Issue 156 of Norfolk Nips & Cask Force

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& CA SK FO RC E No.156

Spring 2011

NORWICH ‘CITY OF ALE’ EVENT LAUNCHED THIS SPRING!

Also inside: BEER FESTIVAL DIARY NORFOLK’S TRUE HERITAGE PUBS part 9 PUB AND TRADE NEWS

Newsletter of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

E E R F

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Trafford 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: mail@traffordarms.co.uk

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New Festival to be opened by Roger Protz

This year, the year in which CAMRA is forty years young, Norwich will have not one, but two Beer Festivals.

In addition to the 34th Norwich CAMRA festival which will be held at St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls in October, there will be another, running from 26th May – 5th June. This exciting new addition is very different from the CAMRA Festival, but is intended to complement it, both then promoting Norwich as The City of Real Ale.

So how is this festival different?

Firstly, It is the coming together of local Maltsters, Breweries and Norwich City Pubs to promote real ale. There will be at least 20 Breweries and 30 Pubs participating.

Secondly, the event will take place in the Pubs themselves, so there is no single venue.

A committee has been set up to organise the event, cochaired by Dawn Leeder from PintPicker and Phil Cutter,

landlord of The Murderers.

There will be a programme, which will be on sale soon. This will give full details of the Pubs and Breweries taking part, which beers are available, and where plus listings of events, including Brewery Open days, Meet the Brewer events in Pubs, BBQ’s, Quizzes, Live Entertainment, etc.

It is hoped that The Eastern Counties Transport Collection will be available to provide some transport for the event.

There will also be a Brewers’ Market outside the Forum on 28th May, where local Brewers will be selling bottled beers and other merchandise.

The event will kick off with a launch party on the 26th May and will be officially opened by Roger Protz. It will end with a Festival Awards event, with prizes for Beer of the Festival, Pub of the Festival, etc as voted for by the public.

Norwich & Norfolk Branch Chairman: Graham Freeman Tel: 01603 687495 Email: chairman@norwichcamra.org.uk Secretary: Warren Wordsworth Tel: 01603 665557 Email: w.wordsworth@ntlworld.com Social Secretary: Tim MacDonald Tel. 01603 865505 Email: socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk Pubs Officer: Mark Stimpson Email: pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk

West Norfolk Branch Chairman: Phil Buffham Secretary: Ian Bailey Contact: Bruce Ward Tel: 01485 609107

Branch websites: www.norwichcamra.org.uk www.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk

Branch mailing list web page: groups.yahoo.com/group/ CAMRA_Norwich Published every 3 months by the Norwich, Norfolk & West Norfolk branches of the Campaign for Real Ale © N&N CAMRA 2009 Norfolk Nips is produced and distributed by members of the branch in their own time.

Edited by: Mike Baldwin Email: michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com Chris Lucas Email: chris-stig@tiscali.co.uk Views expressed in Norfolk Nips are not necessarily those of the editor or of CAMRA Design & Production: Daniel Speed - Tamoko Design Email: dan@tamoko-design.co.uk

In essence, it is LocAle, but not as we know it, and is a golden opportunity for local Brewers to get quality, local ales into quality local Pubs.

That can only be good for the real ale scene in Norwich and Norfolk. Compare that to the scene 40 years ago.

Mike Baldwin

Advertising: For advertising enquiries please contact Chris Shilling on: Tel: 01778 421 550 Email: chris@shillingmedia.co.uk

FRONT COVER PICTURE: courtesy of The Norwich Evening News

Steve Whadcock Tel:01778 420888 / 421550 Mobile: 07736 635916 steve@shillingmedia.co.uk

Distribution: 12,000 copies / four times a year Norwich and Norfolk District: Tony Miles nips.distribution@gmail.com West Norfolk District : Ros Harre r.harre@btinternet.com

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NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Bits

Springing into Action With the 40th Anniversary of CAMRA coming up on 16th March, why not celebrate with a pint of Real Ale in your local Pub. There have been many successes over the years and we still campaign for many issues relating to promoting Real Ale. Nationally we have won a major victory in persuading the Pub’s Minister to begin public consultation into banning restrictive covenants. Many of our local communities will benefit from removal of this anti-competitive practice and hopefully Pubs will remain Pubs.

We have also seen local Pubs being demolished without planning permission and that must change. Recently I spoke

to the local press on matters relating to the Government's betrayal on the minimum pricing of alcohol and the effects of the smoking ban on our Pubs. You will have noticed that our Branch members are working with the local media to encourage various campaigns and if you would like to help then please contact me.

Our new Committee will be elected at the AGM in March and I’m pleased that more members are becoming involved and are prepared to work for the Campaign. It’s not all about trips to Pubs and Breweries although we do all find these very enjoyable.

We recently held our Beers of

the Festival Awards which coincided with the opening of the Fat Cat Brewery Tap. It was a grand night out. We also presented a cheque to our Branch Charity 2010 – Norwich Door to Door for over £5000 which allowed them to order a new bus. We have yet to choose our new Charity and I hope they will as successful this year.

Finally I would like to thank Mike Baldwin and Warren Wordsworth for assisting on the Committee for the forthcoming Norwich City of Ale Festival although for some reason it was my quote they used in What’s Brewing. Fame at last.

Graham Freeman

Difficult Days Another years gone by, and 2011 is here, A year which is going to be a difficult one for many Landlords.

Only two months have passed and already four pubs in west Norfolk have shut. The Bedingfield Arms at Oxborough, the Crown at Middleton, the Rampant Horse at Gayton and the Queens Arms kings Lynn, three others look like becoming private residential dwellings, and several others are strug-

gling and leases are up for sale.

Add to this that I’ve just been informed Tom Woods Brewery and Beer distribution have gone bust; it makes it a poor start to 2011.

On a brighter note having got over my ailments, it was good to get back into some social drinking at the Trafford Arms Beer festival on Saturday 9th February, A good collection of Ale’s along the bar plus a marquee at the back with a

good variety of Ales. Reepham Railway Beer festival is the first weekend in March, and Easter promises numerous Festivals around the country.

I hope to see you at some of them. All the best for 2011.

Buff West Norfolk chairman

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NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors

The Ed’lines “From the Archives” delves into old copies of Norfolk NIPS and highlights the burning issues of the day. It would appear that something’s never change!

Welcome to the Spring 2011 edition.

This bumper Beer Festival edition has more pages and some new features.

We have introduced our new “whiteboard”. Here you will find details of important upcoming news and events, with the Branch Calendars conveniently arranged on the preceding page.

We have said before that Norwich can claim to be the UK City of Ale and with the number of real ale Pubs in the City and Breweries countywide, no one can deny that the real ale scene in the city is vibrant.

And now, Norwich has two Beer Festivals.

The first, which will be opened

by Beer Legend Roger Protz, celebrates LocAle in our excellent City real ale Pubs.

The second celebrates the very best in real ale, cider, and perry from the UK, plus exquisite beers from around the world, all in the magnificent surroundings of St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls.

CAMRA have asked Branches to do something to celebrate their 40th Birthday on 16th March.

We are going one better; we are celebrating all year!

So, next time that you are in a great local pub, drinking a decent pint of fresh real LocAle, raise your glass and say “Happy Birthday CAMRA!”

Words from The Stig So 2011 is here, two months old by the time you read this.

good real ale pub we don’t know about please tell us.

Much has been going on in West Norfolk, with pubs coming on the market as pubs for a change. Plus A GBG pub under new management, and some worrying news on another.

As I said last year surveying is an onerous task which we steadfastly carry out on behalf of real ale drinkers everywhere!

The branch has along with Norwich branch been engaged in surveying pubs nominated for consideration as 2012 GBG entries. Remember there are only a small number of people giving us input by way of pub visits and news, so if you use a

If it sounds like something good to do, come and meet us at a branch meeting or social.

We have also managed to fit in the usual walks and beer festivals some of which you’ll read about in this issue.

from another culture, read on to find out what it was!

May I thank all the contributors and people in the real ale business for their support of this issue.

Finally good luck to “Norwich City of Beer” in its first year an exciting idea.

Personally I visited another pub celebrating a tradition

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| NORFOLK NIPS

Pub News Ramblings from the Snug I’d like to start by saying thank you to everyone who nominated pubs for inclusion in the 2012 Good Beer Guide and also to the small army of volunteers that have given up their time to survey the pubs.

I had a tremendous response for nominations with well over 100 pubs being put forward.

It would be great if I could have them all in the guide but unfortunately our branch are only given space for 77 pubs.

At the time of writing, a couple of Norwich pubs are under threat of being lost forever. The Rosary closed about a year ago. An application to turn the building into flats was turned down by the City planning last year. A new slightly altered application was recently submitted. Again CAMRA has objected to the application and I hope that the planning committee see sense and refuse this application.

The other pub under threat is the Queen Charlotte on Dereham Road which has had an application for a change of use to charity and community use. The Queen Charlotte has had a chequered past but at one point it was a decent music venue.

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While not immediately under threat, the Sir Garnet Wolsey is up for sale. At one time there were at least 13 pubs around the market. Sadly the Sir Garnet Wolsey is the last remaining pub on Norwich market place so it deserves to be saved. It would be a real shame if it were to be snapped up by a coffee shop chain and lost forever.

I was shocked to learn that the landlord of the Maid Marian had taken the drastic step of locking himself and his family inside the pub and declared squatters rights. This is in response to Enterprise Inns increasing the rent. What I find totally unbelievable is that Enterprise are currently advertising for a new tenant to take over the running of the pub rather that trying to reach an agreement with the existing landlord. I would be interested to hear from any tenant of an Enterprise Inns pub who have or are experiencing problems from Enterprise. You can email me at pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk I, along with Pubs Preservation Officer, Mike Spivey had a very positive meeting with councillor Victoria MacDonald about the plight of Norwich pubs in general. Victoria was previously a landlady in Sudbury so has an understanding of the issues pubs face today. Hopefully we can work

together in the future to save some of our pubs. Until next time.

Mark Stimpson Pubs Officer

News from the West It seems that things are looking up in West Norfolk. The Deer’s Leap in Lynn is up and running, although we have yet to make a visit.

Out at West Winch, the Sportsman has reverted to being called the Winch. The new owner is Peter Collis, who has a couple of pubs down in London. We called in at around 9.30 one evening, and were lucky to find it open as it is very much a food pub, but this gave us a chance to have a chat with the barman, who, it turned out, was really the handyman.

He managed to rustle up a pint of IPA, and being unsure of the prices, we came to an agreement that suited us both.

Apparently the place was in pretty poor condition when the new owners took over, and there are some things still to do, but the carvery is back in business and trade is picking up, especially at weekends.

Other pubs with new landlords include the Woolpack at Terrington St Clements. This is not the same as it was when Lucille ran it, but it still serves a good pint – London Pride and Wherry, I think, when we called. In Lynn, the ‘To Let’

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NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News notices are down from the Fenman and the hand pumps on the bar suggest a visit would not be in vain. The Retreat, also in Lynn has been taken over by Loraine Tomlin and Malcolm Kilbourne who have moved down from Aberdeen. They aim to make it into a community pub, and have revived the darts and domino teams, with crib, pool and football to follow. My memories of playing dominoes in the pub are coloured by watching the Heysel disaster unfold on the pub TV as we played a summer league fixture many years ago, but it will be good to see it at the heart of local life again.

Several people have told us that the Rose and Crown out at Harpley is being refurbished and is to open again.

Out in Barton Bendish, the Berney Arms has been open since August. This was formerly the Spread Eagle and this handsome chalk and brick building is surrounded by a large garden. It serves food all day including afternoon teas. The refurbishment is tasteful in a sort of toned down North Norfolk style and there were three beers on offer when we visited, all from Adnams.

They also do accommodation in what looks like the converted stable block.

There is less good news for the Cobblestones in Lynn.

The future is uncertain for this Mexican themed pub and restaurant run by Dave Kilvington since 2004 as he is now

retiring. Formerly the Princess Royal, it is situated on the edge of town, near the car parks and swimming pool and should have a future in one form or another.

There are plans afoot to refurbish the Wenns on Saturday market Place in Lynn. These include internal and external decoration and a plan to serve coffee alongside the Greene King beer and food. This has not met with universal approval, and one of the staff is involved in a campaign to ‘Save Our Wenns’. Check this out on Facebook on the site ‘Wenns Drunkards’. Personally, I would consider changing the name of the campaign group if the idea was to garner support across a wide spectrum of the public.

Back in the snows of December we headed up to the coast. Being early for the event at Thornham Lifeboat we stopped for lunch in the Yurt.

The industrial sized wood burner made it warm and cosy, and although on the pricey side it is an interesting change if you don’t fancy a pint.

We did, and after a beautiful and very cold walk around the marshes we dropped into the Orange Tree. A roaring log fire, comfy armchair and an excellent pint of Adnams made it very difficult to leave.

Another place we dropped into for the first time in years was the Windmill at Necton.

This is just east of Swaffham to the south of the A47. It proved to be a pleasant village local

selling IPA and a Beeston beer.

For our January meeting we went to the Hare Arms at Stow Bardolph, and were made very welcome. There was a fine selection of the Greene King range of beers, a few new faces at the meeting and even a look at the cellar. We have neglected this place a bit in recent times. It has a great atmosphere, a good-looking menu and is well worth calling in.

As well as the odd beer, I quite like football and in the cold of November I had a couple of trips down to Cambridge. I walked out to see United, and also strolled out to Histon. Both visits involved dropping into a few randomly chosen pubs in the east and north of the city. It was great to find that not only every one I tried sold real ale, but also that about two thirds had special offers with cheap pints.

These were mostly on Greene King IPA, but one pub had Thwaites Original for £1.90 per pint. Since Christmas I have been to see games in such diverse place as Bolton, Fleetwood, Bradford, Accrington, Borehamwood and Southend as well as Lynn’s 10-1 win on New Year’s day. One other place we went was Wigan but when I tried to buy a couple of tickets for the game against Arsenal, it turned out that I was banned. Despite being a lifelong Bury FC supporter, they decided that I was an Arsenal fan on the grounds that I also bought a ticket for Wigan v Continued Overleaf

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Locks Inn n o t s e d l Ge Locks Lane, Geldeston 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

Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd April

BIGwithMUSIC WEEKEND legendary live 70’s glam/disco band UNCLE ROMEO on SATURDAY 9pm and SUNDAY 1pm - MURPHY’S LORE AND CRUMBS FOR COMFORT THURSDAY 21st TO SUNDAY 24th APRIL

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

SUNDAY MAY 1st

MAYDAY FAYRE 12pm to 8pm

Crowning the Waveney May Queen , Morris sides, eatre from ameside Mummers, Maypole Dancing, music From Murphy’s Lore, beers, barbecue and cake shop

Go to www.geldestonlocks.co.uk for more information on our events, parties and music line-up!

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NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News continued local pub feel rather than a restaurant, the change in atmosphere is already noticeable. She plans to expand the number of hand pumps selling real ale as the spring and summer come along, potentially having five pumps.

Arsenal two seasons ago. No amount of persuasion could make the computer change it’s mind, so we had to go and have a couple of pints of Thwaites instead. So, to all you good people of Wigan, my message is this. May all your pies be Octopus pies.

Jeff

RT

AL

and

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rs,

The Swan at Hilborough The Swan has recently been leased to new husband and wife team Clare and James Elmer. They have a great deal of experience in the pub business running pubs for Whitbread, but are now setting out to create their own vision of a country pub. I went along for a chat with Clare to see what they hoped to do with the Swan in the next year or so.

The food is already going well, James is a chef and they are focussing on good traditional pub food with the carvery on Sundays already needing to be booked.

Apparently the steak and ale pie is a speciality.

Clare has plans to continue to change the interior to give a

Already sold are GK IPA, Abbot, Beeston beers plus Elgoods and Humpty Dumpty.

Clare hopes to offer a changing range of beers mainly of local origin.

Popular quiz nights are held on the last Friday in the month.

Clare was born in Hilborough and comes from a family of gamekeepers, she hope to organise meets for gamekeepers which will require tickets. Clare hopes to organise other events during the year. The Swan also offers accommodation and a caravan park.

A larger range of beers need to be drunk so let’s hope they get the support they need! I’d like to wish them good luck in their new venture.

Stig.

This piece of good news is put into perspective by the news that the Red Lion at Hockwold is on the market as a house. However on the positive side the Chequers at Feltwell has been bought with a view to leasing it out as a pub, builders are already clearing it up.

Planning Issues Recently we have been keeping an eye on planning issues in the West Norfolk area, and in between the relatively uncontroversial applications, such as those for new signs at the Deer’s Leap, new windows for the Dukes Head, both in Kings Lynn, and some log cabins at the back of the Le Strange Arms in Hunstanton there are some more issues lurking.

First some good news, with an application in the pipeline to refurbish the Red Lion at Caston. This has the support of the local parish council, and as the plans include a bar and cellar it looks like the aim is to reopen this pub. Less good are a couple of change of use applications for pubs to housing. The Kings Arms in Swaffham has aroused little opposition, other than my letter, and has been given permission. More controversial is the case of the Albert Victor in Castle Acre. This has gathered a number of comments. It seems that there was a new manager and staff ready to take over when it closed. There is a clear and cogent letter detailing the views of local councillors opposing the scheme, as well as several others in opposition to the scheme, including one from us, as the local CAMRA branch. In favour of turning the pub into housing there are a rather odd collection of letters. These include one from a resident of Leigh On Sea, Essex who says that he has been stopping in the village on the way to Cromer for lunch every year for the last 20 years, and as none of the three pubs in the village are busy, the pub should close. The most intriguing, to me at least, is a submission from the area manager of the Grimsby brewery, Tom Woods arguing the case for change of use.

I find it odd that a brewery would want a free house to close and I have written to Tom Woods for clarification. I have not received a reply. To view the details of the application and the check the West Norfolk planning website application number 10/01988/F.

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Pub Post Its

| NORFOLK NIPS

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

Coach & Horses, Bethel Street, Norwich This well-known theatre pub has been under new management since November last year, and has benefited from a good clean-up by the looks of it. Still a Green King lease with Abbot, IPA and Speckled Hen, but the new landlords, Dave and Tracy, have added a couple of extra handpumps for guests, including regular nonGK beers - recent examples have included Brewdog (yes!), Hyde's and Holden's, all in excellent condition. The genuinely homecooked food (lasagne, proper ham egg and chips) are also very good value, as are the hot pies and baguettes. Pop in!

New Inn, Horning Having spent my usual month of January, ‘Alcohol’ free, it was a joy to enter a pub with such warmth, (and it was not just from the fire), both staff and customers alike contributed to the reception. At this time of the year, there was only a choice of two Real Ales, namely Greene Kings ‘Abbot’ and Adnams Bitter. Being a lunchtime I decided on the weaker of the two, which is not normally one of my favourite Breweries.

However, it was served Crystal clear, the aroma was very pleasant and the taste was Superb.

Weybourne Ship Visited on one of the darker days of January but a steady flow of coast-path walkers and locals through the door; two Norfolk beers on the pumps with a third just sold out and you could almost smelt iron on the wood-burner!

Just at the western end of the village is the Malting’s Hotel with the bar open to non-residents. The old stables annex, where the bar used to be located, has been put to other uses.

But the present counter is housed in the main block of the building and is a trip back into the English Country Hotel c.1970’s style wise (comfortable; not cutting edge). But it has two 12

| SPRING 2011

hand-pumps with a fluctuating range sometimes local, sometimes Wadworths, and that lingering hint of eccentricity but minus Spanish waiter!

The Star, Fakenham.

The sign on the front wall says “ Back to a traditional, friendly, family pub, The oldest pub in town.” This is the mission for new Landlady Janine Scott. She admits that when she took over the pub in November, this former GBG guide pub was sadly neglected. With parts dating back to the 15th Century, it is worth a visit. It’s open plan with a single bar and two seating areas, with a pool room at the rear.

There is an open fire and the cellar has a bread oven! Outside, behind the pub, is a delightful garden, which is a pleasant surprise as the pub is set back off the road, creating a small car park.

The ceiling beams have coins stuck into them.

The story is that, during the war RAF crews would place a coin here as a good luck talisman before their next mission. If and when they returned, the money for the beer was there waiting!

There are two real ales, Woodfordes Wherry plus a guest from The Admiral Taverns list.

On my visit, Ruddles Best was available, with London Pride and Hobgoblin having been on earlier.

Subscriptions and Branch information We have a growing number of postal subscribers to Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, and I would like to send my thanks for the kind comments and best wishes from those who have renewed their subscriptions recently. If you would like to join them in receiving the next 4 issues by post, send 12 first class stamps to Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5NG. I also send out occasional emails to members with details of forthcoming meetings and Branch events.

All are welcome at these meetings so if you wish to add your name to my mailing list, send your email address to jeffhoyle@btinternet.co.uk.

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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 o N A R M A C ar e Y e h t f o b Pu 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

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NORFOLK NIPS | Burn’s Day

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin’-race! with a helping of neeps and tatties.

Burn’s day at the Angel, Larling.

You may well wonder what this has to do with real ale but all will now become clear. The event was supported by Fyne Ales of Argyllshire, contributing the whole range of their beers for sale in the pub, a rare treat in East Anglia.

The piper returned to regale us with more poems and music accompanied the ex-pat Scots in fine voice, the decibel level of bagpipes in a small bar is incredible, I can hear quite well again now!

I had a chat with Rob Jenner their sales director who revealed an interesting link to our region. For the last six years

It was worth it to hear the very funny address from the Haggis to its consumers, which is far too rude to repeat here.

Earlier in the year I was tipped off that a foreign tradition was going strong in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. It seemed a good idea to investigate as it links in with my report on the Vine in Norwich at Christmas.

It turned out that the Angel, Larling, currently Norfolk CAMRA pub of the year, celebrates the birthday of the great Scottish bard Robbie Burns on 25th January every year.

This featured a full address to The Haggis, the first line of which appears as the title of this piece. This was carried out by a piper in full traditional dress in front of a packed pub some of whom had also gone for full Scottish rig. The Haggis is anointed with Whiskey at the end of the address and then piped out to be distributed

My favourite was the “Vital Spark Dark”, which was surprisingly hoppy.

Fyne Ales held a weekend event at the Angel last year, only this year becoming involved with the Burns event which Andrew has held for many years. If you are free in early January, try it, I guarantee you won’t be bored. the head brewer at Fyne Ales has been Will Wood previously second brewer at Oakham!

This was, I would say, reflected in the style and flavour of the beers.

I commented on this to Rob he told me that the traditionally perceived malty taste of Scottish beers is no longer the norm, with Scotland going from four to forty four real ale breweries in fifteen years.

It seems that there has truly been a real ale renaissance North of the border.

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Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 9

| NORFOLK NIPS

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

A timber-framed, flint and brick pub built to a standard hallhouse plan and the only one featured in this series to be statutory listed at Grade II*.

Prior to 1993 the Green Dragon had possibly the most impressive historic pub interior in the whole of Norfolk and even today it is of significant 'true heritage' interest. The front door leads into a passage and at the rear is the main bar split in two by a wooden partition forming a snug area with settle seating around an inglenook fireplace. Whereas most similar snugs have been fully opened-up to create one large room, at the Green Dragon sections of the partition, which reach the ceiling, survive to the left and right and make this a remarkable survivor. Sadly, the central section of the partition was removed in 1993. (For a rare example of an intact snug visit the Red Lion, Kenninghall featured in Norfolk Nips 149). The fireplace is a massive one of 1930s brick but the carved mantelpiece looks older.

In recent years there have been changes to the bar itself it was originally much smaller, more like a tiny servery, with 16

| SPRING 2011

© Michael Slaughter 2010

Green Dragon, Wymondham

The lounge and Exterior of the Green Dragon, Wymondham the handpumps on the back wall. The bare wooden floored lounge at the front of the pub was at one time a shop and is now in use as a dining room.

This room has another 1930s brick fireplace and service is via a tiny hatch cut into the door to the servery. Other 1930s changes include the adding of the ladies toilets - note the period 'Ladies only' illuminated sign. Look for figure '1' on the

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NORFOLK NIPS |

The Green Dragon, 6 Church Street, Wymondham NR18 0PH is open from 12 to 11 (12

Thu to Sat). Meals are served from 12 to 3; 5.30 to 8.30 Mon to Thu; 12 to 9 Fri, Sat; 12 to 7 Sun. Phone number is 01953 607907. Accommodation is available in 3 en-suite rooms. Real ales on sale are Adnams Bitter or Woodfordes Wherry and three guest beers, at least one of which is from local micro breweries. They

The snug of the Green Dragon hold beer festivals at the end of May and end of August.

White Horse, Gaywood, Kings Lynn This is a Victorian building that formerly consisted of two small bars at the front. Then in the early 1960s Watneys extended at the rear and created a public bar at the front, a lounge bar in the rear extension, a corridor linking them and also an offsales on the front left. The only change since then is the removal of the off sales in c.1990 which increased the size of the public bar. Most 1960s interiors have since been replaced making intact ones like this more rare than Victorian and inter-war ones! Other pubs in Norfolk which still retain 1960s bar fittings include the Wheel of Fortune, Alpington and West End Tavern, 1 Browne Street, Norwich. The public bar has a Formica-topped counter, a 1960s bar back with a small cash drawer, and some unusual patterned-glass windows. In the corridor, note that the doors retain their room names in distinct Watneys red lettering– and whilst the ladies has been refurbished, the gents loos remain un-modernised.

The lounge has a stripped pine wainscoting, with another Formica topped bar counter and 1960s bar back with a small cash drawer. This is a very sports-oriented pub – even two pigeon clubs meet here.

Maybe not of great architectural merit, it is a rare survival probably due to licensees of 25 years standing. However, due to retirement, a change is imminent and although no changes to the interior are planned at present we recommend a visit soon.

White Horse, 7 Wootton Road (A148), Gaywood, Kings Lynn PE30 4EZ is open from 11 to 11pm Mon to Sun. No food is sold – just crisps and nuts!

Phone 01553 763258. It sells Woodfordes Wherry.

If you require photographs of your pub interior / exterior you can contact Mick on 01733 390598 or email m.slaughter45@ntlworld.com to discuss your requirements.

© Michael Slaughter 2010

© Michael Slaughter 2010

door to the cellar and ‘2’ on the door to the bar – a former requirement of licensing magistrates. A third small room towards the rear of the pub has been brought into use in recent years.

The lounge bar at the White Horse, Gaywood, Kings Lynn

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Queen’s Head and Waveney Brewing Company Traditional Village Pub with a brewery producing permanent and seasonal ales on site Large beer garden, traditional games, lunchtime menu and a good selection of real ale, spirits and soft drinks Listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2000.

Station Road, Earsham, Norfolk

Tel: (01986) 892623

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NORFOLK NIPS |

A stroll down Northgate Street There was Banger racing at Great Yarmouth after Christmas and I was in the Oliver Twist for their happy hour (12-1pm).

The Blackfriars bitter was excellent at £2 and the pub also sells the local East Coast cider from Martham, a 6% and an oak barrel-aged 7.3%. The walk to the stadium necessitated a stroll down Northgate Street past a number of interesting houses and sadly ex-houses.

For instance, the Crystal is currently closed and the White Horse has long been converted to a private dwelling (though it still has its Lacons Falcon statue and plaque). The Kings Arms is thriving but familiar to me so

onto the Coach and Horses with its green tiled external wall reminiscent of my primary school a long time ago. The two handpumps dispensed seasonal ale at £2.40 a pint.

A brief off road to the Lacons Arms and its unusual wrought ironwork sign-surround found Green Jack Orange Wheat (£2.80) on its handpump.

Glass cases contained a huge stuffed fish and next to it what appeared to be the body of a crow grafted onto the head of a toucan with a plastic bill. A bizarre sight and one for the Guinness collectors!

Onto the Sportsman and an unpromising exterior lead into

a tardis-like interior full of pub games, friendly punters and excellent Adnams ordinary at £2.30. Finally, the Apollo had its own badged beer at £2, malty and fresh at 4.3% but the bar staff couldn’t say who brewed it. Enough beer for now but an interesting crawl along a street often overlooked by ale drinkers. Past the long closed Lord Roberts to the Death Destruction derby and no real ale at the stadium but I’d had enough excellent ale for one day. East coast winter’s afternoons don’t come much better than this.

Mont

DUKE of WELLINGTON TRADITIONAL REAL ALE HOUSE

14 REAL ALES

GRAVITY SERVED available all year round from our glass fronted tap room

ON HAND PUMP

Come and enjoy our Tap Room with a selection of Belgian bottled beers, Schneider Weiss, Erdinger, Dunkel and Riegele all on Draught.

Welcoming

CAMRA Good Beer Guide Listed

6 MORE ALES

REAL FIRE

Open Mon to Sat 12noon to 11pm Sun 12noon to 10.30pm

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| NORFOLK NIPS

Visit to Fuller’s Brewery • 19 of which use UK Hops (Discovery is the exception using Willamette from the USA).

• 2 strains of yeast (since the acquisition of Gales).

Oh, and they use East Anglian Barley too.

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

At precisely 8:30 am our train slid silently out of Norwich Station and around 20 members were eagerly anticipating a grand day out in London visiting Fuller’s Brewery. At precisely 8:45am it lurched back into Norwich, having failed to even reach the swingbridge.

Those who subscribe to the notion that CAMRA members are unfit and overweight would have been impressed by our lightening dash to another platform to catch the 9:00 train.

In truth, it wasn’t a great start. Des had done his homework and he was right, the 4 for 2 deal on tickets was the best value. To work, all it needed was members to arrive back at Liverpool St in fours. Simples!

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

However, having downed a swift half or two and placed our food orders, we were ready for the tour in two groups, with our excellent guides, Gill and Sue. The brewery is on a compact site, but that does not mean small, and the statistics are impressive: • 1 million pints brewed per week • 20 different brands 20

| SPRING 2011

Highlights on the tour included the oldest Wisteria in the country, the London Copper (used from 1823 – 1984. This 160 barrel copper was coal fired until 1967) and not forgetting Les the Robot, who was picking up and turning six casks at a time. Working his little cotton socks off he was, if, indeed, robots do have little cotton socks – and I bet he doesn’t get the workers’ beer allowance either!

By now we were getting thirsty, so it was off to the Tasting Session, with Chairman Graham giving an impromptu demonstration on how it was supposedly done.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Fuller’s Brewery

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

He should have gone to the

EATON COTTAGE, UNTHANK RD, NORWICH 01603 453048

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

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

So all we had to do was get to Liverpool Street in fours to use the 4 for 2 tickets.

Simples…

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” SPRING 2011 | 21

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

We are in it!

We are part of the

“Norwich City of Ale” ale trail that will be taking place this year between

May 26th and June 5th

We are in it!

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NORFOLK NIPS | Diss

Diss is Bliss for Beer?

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

1

Heathlands Community Centre, Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath, Norwich, NR13 4QH Tel: 01603 714164 Mob: 07818466473.

15th - 17th July 2011 12 Real Ales and 2 Ciders Friday 5pm - Midnight

Family Day & Beer Festival BBQ, rounders and other games for the children.

Saturday Noon - Midnight Beer Festival Live music from 8pm with Mustang Sally.

Sunday from Noon - Midnight Fair & Beer Festival will include side shows, stalls, BBQ, Tea & Cakes, Pimms Tent, Bouncy castle and slide, Dance Demo, Tombola, Plant Stall, and much more..

Diss has more than a few decent pubs – The Saracen’s Head is a free house and sells 2 real ales (St Austell Tribute was on last I went there).

The Greyhound, close to the Corn Hall is noisy but has a decent pint of Wherry on tap. Close by is the Nutbush (previously The Two Brewers) was very quiet when visited but had a decent pint of Adnams Bitter. Down the High Street near the Mere is the only Greene King pub in Diss – The Waterfront. The Park Hotel usually has bands playing on a Friday night and a good Pint of Broadside alongside a Guest Beer which last visit was Humpty Dumpty Railway Sleeper at a hefty 5% ABV but in good nick and very drinkable. On the west side of town, in the area known as Fair Green is The Cock which has Tim Taylor Landlord, Adnams Broadside and a seasonal Adnams beer. Further out of town near the golf course is the White Elephant which is rather odd and very much a characterful locals pub - there is one handpump but no real ale on our visit, though there was a good selection of bottled beers which warranted a taste of Batemans Victory and Marstons Old Empire.

My (and Claire's) favourite pub in town is the very friendly White Horse almost opposite the church – it has 2 excellently served Adnams ales (Bitter, Broadside and lately the gorgeous Old Ale), no food and just general good banter with the landlord often doing a bit of karaoke or the odd magic trick - Well worth a visit as is Diss!

Nige

Entrance to the fair is FREE Registered Charity: 303909

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Chairman’s Letter

| NORFOLK NIPS

Beers of the Festival 2010 pro-active in their approach and have certainly raised the bar for the next charity at this years festival!

Following the announcement of the awards after the Festival, they were presented on the 3rd February at The Fat Cat Brewery Tap, previously known as The Shed. The refurbishment was only just complete – unusual to walk into a Pub and smell fresh paint! The name change had confused one or two, including Beer of the Festival winners, Keith and Sue Simpson from The Brown Cow Brewery in Yorkshire. They had originally gone to The Fat Cat in West End Street. Fortunately, they realised their mistake in time and still managed to get a beer or two before dashing off to the Brewery Tap. Brown Cow have been brewing for 11 years and have won many awards at Festivals up and down the country. Mrs Simpson’s Thriller in Vanilla was certainly a worthy winner, look out for it if you didn’t try it at the Festival.

We were delighted that our chosen charity, Norwich Door to Door were also on hand to receive a whopping cheque for £5,215.00. This will enable them to buy another bus and they will let us know when it arrives. They were extremely 24

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This year’s Beer Of The Festival was Mrs Simpson’s Thriller in Vanilla, a 5.1% from

Brown Cow Brewery, in North Yorkshire.

The silver award went to Golden Pale Ale, from Norfolk’s Elmtree Beers, and the bronze award went to Adnams Tally Ho.

The category winners were: Mild Gold: Felstar, Crix Forest Silver: Sarah Hughes, Dark Ruby Mild Bronze: Spire, Dark Side of the Moon Bitter Gold: Riverside, Major Silver: Grain, Oak Bronze: Cliff Quay, Bitter Best Bitter Gold - joint, Skinners, Betty Stoggs Gold - joint, Humpty Dumpty, Swallowtail Bronze: An Teallach, An Teallach Ale Strong Bitter Gold: Fat Cat Brewery, Cougar Silver: Tryst, Blackjack IPA Bronze: Grainstore, Ten Fifty Old, Stout & Porter Gold: Brown Cow Mrs Simpson’s Thriller in Vanilla Silver: Spectrum Octogram (Pinder's Porter) Bronze: Hopshackle Historic Porter Speciality Gold: Downton, Chocolate Orange Delight Silver - Joint, Green Jack, Hop Harvest Silver - Joint, Green Jack, Fruit Bat Golden Beers Gold: Elmtree, Golden Pale Ale Silver: Thornbridge, Kipling Bronze: Kelburn, Goldihops Cider – Pickled Pig, Porker's Snout.

Perry – Rathays, Painted Lady SV. Foreign Beer – Boon, Kriek.

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NORFOLK ALE SHOP OVER 60 ALES

ALE SALE! EVERY SUNDAY 20% off ALL BOTTLES FIND US INSTORE AT THE GENERAL STORE 41, HIGH STREET, RINGSTEAD. PE36 5JU. NEAR HUNSTANTON. Telephone; 01485 525270 Email. generalstore41@aol.com.

OPEN SEVEN DAYS 8am -5.30pm.

EXCEPT TUES/WED/SAT CLOSING AT 1pm.

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West Norfolk Trip South

| NORFOLK NIPS

Dover Soul Dover is one of those places that people normally pass through without staying long, but the Winter Ale Festival held there in February gave a bunch of us from West Norfolk the chance to put this right. Craig and Sandi were the advance party and were there ready to greet us when we had finally overcome the congestion of the M25 on a Friday evening and they wasted no time in guiding us along to the wonderful venue in Dover Town Hall. This is like a smaller version of St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich, and featured wood panelling, coats of arms, oil paintings and displays of fearsome medieval weapons. However we were there for the beer, and a bar with around 75 firkins tapped and ready awaited our best efforts. I am no beer ticker, so I cannot recite a list of the ones we selected, most of which were unknown to me, but I do recall that my favourite was from Port O’ Call from Bank Top Brewery in Bolton, Also worthy of a mention is the good quality food available at the festival and the fact that all the beers were on sale at £2.50 a pint, which, considering that some were over 10% abv, is pretty good by Norfolk standards.

Next day the gale force winds made the thought of a ferry trip to France rather daunting, so whilst John and June braved the cliff top walk and Craig and Sandi visited the castle we set off to Margate in search of a football game. I guess that a blow by blow account of a Ryman league encounter played in a high wind in front of a crowd of 340 people and one rather nice dog is of limited appeal, but Margate turned out to have more to offer than just football. Pre game we wandered around the old town and found a rather nice Shepherd Neame pub called the Northern Belle, which had been converted from a couple of old fisherman’s cottages. There were a few Billericay fans playing ska and punk on the jukebox, but the landlady still had time to recount her life story, with details of her children,home in Newcastle and more besides. I guessed that the other pub in the Good Beer 26

| SPRING 2011

Guide might be a bit of a disappointment after that, but as chance would have it I never found out. On the way we passed a street corner pub and whilst Ros went shopping I called in for another quick pint. I was confused at first by the stillage in the middle of the room but at the same time heartened by the sight of 8 beers, 8 ciders and 4 perries. The counter seemed to be reserved for the grilling of giant sausages for those who did not want the specialist pies or one of the selection of cheeses. It was quiet at Saturday lunchtime with the contented chatter of customers around the wooden tables in front of the open fire the main distraction from the fine ale, but there was the promise of live music on some evenings. Nor were links with the wider community forgotten with the opportunity to purchase duck eggs for a donation to charity. This could be the best pub I have ever been in, and quite possibly the best in the world. It is called the Lifeboat Ale and Cider House and the only drawback is that it is not in West Norfolk.

There are lots of other things worth visiting in the area – the Castle is tremendous with a Mappa Mundi to rival the one in Hereford cathedral, and the town museum has the world’s oldest sea going boat on display. It is older than the pyramids but you can still see how the planks are joined with twisted yew twigs. There are other pubs in Dover as well – Blake’s Cellar Bar is a classic, and in the White Horse we had a chat couple who worked in the local kennels and who had adopted two dogs who had not been collected after their 6 months quarantine expired.

Dover and East Kent is a run down industrial area with a transitory population, but it has a faded grandeur and really friendly locals. I was impressed by lots of things, but especially the Lifeboat. There is a new art gallery opening in Margate in April, and Kent play cricket close by in Canterbury. I can see another visit to the area happening in the not to distant future.

Jeff

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NORFOLK NIPS |

WHEELWRIGHTS ARMS FREEHOUSE

INTRODUCING REAL ALES IPA (DRAUGHT) £2.50, ABBOT ALE £2.60, • CARLING, CARLSBERG, FOSTERS £2.80 • • JOHN SMITHS £2.60•GUINNESS £3.00 • •STELLA £3.00 •STRONGBOW £2.90 • • MILD £2.50 • BOTTLE BEERS FROM £2.80 (MAGNERS £3.10) SPIRITS FROM £2.00 FULL SKY ULTIMATE PACKAGE & ESPN FREE WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTION

Don’t forget we also serve Tea, Coffee and Cappaccino all day Parties catered for • 24 hour licence Sorry but children under the age of 14 are not permitted on the premises after 8pm

01493 663705 Beccles Road, Gorleston Great Yarmouth Norfolk, NR31 0PS

NERDS Visit Norwich The 2010 Annual CAMRA National Executive and Regional Directors Conference was held in Norwich during the weekend of 3-5th December. The delegates attended various meetings hosted at Take 5 and The Ribs of Beef.

On the Saturday evening, they were escorted on pub crawls around the City by Norwich CAMRA Members, visiting many of our excellent city centre Pubs, finishing at The Fat Cat.

Sandboy Visit

THE ANGEL INN FREEHOUSE

Now Overall NORFOLK CAMRA PUB OF THE YEAR! Open all day every day Excellent home cooked meals available from our award winning kitchen Large Beer Garden with play area En-suite accommodation Camping and Caravanning available Larling, Norfolk, NR16 2QU (17th Century former coaching inn)

Tel: 01953 717963 www.angel-larling.co.uk

On the 30th January, West Norfolk CAMRA did a three mile walk around the ruins of St. James church and some of the local footpaths. The walk was enjoyed by a dozen or so, and three dogs. The weather was ideal for walking. On arriving back at Church farm we rid ourselves of muddy boots and proceeded to the Sandboy at Bawsey for lunch. Beers on offer were Oakham, Brew Dog and Cottage and all were in good condition. Our numbers increased for Sunday lunch and thanks are due to Phil for an excellent meal. Thanks also go to Jeff and Ros for organizing the walk and we all hope that more walks will be forth coming during the year.

Bruce

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136 Norwich Road Tacolneston, nr Wymondham Norfolk NR16 1AL Telephone: 01508 489521 enquiries@the-pelican-inn.co.uk www.the-pelican-inn.co.uk

Opening hours We are open 7 lunchtimes & 6 evenings every week • Monday to Saturday lunch 12pm - 2.30pm • Monday to Saturday evenings 6pm till close • Sundays 12pm - 4pm

A warm welcome awaits you at to our award winning free-house, The Pelican Inn, Tacolneston, South Norfolk Head Chef Lewis Burrell - Finalist of National British Pub Chef of the Year 2011 Four Real Ales on Hand Pump from £2.70 a pint.

THREE Beer Festivals a Year South Norfolk Pub of The Year 2010

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Ale Shop Our new Norfolk real ale and local produce shop not only supports our local 31 Norfolk and Suffolk breweries, but also offers a range of other specialist local produce such as relishes, chutneys and preserves, ciders, lagers, oils, Norfolk cheeses, homemade desserts and chocolates.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Panther Brewery

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

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

• Red Panther – 4.1% Distinctively sleek.

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

Last October, I went in search of the Norwich Bear, having been inspired by tales of strange creatures in English Folklore. So when I heard of sightings of a panther in Reepham, I had to investigate.

My luck was in one cold Friday night in January, when, quite by chance, I encountered a wonderful specimen in Reepham.

Actually, it was during the January Campaign Trip, and we were in the King’s Arms in Reepham, and the panther was red, not black. But it was a very good pint.

Whilst there, I met Martin, who owns the nearby Panther Brewery and I arranged to visit.

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

old Railway Station. It was the former home of The Reepham Brewery. Martin admitted that when he took it on, it was in a bit of a state, but you wouldn’t know that now. The entrance incorporates a small shop with a selection of Panther Ales in bottles. At the time of my visit, the bottles were partially hiding Clue No.3 for the next edition of Radio Norfolk’s Treasure Chest.

Coming soon is Pink Panther – which will be a wheat beer.

They are available in 500ml bottles, beer boxes and in casks.

So where can you go to track down a panther, or two?

The King’s Arms in Reepham, Darbys in Swanton Morley, The Railway in North Elmham, The King’s Head in Dereham, and the Earle Arms in Heydon for starters, plus the Real Ale Shop, Bawdeswell Garden Centre and the Post Office in Cawston.

Martin is clearly innovative and has some very interesting ideas for the future, so maybe sightings of Panthers will be become widespread in Norfolk.

Mike Baldwin

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| NORFOLK NIPS

Creating beer drinkers...

Norwich was a beer desert back in the 1970s - hardly a pub serving real ale, and having lost what in the nineteenth century had been a thriving community of breweries. Now, Norwich is one of the country's top real ale cities, with one of the biggest and best beer festivals, and the county supports 30 or so breweries, from the smallest bloke-in-a-garage micros to Woodforde’s.

It’s a wonderful success. But no one back in the unenlightened 1970s could have predicted it. Which prompts the ques-

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tion; how did it happen?

Well for a start, we had a pioneering generation of landlords and brewers ‘doing different’ - Colin Keatley, Ray Ashworth, Pete Turner, Wolfe Witham. Sometimes it's down to a few brave individuals to turn the tide, and that's what they did. And of course, once we had one or two good real ale pubs and a couple of breweries, it made it much easier for other landlords and brewers to make the commitment to real ale.

But I don’t think that’s all they did. By bringing great ales

to Norwich drinkers, they started a revolution in Norfolk tastebuds - creating a new market of drinkers who knew what real ale was and what it ought to taste like.

Educating people about beer is still a job we need to do.

A lot of my friends used to think ‘real ale’ was synonymous with ‘bitter’ - till I introduced them to drinks as different as St Peters Grapefruit Wheat Beer, Spectrum Black Buffle, and Duchesse de Bourgogne. Many drinkers don’t understand the way the industry is structured, so they don’t understand the

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NORFOLK NIPS | difference between managed pubs (like Wetherspoons) and tenanted pubs (like Enterprise and Punch), and the impact that has on the prices a landlord has to charge. And a lot of drinkers don’t even realise they’re not getting full pints!

CAMRA has a huge role to play here. CAMRA’s work in defending pubs at risk, supporting local breweries, and campaigning on tax and regulation issues, is of course important. (Without the tax breaks for microbreweries, and without the Beer Orders, we wouldn’t have so many breweries in Norfolk today.)

But I believe the single most important accomplishment of CAMRA in Norfolk lies in having created a whole generation of knowledgeable, adventurous real ale consumers - even if not all of them care to get involved in campaigning, or indeed to join CAMRA itself.

Look around the beer festival and you’ll see those very youngsters who are conspicuous by their absence from the membership roster, enjoying a real ale with their friends or working on one of the bars.

That’s the next generation of real ale drinkers in place. Real ale is no longer just for old codgers or beardies - look in any of our real ale pubs and you’ll find a good cross section of the community, by age, gender, even nationality.

(I recently had to courier two bottles of real cider to Kochi, India, for a UEA graduate who missed his regular tipple.) And

all these drinkers, by paying their money over the bar, are helping to support CAMRA’s aims - whether they realise it or not.

So how can we keep doing the good work of creating knowledgeable - and thirsty! real ale consumers?

Buy your friends a drink! All of us have friends and colleagues who don't drink real ale - find them the right beer, which isn't always a bitter. (I’m always amazed by the way Pete Wells manages to find the right Belgian beer for everybody in the marquee at the beer festival; he has limitless reserves of patience, endless good humour, and an inexhaustible knowledge of beer, and just about everybody he serves ends up leaving with a full glass and a smile on their face.)

Come to think of it, you can always buy people who aren’t friends a drink - something Tim McDonald thinks should be part of our regular campaigning, and I think he’s got a point.

Educate yourself and others.

Support the work of the tasting panel, go to pub tastings and brewery trips, and work at CAMRA beer festivals (and at pub or club beer festivals if you get the chance) to spread the good word.

Letter Dear Editor, The article by Jennifer Nicholls on Beer Festivals here and abroad brought back memories of my trip to New York last year. I was only there for two days and arriving late in the evening, I was desperate for a pint.

So desperate, that I decide that the hotel bar would do. The first thing that struck me was the range of beers on offer. All kegs and bottles admittedly, but I was delighted to find the usual suspects that I had dreaded finding were conspicuous by their absence.

It reminded me of a TV programme I saw where an Englishman went into a bar in Australia. Surveying the bar, he asked where the Fosters and Castlemaine were. The answer was, “We don’t drink that here, mate!”

The second thing to strike me was, of course, the price.

I subsequently found a superb Irish bar on 6th Avenue and an interesting café on Statten Island.

However, the highlight, beer wise, had to be the Bar/Diner on 42nd Street. Not only a great range of beers, but the wall behind me was festooned with Beer Trays, a great assortment of Brewers and beers.

Jack Howarth

Found a fantastic brewery, amazing beer, or great pub?

Had a homebrew success?

Write something for Norfolk Nips and tell other drinkers about it. Or help distribute Nips, to get the word out.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Competition

Win a pack of Panther ales!

All you have to do is answer the following three questions.

The first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the prize. The Editor’s decision is final.

Win a pack of beers from The Panther Brewery, one bottle each of Black Panther, Golden Panther and Red Panther.

Question One: The Black Panther is usually a black coated species of one of which two big cats?

Question Two: Who, or what, was the Pink Panther in the film of the same name?

Update Alby Horseshoes Aldborough Black Boys Attleborough London Tavern Bawsey Sandboy Binham The Chequers Clippesby Muskett Arms Clenchwarton Victory Cley The George and Dragon Cromer The Cottage Cromer Red Lion Drayton Bob Carter Leisure Centre Downham Market Railway Arms Downham Market White Hart Earsham Queens Head Filby The Kings Head Gorleston Dock Tavern Gorleston Mariners Compass Gt Yarmouth Mariners Gt Yarmouth Red Herring Gt Yarmouth St Johns Head Heacham Fox & Hounds Hethersett The King’s Head Hopton White Hart Kenninghall Red Lion Kings Lynn Live and Let Live Ludham The Dog Lyng Fox & Hounds Newton by Castle Acre George & Dragon

Question Three: Red Panthers were sold by Pride and Clarke for £28 17s 6d from 1933 to 1939.

What were they?

Entries to: michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com or by post to: Norfolk NIPS, 201 Kingswood Avenue, Taverham, Norwich NR8 6GJ

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

New entries are in Bold.

North Elmham North Walsham Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Norwich Reedham Reedham Reedham Thurlton Tacolneston Sheringham Swardeston West Acre Wiveton Wroxham Wymondham Wymondham

Railway Orchard Gardens Beehive Champion Cottage (Silver Road) Gardeners/Murderers Jubilee Ketts Tavern Kings Head Leopard Rose Take 5 The Ribs of Beef Trafford Arms Vine York Tavern Wig and Pen Ferry Lord Nelson Ship The Queen’s Head Pelican Windham Arms Lakenham/Hewitt Rugby Club Stag The Wiveton Bell Brewery Tap Cross Keys Green Dragon

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26 St Leonards Road Norwich NR1 4BL 01603 618734

A real gem, well worth a visit.

Eight real ales to choose from, two of which change regularly.

Lovely enclosed beer garden with large sheltered smoking area.

Two pool tables upstairs.

Only a ten minute walk from the train station and city centre.

Pork pies and other light snacks available all day.

Hog roast available sundays.

Open all day from 12 noon everyday.

Sky Sports and ESPN

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

COAST ROAD, WALCOTT, NORFOLK NR12 OPE Telephone

(01692) 650371 FREE HOUSE

Proprietor since 1989: STEVE BULLIMORE

OPEN FOR FOOD & DRINKS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, 11am - 11pm Food available all day until 10.30pm 10% off food and drink on production of CAMRA membership card

FOUR REAL ALES & CIDER www.lighthouseinn.co.uk 34

| SPRING 2011

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NORFOLK NIPS | Colonial Craig

From Across the Pond (part 2) As mentioned last time, I joined CAMRA at my first opportunity. They were also kind enough to sell me the latest GBG and an ink pen; I had to take notes at the beer fest! I did all of the above at my first real ale festival in October 2000 at Bedford. I was amazed at the number of beers to sample. I had expected more of a Germanstyle fest where there is a limited selection but mega quantities. I never dreamed they would have 50+ ales to sample. I went with two friends and my lovely wife came along to shop and then safely drive us home. We grabbed a program, bought half pint glasses and set out with my new ink pen to rate all the ales we sampled.

“Before prohibition there were many good breweries and beers in the US. However, when prohibition was repealed, only a small number of breweries were able to restart operations.”

While enjoying our first ale a “grey beard” heard our accent and was intrigued that Yanks liked “warm beer”. Evidently, Americans are known for being lager louts that like their beer ice cold and tasteless. Well, that may be true for some of us but those of us in the know appreciate the real stuff. In defense of those stateside lager drinkers, I should explain that many areas in the US are VERY hot in the summer. This is one reason why many Americans drink their beer ice cold, and as you know, the colder the beer the less you can taste. Another reason is the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution, AKA prohibition. Before prohibition there were many good breweries and beers in the US. However, when prohibition was repealed, only a small number of breweries were able to restart operations.

With limited competition, the big breweries

were able to push their extra-cold and limitedtaste brews on the American public.

We weren’t fortunate enough to have an American version of CAMRA. Of course, since Jimmy Carter legalized home brewing (arguably the best decision of his presidency) we have seen a resurgence in great beers via the microbrew revolution, but that is another story.

Back to the Bedford beer fest…our new friend was packing a 10 year-old GBG that he couldn’t get rid of because it had all his tasting notes penciled in the brewery section. He also informed us that we should have gotten pint glasses so we could hold the top part of the glass and prevent the beer from warming up via body temp. My frugal side appreciated his second reason for using a larger glass…you frequently get more beer when ordering a half in the pint glass. Ah, the things you can learn at a beer festival!

Alby Horse Shoes Inn Freehouse Situated on the A140 Norwich/Cromer Road Up to 5 Real Ales including Wherry & Mardlers

Home cooked Food - locally sourced SPECIAL STEAK AND ALE NIGHTS LAST FRIDAYS DURING WINTER MONTHS

10% OFF MEALS BOOKED

BY CAMRA MEMBERS Margaret & Richard Rushmer look forward to meeting you

01263 761378

We are In it!

www.albyhorseshoes.co.uk SPRING 2011 | 35

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Tuesday 15 th March 8pm N

orwich and Norfolk Br anch AGM He

ld in the u pstairs roo m at Take 5, Norwich You must have a cur rent CAMR A members card to att hip end this m eeting

NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 37

9th April

unt H e r u s a e r T P ub ich Central Norw Road from

n Dereham o r e e d in e R e Meet at Th Teams of 4, . p r a h s m p 0 t at 2.3 2pm for star y. am on the da e t a m r o f o may be able t pm. ill finish at 6 w d n a t o o f on Hunt will be

folk NIPS r o N f o e u s The next is h June t 3 n o t u o e b will e for copy t a d e in l d a e D

is 25th May

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West Norfolk Xmas Pub Crawl

| NORFOLK NIPS

Xmas Crawl 2010 Yes my friends, it was the season to be jolly, fah-la-la la-la, la-la-la-la! Or something like that, t’was the Saturday before Xmas, the venue being the great city of Norwich (home of the mighty Canaries!), time for the West Norfolk branch of CAMRA’s annual seasonal pub crawl. Our annual ‘world’ tour, the t-shirt’s in the post!

A chilly old day greeted us, with hints of snow, but such weather didn’t deter the ale loving ensemble, we attracted well over 30 people on the day (possibly nearer 40), not bad.

We got the (foot)ball rolling in fine style at the King’s Arms

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| SPRING 2011

on Hall Road, who were kind enough to open a half-hour early just for us (thanks to Graham of the N&N branch who called them on our behalf), my opening salvo was Springhead Surrender and Adnams Old, two of fourteen on offer. Is there anyone out there who agrees with me that Adnams beers have become a bit ‘bog’ standard and dull, their Bitter used to have a sulphorous aroma. All to soon time for our 2nd stop on the itinerary, the always superb Trafford Arms, I think I counted ten ales (not bad eh?), I plimped for Ossett Nervous Turkey, good stuff (in fact I

gobbled it down! Groan!).

Enjoyed a light lunch too, chilli and chips, good beer drinking food. That made me a tad late leaving, but soon caught up with the crowd in the one time coaching inn that is the Coachmakers, a really good pub that serves tasty ales on gravity, always a thumbs up from me, my tipple here was Wolf Golden Jackal (I’m gonna say it, wait for it, howling good.

Sorry!).

Literally around the corner to our next port of call, a very busy but friendly Champion, some Bateman’s XB slipped down the throat nicely, spied a “Molly Dancer” and for the

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NORFOLK NIPS | next few pubs kept singing the theme to the Mel Brooks film, “Robin Hood; Men In Tights”!

It was downhill from there, literally! Eventually made it along to St Benedicts and a slight departure from the norm as we visited the Arts Center Bar, two ales on gravity and another Wolf ale for me, Coyote (lovely), some brave souls tried the bar’s vegetarian menu (the burgers looked big, but how did they taste?!). The group steeled itself for a long trek to our following venue, no I’m kidding (fooled you!), across the street to The Plough.

Grain Brewery have transformed a scruffy pub into a top boozer (a right Xmas cracker), with their own ales and guests to choose from, of course I had to go for my fave Grain beer, the excellent Blonde Ashe, delicious. Late afternoon by now, darkness descending on the thirsty masses, word reached me that one of our lot took a tumble outside the Hog In Armour, looking up when he should’ve been looking ahead, not saying who (initials N.N.!!!).Anyway, the Rumsey Wells was our latest pub, they had a small but decent choice, I went for Purity Mad Goose, they did have some mulled cider too. A short walk to the end of Colegate brought us to the Golden Star, yes a Green King pub but I won’t hold it against them (much!), alongside the GK range were some guest beers such as Hook Norton Old Hooky, which was very nice thank you.

A street over on Oak Street is the Old White Lion, once a Tap & Spile, now a popular Milton run pub with plenty of their wonderful range, I had Sparta and Jarrow Irish Stout, and snacked down a nice chicken and vegetable casserole. Sadly our next pub, the Pottergate Tavern didn’t have any real ale (oh no it’s a disaster!), maybe they’d run out? So straight on to the Leopard where we received a friendly welcome, some brought their fish ‘n ‘ chips in to eat with the fine ales such as the Scary Bird Bateman’s XB in disguise!), I like this corner local, check it out soon. Not so scary bird, but good Canary news as Norwich City won 2-1 away at Coventry thanks to Grant Holt double, Jeff’s fave striker (not!), come on you Yellows!!!

Last pub time (boo hoo!), and the King’s Head which was as good as ever, although some of us took a detour to the Cottage on Silver Road, a drop of Crouch Vale Wild Hop ended the day for me in brilliant style, luverly jubberly!

Wow, what a great Xmas pub crawl, with the biggest attendance we’ve had for a long time. I had a great time, and I know everyone else did as well, especially our American friends (who were very keen!).

Many thanks to everyone who made this a truly memorable day, cheers!!!!!

An Ode to Grain Brewery’s products How can one refrain From the brews of Grain?

May your India Pale Ale Never go stale And the Blackwood Stout Never run out!

Your Oak could easily Make an Old Soak Of me.

The Best Bitter Just makes feel fitter So I can willingly dash For a pint of Blonde Ash Or I’d just as soon Have a Harvest Moon!

But I could easily Have more than I oughta Of your excellent Porter!

Mike Spivey

Ps, the 2011 crawl was planned on the day above, be afraid, be very afraid!!!

Timbo

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Earle Arms The Lobster Heydon

Traditional Norfolk freehouse and restaurant

3 Real Ales always available Woodfordes Wherry, Adnams Bitter and Black Sheep

& Stables Restaurant

FRESH FOOD SERVED DAILY n Vegetarian and Vega le ilab ava ns tio op

OPENING HOURS Monday to Thursday 10am to 11pm Friday to Saturday 10am to 1.30am Sunday 12 noon to 12pm

BEER FESTIVALS ON BANK HOLIDAYS

01263 587376 Satnav: NR11 6AD (Just off B1149 Holt Norwich Rd)

Angel Gardens Free House

10 Real Ales • Fine Wines • Childrens Menu Baby Changing • Disabled Facilities Large Beer Gardens • Dogs are welcome 13 High Street, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8JP Tel: 01263 822716 www.the-lobster.com

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 96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT

01603 427490 email: ikwarren-angel@tiscali.co.uk

www.norwichinns.com We are part of the "Norwich City of Ale" ale trail that will be taking place this year between May 26th and June 5th

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| SPRING 2011

Monthly Quiz & Darts Live Music on Saturdays Beer Garden 2 Bars (with one for Private Hire) Ample Car Parking

) RQ WD[

NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 41

of Two Halves

A Campaign

)DL U RQ GHD WD[ EHHU O QR Z

7EZI &VMXEMR·W 4YFW

Join CAMRA Today Complete the Direct Debit form below and you will receive 15 months membership for the price of 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.

Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201.

All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW. Your Details Title

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(Partner at the same address) For Young Member and concessionary rates please visit www.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.

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Campaigning for Pub Goers & Beer Drinkers

Enjoying Real Ale & Pubs

Join CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinus Instruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by Direct Debit Please fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to: Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LW Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User Number To the Manager

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The Direct Debit Guarantee This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay by Direct Debits.

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

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NN#156:Layout 1 28/02/2011 13:22 Page 42

Beer & Music

| NORFOLK NIPS The Diplomat, Ormesby Road, Ex RAF Coltishall site NR10 5JZ Real Ales include house beer ‘Six Squadron’ and a guest beer.

First Sunday of every month (1.00 – 3.30 pm) – Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Band.

Admission free, but lunch bookings advisable on 01603 738866.

Crown Inn, Banningham (Nr Aylsham) Adnams Broadside, Greene King IPA and Abbot Ale. Sunday 27th March (1.30 – 4.30 pm) – Simon Nelson’s Dixie Mix. Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May (1.30 – 4.30 pm) – Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Band.

Admission free, but phone 01263 733534 for lunch reservations

Music Events in Pubs and Clubs around Norfolk TRADITIONAL JAZZ

Davis 01493 701880

Acle Recreation Centre, Bridewell Lane, Acle Real Ales include Adnams Bitter, Theakstons and Tipples Redhead Friday 4th March – Rod Mason and his Hot Five (from Germany), including former local favourite, Sean Moyses, on banjo. Enquiries – Brian

Brook Hotel, Bowthorpe, Norwich (off Dereham Road) No Real Ale at present Tuesday 8th March – The New Orleans Z’Hulus. New Orleans style band led by British trumpeter now living in Belgium, and featuring musicians from Belgium, Germany, Holland and France. Tickets/Enquiries – Rod Playford 01362 667811

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| SPRING 2011

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

Bell Inn, Hempton (Nr Fakenham) Woodforde’s Wherry, John Smiths Cask and guest beers Fourth Thursday every month – Chris Wigley’s Jazz Quartet Red Hart, Bodham (Nr Holt) Adnams Bitter and Broadside First Friday every month – Lumiere Rouge Ragtime Band King’s Arms, Market Place, Reepham Adnams Best Bitter, Elgoods Cambridge Bitter, Woodforde’s

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NORFOLK NIPS | Wherry and Nelson’s Revenge, Greene King Abbot Ale plus guest beers.

Every Sunday lunchtime (12 noon to 2.30 pm) from 8th May to 4th September (plus Bank Holiday Mondays 30th May and 29th August) in the attractive courtyard at rear of the pub (weather permitting).

The bands alternating throughout the Summer will be Nene Valley Jazzmen, Simon Nelson’s Dixie Mix, Climax Jazz Band, Norfolk Dixieland Jazz Band and Vintage Hot Orchestra.

(Phone King’s Arms for more details 01603 870345) Dereham Jazz Society, Lakeside Country Club, Quarry Lane, Lyng (nr Dereham) Greene King IPA and Woodforde’s Wherry Wednesday 18th May – Simon Nelson's Dixie Mix (Start 8pm).

George and Dragon, Newton by Castle Acre House beer Newton Bitter, brewed by Elgoods, plus local guest beers.

Jazz Trio on the first and third Mondays of every month, and Swing Jazz Quartet on third Friday of the month (Also folk music on first Thursday every month) White Lion, Wheatacre (Off A143 Beccles to Haddiscoe road) Adnams Bitter plus guest beer Second Friday every month Chris Capocci's Big House Jazzmen The Buck Inn, The Street,

Flixton, Suffolk Woodforde’s Mardler’s and Adnams Bitter are the regulars at present, plus a good selection of guest beers Every Thursday - Sole Bay Jazz Band

above). NB Sessions now commence at 8.00 pm.

For further details phone 01328 863511 or 01362 696741 or visit website www.lakeside-jazz-club.co.uk Keith Chettleburgh

NB. Following a serious fire at the Marsham Arms, nr Hevingham, jazz sessions have been suspended for the time being, but it is hoped they will resume some time in the Spring (watch the press for details).

MAINSTREAM / MODERN JAZZ Green Man, Wroxham Road, Rackheath Woodforde’s Wherry, Adnams Bitter, Fuller’s London Pride plus guests.

Every Tuesday – Full programme consisting of various bands and musicians.

For further details of jazz sessions at the Green Man, phone Brian McAllister on 01603 614169, or visit web site www.norwichaccommodation.com/jazz Dereham Jazz Society, Lakeside Country Club, Quarry Lane, Lyng (nr Dereham) Greene King IPA and Woodforde’s Wherry Every Wednesday – Full programme consisting of various bands and musicians in varied styles, which usually includes one ‘traditional’ session each month (see

OTHER MUSIC The Cottage, Norwich In March Sunday 13th - Murphy's Lore 4.30pm Friday 18th - Crumbs For Comfort 8.30pm Sunday 20th - Polaris 4.30pm Friday 25th - Johnny Jump 8.30pm Sunday 27th - The Gas Hill Mob 4.30pm In April Sunday 3rd - The Band With No Name 4.30pm Sunday 10th - The Indebtors 4.30pm Friday 15th - Hayley moyses & The Bluegrass Forum 8.30pm Sunday 17th - Flying South 4.30pm Friday 22nd - The Harvs 8.30pm

Landlords and Landladies!

If you have any live music events in your pub or club LET US KNOW and if we have room we will list it in this section. Send details for June - August to: Mike Baldwin Email: michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com or Chris Lucas Email: chris-stig@tiscali.co.uk

SPRING 2011 | 43

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Open all day every day food is served:12-2 & 6-9 Tuesday to Sunday

Offering four real ales A traditional 17th Century pub, how they used to be From Norwich & Acle head to Salhouse and at the mini roundabout follow the sign to Wroxham, we are 200yds on the right.

12-3 Sunday for plated home cooked Sunday lunches with homemade Yorkshire puddings and fresh vegetables. Booking advised if dining.

Superb food using fresh, local, seasonal produce Shoot dinners a speciality Popular quiz every Wednesday from 8:30pm Meat raffle every Sunday at 4:30pm

Tel: 01603 721141 www.salhousebell.co.uk 44

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NORFOLK NIPS | Dates for your diary

CAMRA Calendar Norwich and North Norfolk Branch Tuesday 15th March Branch AGM – Take 5 You must hold a current membership card to attend and vote at this meeting 20.00 –22.00 Friday 25th March Campaign Trip, visiting selected pubs in Norfolk, including The Wroxham Shed.

Friday 1st April First Friday Five Starting at 8pm at The Whiffler, Boundary Road, then The Falcon, The Boundary, The Windmill and The Edward VII

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

Pick up points: 6.47pm junction of Southwell Road/Grove Road, 6.55pm junction of Old Palace Road/ West End Street, 7.10pm Heartsease Roundabout (Harvey Lane side) 7.15pm Railway Station (Thorpe Road Bus Stops).

For more details and updates, please check the full calendar on www.norwichcamra.org.uk NEW – Updates on the First Friday Fives can also be found at Firstfridayfives.blogspot.com All Branch Meetings start at 8pm.

West Norfolk Branch

Saturday 9th April Treasure Hunt Search for clues in Teams of four in Norwich City Centre. Meet at The Reindeer at 2pm. Finishes at 6pm..

Tuesday 8th March Swan, Fincham,

Tuesday 19th April Branch Committee Meeting

Tuesday 12th April Ancient Mariner, Old Hunstanton

Friday 25th April Campaign Trip to The Dog, Ludham

Tuesday 10th May, Runcton Holme Social Club (TBC)

Friday 6th May First Friday Five Starting at 8pm. Route TBC. (Will feature 5 Central City Pubs selling Mild to celebrate CAMRA’s Mild in May promotion).

Tuesday 17th May Branch Committee Meeting - TBA Apart from the AGM, you do not have to be a member to attend any of these events, but if you do and you enjoy it, you are more than welcome to join. Just come along!

However, for coach trips, please contact Tim

Branch meetings (All include social)

Got a short pint?

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 Service, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UD or faxing them on 01603 222999.

A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

SPRING 2011 | 45

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

FOUR REAL ALES Live Music, Friday & Saturday Large garden overlooking the River Wensum OPEN Mon - Thurs 12-11 Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

The London Tavern Free House

Great real ales, fine wines and spirits.

A large Home-Made selection of traditional food served daily, Main meals, Set menu deals, Light lunches, Specials & Childrens menu. Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1.00

Attleborough’s only current Good Beer Guide pub 2010 & 2011 Camra Discount Scheme & Local Ale Breckland Council Rating Level 5 Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing, Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden.

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Christenings, Funerals, Intimate Weddings / Civil Ceremonies catered for

Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415 46

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NORFOLK NIPS | Schooners

Call for new measure all at sea?

The Government wants to relax the law to enable Pubs to serve drinks in different measures.

At present, beer can only be sold in 1/3, ½ and one pint measures.

The change would allow beer to be sold in “Schooners”, apparently popular in Australia.

A schooner is 2/3 of a pint.

When asked for their opinion by the local press, a CAMRA spokesperson said that they didn’t think that there would be a demand for the new measure. They didn’t ask me!

I have wanted something like this for years. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to see the

pint disappear, but I am an enthusiast, not a traditionalist. I believe that there does come a time when a pint is too much, especially if it has a heavy ABV and especially if I have the car.

The only alternative at the moment is to have a half, and I hate drinking halves!

A straight half pint glass is not always easy to drink out of without spilling a drop or two, and not all pubs have ½ pint jugs. And, just sometimes, a swift half leaves me wanting more, which defeats the object.

At home, I have some glasses that I got from the local garage (in the days when I could afford petrol in large enough quantities to qualify for the offer).

They are plain; straight jugs

and hold 400ml, or 2/3 of a pint.

And I think that this size is just right. I can drink a pint when I want one, but would be quite prepared to drink a schooner when the need arises.

But I ask you – a schooner?

Where did that come from? It’s two nips, or a double nip.

Surely, as a Maritime Nation we could come up with a better name. A Wherry perhaps? No, on second thoughts, asking for a Wherry of Wherry is just plain silly. So is a Broadside of Broadside. What do other readers think? Do you support the change, and what would you call the new measure?

A Trotter

SPRING 2011 | 47

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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 48

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From the Archives

The following items of interest were published in earlier editions of Norfolk NIPS 1987 WATNEY MERGER – The merger of Watney companies Manns and Norwich Brewery will not change the product ranges in the pubs, MD David Jacobs told CAMRA representatives WATNEYS KILL OFF LOCAL BRANDS – S & P Bitter has finally been axed as Watneys bring in Ruddles Best Bitter INN FOCUS – The New Inn on West End Street has unfortunately had to take cask beer out again as there wasn’t enough call for it 1991 COLIN’S CHESHIRE GRIN - The Fat Cat, West End Street Norwich, a new Colin Keatley enterprise, is due to open on Monday 2nd December.

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

GREENE KING’S NEW ALE: WHY CALL IT RAYMENTS? – Greene King have launched a new mid range real ale, brewed at Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, but called Rayments Special Bitter, which is named after the brewery they closed down in 1987.

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The Shoulder of Mutton ~ Strumpshaw ~

Specialising in delicious bottle conditioned real ales

Fine ales and good food served in a friendly atmosphere Real ales include Adnams Bitter and Broadside plus TWO guest ale (mainly from local breweries)

A refreshing pale ale with a delicious hoppy aroma.

Brewed with a single hop that imparts both a floral and spicy aroma, added to a combination of two malts keeping this ale simple and refreshing.

4.2% ABV

Tel: 01493 751975 email: beer@norfolksquarebrewery.co.uk www.norfolksquarebrewery.co.uk

Food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm (Mon-Sat), 12-2pm Sundays Pub games include Darts, Pool, Crib and Petanque!

Ian and Jenny look forward to welcoming you..

Norwich Rd, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4NT

Tel 01603 712274

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

Introducing the

NEW PANTHER BREWERY Shop Open Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm Sat 10am - 3pm

Over 50 bottle conditioned real ales from 15 Norfolk brewers who all use Branthill Farms famous malted barley.

TEL: 01328 710810

www.therealaleshop.co.uk 50

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NORFOLK NIPS | Campaigning

Threats to Our Pubs Having now been the Pub Preservation Officer for Norwich and Norfolk branch for some months, I am naturally disturbed and disappointed at the number of pubs we’ve lost over the last year and those that remain standing idle and so, under threat of closure or worse, demolition.

not positively obnoxious! Such people are easy to get rid of anyway! With a kinder reception and a little patience they may not be quite so bad after all…at least give them a chance!

So, what are you going to do to stop your local and that “pub down the road’ from closing?

It’s all very well for us to complain, but what are we, and much more particularly, you, the readers of NIPs doing about it? This is a battle for all pub goers to take part in. Don’t expect others to fight your battles for you. I can only protest on your behalf if you play your part.

1. USE IT! Further, if it’s good, tell people so!

Arrange to meet friends that don’t know it there.

Just how often did you, personally, use that pub down the road or in the next village that’s now standing empty or has now become housing? If you didn’t, why was that? Could it be that other people also found it unwelcoming, unappealing or inconvenient? More to the point these days, was the local shop selling beers and spirits cheaper than the landlord could buy his stock in? Did the owners ignore the wishes of the locals or not permit the landlord to buy the beers and other products they preferred ? More usually these days, were its prices too high for you?

What do you think makes a good pub and have you told the landlord of your local? Could a Karaoke night, book club, a book exchange, a discussion group (Films, TV programmes and particular sports, could be the topic, it doesn’t have to be anything heavy), a regular quiz night or a new game be introduced? If not why not?

Exactly why did you and others forsake the companionship of a good pub for a quiet drink at home in front of the TV ? How do you meet new people and make new friends doing that?

How welcome do you make newcomers to your local? Do you really and truly want to fossilize with the same old faces day in day out, good company though they may well be. Once in a while a new face adds something and if not, then what does it matter as long as they are

2. If it’s not giving you what you want…

SAY SO!.. suggest what would make it better.

3. If your pub is closing or has closed, what can you do about it? SHOUT as loud and for as long as you can! Write to your councillors (both local and County), your M.P. and get the local press involved! Don’t be frightened to contact the local Radio and TV stations too!

4. Keep an eye out for Planning Applications. They have to be posted on the property itself and it’s not hard to check your local council’s weekly list of planning applications.

They are available on-line and if you have no access to the internet, councils will help you access them. You should be aware though that just because you succeeded in defeating one application, the owner can keep filing amended ones and is very likely to do so. You MUST persevere and fight each and every application! One letter to the first application is NOT sufficient.

I can write a letter, but there is no substitute for concerted, local, vocal support.. Contact your councillors, both local and County. Involve the M.P.. Write to all local newspapers and radio stations. But ultimately there is only one solution…USE IT! Use it today, tomorrow and the day after and if it is not giving you what you want out of “your’ local, say so loud and clear!

YOUR PUB NEEDS YOU! And you may just need it more than you realise!

Mike Spivey, Pub Preservation Officer

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PIE & ALE

WEEKEnN25D th April

Mo Sat 23rd to n of Real Ales io ct le Se e r rg La wn ou to wash do and Ciders es pi e ad homem all Weekend Live Music

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als 11 stivummer 20 r Fering / S Bee Sp

Norfolk Pub Beer Festivals - Spring / Summer 2011

Over the next three months, a celebration of real ale is taking place in pubs and other venues across the county.

With there never being so many micro-breweries in the UK, not only will you get the chance to sample a variety of real ales you may never have tried before - including those brewed specially for the occasion - you’ll be able to try your hand at traditional pub games, take part in an ‘ale-trails’ and history walks and learn how this great tasting drink is brewed.

Of course there’s more to pubs than beer and skittles, with 84% of people believing that a pub is as essential to

village life as a shop or post office; and the closure of a pub – especially in areas that lack other social amenities - can be devastating for the local community.

A well-run pub can cater for all ages, offering a place where friendships can be formed and provides a convenient stopping point for a family enjoying a bike ride on a sunny day. To help you plan your travel to and from these events we have also included a brief guide to bus and train travel and where to find further information and timetables.

If you’re watching the pennies, but still want to enjoy the finer things in life then the

pub offers the ideal solution.

From old favourites like steak and kidney pie to the exotic tastes of Thai cuisine, many pubs offer high quality meals – often cooked by award winning chefs – for a fraction of restaurant prices.

From acts including Madness and Vic Reeves, pubs have even been responsible for kickstarting the careers of some of the biggest names in music and comedy. You never know; one of the acts playing in a pub near you could be a star of the future.

So whether you want a quick pint after work or a night out with your friends; look in at the local, you won’t regret it.

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Hill House Inn - Happisburgh For 2011: FIVE DAYS

Thursday 16th June to Monday 20th June inclusive The

Over 100 Beers & Ciders

11th

(and the odd perry) from far and wide, at competitive pub prices.

LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT inc. Rock, Traditional Jazz, Rockabilly, Skiffle, Folk and much more.

Family Friendly CAMPING AVAILABLE One Off Entry payment of ÂŁ4.00 valid for the whole weekend. (Numbered wristband - numbers entered into a Grand Prize Draw).

FREE PRINTED FESTIVAL GLASS AND TASTING NOTES.

Food served all day.

Festival T-Shirts available

Come and join us at the independent festival by the sea.

Celebrate the 11th Solstice festival and 4 centuries of the Hill House.

For more details contact:- Clive and Sue Stockton, The Hill House Inn, Happisburgh, Norfolk NR12 OPW Tel/Fax 01692 650004 Web www.hillhouseinn.co.uk 54

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A beer festival is near you!

10 –12th March - St Neots Booze on the Ouse Beer Festival

Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots, Cambs PE19 2BH 55+ cask beers over 3 days, plus cider,perry and foreign beers. Souvenir glass, tombola and CAMRA Shop. Food all sessions, free soft drinks for drivers. For full details visit www.huntscamra.org.uk

11

23rd - 25th April Pie and Ale weekend - Bell Inn, Rickinghall, IP22 1BN

12

28th April - May 1st Great Yarmouth Beer Festival - Blackfriars Brewery NR30 3NZ

13

29th April - May 1st Norfolk Beer Festival Dragon Hall, Norwich NR1 1QE

14

25th - 30th May Beer Festival - Dove Street Inn, Ipswich

15

27th May - 5th June ‘The Dark Side’ Beer Festival Wig and Pen, Norwich, NR3 1RN

16

9th - 17th June Annual Beer Festival - Whalebone, Norwich NR3 4BA

17

10th - 12th June Norfolk Ale and Music Festival Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Staithe PE31 8BJ

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16th - 20th June 11th Solstice Beer Festival - Hill House Inn, Happisburgh NR12 0PW

19

20th - 26th June Beer Festival - Heath House, Norwich NR3 4SG

20

30th June - 3rd July Summer Beer Festival Beehive, Norwich NR4 7PJ

21

15th - 17th July 10th North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival, Poppy Line Sheringham Station

22

22nd - 24th July Reedham Beer Festival

23

22nd - 24th July Crusaders Beer Festival - Little Melton, NR9 3NP

18 - 19th March - Hitchin Beer

and Cider Fest Hitchin Town Hall, Hitchin SG5 1HX At least 60 Real Ales, plus cider, perry and foreign beers (including draught foreign beer).

In association with the Hitchin Round Table, this quiet festival is possibly the last event in the current format. Disabled access and toilets.

Souvenir glasses, hot/cold food, tombola and products available.

For full details call Andy Rawnsley on 01438 816938, or festival@camranorthherts.org.uk 20-23rd March - East Anglia Beer Festival

The Apex, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 1

1st - 3rd April 3rd Independent Beer Festival White Horse, Overstrand

2

21st - 25th April Easter Beer and Cider Festival Kings Head, Wroxham

3

21st April - 2nd May George’s Fest - The Cottage, Norwich NR3 4TB

4

22nd - 25th April Easter Beer Festival - The West End, Feltwell IP26 4BJ

5

22nd April - 2nd May 5th Beer Festival Murderers, Norwich NR1 3LB

6

22nd April - 2nd May St George’s Day Festival Lord Nelson, Reedham NR13 3TE

7

22nd April - 2nd May Spring Beer Festival - White Horse, Chedgrave

8

22nd April Beer Festival - Royal Oak, Poringland, Norwich

9

22nd - 25th April Easter Sausage and Ale Festival Kings Head, North Lopham

10

22nd - 25th April Easter Beer Festival - Fox and Hounds, Heacham PE31 7EX

Beer Festivals section

STOP PRESS!!

Here are a few more added just before print!

21st - 24th April Easter Beer, Cider & Music Festival, Locks Inn, Geldeston NR34 0HW 22nd - 25th April Spring Beer Festival Chequers, Binham (see advert).

23rd March - 10th April International Real Ale Festival - all Wetherspoons pubs in Norfolk 26th May - 5th June Norwich City of Ale Festival

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A beer festival is near you!

The numbers on the map match the numbers next to the events described on page 55. This map is to show you the

17

Brancaster Staithe

Little Walsingham

10

Roydon

Gt. Massingham

West Acre

4 Feltwell

Rickinghall

11

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Beer Festivals section

how you the general area and is not to scale!

21

1

e Walsingham

18 Heydon

2 19

20 23

Filby

3 16 13 15 5

22

Reedham

7

12

6

8

Poringland Tacolneston

9 North Lopham

Geldeston

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The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask.

Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events.

Tongue twizzling food, and great value.

Help the Heroes Frankie Martin on the Great British Pub Tour 12th April

Real fires Victory Barn Function Room Come & visit Nelson’s local.

Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe Norfolk PE31 8HN

01328 738241

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Beer Festivals section

Travelling around Norfolk orfolk is well served by train and bus services between all the major towns, villages and out of Norfolk via Kings Lynn and Norwich. There are also many cycle and walking routes available for the more adventerous beer hunter or those with families looking for a full day out with some excercise thrown in.

Other services include X8 covering Kings Lynn to Fakenham and Heacham.

National Express andEast Midland Trains Services run everyday into Norfolk from Ely, Peterborough, Cambridge and Ipswich.

X5 and X6 services from Fakenham to Norwich covering many villages including Little Snoring, Erpingham. Aylsham and Mile Cross.

All services pass through Norwich where you can then go on to the coastal Norfolk towns of Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Cromer and Sheringham.

There is a large map of the routes available for download at: www.norfolkgreen.co.uk/timetables/

N

Go to www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com or www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk to check times

Heritage Train services Mid Norfolk Railway Travelling between Dereham - Yaxham Thuxton - Kimberley Park - Wymondham Abbey This volunteer run railway has a variety of locomotives including a fleet of heritage diesels.

Go to www.mnr.org.uk to check times.

The North Norfolk Railway Travelling between Sheringham - Weybourne Kelling Heath Park - Holt The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains on some journeys) through a delightful area of North Norfolk designated as being of outstanding natural beauty.

Go to www.nnrailway.co.uk/timetable.php to check times.

Bus Services

The Coasthopper route sets off from Kings Lynn and covers Hunstanton - Wells Weybourne - Sheringham - Comer and many of the smaller villages in between.

The X1 First group service runs into Norfolk from Peterborough passing through Kings Lynn, Narborough, Swaffham and several other villages to Norwich. The service then runs on through Acle and Great Yarmouth.

Cycling Norfolk has hundreds of miles of quiet country lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of England Tourism has developed a range of Free circular Cycling Discovery Maps.

These are available at: www.visiteastofengland.com/ visitor-information/cycling-discovery-maps2.aspx The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes through Norfolk and is designed to make cycling fun, safe and simple as you cover huge stretches of the UK. One third of the Network is completely free from motor traffic, using old railway paths, forest tracks, country parks and bridleways, and the rest uses quiet minor roads and traffic-calmed streets in towns and cities. so if your having a drink - get out of the car and on yer bike!

Norfolk Green run a number of Bus services into and around Norfolk.

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Heath House Norwich • Traditional Family Pub

BEER FESTIVAL

20TH - 26th JUNE 2011 • Ales from near and far • • Open from 12 noon every day •

Unveiling of Tipples New IPA FIRST CHANCE TO TRY THE NEW BREW! The Heath House, 99 Gertrude Rd, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 4SG Tel: 01603 406417

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Beer Festivals section

2nd Norfolk Ale & Music Festival

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

Thurs 21st – Mon 25th April Complete range of Woodforde’s beers.

Real ciders Music • BBQ Beautiful riverside setting All welcome

Wroxham | 01603 782429

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Mark & Marie offer you a warm welcome to the

Fox and Hounds Heacham Home of The Fox Brewery We are a free house specialising in real ales.

The first pub in Heacham to be in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Live Music every Tuesday Quiz Night Thursday www.foxbrewery.com

Tel: 01485 570345

22 Station Rd, Heacham, Norfolk PE31 7EX

OPEN ALL DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK

Easter Beer Festival Good Friday to Easter Monday Live entertainment every night.

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Beer Festivals section mer ival July ekend! m u S Fest day 3rd All we r un BQ Beeth June -nSd Ciders! B

a 0 rs 3 lk Ales u h o T orf

r 20 Ov e

N

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www.thewestendfeltwell.co.uk

EASTER Beer Festival Easter Friday 22nd Monday 25th April Ales to include Hophead Darkstar, Woodfordes Norfolk Nog and a range of ales from Iceni Brewery

Food Availability Fri 22nd Hot roast pork & apple rolls - 12pm to 4pm, Dinner menu avalible from 6pm till 9pm Sat 23rd Full Menu 12 to 3pm & 6pm to 9pm Sun 24th Fantastic sunday carvery from 12 to 3pm using locally sourced produce. Adult £7.95 Childs £5.95 Mon 25th Hot Roast Pork & Apple rolls from 12 to 4pm dinner menu avalible from 6pm till 9pm Entertainment Sat 23rd BAND Salacious Crumb 9pm onwards you name it they can play it x Mon 25th 2nd annual WEST END Wellie wanging comptition starts 2pm

The West End | Feltwell | Thetford | Norfolk IP26 4BJ | 01842 827711

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

We are in

Great Yarmouth Beer Festival at Blackfriars Brewery, Maincross Road, Gt Yarmouth NR30 3NZ Thursday April 28th 12 noon – 11 pm Friday April 29th 12 noon – 11 pm Saturday April 30th 12 noon – 11 pm Sunday May 1st 12 noon – 11 pm Entrance £2.00 if ordered with Yarmouth Mercury token or £2.50 on the door Over 100 beers from local breweries and a range of ciders including Norfolk’s best

Live music • Delicious food • Great Fun Tickets are purchased from Blackfriars Brewery, Maincross Road, Gt Yarmouth NR30 3NZ

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Great selection of real ales and wines, along with fine dining and excellent company.

SPRING BEER FESTIVAL Thursday April 21st to Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May

20+ Real Ales www.whitehorsechedgrave.co.uk

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Beer Festivals section

6 St Martins Palace Plain, Norwich NR3 1RN

01603 625891 www.thewigandpen.com

‘The Dark Side’ Beer Festival Friday 27th May until Sunday 5th June 2011 Mild, Stout & Porter from Norfolk & beyond!

A festival of dark beer, highlighting the complex flavours of ale away from the pale. Sixteen dark delights available on gravity or hand-pull. Open 11.30am till 11.30pm, 8 days a week!

• Good Ale • Good Food • Heated smoking area • Comprehensive Outdoor Dining Area Sky & ESPN Sports TV • Late Night Opening

Look out for our Cask Marque Plaque.

This guarantees beer quality in the Wig & Pen and the opportunity to TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

For the 13th successive year, the Wig & Pen has been included in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide. We are very proud of this achievement.

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NORFOLK NIPS | Travellers Tales

Travellers Tales Where is the most expensive place to drink a beer? Central London and north Norfolk immediately spring to mind, but those in search of real wallet abuse should head for Italy. Specifically, make a beeline for St Marks Square in Venice. Here, surrounded by churches and palaces, you will find a number of smart cafes fringing the square. Each one has a number of tables outside and a small stage featuring classical musicians. Each group play in turn, so a crowd of people stand and watch and as soon as one lot finishes they move around the square to the next cafe. This cultural voyeurism is fun and free, but choose to sit down and have a drink whilst taking in the atmosphere and things change rapidly. First there is the cover charge – all Italian bars and cafes charge more to sit down than stand but 5.70 (all prices in Euros) is steeper than most.

Then there are the drinks. I had a small bottle (33cl) of McFarland’s Rossi beer, which came in at 9.80. We had gathered for a celebration and as the rest of the party were female, the drinks order mostly comprised of wine, coke and Bellinis (a cocktail made from crushed and concentrated peach juice.

Hemmingway didn’t rate them.) In total the round for 10 people came to 172 Euros.

To be fair, this did include the cover charges and you are

paying for the whole experience, not just the drink. I don’t think it would have the same resonance sat outside the Old Maydens Head on Tuesday market Place in Lynn, nursing a pint of IPA. On the way back we had a planned stop in Düsseldorf (as opposed to the unplanned stop in Frankfurt on the way out.

Lufthansa look after their passengers – check them out).

Düsseldorf seems to be the stag and hen party capital of the world, and it is clear at once that you are back in a beer drinking country and have left the wine behind. That said, even though the old town was packed with young things in their team shirts intent on drinking themselves into oblivion, there was none of the aggressive behaviour and latent

menace all to often apparent in British towns and cities on a Saturday night. That might explain why the bike bar takes to the German streets. This is a bar on wheels and each bar stool has a set of pedals so that it can be propelled around the streets as you drink. I guess that the driver has to stay on the soft drinks, but even so, can you imagine it getting approval here? No doubt the authorities would want dedicated roads – the bus lane would become the booze lane (works better with a Lancashire accent!) and then there would be the requirement for a toilet.

I suppose that you could attach a little cabin to be towed along behind the bar.

Still, it would avoid the problems of being late home because you stopped for a drink on the way.

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73 Oak Street, Norwich NR3 3AQ

01603 632333 An ever-changing selection of five Milton brews and three guest beers. Also serving a verity of fine malt whiskies, a range of Trappist and Fruit Belgian beers and a unique English brewed Lager.

Food coming soon Come and have a tipple at the last of the Oak Street Alehouses www.individualpubs.co.uk/whitelion/

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NORFOLK NIPS | North Norfolk Railway

10th Birthday for North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival Ten years ago it was a pretty small affair. But last year the two and a half days of the North Norfolk Railway Beer Festival saw 11,500 pints dispensed, with record crowds enjoying the unique atmosphere of ale and steam.

This year’s 10th birthday bash (July 15th – 17th) promises to be the biggest ever. The railway’s Nessa Pritchard told us she expects to have over 100 different brews – ales,

ciders and perries. There’s an emphasis on East Anglian brews, but ales from all over the UK make this a beerfest not to be missed.

As usual, souvenir glasses and polo shirts will be on sale. Live entertainment will mix with the whistles of the steam engines.

Hot food will be available day and evening.

And here’s the really good news. The terminus of the

hourly Bittern Line trains from Norwich and North Walsham to Sheringham is just across the road from the Festival. And the last train back to Norwich on the Friday and Saturday isn’t till quarter to midnight – allowing you to celebrate the 10th birthday in style!

For further information: Colin Borg on 020 8789 0478, 07774 710 354 and ladybird.cottage@tiscali.co.uk

The Kings Head North Lopham (Near Diss)

400 year old thatched country pub

EASTER

Fri April 22nd – Monday April 25th 15+ Beers Including Champion Beers of Britain

AL and OVER 60 types of sausage (including Vegetarian and Gluten-free varieties) SAUSAGE & ALE FESTIV For full details SEE OUR WEBSITE www.lophamkingshead.co.uk Real Ales at sensible prices: Woodfordes Wherry & Adnams Bitter plus a rotating guest beer (4% ABV and above) PLUS Aspalls Cyder and a draught keg Mild Home made food, freshly prepared with a selection of Vegetarian and gluten free meals (Served Wednesday to Saturday 12 - 2.30pm & 6pm - 8.30pm and Sunday Lunch 12 noon - 3pm)

Fire Real

Opening Times: Monday 5-11pm Tuesday / Wednesday 11.30am - 3pm and 5pm - 11pm Thursday / Friday 11.30am - 3pm and 5pm - 12midnight Saturday 11.30am - 12midnight Sunday 12noon - 10:30pm

Beer amp Garden & le Pa rkin g

The Kings Head, 16 The Street, North Lopham, Diss , Norfolk IP22 2NE Tel: 01379 688007

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Michaela and Toni welcome you to

The Kings Arms 22 Hall Rd Norwich NR1 3HQ

Tel: 01603 766361

Everchanging 13 Real Ales, Cider and Mild.

Popular Quiz Night last Wednesday of every month

Food served Tuesday - Sunday 12noon - pm and 5pm - 8pm

Two roast dinners for £10 Sunday ‘Crumbs for Comfort’ coming soon See www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.uk for details

Give your branding a unique look through our illustrative design service.

If you require competitively priced design and illustration for: Posters | Leaflets | Flyers | Advertisement Artwork | Pump Clips | Bottle Labels, Logos | Menus | Point Of Sale Displays | Business Cards | Signage Contact us for a free no obligation quote on:

www.tamoko-design.co.uk

01733 751286

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The Royal Oak at Poringland

Easter Beer Festival Good Friday 22nd April We Don’t Have a Big Screen TV, Food Or a Juke Box We do have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide, 2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales From gravity, a large car park, large beer garden With heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes And crib.

We now serve morning coffee from 10am, children are welcome.

The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and new customers are always welcome. Come along and get a real welcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!!

Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.

Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 13 years in the Good Beer Guide!

A dream of a pub situated in the village of Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay. The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside.

Contact us on

01508 493734 New email: theroyaloak@fsmail.net

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