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FREE

&& CACACASKSKSK FFFORCEORCEORCE No.157 Summer 2011 NORFOLK PUB’S OF THE YEAR 2011 ANNOUNCED INSIDE!

Also inside: Railways and Real Ale Tasting Panel Report Sheffield Pub Crawl From Across the Pond Treasure Hunt 2011 AGM Report

Newsletter of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 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 protected] NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 Page 3

Norwich & Norfolk Branch Chairman: Graham Freeman Tel: 01603 687495 WINNERS! Email: [email protected] Secretary: Warren Wordsworth presence of the Sheringham Tel: 01603 665557 Email: [email protected] Town Mayor, Doug Smith - Social Secretary: Michael Philips Branch County Pub of the Year Email: michael.philips@aviva. co.uk and Branch Pub of the Year. Pubs Officer: Mark Stimpson Email: [email protected] Graham Freeman, CAMRA Branch Chair, explained how West Norfolk Branch the voting system had Chairman: Phil Buffham changed. It was no longer a Secretary: Ian Bailey Contact: Bruce Ward committee decision, but the Tel: 01485 609107 pubs had been nominated by Branch websites: members and voted for by www.norwichcamra.org.uk Mark Stimpson (Branch Pubs Officer) members at the AGM. Is this www.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk presents the certificate to Sally Mann, The Big Society in action? Landlady of The Cottage Branch mailing list web page: groups.yahoo.com/group/ The pub was packed and it CAMRA_Norwich Congratulations go The was clear to see why The Windham Arms in Sheringham Published every 3 months Windham Arms had been by the Norwich, Norfolk & West Norfolk and The Cottage, Silver Road, chosen. The welcome was branches of the Campaign for Real Ale © Norwich. N&N CAMRA 2011 Norfolk Nips is warm and friendly, the real ales produced and distributed by members of were all LocAle, from Wood - the branch in their own time. At the 2011 Norwich and fordes, Wolf, Elmtree and Norfolk AGM they were voted Edited by: Winters. There was also a Mike Baldwin the Best County Pub and Best splendid buffet and a selection Email: [email protected] City Pub respectively. of English wines to try. Chris Lucas Email: [email protected] Why two POTY’s? Well, it has It’s a heady mix, Greek Hospi - been thought for some time Views expressed in Norfolk tality and food and Norfolk Nips are not necessarily those that the Branch represents a Real Ale, but boy does it work! of the editor or of CAMRA diverse range of pubs. There are excellent county pubs and Design & Production: Peta was clearly elated to Daniel Speed - Tamoko Design excellent city pubs, but by their receive the awards and paid Email: [email protected] very nature they are different, tribute to her family, this is very Distribution: so it becomes harder to choose much a family run pub, and each year. 12,000 copies / four times a year the Mayor Doug Smith recog - Norwich and Norfolk District: nised the importance of the Tony Miles [email protected] However, we can only have West Norfolk District : awards and the impact that it Ros Harre [email protected] one pub to compete with West could have on tourism for the Norfolk’s choice, so the two town. He was so right. Advertising: went head to head and The For advertising enquiries please contact Steve Whadcock on: Windham Arms was declared Anyone for a pint of LocAle the ultimate winner. Tel: 01778 420888 / 421550 and a Stifado? Mobile: 07736 635916 [email protected] And so it was that on Tuesday The Cottage received their Ad space in NIPS is regularly booked up long 25th May, Landlady Peta before we go to press, so to avoid disappoint - award on Friday 29th April. ment please get your ad space reserved at the Garnavos received not one, but A selection of photos will earliest opportunity. The best way is to book a two awards from Branch Pubs series of four ads – your message will then be appear on our website. visible all year round and you’ll enjoy a Officer Mark Stimpson, in the discount off the regular price SUMMER 2011 | 3 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 Page 4 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 Page 5

NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Bits Back to the Future Recently it has been an eventful the consumer. on like this we may end up time with CAMRA celebrating In Norfolk we have over 30 being known as the Campaign it's 40th Anniversary and some breweries and I seem to be for Real Alco Pops. I dread to of us attending the National informed of new ones every think of the new logo. Members Weekend and AGM few months. So much for a in Sheffield. It made me reflect decline in cask ale. However, The Norwich City of Ale is on how far CAMRA has I feel the Campaign’s present going to be a great event and I progressed to the major focus is now in protecting our will be visiting all the 31 partici - consumer organisation it has Pubs which are under extreme pating pubs to sample our local become with more that pressures from all sides. We beers. There must be some - 120,000 members. Everybody must give them our continued thing special about our fine city knows we originally started support. as I can now announce that with the promotion of Real Ale CAMRA’s National Members in view of the dire lack of cask Whilst in Sheffield I noted Weekend and AGM 2013 will beer thanks to the Big Six how far we have diversified be held in Norwich. A date for national breweries. We now from our original goals when your diary. have over 700 breweries we even had discussions about offering a fantastic choice to adding fruit to cider. If we go Graham Freeman Open or Shut It is becoming increasingly diffi - that are definitely open and far more outsiders coming to his cult to tell whether some pubs congratulations to the “Dabbling festival than they’ve ever had are open or not. Several have a Duck” at Great Massingham and the Sunday went from busy habit of shutting early if it looks West Norfolk’s Pub of the Year to packed in the evening. The like they won’t get much more and to the Windham arms at excellent weather helping to trade in. so people passing by Sheringham Norwich’s P.O.T.Y bring people out over the holi - see the pub in darkness and think shortly to be decided between days. Lets hope this continues it’s shut permanently. One them for Norfolk P.O.T.Y. through the Summer with festi - couple told me that after leaving vals coming up in West Norfolk the cinema on a Wednesday Beer festivals have been plen - at the “Fox & Hounds” night, they tried three pubs on tiful over the Bank Holiday, Heacham, “Coach & Horses” their way out of town, only to I paid a visit to the “Angel” at Dersingham, “Union Jack” find each one shut, yet all of Swanton Morley for some fine Roydon, “Ancient Mariners” Old these pubs are still trading. One Ales and excellent music with a Hunstanton and “Jolly Sailors” Landlord told me “if I’ve got no band called “Polaris”. not quite Brancaster Staithe to name a few. one in at 9:30 I might as well as busy as usual, but a good (See Beer Festival list) several of shut as what little trade I might night. Then I went to the “Fox & these on the route of the Coast get after this will not be worth Hounds” at Heacham, this was Hopper Bus service. while, and it will cost me more in packed out and the Beers were overheads to stay open then changing through the night and So here’s to a good what I’ll lose by shutting”. I understand they had a good summer with good ale Cheers! weekend. Then back to the local So several are becoming part- the “Union Jack” at Roydon who Buff time pubs. Anyway on to pubs had an excellent weekend with

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Nips By Post We have a growing number of subscribers to our maga- zine, and I would like to say thanks to those who have sent very nice letters along Words from The Stig with their renewals.

I haven’t been very active on weather you would think it If you would like to receive the real ale scene recently. had already arrived. Plenty of the next 4 issues of Norfolk Only going to a couple of beer festivals and events are Nips and Cask Force by post events, all within my own area. planned starting with the send 12 first class stamps to “Norwich city of ale” event the address below. A very enjoyable walk with which runs at the end of May, lunch at the Swan at Hilbor- hopefully the first of many! Norfolk Nips and Cask Force ough organised by Ros and 91 Tennyson Road Jeff, plus an excellent cider Time to get out there and Kings Lynn award presentation hosted by explore the wonderful world of Norfolk Jim and Pete of Whin Hill pubs and real ale, nothing as PE30 5NG Cider. My thanks to all good for the soul as sitting concerned. under a tree looking out at the beer garden and watching kids I also attended the Union Jack playing football or cricket in National Beer at Roydon’s beer festival a well the sun. There’s nothing more deserved success by all quintessentially English than Scoring System accounts. To be honest I’m that, except perhaps watching If you are a CAMRA member suffering from a complete lack the same scene in the English why not log on to the of inspiration this issue. Luckily rain (I am the egg man…). National Beer Scoring Jeff Hoyle is on world class With that thought looks like System? This can be found form and has produced some my glass is half empty again, through the CAMRA website great stuff on varied subjects, back to the bar! or at the web address below. including the AGM and our Pub of the Year the Dabbling STOP PRESS It allows you to rate the Duck in Great Massingham. quality of the beer when you The result of the judging for The Duck was raised from the visit a pub. The scores are the Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the dead by local pressure and the passed on to the local CAMRA Year has got to us at Nips just intervention of the council branch who can then use in time to announce that the who purchased the property them to monitor the pubs Dabbling Duck at Great Mass- and sold it on as a pub, and and this information may be ingham has won! made a profit into the bargain! helpful when deciding the The Norfolk winner now goes The presentation of the award entries for the Good Beer forward to the East Anglian was carried out by the Mayor Guide. Pub of the year competition. in honour of this fact. Good Our warmest congratulations luck to the Duck and the http://beerscoring.org.uk/ go to all at the Duck, and we Windham Arms in Sher- wish them good luck in the ingham, as they compete for regional judging. A full report the County award. on the presentation of this award will appear in the next Summer is on the horizon, issue. although with the recent Stig.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors The Ed’lines Welcome to the Summer 2011 he has some very positive ideas Edition. It’s been a hectic year But how strong is our claim? to encourage young people so far, but a great one for How many pubs are there? (under 25 in CAMRA terms) to Norwich and Norfolk. How many real ales are avail - become active in the branch and able on any one day? enjoy real ale. I do hope so, we Congratulations to the You can read about an see plenty of students at the Beer Canaries on reaching the exciting new venture, to visit Festival, but they seem to disap - promised land, again, but let’s every pub in NR postcodes 1- 7 pear until the following October? hope we enter into it with the on a single day and record right spirit this time. It was details of ales being sold. It’s a Now an apology to Aey, good to see local Breweries big task and we need your Landlady of The Vine. In Nerds coming up with celebration help. Please read the article and visit Norwich, we omitted to brews so quickly. consider volunteering. If you say that the photo was taken at have thought of doing some - The Vine and showed Aey with Being on the City of Ale thing for the Branch, even as a Graham Freeman, Branch Festival Committee has been one-off, then this is your Chair, Andrea Briers CAMRA fantastic. Seeing local Breweries opportunity and you will be Regional Director (East Anglia) and Pubs working together for more than welcome. and Colin Valentine, CAMRA a common cause was National Chairman. wonderful. CAMRA has There is also a report of the supported this event AGM and this time we are not We are going to need a throughout, which deserves only naming names but putting bigger magazine! This edition success and hopefully will faces to the names as well. This was restricted to 64 pages, become a permanent feature in is so that you know who the which means that some copy the real ale calendar. committee members are when will have to be held over for you see them in a pub and can the next edition or appear in We are now well on the way buy them a pint or two or, of NIPS Online Extra. I can to establishing Norwich as THE course, offer useful suggestions announce that future editions City of Real Ale and events such for the Branch! will be 72 pages, so keeep the as The City of Ale Festival and copy coming and lets make the the thoroughly enjoyable I am delighted to see that we magazine even bigger and Treasure Hunt can only help to have a Young Persons Officer in better! reinforce this belief. David Rackham. David tells me Enjoy the summer.

of tangy flavours, followed by a Cider & Perry Awards smooth dry finish which rounds it out to a well balanced drink”. The presentation of East aroma, as well as a rounded Anglian Cider and Perry balanced flavour, with a competition awards for 2010 lemon/lime hint. The full apple which were made at Whinhill fruity aftertaste that faded Cider in Wells-next-the-Sea on slowly was very enjoyable”. 22nd April. Crones ‘Owld Norfolk’ won the cider award ‘Whinhill Perry’ won the perry which is described as by judges award which is described as Left to right: Robbie Crone and son, as having a “very pleasant, having “an oakey fruit aroma Andrea Briers and co-owners of Whinhill subtle fruit, honey, and flowery with a hint of toffee, and then full Jim Ferguson and Peter Lynn. SUMMER 2011 | 7 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 Page 8

| NORFOLK NIPS Pub News

Once again, the future of The The Chequers in Bress - members may nominate any Nelson , Nelson Street, ingham will be opening soon pub in the Branch area for Norwich is uncertain. It would and Marstons have opened a possible inclusion in the GBG. appear that the pub has shut. new pub in Fakenham, near We encourage members to Regular readers will recall that Morrisons. This will be similar assist with pub surveys. this pub featured in NIPS 154, to The Cock Inn in Drayton. However, we also want as when Landlord Steve O’Shea many members as possible to was trying to negotiate a new The new Wetherspoons Pub participate in the final selection lease with Enterprise inns. in Dereham, The Romany of the pubs selling the best Rye , is open with nine hand - beer in our Branch area. We The Bakers Arms , pumps. Sadly, only three were never have sufficient allocation photographed by Anthony on when visited. for all the pubs in our area Miles, has recently been selling good beer. So the selec - converted into flats. Good Beer Guide tion of the very best is important. Despite over 2000 Pub entries Branch members we have seen only between 45 and 60 As many may know, Norwich members participate in the & Norfolk Branch selects its recent voting meetings. entries for the Good Beer Guide by inviting nominations. We At the Branch AGM the scruti - then have a meeting where nisers were asked to look at the members present can vote for system adopted by us, with those pubs they think should one option being to hold A similar fate now awaits The be in the GBG, provided they voting meetings for members Rosary , as the application to have been to those pubs in the at a number of locations within turn the pub into flats has been past year. This has provided a the Branch area, or meetings approved. The board outside good mechanism for selection; on different days. If this was the pub reflects happier times with new pubs entering the done would you attend? Let us and is now a poignant guide, a wide spread of pubs, know. We have felt it important reminder. both type and geographically, that voting is at meetings and no pub guaranteed entry where the rules can be Sadly, it has been reported year after year. explained, membership cards that The Suffield Arms in checked, papers handed out Gunton has closed and that, The Good Beer Guide is the and collected. They enable late finally, The Canary has been flagship publication of the breaking information for demolished. Campaign, and for good surveys to be given and it does reason. CAMRA members know show some level of commit - The Cat and Fiddle in the best pubs selling the best ment from the member. Magdalen Street, is to be beer. This experience with auctioned, but as a pub. It is members visiting pubs Sadly past experience has not all gloom and doom throughout the year, rather shown postal or email voting though. than on just one inspection can be manipulated. If you visit, is what gives the guide its have ever used some other pub accuracy and quality. Already guides you will have seen the

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NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News result. However if there are any also applied for change of use seemed to be not particularly other ways you think we can to a residential dwelling. interested in Nips and CAMRA. improve the system let us know CAMRA have objected to this Still, with the right formula the so that they can be considered. change, but if there is no one position on the A47, in an to take it on we fear the worst. expanding village, surely there Pubs Officer must be a future for this pub. Mark Stimpson Better news for another Elgoods pub, the Queens It’s not all bad news. The Arms in Lynn, which has been Star in Fakenham is open News from the West refurbished, and as far as we again, and the local residents are aware is definitely not who had been unhappy about I first moved down to Lynn in closing. the late nights and loud music 1980, and my first task was to seem to be pleased with the find somewhere to live. In These are tough times for way it is going under new August I hitch hiked down publicans, not helped by the manager Ms Janine Scott. Also from Bury and booked into the latest round of tax increases on in Fakenham a new pub is youth hostel (sadly now closed) beer. The Bedingfeld Arms being built by Marstons on the for a couple of nights. As it in Oxborough was advertised Clipbush business park. It is to turned out I found a place in a for sale in the Lynn News with be called The Running couple of hours and had the a price of £325,000 – not bad Horse , and it is hoped that it rest of the day to spare. What when you think of the potential will be open by the end of to do? I took the ferry across to number of visitors to Oxbor - June. West Lynn and walked out to ough Hall, next door, who the Victory at Clenchwarton could be enticed into the bar. Also reopen after being closed for a pint, returning by the Cut Also advertised for sale is the for a year and a half is the Bridge. This came to mind as I Fenman in Kings Lynn. We Rose and Crown at Harpley. repeated the walk to deliver went in on a Friday evening Ian Rix and local girl Amanda the last issue of Nips. It seems recently and the place was Rowe are now running it. Real that there may be an unfortu - essentially deserted, but had a ales are on offer, and we have nate symmetry to these two couple of beers on – Brains and heard some encouraging walks as the Victory has been Hobgoblin. Shortly afterwards reports from those who have reported as closed. Elgood’s the ‘For Sale’ sign was back, visited. are quoted as saying that there with a price of £175,000 and is some interest in taking the opening seems to have been In Lynn, the Old Maydens pub on and that it is hoped rather sporadic. Lets hope it Head has had a £100,000 refit that it will reopen. The Victory can avoid the fate of the old and an official reopening is the last pub in a large village East Anglian Hotel on the presided over by local MP and has been one of the few in opposite corner which closed Henry Bellingham. The owners the local area to be run as a around 15 years ago and is are Reactive Leisure Manage - traditional boozer and not as a finally being developed into ment and they have also taken restaurant with a bar, so I flats. Also closed is the Crown over the Rampant Horse in ferverently hope that it is not at Middleton , which tried to Gayton. Not to be outdone in the end of a classic village local. reinvent itself as a ‘North the celebrity stakes, the Hoste Also under threat is the Red Norfolk’ style upmarket eatery, Arms in Burnham Market had Hart at Three Holes, another but seems to be a bit out of Anneka Rice in to open the Elgoods pub. Once again the position for that type of trade. new Hoste Arms Beauty Spa. brewery are giving someone I always found it very pleasant, As yet we have not organised a the chance to take over and but the staff were polite, rather than communicative and continue to trade, but have Continued Overleaf

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NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News continued branch outing to this new venue, especially to the Welsh, English, If previous years are anything although in the opinion of some the Isle of Man and Clare to go by there will be a dozen we could benefit from it. Balding. I suppose these types or so real ales (Norfolk and of rants are much funnier when honorary Norfolk), really local Meanwhile the ‘Wenns someone like Jeremy Clarkson real cider, and music and food Drunkards’ Facebook group is having a go at Mexicans than too. It runs from Friday 2 can rest easy as, according to when you are on the receiving September until Sunday after - the leaseholder Raghu end. noon 4 September and the Kodakandala, it will remain ‘a best bit; all the proceeds go to pub for drinkers’. Greene King Even when I don’t go into the charities that are does apparently have plans to pubs I have a good look when supported by the village with spend some money on the going past, and noticed one this year’s beneficiaries the place but there are no details at sporting a sign reading Macmillan Trust and the the moment. Up at Knights Hill ‘Sunday lunch now being Playing Fields Fund. Come to village, there is a planning served’. Strange, as it was N29 and get into the spirit (or application in to build another Wednesday morning. Still, should that be ale?) of a 10 bedrooms. signs can be a bit misleading. thriving village community. I can just about understand Taking advantage of the ‘shoes – two for the price of Mont lovely weather we have been one’ but feel that ‘Earrings – out and about. We called into three for two’ must have Woodfordes brew the Hilborough Swan for limited appeal, even in Norfolk. lunch whilst planning out latest That’s enough from me. for 30th Birthday CAMRA walk recently and were Inspired by A A Gill I’m off to very impressed by the whole find out whether vegetarian To celebrate their 30th Birthday package from the beer, to the cannibals eat nuts. Woodforde’s have brewed a staff and also the pleasant limited edition batch of Norfolk atmosphere of the place. That Jeff Nip 8.5% ABV, based on the is also true of the Ancient original Steward & Patteson Mariner in Old Hunstanton recipe. where we were made very Martham Beer welcome at our April meeting. After an eight day fermentation Festival 2011 period Nip was then trans - The Deer’s Leap in Lynn ferred to 225 litre Oak barrels Martham is a great place to be, now has music on a Friday for maturation, four months set on a hill above the Broads, evening, and is serving Wood - later it was then bottled for that was once on the ancient fordes Wherry and Pedigree further maturation in 330ml island of Flegg. With a beau - alongside the good value bottles. The oak barrels had tiful church, green and pond it meals. A A Gill upset the Rose previously held French red also boasts two well established and Crown at Snettisham and wine. It is a classic beer and pubs selling real ale. There is most of Norfolk with his each bottle will be individually also a strong community spirit, comments in a restaurant numbered to make it the with a carnival, fairs, a scare - review in the Sunday Times. perfect collector’s item. crow festival, and active sports I heard him on the radio teams, and once again a recently and he seemed a quite The bottles will go on sale at group of these community spir - entertaining and normal type the Royal Norfolk Show on ited individuals are again of guy, but a bit of research 29th June they will then be putting on a small but perfectly revealed that he has a bit of available from our Brewery formed beer festival at the form for being obnoxious, Shop thereafter. pavilion on the sports ground.

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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 ?

The Edinburgh Hotel, Wells-Next-The-Sea evening. Although the excellent beer is £3.30 a Visited during a short break in May. Found a mix of pint the jazz is top quality. On our recent visit we friendly regulars, but also many holiday makers, like were beguiled by a young female Japanese pianist myself who were all made very welcome. And the and her band and left marvelling that a rural beer was amongst the best kept that i’ve ever had wayside Inn in Norfolk offered such aural delights in my 20 years as an ale drinker. Three beers were for free. www.norwichaccommodation.com/jazz available, Draught Bass, Woodforde's Nelson’s Revenge and the best pint of Wherry that you’re The Longe Arms, Spixworth likely to find. The food in the adjacent Restaurant is The pub was threatened with closure but thanks to also excellent value and freshly prepared, including two local people stepping in to save the pub it has fresh crab and lobster. A must visit if you’re in been refurbished and is now open again. During North Norfolk, and a must for GBG 2012? the day is opens not just for beer but teas and coffee. Blackfriars Tavern, Blackfriars Road, Yarmouth. Although only supplying one real ale, Black Sheep Finally reopened as a true freehouse with a simple Best Bitter, it is kept is very good condition. and clean renovation after an extended period of closure. Three handpumps with GK IPA at £2.50 and Abbot on the two in use but with Blackfriars beers anticipated soon. Another regular outlet for the town’s only brewery is to be welcomed, espe - cially for a pub that bears three beautiful Lacons tiled THE ANGEL INN signs (one which has two Blackfriars quaffing ale). FREEHOUSE

Salhouse Bell A thriving local with three handpumps on: Wherry (which really is a Locale here), Spitfire and a rare beer around here, Theakstons XB which at £3.20 a NORFOLK CAMRA PUB OF pint tasted fine. THE YEAR 2010! Rackheath Sole and Heel Open all day every day Four unusual out-of –county beers on gravity, all at £2.90 and all in excellent form as we managed to Excellent home cooked meals sample them all with our gargantuan meals. This popular Art Deco pub goes from strength to available from our award strength and is highly recommended. winning kitchen

Large Beer Garden with play area Rackheath Green Man The old drovers’ pub on the Norwich-Wroxham En-suite accommodation road has an open fire, a large garden and three Camping and Caravanning available beers on handpump (Adnams, Wherry and Pride). Larling, Norfolk, NR16 2QU (17th Century former coaching inn) On its own that should be enough to entice anyone to visit but the pub is also home to the Tel: 01953 717963 modern jazz club which meet every Tuesday www.angel-larling.co.uk

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Thursday 28th July - Sunday 31st July A selection of 8 real ales and cider 6 on gravity and 2 on handpump Live music Friday Evening, Saturday Afternoon/Evening and Sunday Afternoon Sunday Lunchtime Carvery £4.95 For more information call Colin or Debbie on 01493 720228

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West Norfolk POTY | NORFOLK NIPS The Dabbling Duck A personal view of West Norfolk’s Pub of the Year.

Back in the 80’s and 90’s I was lucky enough to play on the Seven Sister’s all conquering Quiz team and one of our regular fixtures was at the Rose and Crown in Great Mass - ingham, which was a pleasant but unexceptional village local.

The last fixture we played there lives in my memory for two reasons. We won the match by about 50-6, but lost the beer leg 20-19. I still remember that the question that we got wrong hinged on the difference between an armadillo and a pangolin. Such are the mental scars of Thanks to the Kings Lynn and the Year. For that we have to defeat. My second memory is West Norfolk District Council thank the new owners, Mark talking to the then landlord and their local representative, and Jess Lapping, Dominic who explained that he was Mike Tilbury, the pub was Symington and Steve Kilham, leaving the pub the next day saved from conversion to who have created a fine pub. because he couldn’t afford the housing by a compulsory rent imposed by the brewery. purchase order. Despite fear - So why make a visit? First is The pub limped on for a few some opposition from the local the beer. There is no way that years under a succession of paper and some residents of our flagship pub was going to new tenants, but there was the Borough, they were brave have less than excellent beer. never much reason to make enough to stick to their guns There are guest beers from the trip out from Kings Lynn and eventually sold it on at a breweries such as Humpty again, and it was only a matter profit so that it could reopen, Dumpty and regulars such as of time before the pub was run and in 2006 it was reborn as Wherry. Myself, I rarely look into the ground and closed. ‘The Dabbling Duck’. past the Beeston ‘Worth The For many pubs this would have Wait’. This started as a guest a been the end of the matter. That is an inspiring story and couple of years ago and the Mike is still being contacted by locals liked it so much that it Norfolk villages are littered groups all over the country to has been a permanent fixture with houses such as Bull find out how it was done, with ever since. Don’t take my word cottage at Setchey, whose the hope that it can be for it – give it a go. The Lady name hints at their former use. repeated in other areas. It does Mayor did and was very For once this did not happen. not however make it a Pub of impressed by her pint. Unlike

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NORFOLK NIPS |

some refurbished pubs there is able in all seasons. It is a para - the film showings and the no compulsion to eat and there dise for book lovers, and I love annual beer festival it becomes is a very comfortable bar area the Norfolk mural by local artist clear that once again the pub is for those who just want a pint, Jo Spaul, who also designed at the heart of local life. but if you do choose to sample the pub sign. the food it is unlikely that you There are people who don’t will be disappointed. Norfolk is Then there are the surround - like it and hark back to the days no longer a gastronomic back - ings. On the night of our of fizzy Watney’s beer and water where a warm pie passes presentation a couple of our scampi in a basket, and for cordon bleu cooking. There members arrived early and did bemoan that things aren’t is a lot of competition in the a walk in the surrounding what they were. I once chal - area from top pubs and restau - countryside. It’s something lenged one such person to rants and the numbers who that we have done on several explain what exactly was choose to eat at the Duck occasions.Close by is the wrong with the new pub, and testify that it can match the Peddar’s Way, but if you need the best he could offer was that best. You can check out the further ideas check out the he didn’t like the colour of the website for an idea of the map on the wall in the pub. paintwork. Well I do, and I menu and also the current think the local CAMRA branch beers at thedabblingduck.co.uk. For the less energetic the has made a great choice – I village green and duck ponds hope you agree. Thirdly is the ambience. The should provide the perfect log fire in winter and garden in backdrop. Add in the regular Jeff the summer make it comfort - music, quiz and poker nights,

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’s True Heritage Pubs 10 | NORFOLK NIPS

This series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years or so. With summer in mind, this issue features a dining pub next door to a National Trust property and a drinker’s pub at the seaside. . Buckinghamshire Arms, Blickling 1

1 The Buckinghamshire 0 2

r Arms Blickling Road, Blickling e t h

g NR11 6NF (on the B1354) is u a l open in summer from 11-3; 6- S

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a 11 Mon & Tue; 11-11 Wed to h c i Sat; 12 to 11 Sunday; (In M 1

1 © winter 11-3; 6-11 Mon to Sat; 0 2

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12 to 4, closed evenings on t h g

Sunday). Meals are served from u a l S

12 to 2 (2.30 Sat, Sun); 6.30 to l e a

9 Mon to Sun – booking is h c i M highly recommended. Phone number is 01263 732133. © Website: www. bucks- arms.co.uk. Children welcome.

‘The Bucks’ is situated at the gates of Blickling Hall and being part of the estate it is also owned by the National Trust, one of a total of 36 pubs belonging to them. Originally the lodgings for John Ball, the estate bricklayer of Blickling Hall, it was substantially rebuilt in the mid 18th century of red brick and is now painted cream. The snug, tucked between the main corridor and the lounge, really is the star here. It has a counter possibly from the 1950s, old bar back shelves, a 1950s brick fireplace and an unusually shaped The exterior and snug of the Buckinghamshire Arms, Blickling alcove. The lounge also has a counter possibly from the 1950s, old fireplace with a log On the left is a two-part dining Accommodation is available in burning stove and some old room with a red quarry tile 3 en-suite rooms with four- fixed seating, but the bar back floor and was only brought poster beds. Real ales on sale is modern. The rooms are into pub use fairly recently. The are Adnams Best Bitter, Wood - linked by a Norfolk pamment pub still retains an outside fordes Wherry, and a beer from corridor and entrance lobby. gents’. Wolf Brewery.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Ship, Caistor 1 1 0 2

r e t h g u a l S

l e a h c i M

© The Ship, built in 1815 as a since then. The brick and flint beer house, is situated only addition on the front left of the yards from the beach. It was building houses a completely purchased by Lacons Brewery panelled room with pebble and of Gt. Yarmouth in 1905 and brick fireplace. Apart from the In the rear section of the right the full licence was not painting of most of the hand bar is another large obtained until 1957. Lacons panelling in a cream colour and photograph - it is of the drifter carried out an extension and the removal of the ladies toilet Paradox built 1884 for Walter renovation in 1956-8 and there in one corner it is little Haylett. The fixed seating, have only been minor changes changed. On the wall there is a chairs, tables and unusual large photograph of the drifter seating around a post all date Paradox II built in 1910 for from 1958. Walter Heylett. The Heylett family ran the Ship from 1912 Ship 2 Victoria Street, Caistor to 1977. Through the wide NR30 5HA is open from 10am doorway lies the servery with a to 11pm Mon to Sat; 11am to bar counter from 1958 but the 11pm Sun. No food is sold – bar back fitting looks more just crisps and nuts! Children modern. A small piece of wall are welcome. Phone 01493 was removed c.1987 joining 728008. It sells Woodfordes the lounge to the rest of the Wherry and Greene King Abbot pub. On the right is another Ale. 1958 bar counter - note the superstructure added in the If you require photographs of 1960s with both Lacon's falcon your pub interior / exterior and Whitbread's hind symbols - you can contact Mick on prior to being taken over in 01733 390598 or email The public bar at the Ship, Caistor 1965 Lacons were a company [email protected] showing both the Lacons and under the Whitbread umbrella. to discuss your requirements. Whitbread symbols

SUMMER 2011 | 17 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 Page 18 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#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:30 Page 19

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 Sheffield Star After a gap of 20 years the CAMRA AGM motion should be remitted. It’s not all about returned to Sheffield this year, and once again speeches and debates. There is the beer festival we were there. For those who have not open during the lunchtime break, and in the attended a member’s weekend, business evenings. This year there were a staggering consists of a mixture of reports from various selection of beers, which, I guess, were all, elements of the Campaign, such as finance and brewed within 15 miles of the venue. Few, if any publication, a series of motions put forward by of them were in existence last time we were members of the Campaign and some guest here which demonstrates how far CAMRA has speakers. These pieces of business vary between come. We passed on the workshop sessions on the mundane, entertaining and passionate, but Saturday afternoon in favour of a quick trip it does give people the chance to put faces to across the Pennines to watch Bury take on the the names seen in What’s Brewing . In truth, might of Barnet in a pulsating encounter, which whilst seeming important at the time, most of left the Shakers on the verge of promotion. We the motions were fairly inconsequential this year. also had time to try a few of the Good Beer Guide However there is always a sense of excitement, pubs in Sheffield, and what a fine bunch they are. anticipation or dread when some of the regulars approach the podium to have their say. They include Champs, a sports bar in a student area with lots of young things drinking brightly Amongst these it was good to see our own coloured liquid straight from the bottle, but also Andrea from West Norfolk address the multi - some of us more mature individuals attracted by tude, even if it was only to propose that a the 10 or so handpumps. Out on the Western

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NORFOLK NIPS | Sheffield Pubs

edge is the Walkley Cottage, a community pub chance and, as an added bonus there are two with great views over a beautiful valley, Kelham handpumps on the bar in the Crucible. Island beer and a friendly pub dog. There were If you want to go and have a great weekend, others but for me, the star of the show was one next year the AGM is in Torquay – wouldn’t it be that we wandered into at random. On Sunday great if Bury were playing there that weekend? evening after a pleasant meal we were Much easier for the majority though, will be wandering back to our hotel, and happened on 2013 when the AGM returns to Norwich, if you a pub on the way. Being still early we decided are a member, come for the weekend, come for to call in, and were pleasantly surprised by the the day or just pop into the beer festival. Maybe sight of 4 beers on offer. They were just about to by then Bury will be playing at Carrow Road. start the weekly quiz so we had a go at that, but our lack of knowledge about current affairs was Jeff exposed by the probing questions on the world of celebrities. Still, we were about to leave well pleased with our evening when the landlord The Flip side of Cider came round with plates of food left over from the Sunday roast. Once again we were almost out of the door when they came round with the jackpot question. This time Ros’s knowledge of 19th century French poets was good enough to win us a share of the prize and £15. Not a bad evening – a couple of pints of Thornbridge beer, a plate of food, entertainment, friendly staff and locals, stacks of newspapers to read and going out with more money than when we came in. So the moral of this tale is twofold – first, if you are in Sheffield try the Stag on Psalter Lane – it’s a true Sheffield Star. Second – take a chance even if the pub you are passing is not in the Cider folk in discussion Robbie Crone and son foreground, Good Beer Guide , there are lots of hidden gems the chap on the left looks keen! out there waiting to be discovered. As I mentioned in the editorial I’m short of a few For others Sheffield in April only means one words this issue so here are some shots of the thing, and that is snooker. We had breakfast cider award presentation at Whin Hill from a next to a former world champion in our hotel, different angle! It was great fun and typical of though I didn’t notice him until Ros pointed him the sort of summer day out many of us look out afterwards. She is making a habit of this, forward to.There are a few familiar faces! having not alerted me to a megastar sat at the next table to us in a pub back home in Norfolk Stig recently. Holding no grudges, though, I still took her to the Crucible on Monday morning to see a match between Steven Maguire and Barry Hawkins. It probably didn’t hit the national headlines but was a fascinating battle between one player who could not do anything right and consequently was losing his cool, and another who went 4-0 up but then lost his nerve as it became clear that he had a chance to win. It is well worth watching a live game if you get the

SUMMER 2011 | 21 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:31 Page 22

DUK Eof WELLINGTON TRADITIONAL REAL ALE HOUSE 14 REAL ALES GRAVITY SERVED available all year round from our glass fronted tap room 6 MORE ALES Summer ON HAND PUMP BBQ Weekend Beer IN THE BEER GARDEN Festival Friday August 26th - Saturday Sept 3rd 100 REAL ALES from across the nation Come and enjoy our Tap Room with a selection of CAMRA Good Beer Guide Listed Belgian bottled beers, Budvar, Open Erdinger and Riegele all on Monday to Saturday 12noon to 11pm Draught. Sundays 12noon to 10.30pm 91 - 93 WATERLOO ROAD | NORWICH | 01603 441182 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:31 Page 23

NORFOLK NIPS | Norwich Treasure Hunt DUK Eof WELLINGTON “There be treasure…..!”

Around 50 people gathered at The Reindeer for the start of The Treasure Hunt, organised by Rupert Eris. Once assembled in teams of four, Rupert handed out the sets of clues and at the appointed hour Graham addressed the throng of eager contestants, and we were off. Some pubs were very busy, customers crowding around TV screens, watching the Grand National and the Swansea v Norwich City match and there were 10 pubs to visit. Forget First Friday Fives, this was a Super Saturday Ten!

Graham and Warren were the judges and they could be spotted in certain establishments, chilling out with a leisurely pint or two, whilst others dashed in and out.

Unusually, it was hot, very hot for April and as the afternoon wore on the heat began to take its toll. Well, some of them, any way. My team took a Some teams had found a cosy shady nook and more structured approach. We stayed in The decided that that was that for the day. Reindeer, worked out which pubs we had to visit and then set off. We had a plan. Unfortunately, Others, us included, battled to the end and got we discovered what most had found before us, to the finish in time. that the first pub was not open yet. Some answers to the clues were visible through the Who won? I’m not sure, I had to leave window, as was the cleaner, who did her best to promptly for a previous engagement before the avoid the hordes of people outside, pressing their prize giving, but certainly Jabba and Rob noses to the windows and waving bits of paper. Derbridge were looking well pleased.

All pubs were within the City Walls, but when Undoubtedly, everyone won - those who took you consider they stretched from The White part, the pubs (which had an increased footfall) Lion to The Compleat Angler, there was a fair bit and the judges, who had a lazy Saturday after - of walking involved. The rules said that teams noon! had to stay together, you had to have a drink (soft drinks allowed) in each pub you visited and Rupert says he will do another one in the you had to be in The Kings Head at 6pm. future. I do hope so – it was great fun!

91 - 93 WATERLOO ROAD | NORWICH | 01603 441182 SUMMER 2011 | 23 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:31 Page 24

Norwich CAMRA AGM | NORFOLK NIPS Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Branch 2011 AGM It was standing room only in although concern was expressed Committee Meeting, The Take 5’s function room for the by the alarming number of pub Priscilla Bacon Lodge was AGM this year. Fortunately, not closures recently. chosen as our Charity for 2011. all 2,254 members were able The Cottage in Silver Road to attend! The Tasting Panel reported was voted City Pub of the Year that the Champion Beer of and The Windham Arms, Sher - The meeting was opened by Norfolk for 2010 was Grain’s ingham as The County Pub of Graham Freeman, and glasses Best Bitter. the Year. The Windham Arms were raised to celebrate was declared as The Branch CAMRA’s 40th Birthday. A shortlist of Charities was Pub of the Year. Graham said that the Real Ale drawn up and at the next Walks in Norfolk guide was very popular with sales now This is your new Committee for 2011: topping 1,600. He thanked joint Editors Mike and for Stig for increasing the popularity of Norfolk NIPS & Cask Force. (Thanks Graham – Ed).

This year we have sponsored the Norfolk Industrial and Archaeology Society for their excellent display of the Norfolk Chairman: Secretary: Committee Membership Graham Freeman Warren Wordsworth Dr Martin Hicks Rob Derbridge Brewing Industry at Dragon Hall and the new City of Ale Beer Festival’s advert in What’s Brewing. The 2010 Beer Festival had been a great success and over £5000 was donated to our charity – Norwich Door to Door.

Distribution: Committee: Deputy Pubs Officer Young Members Finally Graham reported on Anthony Miles Tim MacDonald Dave Cleverley Co-ordinator the National Executive and David Rackham Regional Directors Conference Vice Chairman and Deputy Chair in Norwich and was delighted Martin Ward to announce that the 2013 Treasurer Chris Thomas Pubs Officer Mark Stimpson National Members Weekend Pubs Preservation Mike Spivey and AGM will be held in Press Officer Emma Pinder Norwich. Committee Helen Miles Tasting Panel Alan Edwards Further reports showed that Webmaster Adrian Hennessey NIPS Editor Social Secretary the Branch was in good health, Mike Baldwin Michael Philips

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CAISTER LIFEBOAT FIRST EVER BEER FESTIVAL

We are having our first beer festival to raise funds for the lifeboat at the lifeboat shed where will will have a minimum of 15 real ales mainly from Norfolk for you to try. Panther, Humpty Dumpty, Tipples & Yetmans brews to name a few will be there.

A Special Caister Lifeboat pint glass available at only £2.

With live music each session why not come along and enjoy a few pints and take the opportunity to see what we do. Most of the helpers will have a yarn with you about the lifeboat and no doubt tell you their favourite tipple.

Further information can be obtained from Andy Garnett on 07810 503963 , but he works full time so you may need to leave a message.

KINGS HEAD HOLT 6 BRILLIANTLY KEPT REAL ALES Including the ever popular Adnams Bitter, Broadside and Woodfordes Wherry. Proudly providing 3 guest ales (143 in one year and rising!) Giving everyone a fantastic accompaniment to our ever growing grill menu. So why not try a delicious locally sourced steak cooked to perfection on our char-grill! 3 stylish, comfortable, yet affordable B&B rooms for single, double or family use Recently re-furbished ‘George’ Lounge with Snugs and quiet corners Come pull up a stool, grab an Ale at ‘The Question mark Bar’ and put the world to rights! Live music throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn Enclosed Courtyard Beer Garden in the heart of the Appleyard To find out more you can visit our website http://www.kingsheadholt.org.uk/, give us a call on 01263 712543 , or just come on down and give us a try, you won’t be disappointed!

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Rail and Ale | NORFOLK NIPS Transports of Delight It has to be said, there is just something about Steam and Real Ale. Somehow they were made for each other. The sight, sound and smell of a steam locomotive brings a wave of nostalgia and a longing for a pint of something decent.

We all know that Norfolk is blessed with many fine Breweries and Pubs, but the area also has a good many venues where Vintage Transport can be enjoyed. Trains, trams, busses, traction or stationary engines, the choice is yours. Why not visit some this summer? To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of what is available. Also, because we know you will be thirsty, details are given of Beer Festivals, GBG pubs close at hand, etc.

As always, the Editor cannot be held respon - 2 – 4 September Steam Gala sible for most things in life, certainly not the 17 – 18 September The Famous 40’s weekend details in this article, which were believed to be correct at the time of going to print. In other GBG Pubs: words, please check! Wherever you go, what - Sheringham – Crown, Two Lifeboats Hotel, ever you choose – Enjoy! Windham Arms Holt – Kings Head.

The North Whitwell & Reepham Railway Norfolk Railway Whitwell Road, Reepham NR10 4GA Tel: 01603 Sheringham. NR26 871 694. www.whitwellstation.com 8RA Standard gauge. The station was closed in Tel. 01263 820 800. 1959, but www.nnrailway.co.uk re-opened 50 years later. The aim is to restore it Standard gauge ,5 to as it was in the 1930 – 40’s. Tremendous ½ miles, Sheringham – Weybourne – Holt, progress has been made in just two years. Steam trains run daily until 30th October. Regular events are held with Steam trains Visiting locomotives include David Sheppard’s running on the first Sunday of each month. 9F “Black Prince” making a welcome return. They will always have one real ale on when The Annual Beer Festival celebrates its 10th open, and they even have their own House Beer. Birthday this year. You will find it on Sheringham Station from July 15 – 17th. Soak up the atmos - Other events: phere on the platform. 19 June Father’s Day (Dad gets to drive!) Use the train to visit pubs pubs in Sheringham, 30 – 31 July 2nd Steam Rally (Working Traction Weybourne and Holt. Bottled beers are usually Engines, Stationary Engines, and more) available in the station shops. 13 – 14 August Reepham Music Festival 8 – 9 October 6th Beer Festival & Marriott’s Other events: Way Celebration Weekend 25 – 26 June Summer Diesel gala 3 – 10 July Quad Arts Weekend GBG Pubs: 3 July Vintage Transport Festival Reepham – King’s Arms (you can also visit The

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NORFOLK NIPS |

Panther Brewery Shop in Reepham – not Opened in 1990, this is the longest 15” gauge Sunday). in Norfolk. Most trains are steam hauled, with the occasional diesel hauled service. A Mid Norfolk Railway cycle/footpath runs along the entire length of Dereham Station Station Road, Dereham NR19 the railway for the more energetic enthusiast. 1DF Tel.01362 851723/690633 www.mnr.org.uk. There are excellent spots along the way to stop Standard gauge 11 miles Dereham – Yaxham and watch the trains go by. – Thuxton – Hardingham – Wymondham Abbey. Aylsham Station is home to Bure Valley Models One of the longest preserved railways in the who have a great range of model railway stock UK, new run-round loops at Dereham and in 00 and N gauges. If you have time, book The Wymondham Abbey and a passing loop have Broadland Boat Train, which combines a steam Thuxton have significantly improved the infra - hauled trip from Aylsham to Wroxham with a structure and enhanced operations. The line will Cruise on The Norfolk Broads. eventually extend northwards to North Elmham and County School. (The ultimate aim is Events: Fakenham!) Train services are diesel hauled 19 June Fathers Day VIP Package. Lunch at using the Railway’s Heritage Diesel fleet, plus Aylsham Station and a chance to drive an many visiting locos. engine During the summer, some services are steam 9 –10 July Travel Back in Time To celebrate it’s hauled using visiting locos – Ex GWR Pannier 21st Birthday, fares will be charged as they were Tank 9466 and recently restored 6023 King in 1990. Edward II, now resplendent in BR Blue Livery. 24 –25 September Steam Gala – all available This locomotive will be visiting from 4th June – locomotives will run plus guests from other 15” 17th July. railways 1 October Model Railway Exhibition (at The Other events: Jubilee Centre, Aylsham). 18 June Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper Special with a Real Ale Bar. (Must be booked in advance. Diesel GBG Pubs: hauled train, steam hauled on 16 July) (Other NONE, but use the train to visit pubs in dates are 20 August, 17 September, 22 October). Aylsham, Buxton, Coltishall and The Shed at 16 - 17 July First Steam Gala Wroxham. 24 July Classic Transport Day 13 – 14 August Country Branch Line Weekend Wells and Walsingham Railway Wells Next-the-Sea Norfolk NR23 1QB Tel: 01328 GBG Pubs: 711630 www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk Dereham – George Hotel 10.25” gauge Wells - Warham St Mary – Wymondham – Cross Keys, Feathers Inn, Green Wighton - Walsingham Dragon The longest 10.25” gauge railway in the world, it was built by Lt Comdr. Roy Francis, Bure Valley who also built the Wells Beach Railway. Mainly Railway steam hauled by one of two unique 2-6-0 + 0-6- Aylsham Station, 2 Garratt locomotives specially built for the line, Norwich Road, which uses part of the same trackbed as The Aylsham NR11 6BW Mid Norfolk Railway. Tel. 01263 733858 www.bvrw.co.uk GBG Pubs: 15” gauge, 18 mile round trip – Aylsham – Wells – The Albatros, plus pubs in Walsingham. Brampton – Buxton – Coltishall – Wroxham

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NORFOLK NIPS | The Rant Children in Pubs - Yes or No? identity) some even had bags stuffed with games and homework. Now I might have this all wrong but I was under the impression that being a parent involved a certain amount of sacrifice, so you might have to entertain your own kids in your own home, and not have them running around the local pub.

This problem appears to be particularly preva - lent during the six nations so perhaps,as with said sport,its a class thing!

So come on readers, what do you think? Should A simple question, but a complicated answer. all pubs welcome families with young children? I have, in the past, been asked to leave a pub Should there be more family rooms? Or do you because our children were with us. Appar - agree with the sign that says in one Pub “We are ently, it was their policy. They must have had happy to serve children - boiled, grilled or fried!” other policies that we were not aware of, because the pub was empty… Let me know (Ed). However, times have changed and now some establishments welcome families and cater for them. Play areas, colouring materials, special menus, etc abound in such places.The tival only thing missing is usually Real Ale! So Beer Fes ugust where do you go – the corner local? Possibly A Bank not – reader Steve Foyster explains: eekend Holiday W To 29th I don’t have any particularly strong views on the 25th smoking ban either way, but one unfortunate knock on effect of this is that an increasing number of parents now consider the local pub the perfect place to take the kids on a Saturday/Sunday afternoon.

Now I do concede that some foody hostilities (spelling intentional) are set up for Mummies Open All Day Every Day brave little soldiers so I tend not to drink in such At Least 5 Local Real Ales Always On Tap establishments, each to his/her own, but not the Food Served Daily street corner Large Function Room With Bar For Hire boozer where the very height of culinary sophis - tication is having a drop of mustard with your Catering For Weddings Birthdays Parties Ect pork pie. Bed And Breakfast And Camping I left my local last Sunday feeling out numbered 10% Discount For CAMRA Members as i hadn't dragged Benjamin and Lilly along Station Rd, North Elmham with me (names changed to protect their

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Introducing our First Beer Festival 1st - 3rd July 12 ales on offer plus two ciders Live Music on Sat 2nd Food served daily from 12-2pm & 6-9pm Tue - Sat 12 - 3pm Sunday

Breakfast served 7am - 2pm Saturdays Pool • Darts • Jukebox Large Beer Garden with children’s play area. 4 Real Ales always on offer 1 Norwich Road, Framingham Earl, NR14 7AB Tel: 01508 494811

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EATON COTTAGE UNTHANK RD, NORWICH Tel: 01603 453048 Fine Real Ales,lagers,wines and spirits All Sky Sports • A traditional pub Good covered outside areas Doggies welcome “a festival of beers every day”

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Beer Tasting | NORFOLK NIPS Tasting Panel A well attended Tasting Panel was recently don’t usually involve more than 1/3 pint per treated to a comprehensive tasting of bottled beer!) so most of us took the opportunity to and draught ales at the Ketts Tavern, Ketts Hill, taste a little of each of the new Norwich Bear (as owned and run by Dawn and Kevin Hopkins. in “gis a point ‘a tha bear bor”!) brews: Classic , The bottled ales were from Norfolk Square a 3.8% pale ale; Legend 4.3, slightly stronger Brewery, whose owners, Carlos and Lesley Bran - and darker and reminiscent of London Pride ; quinho, kindly organised the evening, and Platinum , a 5% golden ale; and NPA , a 4.7% performed the pouring and clearing duties we 'Norfolk IPA’, which was probably most people’s usually have to do for ourselves! favourite, although run a close second by the Legend. Carlos was the ideal host, as he also brews the Norwich Bear ales for the Ketts and its sister pub A very pleasant evening - if later than usual! - The Rose, at his brewery in Stokesby, while the and our thanks to Carlos and Lesley, and the new Norwich Bear brewery is installed at The hard-working bar staff at the Ketts! Rose. Following the usual tasting panel proce - dure, we tasted each beer, discussed aroma, flavours and aftertaste, and rated it having been told only the ABV. Beer names were revealed - or confirmed - by Carlos after the marking was complete.

We started with Pi , a light hoppy golden beer of 3.7%, which was the first beer Norfolk Square brewed and very refershing, followed by Scroby , the brewery’s 4.2% pale ale, fuller- flavoured (the name reflects the brewery's origins in Great Yarmouth). Sunshiny , a 4.5% ale flavored with a light touch of honey, completed a trio of golden amber ales on a sweeter note.

We also tasted B52 , slightly stronger at 4.8%; Square Miled , as the name suggest a dark 4% mild which was very popular, and Winklepicker , Norfolk Square’s 5% porter, pretty much in the true style, although a little sweeter than some other brewers’ versions.

We would normally not taste more than six beers at a session - apart from most of us having to work in the morning, taste buds are usually somewhat jaded after so much work!

However, we were loath to turn down a free tasting with the brewer (and bottle tastings

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NORFOLK NIPS | Competition

Win an 18 pint Beerbox of Once Bittern, Competition the new beer from Woodfordes!

This month Norfolk NIPS has 4. Sounds like dawn is immi - where to send the prize! teamed up with Woodfordes, nent? who are kindly supplying one 5. Twice shy? Congratulation go to Cherry lucky reader with a special prize. Fryer, who won the selection Send your answers to: of Panther Ales in the Spring Win an 18 pint Beerbox Norfolk NIPS 157 Competition, 2011 Edition and to Diane of Once Bittern, the new 201 Kingswood Avenue, Flynn, who won the Cask Force beer from Woodfordes. Taverham, Norwich NR8 6GJ Winter Competition. or by e-mail to All you have to do solve the [email protected] cryptic clues below to find the names of Beers brewed by Entries must be received by Woodfordes. Monday 15th August.

1. Did our Hero get this at Please note: we do not collect Trafalgar? names and addresses from 2. The beer of Albion? competition entries for any 3. You are reading one of purpose whatsoever, other these! than to verify entries and know

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 Cley The George and Dragon Norwich Jubilee Cromer The Cottage Norwich Ketts Tavern Cromer Red Lion Norwich Kings Head Dabbling Duck Great Massingham 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

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Sheffield Pub report | NORFOLK NIPS

Sheffield by Super Tram

Hopefully many of our readers We start at Sheffield Railway Tap’. On offer here at one end will have visited several of the Station at The Sheffield Tap of the long bar were five 31 participating pubs and arguably one of the best different Thornbridge beers sampled some of the 200+ railway station pubs in the and at the other end of the bar beers available at Norwich’s country. This pub is situated on four Titanic ales. ‘City of Ale’ festival by the time the concourse of platform 1B this article goes to press. Last but can also be accessed from A couple of stops along the April a few of us were lucky to the outside street. The interior line and we are in the city visit another city which claims comprises of a large main bar centre area. Adjacent Castle to be one of the nations with traditional walled tiles Square stop is Wetherspoons premier beer drinking cities – with numerous high bar stools The Bankers Draft . As the Sheffield, which this year and chairs plus a couple of name suggests the property hosted CAMRA’s National other smaller drinking areas. was formerly a bank before Members Weekend and Annual One end of the main bar being taken over by ‘Spoons’ General Meeting. boasts an enormous mirror who have converted it into a which has inscribed ‘Sheffield giant pub which spreads over Sheffield, like Norwich, has many small breweries in and around the city all of which can be sampled in the many great real ale pubs in the city. Sheffield is lucky in that it has a new tram system that opened in 1995 and conveniently many of the city’s premier pubs happen to be close to tram stops on the network. Here is an account of just a small sample of some of the numerous real ale pubs on offer. Trippets Bar 36 | SUMMER 2011 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:32 Page 37

two floors offering quite a large range of real ales that included Lancaster ‘Kingmaker’ at abv 5% and Oakham ‘Taipan’ at abv 4.9%.

A little further along the line near ‘City Hall’ stop we visited The Grapes . This was a fairly unpretentious side street pub with a main bar plus several small rooms which lead off from it. Real ales available here came from the local Abbeydale Brewery which included ‘Moonshine’. The Grapes Nearby along Trippets Lane is Trippets Bar . A large range of steel industry was centred but are the famous Kelham beers are sold here including little remains today. It has more Island Tavern which was beers from Thornbridge, recently gained the nickname CAMRA’s National Pub of the Kelham Island, Bradfield and as “The Valley of Beer” as a Year two years running 2009 Wentworth breweries. Some relatively small area is now and 2010. This multi roomed precariously balanced wine home to no less than six real pub with a small beer terrace bottles stick out of the beams ale breweries complete with a to one side offers a huge range above the seating area of the large number of excellent pubs of beers that are too numerous main bar, although we were selling the products from these to mention here. assured by the staff that they breweries. If travelling by had been there a long time Supertram the best stop is at Just around the corner is the and would not fall onto the the Shalesmoor roundabout equally well known Fat Cat . customers below! before the tram heads north - Opening in 1981 it was the ward towards the Hillsborough first of the new generation of A few streets further along district of Sheffield. real ale pubs in the area and and you arrive at another pioneered the way to this area friendly back street local, The Unfortunately we only had being known as “The Valley of Red Deer on Pitt Street. This time to visit two pubs so we Beer”. Like its neighbour The pub has is deceptively small as picked the best known which Fat Cat also offers a huge range it has a small frontage but the of real ales. open planned interior extends back a long way making it Sheffield has a massive quite large. Again a wide range number of excellent real ale of beers are available and on pubs to choose from and this the night we visited this was article only scratches the supplemented by a mini beer surface of what Sheffield has to festival. offer so why not visit and try it out for yourself? Information After leaving the city centre on how to get to and travel in the tram route passes Sheffield Sheffield can be found on University and then descends www.travelsouthyorkshire.com into the Don Valley. It was here that much of Sheffield’s famous Kelham Island Tavern Warren Wordsworth

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Simon and Karen welcome you all to their traditional family pub. Great selection of real ales and wines, along with an extensive menu and excellent company. New guest ale every Friday. Now serving great food all day every day Last Night of the Proms extravaganza Saturday 10th September Phone us on (01508) 520250 to find out more

www.whitehorsechedgrave.co.uk

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ollowing the success of our first beer festival in 2010 we Fare going to celebrate all things boozy and boogie with another festival on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of July . We shall have a selection of 20 local and national ales along with our homemade burgers and other goodies on the bbq.

Live music on Friday night with The Dog Days Of Summer, Saturday afternoon with The Mick Murphy New Orleans Jazz Band and Chibber headlining on Saturday night. Easing things off for the weekend on Sunday afternoon with North Norfolk’s finest folk and tap dance band Rig A Jig Jig.

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Opening hours We are open 7 136 Norwich Road lunchtimes & evenings every week Tacolneston, nr Wymondham Norfolk NR16 1AL • Monday to Sunday lunch 12pm - 2.30pm Telephone: 01508 489521 • Monday to Sunday evenings 6pm till close [email protected] www.the-pelican-inn.co.uk

A warm welcome awaits you at to our award winning free-house, The Pelican Inn, Tacolneston, South Norfolk

Beer Festival Thursday 25th Aug to Monday 5th Sept Ale Shop Local & National Ales & Ciders available Our new Norfolk real ale and local produce shop not only Head Chef Lewis Burrell - Finalist of supports our local 31 Norfolk and Suffolk breweries, but also offers a range of National British Pub Chef of the Year 2011 other specialist local produce such as relishes, chutneys and preserves, ciders, lagers, oils, Norfolk Four Real Ales on Hand Pump from cheeses, homemade desserts and chocolates. 2.70 a pint. £ Hampers now available to order South Norfolk Pub of The Year 2010

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Beer & Music | NORFOLK NIPS Music Events in Pubs and Clubs around Norfolk TRADITIONAL JAZZ Boughton Jazz Picnic (Nr Crown Inn, Banningham Oxborough Hall) (Nr Aylsham) Saturday 23rd July (12.30 – Adnams Broadside, Greene Water Rats Jazz Band 3.30 pm) - Water Rats Jazz King IPA and Abbot Ale The Water Rats will be back for Band will play at the Boughton Sunday 26th June (1.30 – 4.30 their 47th annual tour of the Jazz Picnic, Rectory House, pm) – Liz Wolfe singing Blues Norfolk Broads from Sat 23rd Oxborough Road, Boughton, and Swing July to Fri 29th July, generously PE33 9AH, before moving on Sunday 17th July (1.30 – 3.30 supported as always by Wood - to their main Broads Tour. Real pm) – Red Beans ‘n’ Rice New fordes Brewery, and the Ale bar should be available, Orleans Jazz Band playing in provisional itinerary is as follows:- bring a picnic, chairs, etc. there the garden at the pub, in will be a charge for admission – conjunction with Banningham Sat 23rd July Lunch: (see below) contact Paul Coulton for further Village Fete from 1.30 – 2.30 Evening: Coldham Hall Tavern, details on 01366 500315. pm, followed by Brolly Parade Surlingham around the Green to the Sun 24th Lunch: Fur & Feather, Brook Hotel, Bowthorpe, church for Jazz Church Service Woodbastwick Norwich (off Dereham Rd) Admission free, but phone Evening: White Horse, Ched - No Real Ale at present 01263 733534 for lunch reser - grave vations Mon 25th Lunch: Church Farm Thursday 11th August – Ken Country Inn, Burgh Castle Colyer Legacy New Orleans Fisher Theatre, Broad Evening: The Dukes Head, Jazz Band Street, Bungay, Suffolk Somerleyton Thursday 13th October – Adnams Bitter on handpump Tues 26th Lunch: Waveney Sammy Rimington’s Interna - Every Sunday evening - Red Beans House Hotel, Puddingmoor, tional Jazz Band ‘n’ Rice New Orleans Jazz Band Beccles Tickets/Enquiries – Rod Playford Evening: Locks Inn, Geldeston 01362 667811 Marsham Arms, nr Weds 27th Lunch: Waveney Hevingham (B1149 Norwich- Inn, Burgh St. Peter The Diplomat, Ormesby Holt Road) Evening: Ship Inn, Reedham Road, Badersfield (Ex RAF The pub has now re-opened Thurs 28th Lunch: Reedcutters, Coltishall site Nr Coltishall) after extensive refurbishment Cantley NR10 5JZ following a serious fire last year. Evening: Beauchamp Arms, Real Ales include house beer ‘Six A new tap room has been Langley Squadron’ and a guest beer. created, which stocks a good Fri 29th Lunch: Woods End, First Sunday of every month selection of real ales served Bramerton (1.00 – 3.30 pm) – Norfolk straight from the barrel. The Evening: Ferry House Inn, Dixieland Jazz Band regular beers feature one each Surlingham (Not July, August, Sept) from the Adnams and Wood - Admission free, but lunch forde's range, plus a selection bookings advisable on 01603 of guest ales 738866.

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NORFOLK NIPS |

Lumiere Rouge Ragtime Band George and Dragon, McAllister on 01603 614169, have now resumed their Newton by Castle Acre [email protected] or regular monthly sessions on the House beer Newton Bitter, www.norwich1.com/jazz.green third Friday of each month, brewed by Elgoods, plus local man.htm and there is a possibility of guest beers. other jazz sessions being It’s all change again at this Dereham Jazz Society, staged at other times venue, and whilst the music Lakeside Country Club, does not fall exactly within the Quarry Lane, Lyng (nr Red Hart, Bodham (Nr Holt) Traditional Jazz category, a Jazz Dereham) Adnams Bitter and Broadside Trio will be performing fort - Greene King IPA and Wood - First Friday every month – nightly on Tuesday evenings, forde’s Wherry Lumiere Rouge Ragtime Band whilst a Swing Jazz Quartet will Every Wednesday – Full appear on the last Friday of programme consisting of King’s Arms, Market Place, every month (Also folk music various bands and musicians in Reepham on first Thursday every month) varied styles, which usually Adnams Best Bitter, Elgoods Further details from the pub includes one ‘traditional’ Cambridge Bitter, Woodforde’s on 01760 755046 session each month. Sessions Wherry and Nelson’s Revenge, now commence at 8.00 pm. Greene King Abbot Ale plus MAINSTREAM / NB. The Spring Programme guest beers finished at the end of May, and MODERN JAZZ there will then be a Summer Every Sunday lunchtime (12 break before the Autumn noon to 2.30 pm) until 4th Green Man, Wroxham Collection commences in September (plus Bank Holiday Road, Rackheath August, which will then run to Monday 29th August) in the Woodforde’s Wherry, Adnams mid December. attractive courtyard at rear of Bitter, Fuller’s London Pride For further details phone the pub (weather permitting). plus guests. 01328 863511 or 01362 The bands alternating 696741 or visit website throughout the Summer will be Following the death of www.lakeside-jazz-club.co.uk Nene Valley Jazzmen, Simon Barbara Capocci a few months Nelson's Dixie Mix, Climax Jazz ago, it was sad to also hear of Keith Chettleburgh Band, Norfolk Dixieland Jazz the recent death of her Band and Vintage Hot husband, Mike, who had been Orchestra. (Phone King’s Arms the mainstay of the sessions at for more details 01603 870345) the Green Man, and other venues before that. Weekly Landlords and Bell Inn, Hempton (Nr sessions will continue at the Fakenham) Green Man, with the resident Landladies! Woodforde’s Wherry, John trio now known as the Simon If you have any live music events Smiths Cask and guest beers Brown Trio comprising Simon in your pub or club LET US KNOW Fourth Thursday every month – Brown (piano), Mike Harris and if we have room we will list it Chris Wigley's Jazz Quartet (bass) and Brian McAllister in this section. Send details for The Buck Inn, The Street, (drums), who will be June - August to: Mike Baldwin Flixton, Suffolk performing at many of the Email: [email protected] or Chris Lucas Woodforde’s Mardler’s and weekly sessions with a special Email: [email protected] Adnams Bitter are the regulars guest. at present, plus a good selec - Every Tuesday – For further tion of guest beers details of jazz sessions at the Every Thursday - Sole Bay Jazz Green Man, contact Brian

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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 pooltables 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

ENJOY THE SUMMER WITH A FINE ALE IN OUR BEER GARDEN

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 - 2.30pm with Roast dinner every Sunday

Eat your takeaway in the pub - plates and cutlery provided! Sunday afternoon BBQ’s in our beer garden - weather permitting!

See www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.uk for details

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A great real ale pub in the centre of the City

Exceptionally good Thai Food lunchtimes and evenings

We are in it!

TTrreeaatt yyoouurr DDaadd ffoorr FFaatthheerrss DDaayy The ONLY Thai Restaurant 1199tthh JJuunnee for Norwich in ooppeenn 1122 –– 44 THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE! CChhrriissttmmaass BBooookkiinnggss nnooww bbeeiinngg ttaakkeenn NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:33 Page 47

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

This warm and friendly 17th century Freehouse is to the north side of Norwich cathedral. Owned by Craig & Lynne McLaren since 1993. ‘The Wig’ as its affectionately known, has built a reputation for fresh, fast, affordable British cuisine. • Good Ale • Good Food • Heated smoking area • Comprehensive Outdoor Dining Area • Late Night Opening

Look out for our Cask For the 15th successive Marque Plaque. year, the Wig & Pen has This guarantees beer quality been included in in the Wig & Pen and the CAMRA’s Good Beer opportunity to Guide . We are very proud TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. of this achievement.

SUMMER 2011 | 47 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:33 Page 48 eston Locks eld Locks Lane, Geldeston Inn 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

Sunday 28th August Bank Holiday Weekend Bands Awesome Double-Header MURPHY’S LORE - folk rock SKA-TA-BRAIN - dancy, jazzy ska music

ursday 8th to Sunday 11th September HARVEST BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL ursday Night Folk Session, Folky Friday With Murphy’s Lore, Guest Bands And Balkan / Swing From Our DJs Saturday Night - Ska Dance Night With Ska-Ta-Brain & DJs, Country Sunday - Lively Country/Bluegrass Bands 1pm To 7pm

Go to www.geldestonlocks.co.uk for more information on our events, parties and music line-up NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:33 Page 49 eston Locks From the Archives eld Locks Lane, Geldeston Inn 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 A nostalgic trawl through earlier editions of It was reported in the February/March edition Norfolk NIPS has revealed the following gems - that 116 Norfolk Pubs closed in the 1980’s. from 21 years ago: Sunday 28th August The 1990 Norfolk NIPS Awards included: 1990 As from 1st May, tenants of the Big 5 Brewery Good Value Award – Pottergate Tavern for Bank Holiday Weekend Pubs were allowed to choose a cask conditioned selling Greene King Mild for only 80p ale from another brewer or supplier. throughout the year Bands Awesome Double-Header The Big 5 were Ind Coope, Charringtons, Fresh Air Award – The Lord Nelson for becoming MURPHY’S LORE - folk rock Whitbread, Courage and Watneys. the first smoke free pub in Norfolk SKA-TA-BRAIN - dancy, jazzy ska music To celebrate, Norwich CAMRA held a social at New Pub Award – The Red Lion, Stiffkey for The Freemasons Arms, a tied Courage Pub, provided villagers with a local pub for the first which was selling Batemans Mild. The evenings time in 20 years. entertainment included watching Channel 4’s The Beer Hunter, which was featuring Batemans Brewery. It was hailed as a success, with the land - lord selling out of his guest beer on the first night! Earle Arms Heydon Norwich hosted CAMRA’s National Conference and AGM for the first time. Also hailed as a success, with every Brewer in Norfolk, Suffolk, Traditional Norfolk Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, Essex and freehouse and restaurant Bedfordshire present, with the exception of Earl Soham, who were already brewing to capacity to supply their own pubs. Top selling beers were 3 Real Ales Reepham Dark Mild, Woodfordes New Broad - always available sman, Adnams Bitter, Batemans Dark Mild, Elgoods EB, Nethergate Bitter and Woodfordes Woodfordes Wherry, Adnams Wherry. Bitter and Black Sheep Sounds familiar? Watneys announced plans to close The Lord Nelson in Nelson Street and replace it with housing, saying there were too 01263 587376 many pubs in the area. Other pubs under threat or closed around this time included The George Satnav: NR11 6AD and Dragon, The Shirehall, The Jolly Butchers, (Just off B1149 Holt - John W Stokes, The Castle Hotel, The Fruiterers, Norwich Rd) La Rouen, Coach and Horses, Swifts, and The Bell Hotel SUMMER 2011 | 49 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:33 Page 50

ANCIENT MARINER 1ST ANNUAL BEER FESTIVAL Fri 24th June – Sunday 26th June Up to 30 cask ales, ciders and kegs • Music throughout the weekend Food available 12 – 9 • Come and enjoy yourselves!

Heath House The pub with no bar, Norwich • Traditional Family Pub ales direct from cask. Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events. BEER FESTIVAL Tongue twizzling food, and great value. 20TH - 26th JUNE 2011 Huge garden • Summer barbecue • Ales from near and far • Nelson’s Village Tours • Open from 12 noon every day • Fri, Sat & Sun 3.00pm Unveiling of Tipples New IPA FIRST CHANCE TO TRY THE NEW BREW! Victory Barn Function Room Come & visit Nelson’s local.

The Heath House, 99 Gertrude Rd, Norwich, Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe Norfolk PE31 8HN Norfolk NR3 4SG Tel: 01603 406417 01328 738241

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NORFOLK NIPS | Colonial Craig From Across the Pond (part 3)

If you have followed my last two columns you what I told myself so I kept on ordering half will be up to speed with my adventures at the pints. I did learn to order a “half” and not a Bedford Beer Fest. I was pleasantly surprised “half pint”. I am not sure if it is my American that there were 50+ beers available to sample. accent or what but 90% of the time I would get Little did I know that a 50 beer selection was on a full pint if I ordered a “half pint”. I pronounce the smaller side for many of the well-known beer half with the “L”. Here in Norfolk they look at fests. I truly was in beer heaven and I was me funny and then say, oh, you mean a “have”. hooked on the fests. I did my best to recruit as I still can’t say half without pronouncing the “L”. many Yanks over to the CAMRA way of thinking. So, I figured the publicans really didn’t under - I was able to convert a handful but sadly many stand the “half” part and only heard the “pint” of them preferred to stick with the current brew, part of my order. What is the quote about two be it Guinness or Budweiser (and no, not the nations divided by a common language? You Czech version). I was disappointed in their lack don’t even want to get me started on the pints of adventure and taste. Too many folks find one of tap water!

“ If you find yourself Colonial Craig consistently drinking the same pint you might not realize how good you have it here in England.”

beer and then stick to it. Are you one of them? Do you order the same ale over and over or do you branch out and try different brews? If you find yourself consistently drinking the same pint you might not realize how good you have it here in England. How can an aficionado have so many ales available and then decide to drink only one? Oh, the shame.

In my quest to sample as many ales as possible I quickly became known for ordering half pints. Now before you condemn me, let me explain. I figured if I ordered half pints I could sample twice the number of ales. Now you lucky ones that live here have many years to sample all the variations but I knew my time was short and I had to make the most of it. Yes, I took a lot of ribbing from my West Norfolk CAMRA pals and even a few from the Norwich Branch but that just meant they liked me, right? At least that is

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A selection of our Award winning Norfolk ales

Delivered every week in your area The Wolf Brewery Rookery Farm, Silver Street Besthorpe, Attleborough For further information, call our Sales Norfolk, NR17 2LD Telephone: 01953 457775 Manager John on 07786 934270 or E-mail: [email protected] Customer Services at the brewery www.wolfbrewery.com NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:34 Page 53

The Shoulder of Mutton ~ Strumpshaw ~ Fine ales and good food served in a friendly atmosphere Real ales include Adnams Bitter and Broadside plus The Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licence TWO guest ale offering over 50 bottle conditioned ales (mainly from local from 15 Norfolk brewers. breweries) We are located on a beautiful arable farm close-by Wells-next-the-Sea, which provides Food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm much of the malt used in brewing the (Mon-Sat), 12-2pm Sundays ales we sell. Pub games include Darts, Pool, Crib and Petanque! The Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm, Ian and Jenny look forward to welcoming you.. Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB. Norwich Rd, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4NT Tel: 01328 710810 Tel 01603 712274

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NORFOLK ALE SHOP OVER 60 ALES ALE SALE! EVERY WEEKEND 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 MON/TUES/WED. CLOSING AT 1pm.

2nd Norfolk Ale & Music Festival 10th, 11th & 12th June 2011 Norfolk real ales • Live music all weekend Beer garden • Freshly cooked pub food

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NORFOLK NIPS | Why not visit... The Marsham Arms re-opens!

Nigel had previously worked as a chef for 20 years and is deter - mined that the three new chefs will deliver the quality that he demands. This is not a restau - rant, nor a run of the mill pub food establishment, just a great Inn with good beer and home - made food.

Nigel readily admits that none of this would have happened without his partner Jean Smith, who had previously worked in Banking. She is the glue that

since, as enthusiastic Land - lord Nigel Bradley explained.

Notwithstanding the amount of paperwork involved in getting up and running again, there was time to get it right, to pay With all the gloom and doom attention to detail, to get that about pub closures, here is some special blend of quality and good good news for a change. old fashioned Customer Service in a welcoming Inn. Following a disastrous fire, which ripped through the roof, The And it works. The warmth of the Marsham Arms Coaching Inn is greeting from the Barstaff is now open for business. tangible, they are genuinely holds it all together, apparently. pleased to se you, whether you It’s been ten long months since want to book into one of the 16 then, but a lot has happened The old Marsham Arms was a rooms, have a meal, or just order compact and cosy country local, a swift half. if a little dated, but it has now been opened out, with a much Three real ales were available on more lighter and airier feel, not my visit, Moorhouses Black Cat, dissimilar to the refurbished Woodfordes Wherry and Fullers Parson Woodforde, with a very London Pride. The handpumps attractive Oak Bar. are in place, but the beers are served under gravity from the Perfect for dropping in on the TapRoom on show beside the way to or from the coast this bar. There is room to add more summer. beers later.

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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 | City oF Ale

Norwich is THE City of Ale - we know it, now let’s prove it!

Various towns and cities have recently staked acter names). You can even post photos of the claims to be the best place in the UK for real ale pump clips or the beer blackboard! drinkers. Liverpool, Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham come to mind. Of course, we all Results and prizes will be announced the same know that Norwich is the City of Ale, with more day, at the city centre pub (tbd) we’ll be using pubs selling real ale, and a wider range of local as an HQ for the day, so come along, make a and national beers than anywhere else - even day of it, meet new and old friends, and let’s cities with much larger populations - but can we prove that Norwich is not only a Premiership prove it? football team, but also the premier city for real ale in England! That’s what Norwich & Norfolk Branch intend to do on Saturday June 18th, visiting every Ian Stamp single pub in Norwich on one day. We want to know how many real ales are on sale in each pub, who brews them and what strength they r cing ou are, and what price they are on sale for. Introdu mage! New I As you can imagine, this is no easy task, and Brand we need your help! In return, we’re offering you a great excuse for a pub crawl, and the possi - bility of winning some quite nice prizes!

If you’d like to be involved, please contact us on [email protected] and let us know which pubs, or which area(s) of Norwich (postcodes NR1 to NR7) you’d like to survey / pub crawl round! We’ll get back to you with a bit more detail, but essentially all you have to do is visit the pubs on June 18th, have a beer - or not, up to you! - and tell us what beers were on sale. We’ll be doing everything possible to make this New Limited Edition Beer an easy task, so you can either write everything in support of Norwich City’s Premiership Challenge and down, or if you have the technology, email it to Norwich City of Ale. [email protected], post it on our @wintersbrewery 8 Keelan Close, Norwich NR6 6QZ Facebook event (email for an invite), or tweet it Tel. 01603 787820 to @NrwichPubSurvey (yes, that’s Norwich Search [email protected] without an “o” – Twitter only allows 15 char - Winter’s Brewery www.wintersbrewery.co.uk

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Mark & Marie offer you a warm welcome to the The Gatehouse Pub 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ Fox and Hounds 01603 620340 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 FOUR REAL ALES www.foxbrewery.com Live Music, Friday & Saturday Large garden overlooking the Tel: 01485 570345 River Wensum 22 Station Rd, Heacham, Norfolk PE31 7EX OPEN ALL DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK OPEN Mon - Thurs 12-11 Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

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 | Beer Festivals Beer Festival Calendar June CAMRA members must show a valid member - ship card to get free/discount admissions to all CAMRA Festivals. 16 - 18 (Thu - Sat) 7th Braintree Real Ale Fest Institute, Bocking End, Braintree, Essex. NW Essex Branch with Braintree Lions, proceeds to local charities. 50 beers plus ciders/perry Souvenir glasses, hot food all sessions. Woodforde’s For full details call Ralph Nicks on 07850 365 741. www.braintreebeerfestival.co.uk Ale Trail is 18 - 19 (Sat - Sun) Beer in The Gibberd back. Garden Marsh Lane, Old Harlow (15 min country path walk from Harlow Mill). The Woodforde’s Ale Trail is Delightful quiet gardens with beer tent. back, and it’s bigger and Interesting collection of sculptures and flora better than before, featuring Childrens entertainment on Sunday 473 great pubs to explore in Norfolk, Suffolk, For full details call Brendan on 07778 780 807 Essex and Cambridgeshire, demonstrating the www.heb-camra.org.uk/gg brewery’s support for public houses in these diffi - cult trading conditions. The Ale Trail begins on 24 - 26 Le Strange Arms Father’s Day, Sunday 19th June and runs until the First beer festival is to be held end of September.

23- 26 (Thu - Sun) (Stock allowing) The Ale Trail offers real ale lovers the chance to 1st Rutland Beer Fest enjoy the beer’s great taste and discover excellent Rutland Museum, Oakham, Rutland drinking hostels by using the ‘Woodforde’s Pub Guide’, easy pocket-sized, containing details of all 50 + beers plus ciders. Range will include up to participating outlets, with maps and stamp collec - 7 new beers brewed with a Rutland Theme tion card for prizes which can then be redeemed Museum open for exhibits at Woodforde’s brewery shop. Each outlet will For details call Dave Casewell on 01572 821 566 stamp your card once for a pint of Woodforde’s [email protected] beer purchased. Well after the Ale Trail ends, the pub guide will live on, ensuring you don’t miss July any opportunity to experience your favourite beer.

8 – 10 (Fri – Sun) 5th Annual SE Essex What could be better for the real ale devotee, a CAMRA Cider and Perry Fest great pub in the summer, cricket, a pint of their favourite Woodforde’s ale, and merchandise to Marlborough Head Pub, Rochford, Essex SS4 1AX win! At least 17 ciders and 8 perries. Real Ales on in pub.For full details wwwseecamra.org.uk The pub guides will be available at all partici - pating outlets, Woodforde’s brewery shop and in August addition will be sent to all 16,000 Woodforde’s Club Members. The website The Union Jack PH, Roydon August Bank www.woodfordes.co.uk provides further details of Holiday weekend: Friday, 26th – Monday, 29th the Woodforde’s club and the Ale Trail promotion. August. Music Saturday & Sunday.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Dates for your Diary CAMRA Calendar Norwich and North Norfolk Branch Friday 26th August Campaign Trip Saturday 11th June Friday 2nd September Summer Outing Coach trip exploring the North Norfolk Coast, First Friday Five visiting pubs in Wells and Sheringham Visiting five pubs in Norwich. Departs John Lewis at 10:00, returns at 8pm Starts 8pm Route TBA Booking is essential Sunday 4th September Saturday 18th June Bowls match v Suffolk Branch Pub Survey at The Caxton Club, Suffolk.

Tuesday 21st June West Norfolk Branch Branch Meeting at The Wortwell Bell Tuesday 14th June Branch Meeting Thursday 23rd June Beer Festival Planning Meeting Old Bell, Grimston Take 5. Starts at 8pm Tuesday 12th July Friday 24th June Branch Meeting Campaign Coach Trip (TBA) Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe

Friday 1st July Tuesday 9th August First Friday Five Branch Meeting Visiting five pubs in Norwich. Chequers, Thompson Starts 8pm Route TBA Tuesday 13th September Saturday 16th July Branch Meeting Beer Festival Staff BBQ Squirrel’s Dray, Sporle The Beehive All meetings start at 8pm.For more details and updates, please check the full calendar on Tuesday 19th July www,norwichcamra.org.uk or contact Michael Branch Meeting Philips. Updates on First Friday Fives can be found at The Fishermans Return, Winterton at Firstfridayfives.blogspot.com

Saturday 23rd July Visit to Mauldons Brewery Got a short pint? Sorry – full up! If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in a pub, club or bar, you should contact the Trading Standards service by writing to them at Norfolk Trading Standards Friday 5th August Service, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UD First Friday Five (TBA) or faxing them on 01603 222999.

A wide range of consumer information and advice is also Tuesday 16th August available online from the Consumer Direct website at Branch Meeting www.consumerdirect.gov.uk at The Reindeer, Norwich

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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

Angel Gardens Free House

This independently run freehouse has been under the ownership of Ian Warren since 1988 and is situated on the north of the city 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

Monthly Quiz & Darts • Live Music on Saturdays

96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT 01603 427490 email: [email protected] www.norwichinns.com

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Award Winning Real Ale Pub

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

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

The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and new customers are always welcome. Come along and get a real welcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!! Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.

Our Next Beer Festival is: 26th August 2011 Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 Norfolk Pub Of A dream of a pub situated in the village of Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay. The Year 2007 13 years in the The main bus route from Norwich stops Good Beer Guide! right outside.

44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JT www.poringlandroyaloak.co.uk Tel: 01508 493734 NN#157:Layout 1 31/05/2011 17:35 Page 64