ‘2’ on Thu to Sat). Meals are served the door to the bar – a former from 12 to 3; 5.30 to 8.30 requirement of licensing magis - Mon to Thu; 12 to 9 Fri, Sat; trates. A third small room 12 to 7 Sun. Phone number is towards the rear of the pub has 01953 607907. Accommoda - been brought into use in tion is available in 3 en-suite recent years. rooms. Real ales on sale are Adnams Bitter or Woodfordes The Green Dragon, 6 Church Wherry and three guest beers, The snug of the Green Dragon

0 Street, Wymondham NR18 at least one of which is from 1

0 hold beer festivals at the end of 2

0PH is open from 12 to 11 (12 local micro breweries. They r e t May and end of August. h g u a l S l e a h c i

M White Horse, Gaywood, Kings Lynn

© This is a Victorian building that The lounge has a stripped pine White Horse, 7 Wootton Road formerly consisted of two small wainscoting, with another (A148), Gaywood, Kings Lynn bars at the front. Then in the Formica topped bar counter PE30 4EZ is open from 11 to early 1960s Watneys extended and 1960s bar back with a 11pm Mon to Sun. No food is at the rear and created a public small cash drawer. This is a very sold – just crisps and nuts! bar at the front, a lounge bar in sports-oriented pub – even two Phone 01553 763258. It sells the rear extension, a corridor pigeon clubs meet here. Woodfordes Wherry. linking them and also an off- Maybe not of great architec - sales on the front left. The only tural merit, it is a rare survival change since then is the probably due to licensees of 25 removal of the off sales in years standing. However, due If you require photographs of c.1990 which increased the to retirement, a change is your pub interior / exterior size of the public bar. Most imminent and although no you can contact Mick on 1960s interiors have since been changes to the interior are 01733 390598 or email replaced making intact ones planned at present we recom - [email protected] to discuss your requirements. like this more rare than Victo - mend a visit soon. rian and inter-war ones! Other pubs in Norfolk which still retain 1960s bar fittings include the Wheel of Fortune, Alpington and West End Tavern, 1 Browne Street, Norwich. The public bar has a Formica-topped counter, a 1960s bar back with a small cash drawer, and some unusual 0 1

patterned-glass windows. In 0 2

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the corridor, note that the t h g

doors retain their room names u a l S

in distinct Watneys red l e a

lettering– and whilst the ladies h c i M

has been refurbished, the gents loos remain un-modernised. © The lounge bar at the White Horse, Gaywood, Kings Lynn SPRING 2011 | 17 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 18

Queen’s Head and Waveney Brewing Company 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

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NORFOLK NIPS | A stroll down Northgate Street There was Banger racing at onto the Coach and Horses a tardis-like interior full of pub Great Yarmouth after Christmas with its green tiled external games, friendly punters and and I was in the Oliver Twist wall reminiscent of my primary excellent Adnams ordinary at for their happy hour (12-1pm). school a long time ago. The £2.30. Finally, the Apollo had The Blackfriars bitter was excel - two handpumps dispensed its own badged beer at £2, lent at £2 and the pub also sells seasonal ale at £2.40 a pint. malty and fresh at 4.3% but the local East Coast cider from the bar staff couldn’t say who Martham, a 6% and an oak A brief off road to the Lacons brewed it. Enough beer for barrel-aged 7.3%. The walk to Arms and its unusual wrought now but an interesting crawl the stadium necessitated a ironwork sign-surround found along a street often overlooked stroll down Northgate Street Green Jack Orange Wheat by ale drinkers. Past the long past a number of interesting (£2.80) on its handpump. closed Lord Roberts to the houses and sadly ex-houses. Glass cases contained a huge Death Destruction derby and stuffed fish and next to it what no real ale at the stadium but For instance, the Crystal is appeared to be the body of a I’d had enough excellent ale currently closed and the White crow grafted onto the head of for one day. East coast winter’s Horse has long been converted a toucan with a plastic bill. A afternoons don’t come much to a private dwelling (though it bizarre sight and one for the better than this. still has its Lacons Falcon statue Guinness collectors! and plaque). The Kings Arms is Onto the Sportsman and an thriving but familiar to me so unpromising exterior lead into Mont DUK Eof WELLINGTON TRADITIONAL REAL ALE HOUSE

14 REAL ALES GRAVITY SERVED available all year round from our glass fronted tap room Come and enjoy our Tap Room 6 MORE ALES with a selection of Belgian bottled beers, Schneider Weiss, Erdinger, ON HAND PUMP Dunkel and Riegele all on Draught. Welcoming CAMRA Good Beer Guide Listed Open Mon to Sat 12noon to 11pm REAL FIRE Sun 12noon to 10.30pm

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| NORFOLK NIPS Visit to Fuller’s Brewery

• 19 of which use UK Hops (Discovery is the exception using Willamette from the USA). • 2 strains of yeast (since the acquisition of Gales).

Oh, and they use East Anglian Barley too.

They don’t rush things here; Fullers Pride is ready in 2 ½ weeks, ESB in 4 ½ weeks, and the Special Reserve? – 2 years!

Highlights on the tour included the oldest At precisely 8:30 am our train slid silently out of Wisteria in the country, the London Copper Norwich Station and around 20 members were (used from 1823 – 1984. This 160 barrel copper eagerly anticipating a grand day out in London was coal fired until 1967) and not forgetting Les visiting Fuller’s Brewery. At precisely 8:45am it the Robot, who was picking up and turning six lurched back into Norwich, having failed to even casks at a time. Working his little cotton socks off reach the swingbridge. he was, if, indeed, robots do have little cotton socks – and I bet he doesn’t get the workers’ Those who subscribe to the notion that beer allowance either! CAMRA members are unfit and overweight would have been impressed by our lightening By now we were getting thirsty, so it was off to dash to another platform to catch the 9:00 train. the Tasting Session, with Chairman Graham In truth, it wasn’t a great start. Des had done his giving an impromptu demonstration on how it homework and he was right, the 4 for 2 deal on was supposedly done. tickets was the best value. To work, all it needed was members to arrive back at Liverpool St in fours. Simples!

By the time we got to the Brewery, we were an hour and a half late. We were met by Ron Finch, pacing up and down outside the Brewery Tap. He was obviously pleased to see us (or was he relieved?)

However, having downed a swift half or two and placed our food orders, we were ready for the tour in two groups, with our excellent guides, Gill and Sue. The brewery is on a compact site, but that does not mean small, and the statistics are impressive:

• 1 million pints brewed per week • 20 different brands

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NORFOLK NIPS | Fuller’s Brewery

London Pride and ESB were followed by Draught Bengal Lancer, a new IPA. Then bottles of Golden Pride (recently reduced in strength to only 8.5%) and Chiswick Bitter. These two mixed together make Griffin’s Blood. We also sampled the Vintage Ale, London Porter, and He should have Gale’s Prized Old Ale – a sour beer, which was gone to the superb and certainly my favourite. But pride of place has to go to the Special Reserve, which is EATON COTTAGE, UNTHANK RD, matured in oak barrels for two years. No.1 was NORWICH 01603 453048 matured in whisky barrels, No. 2 in cognac barrels, and No.3? – Wait and see!

Following the tour it was back to the Brewery Tap for an excellent meal and the odd swift half or two, before we departed. Unusually, the tour had not ended in the Shop, so some of us visited to stock up on merchandise, before heading home.

A quick stop at GBG pub The Harp in Leicester Square became a long stop, which meant that we missed the intended 7:30 train home.

So all we had to do was get to Liverpool Street in fours to use the 4 for 2 tickets. Fine Real Ales,lagers,wines and spirits All Sky Sports • A traditional pub Simples… Good covered outside areas • Doggies welcome “a festival of beers every day”

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The ONLY Thai Restaurant in Norwich in THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2011

We are in it! We are in it!

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NORFOLK NIPS | Diss

Diss is Bliss for Beer?

Diss had a beer festival last October which Claire and I attended with vigour and excitement (It was Claire’s first Beer Festival). All the beer was provided by Buffy’s Brewery in conjunction with Diss Corn Hall, so there was about 8 Buffy’s beers from a choice of about 30 + a couple of ciders. Claire went straight for Buffy’s Festival Ale and at 8% she thought it wasn’t a good idea to start off with such a strong beer!!

1 Diss has more than a few decent pubs – The Saracen’s Head is a free house and sells 2 real ales (St Austell Tribute was on last I went there). The Greyhound, close to the Corn Hall is noisy but has a decent pint of Wherry on tap. Close by is the Nutbush (previously The Two Brewers) was very quiet when visited but had a decent pint of Adnams Bitter. Down the High Street near the Mere is the only Greene King pub in Diss – The Waterfront. The Park Hotel usually has bands playing on a Friday night and a good Pint of Broadside alongside a Guest Beer which last visit was Humpty Dumpty Railway Sleeper at a hefty 5% ABV but in good nick and very drink - Heathlands Community Centre, Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath, able. On the west side of town, in the area Norwich, NR13 4QH Tel: 01603 714164 Mob: 07818466473. known as Fair Green is The Cock which has Tim Taylor Landlord, Adnams Broadside and a seasonal Adnams beer. Further out of town near the golf course is the White Elephant which is rather odd and very much a characterful locals pub - there is one handpump but no real ale on 15th - 17th July 2011 our visit, though there was a good selection of 12 Real Ales and 2 Ciders bottled beers which warranted a taste of Bate - mans Victory and Marstons Old Empire. Friday 5pm - Midnight Family Day & Beer Festival BBQ, rounders and other games for the children. My (and Claire's) favourite pub in town is the very friendly White Horse almost opposite the Saturday Noon - Midnight Beer Festival church – it has 2 excellently served Adnams ales Live music from 8pm with Mustang Sally. (Bitter, Broadside and lately the gorgeous Old Ale), no food and just general good banter with Sunday from Noon - Midnight Fair & Beer Festival will include side shows, stalls, BBQ, Tea & Cakes, Pimms Tent, the landlord often doing a bit of karaoke or the Bouncy castle and slide, Dance Demo, Tombola, Plant Stall, odd magic trick - Well worth a visit as is Diss! and much more..

Entrance to the fair is FREE Nige Registered Charity: 303909

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Chairman’s Letter | NORFOLK NIPS Beers of the Festival 2010 pro-active in their approach Brown Cow Brewery, in North and have certainly raised the Yorkshire. bar for the next charity at this years festival! The silver award went to Golden Pale Ale, from Norfolk’s This year’s Beer Of The Elmtree Beers, and the bronze Festival was Mrs Simpson’s award went to Adnams Tally Ho. Thriller in Vanilla, a 5.1% from Following the announcement of the awards after the Festival, they were presented on the 3rd The category winners were: February at The Fat Cat Mild Brewery Tap, previously known Gold: Felstar, Crix Forest as The Shed. The refurbish - Silver: Sarah Hughes, Dark Ruby Mild ment was only just complete – Bronze: Spire, Dark Side of the Moon unusual to walk into a Pub and Bitter smell fresh paint! The name Gold: Riverside, Major change had confused one or two, including Beer of the Silver: Grain, Oak Festival winners, Keith and Sue Bronze: Cliff Quay, Bitter Simpson from The Brown Cow Best Bitter Brewery in Yorkshire. They had Gold - joint, Skinners, Betty Stoggs originally gone to The Fat Cat Gold - joint, Humpty Dumpty, Swallowtail in West End Street. Fortunately, they realised their mistake in Bronze: An Teallach, An Teallach Ale time and still managed to get a Strong Bitter beer or two before dashing off Gold: Fat Cat Brewery, Cougar to the Brewery Tap. Silver: Tryst, Blackjack IPA Bronze: Grainstore, Ten Fifty Brown Cow have been Old, Stout & Porter brewing for 11 years and have Gold: Brown Cow Mrs Simpson’s Thriller in Vanilla won many awards at Festivals up and down the country. Mrs Silver: Spectrum Octogram (Pinder's Porter) Simpson’s Thriller in Vanilla was Bronze: Hopshackle Historic Porter certainly a worthy winner, look Speciality out for it if you didn’t try it at Gold: Downton, Chocolate Orange Delight the Festival. Silver - Joint, Green Jack, Hop Harvest Silver - Joint, Green Jack, Fruit Bat We were delighted that our Golden Beers chosen charity, Norwich Door Gold: Elmtree, Golden Pale Ale to Door were also on hand to receive a whopping cheque for Silver: Thornbridge, Kipling £5,215.00. This will enable Bronze: Kelburn, Goldihops them to buy another bus and Cider – Pickled Pig, Porker's Snout. they will let us know when it Perry – Rathays, Painted Lady SV. arrives. They were extremely Foreign Beer – Boon, Kriek.

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NORFOLK ALE SHOP OVER 60 ALES ALE SALE! EVERY SUNDAY 20% off ALL BOTTLES FIND US INSTORE AT THE GENERAL STORE 41, HIGH STREET, RINGSTEAD. PE36 5JU. NEAR HUNSTANTON. Telephone; 01485 525270 Email. [email protected]. OPEN SEVEN DAYS 8am -5.30pm. EXCEPT TUES/WED/SAT CLOSING AT 1pm.

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West Norfolk Trip South | NORFOLK NIPS Dover Soul Dover is one of those places that people Guide might be a bit of a disappointment after normally pass through without staying long, but that, but as chance would have it I never found the Winter Ale Festival held there in February out. On the way we passed a street corner pub gave a bunch of us from West Norfolk the and whilst Ros went shopping I called in for chance to put this right. Craig and Sandi were another quick pint. I was confused at first by the the advance party and were there ready to greet stillage in the middle of the room but at the us when we had finally overcome the conges - same time heartened by the sight of 8 beers, 8 tion of the M25 on a Friday evening and they ciders and 4 perries. The counter seemed to be wasted no time in guiding us along to the reserved for the grilling of giant sausages for wonderful venue in Dover Town Hall. This is like those who did not want the specialist pies or a smaller version of St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich, one of the selection of cheeses. It was quiet at and featured wood panelling, coats of arms, oil Saturday lunchtime with the contented chatter paintings and displays of fearsome medieval of customers around the wooden tables in front weapons. However we were there for the beer, of the open fire the main distraction from the and a bar with around 75 firkins tapped and fine ale, but there was the promise of live music ready awaited our best efforts. I am no beer on some evenings. Nor were links with the ticker, so I cannot recite a list of the ones we wider community forgotten with the opportu - selected, most of which were unknown to me, nity to purchase duck eggs for a donation to but I do recall that my favourite was from Port charity. This could be the best pub I have ever O’ Call from Bank Top Brewery in Bolton, Also been in, and quite possibly the best in the worthy of a mention is the good quality food world. It is called the Lifeboat Ale and Cider available at the festival and the fact that all the House and the only drawback is that it is not in beers were on sale at £2.50 a pint, which, West Norfolk. considering that some were over 10% abv, is pretty good by Norfolk standards. There are lots of other things worth visiting in the area – the Castle is tremendous with a Next day the gale force winds made the Mappa Mundi to rival the one in Hereford cathe - thought of a ferry trip to France rather daunting, dral, and the town museum has the world’s so whilst John and June braved the cliff top walk oldest sea going boat on display. It is older than and Craig and Sandi visited the castle we set off the pyramids but you can still see how the to Margate in search of a football game. I guess planks are joined with twisted yew twigs. There that a blow by blow account of a Ryman league are other pubs in Dover as well – Blake’s Cellar encounter played in a high wind in front of a Bar is a classic, and in the White Horse we had a crowd of 340 people and one rather nice dog is chat couple who worked in the local kennels and of limited appeal, but Margate turned out to who had adopted two dogs who had not been have more to offer than just football. Pre game collected after their 6 months quarantine expired. we wandered around the old town and found a Dover and East Kent is a run down industrial rather nice Shepherd Neame pub called the area with a transitory population, but it has a Northern Belle, which had been converted from faded grandeur and really friendly locals. I was a couple of old fisherman’s cottages. There impressed by lots of things, but especially the were a few Billericay fans playing ska and punk Lifeboat. There is a new art gallery opening in on the jukebox, but the landlady still had time Margate in April, and Kent play cricket close by to recount her life story, with details of her chil - in Canterbury. I can see another visit to the area dren,home in Newcastle and more besides. I happening in the not to distant future. guessed that the other pub in the Good Beer Jeff

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NORFOLK NIPS | WHEELWRIGHTS ARMS NERDS Visit Norwich FREEHOUSE The 2010 Annual CAMRA National Executive INTRODUCING REAL ALES and Regional Directors Conference was held in IPA (DRAUGHT) £2.50, ABBOT ALE £2.60, Norwich during the weekend of 3-5th • CARLING, CARLSBERG, FOSTERS £2.80 • December. The delegates attended various • JOHN SMITHS £2.60•GUINNESS £3.00 • meetings hosted at Take 5 and The Ribs of Beef. •STELLA £3.00 •STRONGBOW £2.90 • • MILD £2.50 • BOTTLE BEERS FROM £2.80 (MAGNERS £3.10) On the Saturday evening, they SPIRITS FROM £2.00 were escorted on FULL SKY ULTIMATE PACKAGE & ESPN pub crawls around FREE WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION the City by Don’t forget we also serve Tea, Coffee and Norwich CAMRA Cappaccino all day Members, visiting Parties catered for • 24 hour licence many of our excel - Sorry but children under the age of 14 lent city centre are not permitted on the premises after 8pm Pubs, finishing at 01493 663705 The Fat Cat. Beccles Road, Gorleston Great Yarmouth Norfolk, NR31 0PS Sandboy Visit

THE ANGEL INN FREEHOUSE

Now Overall NORFOLK CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR! On the 30th January, West Norfolk CAMRA did a Open all day every day three mile walk around the ruins of St. James church and some of the local footpaths. The Excellent home cooked meals walk was enjoyed by a dozen or so, and three available from our award dogs. The weather was ideal for walking. On winning kitchen arriving back at Church farm we rid ourselves of muddy boots and proceeded to the Sandboy at Large Beer Garden with play area Bawsey for lunch. Beers on offer were Oakham, Brew Dog and Cottage and all were in good En-suite accommodation condition. Our numbers increased for Sunday Camping and Caravanning available lunch and thanks are due to Phil for an excellent Larling, Norfolk, NR16 2QU (17th Century former coaching inn) meal. Thanks also go to Jeff and Ros for organ - Tel: 01953 717963 izing the walk and we all hope that more walks will be forth coming during the year. www.angel-larling.co.uk Bruce

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Opening hours We are open 7 136 Norwich Road lunchtimes & 6 evenings every week Tacolneston, nr Wymondham Norfolk NR16 1AL • Monday to Saturday lunch 12pm - 2.30pm Telephone: 01508 489521 • Monday to Saturday evenings 6pm till close [email protected] • Sundays 12pm - 4pm www.the-pelican-inn.co.uk A warm welcome awaits you at to our award winning free-house, The Pelican Inn, Tacolneston, South Norfolk

Head Chef Lewis Burrell - Finalist of National British Pub Chef of the Year 2011 Ale Shop Our new Norfolk real ale and Four Real Ales on Hand Pump from local produce shop not only 2.70 a pint. supports our local 31 Norfolk and Suffolk £ breweries, but also offers a range of other THREE Beer Festivals a Year specialist local produce such as relishes, chut - neys and preserves, ciders, lagers, oils, Norfolk cheeses, homemade desserts and chocolates. South Norfolk Pub of The Year 2010

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NORFOLK NIPS | Panther Brewery Black Panther seen in Reepham This is a five barrel plant, which includes bottling equip - ment, a temperature controlled storeroom, (which is also used to condition the bottles) and an ex orange juice fermenter.

The current range consists of three ales, all with “bite”: • Golden Panther – 3.7% Light and refreshing.

• Red Panther – 4.1% Distinc - tively sleek.

• Black Panther – 4.5% Dark, mysterious and full bodied.

Coming soon is Pink Panther Last October, I went in search old Railway Station. It was the – which will be a wheat beer. of the Norwich Bear, having former home of The Reepham been inspired by tales of Brewery. Martin admitted that They are available in 500ml strange creatures in English when he took it on, it was in a bottles, beer boxes and in Folklore. So when I heard of bit of a state, but you wouldn’t casks. sightings of a panther in know that now. The entrance Reepham, I had to investigate. incorporates a small shop with So where can you go to track a selection of Panther Ales in down a panther, or two? My luck was in one cold bottles. At the time of my visit, Friday night in January, when, the bottles were partially hiding The King’s Arms in Reepham, quite by chance, I encountered Clue No.3 for the next edition Darbys in Swanton Morley, The a wonderful specimen in of Radio Norfolk’s Treasure Railway in North Elmham, The Reepham. Chest. King’s Head in Dereham, and the Earle Arms in Heydon for Actually, it was during the starters, plus the Real Ale Shop, January Campaign Trip, and we Bawdeswell Garden Centre and were in the King’s Arms in the Post Office in Cawston. Reepham, and the panther was red, not black. But it was a very Martin is clearly innovative good pint. and has some very interesting ideas for the future, so maybe Whilst there, I met Martin, sightings of Panthers will be who owns the nearby Panther become widespread in Norfolk. Brewery and I arranged to visit.

The Brewery is in Collers Way, Mike Baldwin the Industrial Estate near the

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| NORFOLK NIPS Creating beer drinkers...

Norwich was a beer desert tion; how did it happen? to Norwich drinkers, they back in the 1970s - hardly a Well for a start, we had a started a revolution in Norfolk pub serving real ale, and pioneering generation of land - tastebuds - creating a new having lost what in the nine - lords and brewers ‘doing market of drinkers who knew teenth century had been a different’ - Colin Keatley, Ray what real ale was and what it thriving community of brew - Ashworth, Pete Turner, Wolfe ought to taste like. eries. Now, Norwich is one of Witham. Sometimes it's down the country's top real ale cities, to a few brave individuals to Educating people about beer with one of the biggest and turn the tide, and that's what is still a job we need to do. best beer festivals, and the they did. And of course, once A lot of my friends used to county supports 30 or so brew - we had one or two good think ‘real ale’ was synonymous eries, from the smallest real ale pubs and a couple of with ‘bitter’ - till I introduced bloke-in-a-garage micros to breweries, it made it much them to drinks as different as St Woodforde’s. easier for other landlords and Peters Grapefruit Wheat Beer, brewers to make the commit - Spectrum Black Buffle, and It’s a wonderful success. But ment to real ale. Duchesse de Bourgogne. Many no one back in the unenlight - drinkers don’t understand the ened 1970s could have predicted But I don’t think that’s all way the industry is structured, it. Which prompts the ques - they did. By bringing great ales so they don’t understand the

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NORFOLK NIPS |

difference between managed all these drinkers, by paying pubs (like Wetherspoons) and their money over the bar, are Letter tenanted pubs (like Enterprise helping to support CAMRA’s and Punch), and the impact aims - whether they realise it or Dear Editor, that has on the prices a land - not. The article by Jennifer Nicholls on lord has to charge. And a lot of Beer Festivals here and abroad drinkers don’t even realise So how can we keep doing brought back memories of my trip to New York last year. I was only they’re not getting full pints! the good work of creating there for two days and arriving late knowledgeable - and thirsty! - in the evening, I was desperate for a CAMRA has a huge role to real ale consumers? pint. play here. CAMRA’s work in Buy your friends a drink! All of defending pubs at risk, supp- us have friends and colleagues So desperate, that I decide that the orting local breweries, and who don't drink real ale - find hotel bar would do. The first thing campaigning on tax and them the right beer, which isn't that struck me was the range of regulation issues, is of course always a bitter. (I’m always beers on offer. All kegs and bottles admittedly, but I was delighted to important. (Without the tax amazed by the way Pete Wells find the usual suspects that I had breaks for microbreweries, and manages to find the right dreaded finding were conspicuous without the Beer Orders, we Belgian beer for everybody in by their absence. wouldn’t have so many the marquee at the beer breweries in Norfolk today.) festival; he has limitless reserves It reminded me of a TV of patience, endless good programme I saw where an But I believe the single most humour, and an inexhaustible Englishman went into a bar in important accomplishment of knowledge of beer, and just Australia. Surveying the bar, he asked where the Fosters and Castle - CAMRA in Norfolk lies in about everybody he serves maine were. The answer was, “We having created a whole genera - ends up leaving with a full glass don’t drink that here, mate!” tion of knowledgeable, and a smile on their face.) adventurous real ale consumers Come to think of it, you can The second thing to strike me was, - even if not all of them care to always buy people who aren’t of course, the price. get involved in campaigning, friends a drink - something Tim or indeed to join CAMRA itself. McDonald thinks should be I subsequently found a superb Irish part of our regular bar on 6th Avenue and an inter - esting café on Statten Island. Look around the beer festival campaigning, and I think he’s and you’ll see those very got a point. However, the highlight, beer wise, youngsters who are conspic - Educate yourself and others. had to be the Bar/Diner on 42nd uous by their absence from the Support the work of the tasting Street. Not only a great range of membership roster, enjoying a panel, go to pub tastings and beers, but the wall behind me was real ale with their friends or brewery trips, and work at festooned with Beer Trays, a great working on one of the bars. CAMRA beer festivals (and at assortment of Brewers and beers. That’s the next generation of pub or club beer festivals if you Jack Howarth real ale drinkers in place. Real get the chance) to spread the ale is no longer just for old good word. codgers or beardies - look in any of our real ale pubs and Found a fantastic brewery, you’ll find a good cross section amazing beer, or great pub? of the community, by age, Had a homebrew success? gender, even nationality. Write something for Norfolk (I recently had to courier two Nips and tell other drinkers bottles of real cider to Kochi, about it. Or help distribute India, for a UEA graduate who Nips, to get the word out. missed his regular tipple.) And SPRING 2011 | 31 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 32 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 33

NORFOLK NIPS | Competition Win a pack of Panther ales!

All you have to do is answer Question Three: Red the following three questions. Panthers were sold by Pride and Clarke for £28 17s 6d from The first correct entry drawn 1933 to 1939. out of the hat will win the What were they? prize. The Editor’s decision is final. Entries to: [email protected] Question One: The Black Panther is usually a black or by post to: coated species of one of which Norfolk NIPS, Win a pack of beers from The two big cats? 201 Kingswood Avenue, Panther Brewery, one bottle Taverham, each of Black Panther, Golden Question Two: Who, or Norwich NR8 6GJ Panther and Red Panther. what, was the Pink Panther in the film of the same name?

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 North Elmham Railway Aldborough Black Boys North Walsham Orchard Gardens Attleborough London Tavern Norwich Beehive Bawsey Sandboy Norwich Champion Binham The Chequers Norwich Cottage (Silver Road) Clippesby Muskett Arms Norwich Gardeners/Murderers Clenchwarton Victory Norwich Jubilee Cley The George and Dragon Norwich Ketts Tavern Cromer The Cottage Norwich Kings Head Cromer Red Lion Norwich Leopard Drayton Bob Carter Leisure Centre Norwich Rose Downham Market Railway Arms Norwich Take 5 Downham Market White Hart Norwich The Ribs of Beef Earsham Queens Head Norwich Trafford Arms Filby The Kings Head Norwich Vine Gorleston Dock Tavern Norwich York Tavern Gorleston Mariners Compass Norwich Wig and Pen Gt Yarmouth Mariners Reedham Ferry Gt Yarmouth Red Herring Reedham Lord Nelson Gt Yarmouth St Johns Head Reedham Ship Heacham Fox & Hounds Thurlton The Queen’s Head Hethersett The King’s Head Tacolneston Pelican Hopton White Hart Sheringham Windham Arms Kenninghall Red Lion Swardeston Lakenham/Hewitt Rugby Club Kings Lynn Live and Let Live West Acre Stag Ludham The Dog Wiveton The Wiveton Bell Lyng Fox & Hounds Wroxham Brewery Tap Newton by Wymondham Cross Keys Castle Acre George & Dragon Wymondham Green Dragon SPRING 2011 | 33 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:21 Page 34

26 St Leonards Road A real gem, Norwich NR1 4BL 01603 618734 well worth a visit.

Eight real ales to choose from, two of Lovely enclosed beer garden with which change regularly. large sheltered smoking area.

Two pool tables upstairs. Only a ten minute walk from the train station and city centre. Pork pies and other light snacks available all day. Open all day from 12 noon everyday.

Hog roast available sundays. Sky Sports and ESPN

Proud to be part of the Norwich City of Ale festival – May 26th -June 5th

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

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NORFOLK NIPS | Colonial Craig From Across the Pond (part 2) As mentioned last time, I joined CAMRA at my were able to push their extra-cold and limited- first opportunity. They were also kind enough to taste brews on the American public. sell me the latest GBG and an ink pen; I had to take notes at the beer fest! I did all of the above We weren’t fortunate enough to have an at my first real ale festival in October 2000 at American version of CAMRA. Of course, since Bedford. I was amazed at the number of beers Jimmy Carter legalized home brewing (arguably to sample. I had expected more of a German- the best decision of his presidency) we have style fest where there is a limited selection but seen a resurgence in great beers via the micro - mega quantities. I never dreamed they would brew revolution, but that is another story. have 50+ ales to sample. I went with two friends Back to the Bedford beer fest…our new friend and my lovely wife came along to shop and then was packing a 10 year-old GBG that he couldn’t safely drive us home. We grabbed a program, get rid of because it had all his tasting notes bought half pint glasses and set out with my new penciled in the brewery section. He also ink pen to rate all the ales we sampled. informed us that we should have gotten pint glasses so we could hold the top part of the glass and prevent the beer from warming up via “Before prohibition there body temp. My frugal side appreciated his were many good breweries second reason for using a larger glass…you frequently get more beer when ordering a half and beers in the US. in the pint glass. Ah, the things you can learn at However, when prohibition a beer festival! was repealed, only a small number of breweries were able to restart operations.”

While enjoying our first ale a “grey beard” heard our accent and was intrigued that Yanks liked “warm beer”. Evidently, Americans are known Alby Horse Shoes Inn for being lager louts that like their beer ice cold Freehouse and tasteless. Well, that may be true for some of Situated on the A140 Norwich/Cromer Road us but those of us in the know appreciate the Up to 5 Real Ales including Wherry & Mardlers real stuff. In defense of those stateside lager drinkers, I should explain that many areas in the Home cooked Food - locally sourced US are VERY hot in the summer. This is one SPECIAL STEAK AND ALE NIGHTS reason why many Americans drink their beer ice LAST FRIDAYS DURING WINTER MONTHS cold, and as you know, the colder the beer the 10% OFF MEALS BOOKED less you can taste. Another reason is the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, AKA prohi - BY CAMRA MEMBERS bition. Before prohibition there were many good Margaret & Richard Rushmer look breweries and beers in the US. However, when forward to meeting you prohibition was repealed, only a small number of breweries were able to restart operations. 01263 761378 With limited competition, the big breweries We are In it! www.albyhorseshoes.co.uk

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Tuesday 15 th March No - 8pm rwich and Norfolk B ranch AGM Hel d in the up stairs room at Take 5, You must Norwich have a cur rent CAMR card A member to attend t ship his meeting NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 37

pril 9th A asure Hunt - Pub Tre ich Central Norw m Road from er on Dereha t The Reinde Meet a of 4, sharp. Teams rt at 2.30pm 2pm for sta on the day. form a team ay be able to m sh at 6pm. and will fini ll be on foot Hunt wi

folk NIPS sue of Nor The next is e on 3th Jun will be out 25th May e for copy is Deadline dat NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 38

West Norfolk Xmas Pub Crawl | NORFOLK NIPS Xmas Crawl 2010

Yes my friends, it was the on Hall Road, who were kind gobbled it down! Groan!). season to be jolly, fah-la-la la-la, enough to open a half-hour Enjoyed a light lunch too, chilli la-la-la-la! Or something like early just for us (thanks to and chips, good beer drinking that, t’was the Saturday before Graham of the N&N branch food. That made me a tad late Xmas, the venue being the who called them on our leaving, but soon caught up great city of Norwich (home of behalf), my opening salvo was with the crowd in the one time the mighty Canaries!), time for Springhead Surrender and coaching inn that is the Coach - the West Norfolk branch of Adnams Old, two of fourteen makers, a really good pub that CAMRA’s annual seasonal pub on offer. Is there anyone out serves tasty ales on gravity, crawl. Our annual ‘world’ tour, there who agrees with me that always a thumbs up from me, the t-shirt’s in the post! Adnams beers have become a my tipple here was Wolf bit ‘bog’ standard and dull, Golden Jackal (I’m gonna say it, A chilly old day greeted us, their Bitter used to have a wait for it, howling good. with hints of snow, but such sulphorous aroma. All to soon Sorry!). weather didn’t deter the ale time for our 2nd stop on the Literally around the corner to loving ensemble, we attracted itinerary, the always superb our next port of call, a very well over 30 people on the day Trafford Arms, I think I counted busy but friendly Champion, (possibly nearer 40), not bad. ten ales (not bad eh?), I some Bateman’s XB slipped We got the (foot)ball rolling plimped for Ossett Nervous down the throat nicely, spied a in fine style at the King’s Arms Turkey, good stuff (in fact I “Molly Dancer” and for the

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NORFOLK NIPS | next few pubs kept singing the A street over on Oak Street is theme to the Mel Brooks film, the Old White Lion, once a Tap “Robin Hood; Men In Tights”! & Spile, now a popular Milton It was downhill from there, run pub with plenty of their An Ode to Grain literally! Eventually made it wonderful range, I had Sparta Brewery’s products along to St Benedicts and a and Jarrow Irish Stout, and slight departure from the norm snacked down a nice chicken How can one refrain as we visited the Arts Center and vegetable casserole. Sadly Bar, two ales on gravity and our next pub, the Pottergate From the brews of Grain? another Wolf ale for me, Tavern didn’t have any real ale May your India Pale Ale Coyote (lovely), some brave (oh no it’s a disaster!), maybe souls tried the bar’s vegetarian they’d run out? So straight on Never go stale menu (the burgers looked big, to the Leopard where we And the Blackwood Stout but how did they taste?!). The received a friendly welcome, group steeled itself for a long some brought their fish ‘n ‘ Never run out! trek to our following venue, no chips in to eat with the fine ales Your Oak could easily I’m kidding (fooled you!), such as the Scary Bird across the street to The Plough. Bateman’s XB in disguise!), I Make an Old Soak like this corner local, check it Of me. Grain Brewery have trans - out soon. Not so scary bird, formed a scruffy pub into a top but good Canary news as The Best Bitter boozer (a right Xmas cracker), Norwich City won 2-1 away at Just makes feel fitter with their own ales and guests Coventry thanks to Grant Holt to choose from, of course I had double, Jeff’s fave striker (not!), So I can willingly dash to go for my fave Grain beer, come on you Yellows!!! For a pint of Blonde Ash the excellent Blonde Ashe, deli - Last pub time (boo hoo!), and cious. Late afternoon by now, the King’s Head which was as Or I’d just as soon darkness descending on the good as ever, although some of Have a Harvest Moon! thirsty masses, word reached us took a detour to the Cottage But I could easily me that one of our lot took a on Silver Road, a drop of But I could easily tumble outside the Hog In Crouch Vale Wild Hop ended Have more than I oughta Armour, looking up when he the day for me in brilliant style, Of your excellent Porter! should’ve been looking ahead, luverly jubberly! Of your excellent Porter! not saying who (initials N.N.!!!).Anyway, the Rumsey Wow, what a great Xmas Wells was our latest pub, they pub crawl, with the biggest Miike Spiivey had a small but decent choice, attendance we’ve had for a I went for Purity Mad Goose, long time. I had a great time, they did have some mulled and I know everyone else did cider too. A short walk to the as well, especially our American end of Colegate brought us to friends (who were very keen!). the Golden Star, yes a Green Many thanks to everyone who King pub but I won’t hold it made this a truly memorable against them (much!), along - day, cheers!!!!! side the GK range were some guest beers such as Hook Ps, the 2011 crawl was Norton Old Hooky, which was planned on the day above, be very nice thank you. afraid, be very afraid!!! Timbo

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Earle Arms The Lobster Heydon & Stables Restaurant )  RQ Traditional Norfolk OD W FRESH FO D[ SERVED DAILY freehouse and restaurant an Vegetarian and Veg 3 Real Ales options available always available OPENING HOURS Monday to Thursday 10am to 11pm Woodfordes Wherry, Adnams Friday to Saturday 10am to 1.30am Sunday 12 noon to 12pm Bitter and Black Sheep

BEER FESTIVALS ON Direct Debit Non DD BANK HOLIDAYS Surname S £22 01263 587376 10 Real Ales • Fine Wines • Childrens Menu F ( Satnav: NR11 6AD Baby Changing • Disabled Facilities £25 £27 (Just off B1149 Holt - Large Beer Gardens • Dogs are welcome (

Norwich Rd) 13 High Street, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8JP Postcode Tel: 01263 822716 www.the-lobster.com E

Date A Surname This independently run freehouse has been F 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 that will be taking place this year between May 26th and June 5th Ample Car Parking

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A Campaign of Two Halves ) DL UG RQ HD EH O WD[ HU QR Z 7EZI &VMXEMR·W 4YFW Join CAMRA Today Complete the Direct Debit form below and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.

Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201. All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.

Your Details Direct Debit Non DD

Title Surname Single Membership £20 £22 Forename(s) (UK & EU) Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) Joint Membership £25 £27 Address (Partner at the same address) For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201. Postcode I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to Email address abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association Tel No(s) I enclose a cheque for

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership) Signed Date Applications will be processed within 21 days Title Surname Forename(s)

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy) 12/10

Campaigning for Pub Goers Enjoying Real Ale & Beer Drinkers & Pubs Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus

Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit

Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: This Guarantee should be detached Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW and retained by the payer. Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number The Direct Debit To the Manager Bank or Building Societ y 926129 Guarantee This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building Address societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct FOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLY Debits. This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society If there are any changes to the amount, date or Membership Number frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Postcode Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance Name of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect Name(s) of Account Holder Postcode a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request Instructions to your Bank or Building Society If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Branch Sort Code Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit or building society, you are entitled to a full and Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society. or building society Bank or Building Society Account Number - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd Signature(s) asks you to Reference You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply Date contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account. NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 42

Beer & Music | NORFOLK NIPS

The Diplomat, Ormesby Road, Ex RAF Coltishall site NR10 5JZ Real Ales include house beer ‘Six Squadron’ and a guest beer. First Sunday of every month (1.00 – 3.30 pm) – Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Band. Admission free, but lunch bookings advisable on 01603 738866.

Crown Inn, Banningham (Nr Aylsham) Adnams Broad - side, Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale. Sunday 27th March (1.30 – 4.30 pm) – Simon Nelson’s Dixie Mix. Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May (1.30 – 4.30 pm) – Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Band. Admission free, but phone 01263 733534 for lunch reser - vations

Fisher Theatre, Broad Music Events in Street, Bungay, Suffolk Adnams Bitter on handpump Every Sunday evening - Red Pubs and Clubs Beans ‘n’ Rice New Orleans Jazz Band.

Bell Inn, Hempton around Norfolk (Nr Fakenham) Woodforde’s Wherry, John TRADITIONAL JAZZ Davis 01493 701880 Smiths Cask and guest beers Fourth Thursday every month – Brook Hotel, Bowthorpe, Chris Wigley’s Jazz Quartet Acle Recreation Centre, Norwich (off Dereham Bridewell Lane, Acle Road) No Real Ale at present Red Hart, Bodham (Nr Holt) Real Ales include Adnams Tuesday 8th March – The New Adnams Bitter and Broadside Bitter, Theakstons and Tipples Orleans Z’Hulus. New Orleans First Friday every month – Redhead style band led by British trum - Lumiere Rouge Ragtime Band Friday 4th March – Rod Mason peter now living in Belgium, and his Hot Five (from and featuring musicians from King’s Arms, Market Place, Germany), including former Belgium, Germany, Holland Reepham local favourite, Sean Moyses, and France. Tickets/Enquiries – Adnams Best Bitter, Elgoods on banjo. Enquiries – Brian Rod Playford 01362 667811 Cambridge Bitter, Woodforde’s

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NORFOLK NIPS |

Wherry and Nelson’s Revenge, Flixton, Suffolk above). NB Sessions now Greene King Abbot Ale plus Woodforde’s Mardler’s and commence at 8.00 pm. guest beers. Adnams Bitter are the regulars For further details phone Every Sunday lunchtime (12 at present, plus a good selec - 01328 863511 or 01362 noon to 2.30 pm) from 8th tion of guest beers 696741 or visit website May to 4th September (plus Every Thursday - Sole Bay Jazz www.lakeside-jazz-club.co.uk Bank Holiday Mondays 30th Band May and 29th August) in the Keith Chettleburgh attractive courtyard at rear of NB. Following a serious fire at the pub (weather permitting). the Marsham Arms, nr OTHER MUSIC The bands alternating Hevingham, jazz sessions have throughout the Summer will be been suspended for the time The Cottage, Norwich Nene Valley Jazzmen, Simon being, but it is hoped they will In March Nelson’s Dixie Mix, Climax Jazz resume some time in the Sunday 13th - Murphy's Lore Band, Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Spring (watch the press for 4.30pm Band and Vintage Hot details). Friday 18th - Crumbs For Orchestra. Comfort 8.30pm (Phone King’s Arms for more Sunday 20th - Polaris 4.30pm details 01603 870345) MAINSTREAM / Friday 25th - Johnny Jump MODERN JAZZ 8.30pm Dereham Jazz Society, Sunday 27th - The Gas Hill Lakeside Country Club, Mob 4.30pm Quarry Lane, Lyng (nr Green Man, Wroxham Dereham) Road, Rackheath In April Greene King IPA and Wood - Woodforde’s Wherry, Adnams Sunday 3rd - The Band With forde’s Wherry Bitter, Fuller’s London Pride No Name 4.30pm Wednesday 18th May – Simon plus guests. Sunday 10th - The Indebtors Nelson's Dixie Mix (Start 8pm). Every Tuesday – Full programme consisting of 4.30pm Friday 15th - Hayley moyses & George and Dragon, various bands and musicians. The Bluegrass Forum 8.30pm Newton by Castle Acre For further details of jazz Sunday 17th - Flying South House beer Newton Bitter, sessions at the Green Man, 4.30pm brewed by Elgoods, plus local phone Brian McAllister on Friday 22nd - The Harvs guest beers. 01603 614169, or visit web site 8.30pm Jazz Trio on the first and third www.norwichaccommoda - Mondays of every month , and tion.com/jazz Swing Jazz Quartet on third Friday of the month Dereham Jazz Society, Landlords and (Also folk music on first Lakeside Country Club, Thursday every month ) Quarry Lane, Lyng (nr Landladies! Dereham) White Lion, Wheatacre Greene King IPA and Wood - If you have any live music events (Off A143 Beccles to forde’s Wherry in your pub or club LET US KNOW Every Wednesday – Full and if we have room we will list it Haddiscoe road) in this section. Send details for Adnams Bitter plus guest beer programme consisting of various bands and musicians in June - August to: Mike Baldwin Second Friday every month - Email: [email protected] Chris Capocci's Big House varied styles, which usually or Chris Lucas Jazzmen includes one ‘traditional’ Email: [email protected] The Buck Inn, The Street, session each month (see

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Open all day every day food is served:- 12-2 & 6-9 Tuesday to Sunday 12-3 Sunday for plated home cooked Sunday lunches with homemade Yorkshire puddings and fresh Offering four real ales vegetables. Booking advised if dining. A traditional 17th Century pub, Superb food using fresh, local, seasonal produce how they used to be Shoot dinners a speciality From Norwich & Acle head to Salhouse and at the mini roundabout follow the sign Popular quiz every Wednesday from 8:30pm to Wroxham, we are 200yds on the right. Meat raffle every Sunday at 4:30pm Tel: 01603 721141 www.salhousebell.co.uk

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NORFOLK NIPS | Dates for your diary CAMRA Calendar

Norwich and North Norfolk Branch McDonald to book your seat on the coach and let us know where you want to be picked up.

Pick up points: 6.47pm junction of Southwell Tuesday 15th March Road/Grove Road, 6.55pm junction of Old Branch AGM – Take 5 Palace Road/ West End Street, 7.10pm Heart - You must hold a current membership card to sease Roundabout (Harvey Lane side) 7.15pm attend and vote at this meeting Railway Station (Thorpe Road Bus Stops). 20.00 –22.00 For more details and updates, please check the Friday 25th March full calendar on www.norwichcamra.org.uk Campaign Trip, visiting selected pubs in Norfolk, including The Wroxham Shed. NEW – Updates on the First Friday Fives can also be found at Firstfridayfives.blogspot.com Friday 1st April First Friday Five All Branch Meetings start at 8pm. Starting at 8pm at The Whiffler, Boundary Road, then The Falcon, The Boundary, The Windmill and The Edward VII West Norfolk Branch

Saturday 9th April Treasure Hunt Branch meetings (All include social) Search for clues in Teams of four in Norwich City Centre. Meet at The Reindeer at 2pm. Finishes at Tuesday 8th March 6pm.. Swan, Fincham,

Tuesday 19th April Tuesday 12th April Branch Committee Meeting Ancient Mariner, Old Hunstanton

Friday 25th April Tuesday 10th May, Campaign Trip to The Dog, Ludham Runcton Holme Social Club (TBC)

Friday 6th May First Friday Five Got a short pint? Starting at 8pm. Route TBC. (Will feature 5 Central City Pubs selling Mild to celebrate If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in CAMRA’s Mild in May promotion). a pub, club or bar, you should contact the Trading Standards service by writing to them at Norfolk Tuesday 17th May Trading Standards Service, County Hall, Martineau Branch Committee Meeting - TBA Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UD or faxing them on 01603 222999. Apart from the AGM, you do not have to be a member to attend any of these events, but if A wide range of consumer information and advice you do and you enjoy it, you are more than welcome to join. Just come along! is also available online from the Consumer Direct However, for coach trips, please contact Tim website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

SPRING 2011 | 45 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 46

The Gatehouse Pub 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ 01603 620340

FOUR REAL ALES Live Music, Friday & Saturday Large garden overlooking the River Wensum

OPEN Mon - Thurs 12-11 Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

The London Tavern Free House Great real ales, fine wines and spirits. A large Home-Made selection of traditional food served daily, Main meals, Set menu deals, Light lunches, Specials & Childrens menu. Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1.00 Attleborough’s only current Good Beer Guide pub 2010 & 2011 Camra Discount Scheme & Local Ale Breckland Council Rating Level 5 Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing, Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Christenings, Funerals, Intimate Weddings / Civil Ceremonies catered for Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415

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NORFOLK NIPS | Schooners Call for new measure all at sea? The Government wants to relax pint disappear, but I am an and hold 400ml, or 2/3 of a the law to enable Pubs to serve enthusiast, not a traditionalist. I pint. drinks in different measures. believe that there does come a And I think that this size is just time when a pint is too much, right. I can drink a pint when I At present, beer can only be especially if it has a heavy ABV want one, but would be quite sold in 1/3, ½ and one pint and especially if I have the car. prepared to drink a schooner measures. The only alternative at the when the need arises. The change would allow beer moment is to have a half, and I to be sold in “Schooners”, hate drinking halves! But I ask you – a schooner? apparently popular in Australia. A straight half pint glass is not Where did that come from? It’s A schooner is 2/3 of a pint. always easy to drink out of two nips, or a double nip. without spilling a drop or two, Surely, as a Maritime Nation we When asked for their opinion and not all pubs have ½ pint could come up with a better by the local press, a CAMRA jugs. And, just sometimes, a name. A Wherry perhaps? No, spokesperson said that they swift half leaves me wanting on second thoughts, asking for didn’t think that there would more, which defeats the object. a Wherry of Wherry is just plain be a demand for the new At home, I have some glasses silly. So is a Broadside of Broad - measure. They didn’t ask me! that I got from the local garage side. What do other readers (in the days when I could afford think? Do you support the I have wanted something like petrol in large enough quanti - change, and what would you this for years. Don’t get me ties to qualify for the offer). call the new measure? wrong, I don’t want to see the They are plain; straight jugs A Trotter

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The Sole & Heel Rackheath Newly refurbished Pub & Restaurant with recently extended Beer Garden Minimum of 5 changing Real Ales on gravity

Restaurant open daily with A la Carte menu in the evenings. All produce locally sourced where available.

Fortnightly Sunday Quiz

Bar open: Mon 4.30-11pm, Tues 12-2.30 and 4.30-11pm, Weds-Sat 12-11pm, Sun 12-10.30pm Restaurant open: Tues –Sat 12-2.30 and 6-9pm, Sunday Roast 12-4pm

2 Salhouse Rd, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6QH Tel 01603 720146 Web: www.soleandheel.bravehost.com

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From the Archives

The following items of interest were published in earlier editions of Norfolk NIPS

1987 WATNEY MERGER – The merger of Watney companies Manns and Norwich Brewery will not change the product ranges in the pubs, MD David Jacobs told CAMRA representatives

WATNEYS KILL OFF LOCAL BRANDS – S & P Bitter has finally been axed as Watneys bring in Ruddles Best Bitter

INN FOCUS – The New Inn on West End Street has unfortunately had to take cask beer out again as there wasn’t enough call for it

1991 COLIN’S CHESHIRE GRIN - The Fat Cat, West End Street Norwich, a new Colin Keatley enter - prise, is due to open on Monday 2nd December.

STEADY PINTS - Greene King have built a new pub at Thorpe Marriott, called The Otter.

GREENE KING’S NEW ALE: WHY CALL IT RAYMENTS? – Greene King have launched a new mid range real ale, brewed at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, but called Rayments Special Bitter, which is named after the brewery they closed down in 1987. NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 50

The Shoulder of Mutton ~ Strumpshaw ~

Specialising in delicious Fine ales and good food bottle conditioned real ales served in a friendly atmosphere Real ales include Adnams Bitter and Broadside plus TWO guest ale (mainly from local breweries) A refreshing pale ale with a delicious hoppy aroma.

Brewed with a single hop that imparts both a floral and Food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm spicy aroma, added to a combination of two malts (Mon-Sat), 12-2pm Sundays keeping this ale simple and refreshing. 4.2% ABV Pub games include Darts, Pool, Crib and Petanque! Ian and Jenny look forward to welcoming you..

Tel: 01493 751975 Norwich Rd, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4NT email: [email protected] www.norfolksquarebrewery.co.uk Tel 01603 712274

The Real Ale Shop Branthill Farm, Wells-next-the-Sea, NORFOLK NR23 1SB ON THE B1105 FAKENHAM- WELLS RD

Introducing the Over 50 NEW PANTHER bottle conditioned real BREWERY ales from 15 Norfolk brewers who all use Shop Open Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm Branthill Farms Sat 10am - 3pm famous malted barley. TEL: 0 1328 71 0810 www.therealaleshop.co.uk

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NORFOLK NIPS | Campaigning Threats to Our Pubs Having now been the Pub Preservation Officer not positively obnoxious! Such people are easy for Norwich and Norfolk branch for some to get rid of anyway! With a kinder reception months, I am naturally disturbed and disap - and a little patience they may not be quite so pointed at the number of pubs we’ve lost over the bad after all…at least give them a chance! last year and those that remain standing idle and So, what are you going to do to stop your local so, under threat of closure or worse, demolition. and that “pub down the road’ from closing?

It’s all very well for us to complain, but what 1. USE IT! Further, if it’s good, tell people so! are we, and much more particularly, you, the Arrange to meet friends that don’t know it there. readers of NIPs doing about it? This is a battle for all pub goers to take part in. Don’t expect 2. If it’s not giving you what you want… others to fight your battles for you. I can only SAY SO! .. suggest what would make it better. protest on your behalf if you play your part. 3. If your pub is closing or has closed, Just how often did you, personally, use that what can you do about it? SHOUT as loud pub down the road or in the next village that’s and for as long as you can! Write to your coun - now standing empty or has now become cillors (both local and County), your M.P. and housing? If you didn’t, why was that? Could it get the local press involved! Don’t be frightened be that other people also found it unwelcoming, to contact the local Radio and TV stations too! unappealing or inconvenient? More to the point these days, was the local shop selling beers and 4. Keep an eye out for Planning Applica - spirits cheaper than the landlord could buy his tions. They have to be posted on the property stock in? Did the owners ignore the wishes of the itself and it’s not hard to check your local locals or not permit the landlord to buy the beers council’s weekly list of planning applications. and other products they preferred ? More usually They are available on-line and if you have no these days, were its prices too high for you? access to the internet, councils will help you access them. You should be aware though that What do you think makes a good pub and just because you succeeded in defeating one have you told the landlord of your local? Could application, the owner can keep filing amended a Karaoke night, book club, a book exchange, a ones and is very likely to do so. You MUST perse - discussion group (Films, TV programmes and vere and fight each and every application! One particular sports, could be the topic, it doesn’t letter to the first application is NOT sufficient. have to be anything heavy), a regular quiz night I can write a letter, but there is no substitute for or a new game be introduced? If not why not? concerted, local, vocal support.. Contact your councillors, both local and County. Involve the Exactly why did you and others forsake the M.P.. Write to all local newspapers and radio companionship of a good pub for a quiet drink stations. But ultimately there is only one solu - at home in front of the TV ? How do you meet tion…USE IT! Use it today, tomorrow and the new people and make new friends doing that? day after and if it is not giving you what you want out of “your’ local, say so loud and clear! How welcome do you make newcomers to your local? Do you really and truly want to YOUR PUB NEEDS YOU! And you may just fossilize with the same old faces day in day out, need it more than you realise! good company though they may well be. Once in a while a new face adds something and if Mike Spivey, not, then what does it matter as long as they are Pub Preservation Officer

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PIE & ALE END WEEK l n 25th Apri 23rd to Mo Sat Real Ales election of Large S wn our to wash do and Ciders emade pies hom d all Weeken Live Music

52 | SPRING 2011 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 53 B ee r F Sp e rin st g / i Norfolk Pub Su v mm a er ls 20 Beer Festivals 11 - Spring / Summer 2011

Over the next three months, a village life as a shop or post pub offers the ideal solution. celebration of real ale is taking office; and the closure of a pub From old favourites like steak place in pubs and other venues – especially in areas that lack and kidney pie to the exotic across the county. other social amenities - can be tastes of Thai cuisine, many devastating for the local pubs offer high quality meals – With there never being so community. often cooked by award many micro-breweries in the winning chefs – for a fraction of UK, not only will you get the A well-run pub can cater for restaurant prices. chance to sample a variety of all ages, offering a place where real ales you may never have friendships can be formed and From acts including Madness tried before - including those provides a convenient stopping and Vic Reeves, pubs have even brewed specially for the occa - point for a family enjoying a been responsible for kick- sion - you’ll be able to try your bike ride on a sunny day. To starting the careers of some of hand at traditional pub games, help you plan your travel to the biggest names in music take part in an ‘ale-trails’ and and from these events we have and comedy. You never know; history walks and learn how also included a brief guide to one of the acts playing in a pub this great tasting drink is bus and train travel and where near you could be a star of the brewed. to find further information and future. timetables. Of course there’s more to So whether you want a quick pubs than beer and skittles, If you’re watching the pint after work or a night out with 84% of people believing pennies, but still want to enjoy with your friends; look in at the that a pub is as essential to the finer things in life then the local, you won’t regret it. NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 54

Hill House Inn - Happisburgh For 2011: FIVE DAYS Thursday 16th June to Monday 20th June inclusive The 11th Over 100 Beers & Ciders (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. One Off Entry payment of £4.00 valid for the whole weekend. (Numbered wristband - numbers Food served all day. entered into a Grand Prize Draw). Festival T-Shirts available Come and join us at the independent festival by the sea. Celebrate the 11th 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

54 | SPRING 2011 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 55 Beer Festivals section A beer festival is near you! 10 –12th March - St Neots Booze on the Ouse 11 23rd - 25th April Pie and Ale weekend - Bell Inn, Beer Festival Rickinghall, IP22 1BN Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2BH 55+ cask beers over 3 days, plus 12 28th April - May 1st Great Yarmouth Beer Festival cider,perry and foreign beers. Souvenir glass, - Blackfriars Brewery NR30 3NZ tombola and CAMRA Shop. Food all sessions, 13 29th April - May 1st Norfolk Beer Festival - free soft drinks for drivers. For full details visit Dragon Hall, Norwich NR1 1QE www.huntscamra.org.uk 14 25th - 30th May Beer Festival - Dove Street Inn, 18 - 19th March - Hitchin Beer Ipswich and Cider Fest Hitchin Town Hall, Hitchin SG5 1HX 15 27th May - 5th June ‘The Dark Side’ Beer Festival - At least 60 Real Ales, plus cider, perry and Wig and Pen, Norwich, NR3 1RN foreign beers (including draught foreign beer). 16 9th - 17th June Annual Beer Festival - Whalebone, In association with the Hitchin Round Table, Norwich NR3 4BA this quiet festival is possibly the last event in the current format. Disabled access and toilets. 17 10th - 12th June Norfolk Ale and Music Festival - Souvenir glasses, hot/cold food, tombola and Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BJ products available. For full details call Andy Rawnsley on 01438 18 16th - 20th June 11th Solstice Beer Festival - Hill 816938, or [email protected] House Inn, Happisburgh NR12 0PW

19 20th - 26th June Beer Festival - Heath House, 20-23rd March - East Anglia Beer Festival Norwich NR3 4SG The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 20 30th June - 3rd July Summer Beer Festival - 1 1st - 3rd April 3rd Independent Beer Festival - Beehive, Norwich NR4 7PJ White Horse, Overstrand 21 15th - 17th July 10th North Norfolk Railway Beer 2 21st - 25th April Easter Beer and Cider Festival - Festival, Poppy Line Sheringham Station Kings Head, Wroxham 22 22nd - 24th July Reedham Beer Festival 3 21st April - 2nd May George’s Fest - The Cottage, Norwich NR3 4TB 23 22nd - 24th July Crusaders Beer Festival - Little Melton, NR9 3NP 4 22nd - 25th April Easter Beer Festival - The West End, Feltwell IP26 4BJ 5 22nd April - 2nd May 5th Beer Festival - STOP PRESS!! Murderers, Norwich NR1 3LB Here are a few more added just before print! 6 22nd April - 2nd May St George’s Day Festival - 21st - 24th April Easter Beer, Cider & Music Lord Nelson, Reedham NR13 3TE Festival, Locks Inn, Geldeston NR34 0HW 7 22nd April - 2nd May Spring Beer Festival - White Horse, Chedgrave 22nd - 25th April Spring Beer Festival - Chequers, Binham (see advert). 8 22nd April Beer Festival - Royal Oak, Poringland, Norwich 23rd March - 10th April International Real Ale Festival - all Wetherspoons 9 22nd - 25th April Easter Sausage and Ale Festival - pubs in Norfolk Kings Head, North Lopham 26th May - 5th June 10 22nd - 25th April Easter Beer Festival - Fox and Norwich City of Ale Festival Hounds, Heacham PE31 7EX SPRING 2011 | 55 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 56 A beer festival is near you! The numbers on the map match the numbers next to the events described on page 55. This map is to show you the

17 Brancaster Staithe

Little Walsingham

10

Gt. Massingham

Roydon

West Acre

4

Feltwell

Rickinghall11

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how you the general area and is not to scale!

21

1 le Walsingham

18

Heydon

2

19

Filby 3 16 13 22 20 15 5 12 23 Reedham6 7 8

Poringland

Tacolneston

9 Geldeston

North Lopham

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The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask. Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events. Tongue twizzling food, and great value. Help the Heroes Frankie Martin on the Great British Pub Tour 12th April Real fires Victory Barn Function Room Come & visit Nelson’s local.

Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe Norfolk PE31 8HN 01328 738241

58 | SPRING 2011 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 59 Beer Festivals section Travelling around Norfolk orfolk is well served by train and bus serv - The Coasthopper route sets off from Kings ices between all the major towns, villages Lynn and covers Hunstanton - Wells - and out of Norfolk via Kings Lynn and Weybourne - Sheringham - Comer and many of NNorwich. There are also many cycle and the smaller villages in between. walking routes available for the more adven - terous beer hunter or those with families looking Other services include X8 covering Kings Lynn for a full day out with some excercise thrown in. to Fakenham and Heacham.

National Express andEast Midland 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: Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Cromer and www.norfolkgreen.co.uk/timetables/ Sheringham. The X1 First group service runs into Norfolk Go to www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com from Peterborough passing through Kings Lynn, or www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk to check times Narborough, Swaffham and several other villages to Norwich. The service then runs on Heritage Train services through Acle and Great Yarmouth. Mid Norfolk Railway Travelling between Dereham - Yaxham - Cycling Thuxton - Kimberley Park - Wymondham Abbey Norfolk has hundreds of miles of quiet country lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of This volunteer run railway has a variety of England Tourism has developed a range of Free locomotives including a fleet of heritage diesels. circular Cycling Discovery Maps. Go to www.mnr.org.uk to check times. These are available at: www.visiteastofengland.com/ The North Norfolk Railway visitor-information/cycling-discovery-maps2.aspx Travelling between Sheringham - Weybourne - Kelling Heath Park - Holt The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes through Norfolk and is designed to make The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile cycling fun, safe and simple as you cover huge round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains stretches of the UK. on some journeys) through a delightful area of North Norfolk designated as being of One third of the Network is completely free outstanding natural beauty. from motor traffic, using old railway paths, forest tracks, country parks and bridleways, and Go to www.nnrailway.co.uk/timetable.php to the rest uses quiet minor roads and check times. traffic-calmed streets in towns and cities. so if your having a drink - get out of the car and on Bus Services yer bike! Norfolk Green run a number of Bus services into and around Norfolk.

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Heath House Norwich • Traditional Family Pub BEER FESTIVAL 20TH - 26th JUNE 2011 • Ales from near and far • • Open from 12 noon every day • Unveiling of Tipples New IPA FIRST CHANCE TO TRY THE NEW BREW!

The Heath House, 99 Gertrude Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 4SG Tel: 01603 406417

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2nd Norfolk Ale & Music Festival 10th, 11th & 12th June 2011 Thurs 21st – Mon 25th April Complete range of Woodforde’s beers. Norfolk real ales • Live music all weekend Real ciders Beer garden • Freshly cooked pub food Music • BBQ Beautiful riverside setting All welcome Wroxham | 01603 782429

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Mark & Marie offer you a warm welcome to the Fox and Hounds Heacham Home of The Fox Brewery

We are a free house specialising in real ales. The first pub in Heacham to be in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide . Live Music every Tuesday Quiz Night Thursday

www.foxbrewery.com Tel: 01485 570345 22 Station Rd, Heacham, Norfolk PE31 7EX OPEN ALL DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK Easter Beer Festival Good Friday to Easter Monday Live entertainment every night.

62 | SPRING 2011 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:23 Page 63 Beer Festivals section er m l ly d! m va Ju ken Su ti rd ee es y 3 ll w F da Q A r un BB e - S s! e ne der B Ju Ci th nd 30 s a s Ale ur lk Th rfo No 20 er Ov

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www.thewestendfeltwell.co.uk

Food Availability Fri 22nd Hot roast pork & apple rolls - 12pm to 4pm, EASTER Dinner menu avalible from 6pm till 9pm Sat 23rd Full Menu 12 to 3pm & 6pm to 9pm

Sun 24th Fantastic sunday carvery from 12 to 3pm using Beer Festival locally sourced produce. Adult £7.95 Childs £5.95 Easter Friday 22nd Mon 25th Hot Roast Pork & Apple rolls from 12 to 4pm dinner menu avalible from 6pm till 9pm

Monday 25th April Entertainment Sat 23rd BAND Salacious Crumb 9pm onwards Ales to include you name it they can play it x Hophead Darkstar, Woodfordes Norfolk Nog and a range of ales from Iceni Brewery Mon 25th 2nd annual WEST END Wellie wanging comptition starts 2pm The West End | Feltwell | Thetford | Norfolk IP26 4BJ | 01842 827711

Simon and Karen welcome you all to their traditional family pub.

We are in Great Yarmouth Beer Festival at Blackfriars Brewery, Maincross Road, Gt Yarmouth NR30 3NZ Thursday April 28th 12 noon – 11 pm Great selection of real ales and wines, along with fine Friday April 29th 12 noon – 11 pm dining and excellent company. Saturday April 30th 12 noon – 11 pm Sunday May 1st 12 noon – 11 pm Entrance £2.00 if ordered with Yarmouth Mercury SPRING BEER FESTIVAL token or £2.50 on the door Thursday April 21st to Over 100 beers from local breweries and a range of Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May ciders including Norfolk’s best Live music • Delicious food • Great Fun Tickets are purchased from 20+ Real Ales Blackfriars Brewery, Maincross Road, Gt Yarmouth NR30 3NZ www.whitehorsechedgrave.co.uk

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6 St Martins Palace Plain, 01603 625891 Norwich NR3 1RN www.thewigandpen.com

‘‘TThhee DDaarrkk SSiiddee’’ BBeeeerr FFeessttiivvaall Friday 27th May until Sunday 5th June 20 11 Mild, Stout & Porter from Norfolk & beyond! A festival of dark beer, highlighting the complex flavours of ale away from the pale. Sixteen dark delights available on gravity or hand-pull. Open 11.30am till 11.30pm, 8 days a week!

Look out for our Cask For the 13th successive • Good Ale • Good Food • Heated smoking area Marque Plaque. year, the Wig & Pen has This guarantees beer quality been included in • Comprehensive Outdoor Dining Area in the Wig & Pen and the CAMRA’s Good Beer opportunity to Guide . We are very proud Sky & ESPN Sports TV • Late Night Opening TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. of this achievement.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Travellers Tales Travellers Tales

Where is the most expensive place to drink a beer? Central London and north Norfolk immediately spring to mind, but those in search of real wallet abuse should head for Italy. Specifically, make a beeline for St Marks Square in Venice. Here, surrounded by churches and palaces, you will find a number of smart cafes fringing the square. Each one has a number of tables outside and a small stage featuring classical musicians. Each group play in turn, so a crowd of people stand and watch and as soon as one lot finishes they move around the square to the paying for the whole experi - menace all to often apparent in next cafe. This cultural ence, not just the drink. I don’t British towns and cities on a voyeurism is fun and free, but think it would have the same Saturday night. That might choose to sit down and have a resonance sat outside the Old explain why the bike bar takes drink whilst taking in the Maydens Head on Tuesday to the German streets. This is a atmosphere and things change market Place in Lynn, nursing a bar on wheels and each bar rapidly. First there is the cover pint of IPA. stool has a set of pedals so that charge – all Italian bars and it can be propelled around the cafes charge more to sit down On the way back we had a streets as you drink. I guess than stand but 5.70 (all prices planned stop in Düsseldorf (as that the driver has to stay on in Euros) is steeper than most. opposed to the unplanned stop the soft drinks, but even so, Then there are the drinks. I had in Frankfurt on the way out. can you imagine it getting a small bottle (33cl) of McFar - Lufthansa look after their approval here? No doubt the land’s Rossi beer, which came passengers – check them out). authorities would want dedi - in at 9.80. We had gathered Düsseldorf seems to be the cated roads – the bus lane for a celebration and as the rest stag and hen party capital of would become the booze lane of the party were female, the the world, and it is clear at (works better with a Lancashire drinks order mostly comprised once that you are back in a accent!) and then there would of wine, coke and Bellinis (a beer drinking country and have be the requirement for a toilet. cocktail made from crushed left the wine behind. That said, I suppose that you could and concentrated peach juice. even though the old town was attach a little cabin to be Hemmingway didn’t rate packed with young things in towed along behind the bar. them.) In total the round for their team shirts intent on Still, it would avoid the prob - 10 people came to 172 Euros. drinking themselves into lems of being late home To be fair, this did include the oblivion, there was none of the because you stopped for a cover charges and you are aggressive behaviour and latent drink on the way.

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73 Oak Street, Norwich NR3 3AQ 01603 632333

An ever-changing selection of five Milton brews and three guest beers. Also serving a verity of fine malt whiskies, a range of Trappist and Fruit Belgian beers and a unique English brewed Lager. Food coming soon Come and have a tipple at the last of the Oak Street Alehouses www.individualpubs.co.uk/whitelion/

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NORFOLK NIPS | North Norfolk Railway 10th Birthday for North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival

Ten years ago it was a pretty ciders and perries. There’s an hourly Bittern Line trains from small affair. But last year the emphasis on East Anglian Norwich and North Walsham two and a half days of the brews, but ales from all over to Sheringham is just across the North Norfolk Railway Beer the UK make this a beerfest not road from the Festival. And the Festival saw 11,500 pints to be missed. last train back to Norwich on dispensed, with record crowds the Friday and Saturday isn’t till enjoying the unique atmos - As usual, souvenir glasses and quarter to midnight – allowing phere of ale and steam. polo shirts will be on sale. Live you to celebrate the 10th entertainment will mix with the birthday in style! This year’s 10th birthday bash whistles of the steam engines. (July 15th – 17th) promises to Hot food will be available day For further information: be the biggest ever. The and evening. Colin Borg on 020 8789 0478, railway’s Nessa Pritchard told 07774 710 354 and us she expects to have over And here’s the really good [email protected] 100 different brews – ales, news. The terminus of the The Kings Head North Lopham (Near Diss) 400 year old thatched country pub Fri April 22nd – Monday April 25th ER 15+ Beers Including Champion Beers of Britain AST and OVER 60 types of sausage (including Vegetarian and Gluten-free varieties) E FESTIVAL SAUSAGE & ALE For full details SEE OUR WEBSITE www.lophamkingshead.co.uk Real Ales at sensible prices: Woodfordes Wherry & Adnams Bitter plus a rotating guest beer (4% ABV and above) PLUS Aspalls Cyder and a draught keg Mild Home made food, freshly prepared with a selection of Vegetarian and gluten free meals (Served Wednesday to Saturday 12 - 2.30pm & 6pm - 8.30pm and Sunday Lunch 12 noon - 3pm) Opening Times: Monday 5-11pm Be er G e Tuesday / Wednesday 11.30am - 3pm and 5pm - 11pm am arde iir ple n & ll F Thursday / Friday 11.30am - 3pm and 5pm - 12midnight Par ea king R Saturday 11.30am - 12 midnight Sunday 12noon - 10:30pm The Kings Head, 16 The Street, North Lopham, Diss , Norfolk IP22 2NE Tel: 01379 688007

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Michaela and Toni welcome you to The Kings Arms 22 Hall Rd Norwich NR1 3HQ Tel: 01603 766361 Everchanging 13 Real Ales, Cider and Mild. Popular Quiz Night last Wednesday of every month Food served Tuesday - Sunday 12noon - pm and 5pm - 8pm Two roast dinners for £10 Sunday ‘Crumbs for Comfort’ coming soon See www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.uk for details

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If you require competitively priced design and illustration for: Posters | Leaflets | Flyers | Advertisement Artwork | Pump Clips | Bottle Labels, Logos | Menus | Point Of Sale Displays | Business Cards | Signage Contact us for a free no obligation quote on: www.tamoko-design.co.uk 01733 751286 NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:23 Page 71 The Royal Oak at Poringland Easter Beer Festival Good Friday 22nd April

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 10am, 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. Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 13 years in the Good Beer Guide! A dream of a pub situated in the village of Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay. The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside. Contact us on 01508 493734 New email: [email protected] NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:23 Page 72