Issue 170 of Norfolk Nips & Cask Force

170 | AUTUMN 2014

F REE

37th Norwich Beer Festival - we hear from their Spooksman The Kings Arms at Shouldham Thorpe re-opens! See page 11 for details Magazine of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

This years Charity is St. Martins Trust for the Homeless

Chris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms -

61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466 www.traffordarms.co.uk

traffordarms@btconnect.com

CAMRA launch new Campaign In this issue: Pub & Brewery News 4-6 to protect Community Pubs Stigs Words 8

CAMRA says that our Community Pubs matter and deserve to be protected and have launched a hard hitting campaign: Pubs Matter – So why can’t we have a say?”

Weak planning laws in England are failing to protect them. This is contributing to the closure of 31 pubs a week in the UK: two pubs are converted to supermarkets alone every single week.

Pubs currently fall within the A4 planning use class. This means they can be converted to any of use classes in the table below, or even demolished, without planning permission or any community consultation.

A1 – Shops A2 – Financial and Professional Services A3 – Restaurants And Cafes B1 – Business (Temporarily For Up To Two Years).

Or - Demolition The current situation is ludicrous and is encouraging the

loss of pubs, says CAMRA. “We therefore call on the Government to realise that Pubs matter and to make a simple change to the Planning Laws in England, so that a planning application is always required before a pub is demolished or converted into another use.”

So how is this going to work? CAMRA is calling for the changes to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) and the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO) to remove public houses from the A4 Use Class and place them in a class of their own (Sui Generis).In addition to this the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (GPDO) allows the demolition of buildings (including pubs) without planning permission provided that a simple ‘Prior Notification’ application is made to the Local Authority.

Pubs are currently demolished without a requirement to consider the material harm to continued on page 9...

The Ed’Lines

9

Ultimate Brewers Raffle Prize

11

Kings Arms Re-Opens

11

Barman

13

37th Norwich Beer Festival

14

CAMRA News

17

Good News from Feltwell

19

Flight of Angels

19

Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs

21

Letter to the Editor

25

City of Ale Report

27

Top Ten Pub Gardens

29

Pub Preservation Officer White Board

30-31 33

Cider Pub of the Year

35

CPOTY Nomination Form

37

Behind Bars

38

Caz Jones Interview

41

CAMRA Branch Diary

43

LocAle Update

45

Beer Festival Calendar

47

Beer in Store

49

From the Archives

53

Good Beer Guide 2015

55

CAMRA Discount Scheme

56

Entertainment

56

Last Orders

59

Contact Details

60

Champion Beers

62

AUTUMN 2014 | 3

Pub and Brewery News Ian Stamp’s News Lots of great news this edition, including at last some from Great Yarmouth! But let’s get the bad out of the way first, with three Norwich pubs under threat: the Marlpit, Hellesdon, which is closed; the Gordon, Thorpe, for sale, possibly for alternative use; and the Perseverance, Adelaide St, also for sale.

None of these are what people often call “CAMRA pubs” - a phrase I dislike, as we support all pubs, even ones which don’t sell real ale - but all have communities who use them to socialise, celebrate and commiserate, and who will lose that facility for ever if they’re allowed to close and stop being pubs. Whole swathes of suburban Norwich already have no pub, or just one within easy walking distance, and it is hard to imagine anybody getting permission to open a ‘street-corner’ local anytime soon! So let’s hope that all three can survive and hopefully thrive into the future.

Also closed in early August is the Lord Nelson at Reedham, a pub in a beautiful setting - again, let’s hope new owners can be found to bring it back to life.

On to the good news! Last winter, I reported that four pubs - the Crown, Great Ellingham; the Bull, Hellesdon; the Bell, at Salhouse; and the Black 4

| AUTUMN 2014

Horse, Earlham Road, Norwich - had all closed. Well those of you who read this column avidly will know from NIPS Spring and Summer issues that the last three have since re-opened, and I’m happy to report that the recent re-opening of the Crown at Great Ellingham makes a full house! Mark Cooper took on the ACV-listed pub in June.

On to the seaside, and the good news from Yarmouth.

Firstly we hear that The Gallon Pot, on Great Yarmouth market-place, has been extensively refurbished and re-opened under the stewardship of Andrew Hall and Dane Rees, having been closed since January. And secondly, the Dukes Head Hotel has had two handpumps put in and has been selling real ale, although it is not yet continuously available. The young landlord has been there since December and intends to keep stocking Doom Bar or Abbot.

Back in Norwich, and the Hog in Armour, on Charing Cross, has been bought by the owners of the Norwich Tap House and Redwell Brewery and re-opened as the Mash Tun, a craft beer bar. In a complete refurb, the somewhat 80’s pale wood decor has disappeared and been replaced by exposed brickwork, large wooden tables and a granite bar, in a much more open and minimalist style. There are 16 keg beer taps (each topped

with a transparent cylinder, which the beer flows through, allowing you to see the colour of the beer before you buy) and 4 real ales. Redwell beers feature heavily on the keg side, along with offers from breweries such as Redchurch, Tiny Rebel, Hoxton and Kernel, while the four real ales at our visit just after the opening included Blue Monkey, Weird Beard and Firebrand. The upstairs function room - named the Gin Palace - is a specialist gin bar with 150 different gins, served ‘Spanish-style’ in large round glasses and a choice of mixers. Great to see a ‘craft’ beer bar which doesn’t exclude real ale!

The beer taps at the Mash Tun, Norwich A couple of ‘interesting’ name changes to report, reflecting the trend towards food service in many pubs. The Langtry, on Unthank Road, Norwich, formerly the Lillie Langtry and the Park Tavern, has closed and re-opened as a “beer and burgers” bar named Pickle & Relish; while the Dun Cow in Swainsthorpe has, following a long period of closure, been completely refurbished and re-opened as The Sugar Beat

Eating House (and no, that’s not a spelling mistake).Two Greene King ales as previously at the former, but the latter was stocking three ales from local brewers Green Jack, Lacons and Adnams at the opening. Also re-opening recently is the Rampant Horse, Freethorpe, which closed earlier this year - we hear it’s now stocking three real ales and has a new model railway in the bar!

We also hear that the original owners of the White Hart at Rockland St Mary have opened the pub again, after four years closed. Local residents had campaigned for the pub to reopen, registered it as an Asset of Community Value, and attempted to raise the money to buy it themselves, and their efforts convinced the owners to have another go.

In a similar vein, David and Carol Howard have returned to the Hainford Chequers, having retired from running the pub in 2010, and reopened it after it closed a few months into this year - good luck to both ventures. The Lynn Arms, Syderstone, in the far west of the Norwich & Norfolk Branch area, has been re-opened, following a significant renovation by Nathan and Flo Leftley-Gynn, and now has a handpump dedicated to local micro-breweries, alongside two regular beers from Adnams and Woodforde’s.

Two pubs have begun brewing since our last issue, The Taylor family have set up

Taylor’s of Attenborough at their pub the London Tavern, also supplying their second pub, Ry’s Bar (previously the Bear Hotel) and Clive Stockton at the Hill House, Happisburgh, has installed the equipment from Bees Brewery, which sadly closed after owner Alec Brackenbury was injured in an industrial accident. The Dancing Men brewery, named in honour of a Conan Doyle story written at the pub, began brewing in June.

The Ferry Boat, in King Street, Norwich, which has been closed since 2006, has been sold to a developer for £500,000. The pub was bought following its closure by the Borthwick family, who had intended to convert it to a backpackers’ hostel, however this fell through. A further planning application for conversion to residences is expected, despite opposition from local residents.

Diversification is the name of the game in and around Norwich this quarter, with three pubs branching out into new areas, serving breakfast; tea and scones; and Meals on Wheels! The Golden Star in Duke St, Norwich has been opening for breakfast from 7.30am on weekdays, with weekends a possibility if it goes well. Delia and Nick Perry at the Royal Oak, Poringland have invested £4,000 in ‘Acorn Tea-rooms’ at the back of the pub, from 10am-4pm, also weekdays but possibly extending in future, as some-

NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News

where for ‘ladies who lunch’, friends and family, and the older generation to meet, and last but not least, the landlords of the Quebec in Quebec Rd, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich are supplying Meals on Wheels to a number of local residents!

The Albion at Cromer is now offering a 10% discount on all draught and bottled real ales - check page 56 for a list of all pubs in the Branch which offer a discount to CAMRA members. (If you’re a pub which offers a discount, please get in touch - pubsofficer@ norwichcamra.org.uk is the address for anything pubrelated).

I can’t finish this column without mentioning the recent departure of Ben and Becky from the White Lion, Oak St, Norwich, which they have handed over to their long-time chef and deputy manager Alex Waters. In a whirlwind three years, since taking over the then-closed pub in 2011, they not only gave the Norwich cider scene a huge kick up the backside, stocking a previously unheard of 20+ real ciders and perries, and winning East Anglian Cider Pub of the Year in their first year, but also made the pub into a welcoming and comfortable, if also somewhat higgledy-piggledy home-fromhome for a dedicated and wonderfully eclectic bunch of regulars. Our loss is Cambridge’s gain, as they’ll be running the Cambridge Blue, one of the best real ale pubs in continued on page 6

AUTUMN 2014 | 5

Pub and Brewery Bews continued the city. Thanks for everything guys and the best of luck!

News from the West At last the waiting is almost over. The Kings Arms at Shouldham closed in June 2012, and now, over two years later it is about to reopen as a community owned pub. The villagers have raised £150,000 which has been doubled by the Social Investment Business Fund. They have organized quizzes, beer festivals, cake sales, photo shoots and the like. Since the pub was purchased a large number of people have helped in the refurbishment and from August we should be able to call in for a pint and see the results.

Congratulations to everyone involved and let’s hope that it shows the way for future threatened pubs.

One such is the Rampant Horse at Gaywood. It has been purchased by the Freebridge Community Housing group and planning permission has been applied for to change the use to residential. The latest submissions to the planning committee which are available to inspect on line indicate that gaining this permission may not be straightforward. It seems that there is some dispute as to whether it was advertised for long enough at a fair price to enable it to be taken over as a going concern and also that the viability test did not take into account income from products bought 6

| AUTUMN 2014

| NORFOLK NIPS

outside the tie and from functions. This, of course does not mean that the application will be rejected, but it does give a bit of hope to the locals who would like to save the pub.

Another pub which may soon be lost to housing is the Woolpack at Walpole Cross Keys, which is in a sad state after lying empty since it was closed in January 2009 after an environmental health inspection revealed serious problems.

More fortunate is the Hoste Arms at Burnham Market, it has once again received top marks in its recent food hygiene inspection after a rather worrying recent blip.

had the chance to visit yet, but again, real ale is available.

What was Antonio’s wine bar in Kings Lynn is now the Cosmopolitan café and the former Hogshead which disfigured the High Street for several years is now the Eros Café Bar and Restaurant. Although neither are pubs it has to be better than empty buildings in the town centre.

There are a couple of new pubs signed up to our Locale scheme, which aim to serve at least one local beer at all times.

These are the Peddars Inn at Sporle and the Chalk and Cheese at Shouldham. Andy down at the Angel in Larling is now selling cider on a regular basis.

In Feltwell though, it looks like curtains for the West End. Again a change of use is planned, and with the Wellington recently opened nearby it seems like any objections will fail. One pub that has been saved after a few years of repeated closure and changes of ownership is the Three Horseshoes at Roydon. This is now in the same ownership as Congham Hall with affordable food and decent beer at competitive prices.

Finally, I received a letter about my lack of recognition of the Bentinck in Kings Lynn.

I did compose a reply but when I checked again M. C. neither signed his name nor put on his address. Get in touch with your full details and I will send you my letter.

Jeff

At last, the Woolpack on Tennyson Avenue in Kings Lynn is delivering what it promises on the signs outside and selling real ale, with Tim Taylors being reported as being very good. Just up the road in Gaywood, the White Horse has had a makeover and is looking resplendent. I have not

• Old White Bell, Southery has now been taken over by a former barman there.

• Lattice House, Lynn, Heidi has moved on to The Limes, Fakenham which seems to be seeing the benefit of her presence.

• Red Lion, Hockwold now predominantly stocks Beeston beers.

News Snippets

Stig’s Words I’ve been little involved in CAMRA affairs recently as my free time has been much reduced, but the world rolls on and things still happen.

Sometimes life throws you what the Americans would term a “curve ball” and makes what used to seem important seem, frankly hardly worth the bother. I know that hobbies and interests make life worth living to a great extent for many people, but they are really pretty trivial in the great scheme of things. Speaking personally life is not too bad, but friends of mine within CAMRA are currently facing a great challenge, with which I can only offer my hopes and support along with the rest of the branch. A bit of a heavy start to my editorial, I concede, but some things need saying. The news on the beer and pubs front is not bad at all.

The King’s Arms in Shouldham has risen from the dead and is open for business. The excellent and popular Larling Angel beer festival has been a success. The Norwich beer fest looms on the horizon. More pub rescues are in the pipe line.

The Old Bell at Saham Toney has raised more than £3000 for charities and the local community in the last year, well done.

Our tireless politico Jeff has enlisted the support yet again of his local MP Henry Bellingham for an early day motion to fill some of the legal loopholes which allow far too easy “changes of use” to pubs to happen, particularly when large supermarket chains are involved!

My MP Elizabeth Truss has developed an interest in pubs as well, and got herself a cabinet post. See what happens when you hold up a pint glass (for more on that one see Jeffs article)!

So having managed to make the GBBF and very little else, I look forward with optimism to the future and hope for the best for all our readers and supporters, whoever they may be. See you at the bar!

Stig 8

| AUTUMN 2014

Welcome to our traditional pub serving up to 5 real ales and great pub food.

CAMRA Members Discount

20p off a Pint / 10p off a ha lf pint of real ale with valid membership card Sky and BT Sports shown here Fish and Chip Friday - Eat in or take away

Sunday roast served 12 - 4pm

Black Boys, e Green, Aldborough For further details call 01263 761649

NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Letter

The Ed’lines A warm welcome to this Autumn issue which, as in previous years, looks forward to The Norwich Beer Festival in October. Beer Festival Organiser Martin Ward says that this will be the final one that he does. Is this so? Or will he have more final appearances than Stephan Grapelli? Only time will tell.

Martin deserves to be applauded (NOT NOW – not while you are reading this!) and will be hard act to follow. But all things change, more on that later.

One aspect of the Beer Festival which does not get enough attention is that of the chosen Charity. Last year it was the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind. I did wonder how the change from Beer Tokens to Beer Cards would affect donations; would festival goers keep part completed cards as souvenirs instead of donating them? I needn’t have worried, as NNAB broke the record for the largest amount raised by a Charity at the Beer Festival, a whopping £5,000!

the pink elephants, mounted on the collection tins on the bars. If you saw pink elephants, had you had enough? If so, then why not donate before you go home?

A feature will appear in the next issue, which will show how that £5000 helped Norfolk Blind people with a range of accommodation, support and activities that you just wouldn’t believe!

This year, our chosen charity is The Hamlet Centre Trust, please show them your support.

All things change, and as many already know, I will be stepping down as Editor next year. If you fancy the challenge and want to know more, then please get in touch.

Campaign to protect Community Pubs - continued. the wider community or the established built form. CAMRA is seeking to change the legislation to ensure that planning permission is required for the demolition of pubs.

CAMRA says that the proposed changes are considered vital to secure the future of pubs.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s Head of Communications said: “Popular and profitable pubs are being left vulnerable by gaps in English planning legislation as pubs are increasingly being targeted by those wishing to take advantage of the absence of proper planning control.

How did they do it? I caught up with Event Fundraiser Jeremy Goss and Fundraiser Donna Minto recently and asked them. They made sure that they had a presence at every session with a full roster and took the collecting buckets around the Halls, following the tombola! They were also there to welcome and say goodbye to customers at the doors, with a sweet smile and a charity bucket at the ready. And there was also

“It is wrong that communities are left powerless when a popular local pub is threatened with demolition or conversion into a Tesco store.

To support the campaign please go to www.pubsmattter.org.uk. If you are worried that your local may be affected then contact your Branch Pubs Preservation Officer immediately.

AUTUMN 2014 | 9

NORFOLK NIPS | Ultimate raffle prize for a brewer

Panther Brewery raises a glass to the ultimate raffle prize As one of the sponsors for this year’s Norwich City of Ale, Crisp Maltings provided a most unusual raffle prize for the launch event. A tonne of Maris Otter malt may not be top of everybody’s list when they dream of winning a raffle, but it was certainly highly desirable for the brewers attending the party. There was cause for celebration by the Panther Brewery of Reepham, who won the treasured haul. They were presented with their prize on a recent visit to the maltings in Great Ryburgh.

Panther’s Martin James said: “It was great to meet some of the Crisp team and have a tour of the maltings. We were really impressed with how they work to support their customers and with the quality of the malting operations. It’s good to know how much of the barley they use comes from local farms.”Crisp’s craft brewing sales manager Nigel Gibbons said: “Congratulations to Martin and Alex of the PantherBrewery. We’re looking forward to tasting the brews they

Photo © Red Flame Communications Alex Simpson and Martin James from Panther Brewery, with Nigel Gibbons, Craft Brewing Sales Manager, Crisp Malting Group.

produce with our legendary Maris Otter malt.

If they’re as good as the selection of beers they brought for us to sample on the day, they’ll be definitely be winners.”

The King’s Arms at Shouldham Thorpe re-opens The staff were delighted with the enthusiasm shown by local folk even though they were only open evenings for the first week. These hours have now expanded and food continues to be served from a limited menu. The beers are served on gravity and guest beers will rotate regularly.

The day has finally come for SOKA (Save Our King’s Arms) and the residents of Shouldham after several years of campaigning and effort they have a village pub again! On the 11th of August the King’s Arms opened its doors. At first the hours were limited but the response was unlimited with a large number of customers.

The first beer festival will be held on 12th – 14th September. Many congratulations to the team and villagers at Shouldham on a great achievement. For more details of developments as the pub gets up to full speed go to www.kingsarmsshouldham.co.uk I shall visit myself soon and bring you a more detailed report in the next edition of NIPs. Stig

AUTUMN 2014 | 11

NORFOLK NIPS | Barman

Something you should never talk about in pubs So the dust has settled on the elections that no one cares about and the political map has turned East Anglia UKIP purple. I would hazard a guess that you do not know the name of our successful MEPs and have no idea when the next election will take place. That is quite worrying.

The incinerator debacle showed what politicians can get up to without constant scrutiny and questioning, and the voters to whom they are accountable sometimes seem low on the list of their priorities. Consequently in the run up to the European poll I wrote to all of the candidates on behalf of CAMRA to see if they would support our aims, which can be summarised as encouraging the diversity of beer, clear labelling of beer including the point of origin and ensuring that the price of a pint remains affordable.

Because we use a form of proportional representation, we vote for parties rather than people so each party puts forward a list of seven candidates making a total of 70 on the ballot paper.

I received replies from the following candidates.

Andrew Duff of the Liberal Democrats explained their eight point plan and directed me to their policy documents for more detail. Margaret Simons of the Conservatives sent me a short note expressing support for our aims. Jo Hayes of the Liberals sent me a long reply covering the points raised in detail, which was clearly well thought out and not just a cut and paste party response, otherwise it would have been similar to that of Andrew Duff. On behalf of the Labour Party I had a joint reply from Sandy Martin and Alex Mayor which again went into some detail on ways in which they would support our aims (though with typical politician’s exaggeration suggested that Suffolk beers were the best in the world!).

So what of the rest? I hope that the British National Party, English Democrats and other

fringe independence groups were too busy drinking good old English bitter, and rejecting the foreign lager stuff to reply. The Peoples Christian Alliance’s manifesto states that ‘A revaluation of subsidiarity based on the relational paradigm is necessary.’ Unsurprisingly there is no mention of beer or pubs, as the document continues to explore the outer reaches of the English Language.

This leaves me with a bit of a puzzle. UKIP’s appeal seems to be based on one person, Nigel Farage. Be honest, can you name another who has made the news for anything other than perhaps inappropriate comments? His selling point seems to be that he is a good old boy who likes a pint. I assume that he wants his party to be taken seriously, so why not reply? Were their offices and candidates so overwhelmed with demands on their time from an apathetic public that they could not reply when a voter is actually taking an interest in a topic that is dear to their leader’s heart?

According to Churchill ‘’democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”, and the people that could be bothered to vote have spoken, so Nigel is our leader.

However what I want is for him and his party to repay our faith by getting in amongst them. Go to the debates and sit on the committees and bat for Britain and her pubs and beer. It is up to us to be vigilant and make sure their party symbol represents the Pound we want to keep, and not the pounds that line the wallets of politicians that pocket the expenses without doing the job.

bar.man@btinternet.com Read the Barman every Friday in the Lynn News, or check out the columns on line.

AUTUMN 2014 | 13

37th Norwich Beer Festival The waiting is almost over. The Festival is almost upon us. What can Festival goers expect this year?

Beer Festival Organiser Martin Ward highlights some important changes for this year, which, he says, will be his last in charge.

It’s sunny and drinking light golden ales is the order of the day, the branch has just finished our annual pub and beer survey for 2014 and the advance tickets for the festival go on sale from midnight.

The changes we made to the entry procedures, in streamlining the admission process by cutting out some confusion options on glasses sales and introducing beer cards went down very well with you, our customer. This year’s option will proceed in a similar manner, with a slightly less shiny card, so the marker pen ink adheres better.

When we first talked about the idea of replacing our time honoured tokens, I was a bit worried that such a big change would generate a lot of controversy, but every one accepted the idea and it definitely speeded up getting served.

This brings me round to another feature with brought in last year, a bay in St Andrews Hall dedicated to one brewery. We managed to find a brewer from out of East Anglia who had a wide range of excellent beer in all styles, feedback was very positive on the Arbor beers, some even making it to the Beer of the Festival competition. This year with a bit of luck we will have a range of Marble beers from Manchester for your drinking enjoyment. The idea of this is to focus on a brewery that you don't see often in the Norwich area.

14

| AUTUMN 2014

One of the newer options we are going to try this year is electronic payment of advance tickets. Many of our younger customers apparently don't have cheque books and are used to electronic payments, so we are going into the digital age, at last. In conjunction with this we are also going to trial lunchtime tickets, as we have had a few comments from prospective customers who would like to have a working lunch, but can’t make it down owing to time constrictions, hopefully this will make it easier.

We will also be making some changes to the catering at the festival,and I would like to welcome Expresso Catering to the festival and look forward to working alongside Roland and his crew. Roland runs the Expresso Cafe in St Georges St. and has had extensive experience in catering for events in the Norwich area, as well as running a thriving café.

As usual this is the bit where I plead with you guys for support, because the festival doesn’t run itself, and relies on the contributions of many people throughout the year. So thanks to all of the organising committee for their support, especially over the last 11 years that I have been in charge. Time to hand over the reins. But never fear, you just might see me hanging around or lurking in some other capacity.

Martin Ward Norwich Beer Festival Organiser 2003-2014

NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA News

Local Council is last line of defence for pubs A new report launched recently by CAMRA and the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) encourages councils in England* to become the last line of defence for pubs, whilst highlighting that more power needs to be transferred to councils from central Government.

With 28 pubs a week closing across the UK the report could save hundreds more from closing forever by empowering local councils to block pub conversions from would-be developers.

CAMRA’s Head of Communications Tom Stainer said: “CAMRA is grateful to the trailblazing councils who are leading the way in pub protection but, it is still too few, we want all councils to follow suit and we hope the ideas in this report provide a useful starting point.

“Pub closures are not as simple as a badly run business or a changing marketplace, there are many external factors and pressures which have a bearing on pub survival.”

The report calls on councils to value the role pubs play in communities by adopting strong pub protection policies in locals plans, listing pubs as Assets of Community Value and using ‘Article 4 Directions’ which ensure that planning permission is always required for change of use of a pub.

But CAMRA is not letting Central Government off the hook. CAMRA wants Government to bolster local councils’ toolkit of powers by reforming national planning law so communities and councils always have a say before a pub is demolished or converted into another use.

“Weak planning laws are a major contributing factor to pubs closing and Central Government need to give councils greater powers so they can do more to protect pubs from developers. At the

moment Ministers are letting down communities by allowing pubs to be demolished or converted to a whole range of retail uses without any planning permission being required," Tom Stainer added.

It is clear that there is support from councils for greater protection for valued community pubs, with 45 out of 49 councils, which took part in a recent survey, considering pubs as valued community amenities worthy of protection.

Despite this, 33 out of 49 councils felt that existing planning regulations failed to give sufficient protection to pubs from change of use or demolition.** Jonathan Carr-West, Chief Executive of LGiU, said: “Pubs play a vital role in many communities.

But across the country this precious resource is being lost at an alarming rate. Councils play a crucial part in protecting pubs and we hope that local authorities will draw inspiration from the examples featured in this report and act now to prevent our pubs from disappearing forever.”

The Report’s Key Calls to Action for Councils: • Research, value and be aware of the role pubs can play in communities.

• Adopt strong pub planning protection policies in local plans.

• List pubs as Assets of Community Value: 450 pubs are currently listed.

The report’s recommendations apply to England only as planning matters are devolved to Scotland and Wales. **In light of planning law which enables pubs to be demolished or converted into other uses without planning permission be aware of and consider Article 4 Directions - so planning permission is always required.

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

Brewers of award winning East Anglian ales stouts and porters Our range of Permanent Ales

CLIFF QUAY

EARL SOHAM

Classic Bitter Anchor Bitter Tolly Roger Tumblehome Sea Dog

Gannet Mild Victoria Bitter Sir Rogers Porter Albert Ale Brandeston Gold

Our current seasonal beer Bowline 3.7% - A good old fashioned bitter beer. A light Amber coloured beer brewed using pale crystal and a hint of chocolate malt with English aroma and bittering hops to produce a full flavoured and refreshing bitter.

Our beers are available throughout East Anglia and also at our brewery shop in Debenham (Unit 1A Meadow Works Business Park Kenton Road Debenham IP14 6RP) For further details contact us on 01728 861213 www.cliffquay.co.uk or www.earlsohambrewery.co.uk

18

| AUTUMN 2014

NORFOLK NIPS | Wellington, Feltwell

Good news from Feltwell As reported here the Wellington in Feltwell is going from strength to strength and there are developments in the beer range which is now featuring some beers created to suit the themes of the new pub, I’ll let Chris Samuels explain in his own words: “In the past months the Wellington in Feltwell have successfully launched Feltwellington Golden Ale, an exclusive beer brewed in collaboration with Two Rivers Brewery in Denver. After high sales a second batch was brewed and whilst stronger (by 0.3%) than Feltwellington Mk.I, the second batch of Feltwellington Golden Ale has once again been very well received.

Following on from our success with our first attempt at brewing; we have reunited with Two Rivers for ‘Feltwellington Almost Home’. It will be a ruby ale containing a New Zealand Hop, an English Hop, German malt and smoked malt.

This combination will aim to create a flavour symbolising a New Zealand Crew in a British

Bomber burning due to German bullets. It is a storyline in beer for our Victoria Cross winner James Ward. The New Zealander won a VC for his efforts to save his burning Wellington over occupied Europe after an attack by a German night-fighter. The new ruby ale should be launched late October.

The Wellington is also in the early stages of development of ‘Feltwellington Over Here’ (as named by our illustrious editor, Stig, playing on 'Over paid, over sexed and over here!'). Once again in collaboration with John at Two Rivers Denver we will be using a combination of two American Hops. This beer will be a move away from the New Zealand theme to focus on the current occupiers of RAF Feltwell. The pump clip will feature a P-47 Thunderbolt flying over the Domes at RAF Feltwell as a homage to the 48th Operations Group who became the 48th Fighter Wing. It is unlikely this IPA will be released before February or March next year but keep your eyes peeled for more updates.”

Good news I think you’ll agree!

Stig

Flights of Angels The Annual festival at Larling has become a traditional event for many people, including the festivals long time glass seller Derrick from Mansfield who unfortunately passed away in May. Derrick was very popular with all at the Angel.

As a tribute funds were raised for the Macmillan Cancer Appeal to the tune of £500.

The usual blend of musical entertainment and over a hundred superb beers lead to a happy crowd of revellers each day without the intervention of violent thunderstorms as in the previous year!

The bands performing, over the three nights were, Killer Tomatoes, Jack Pout and the Dirt

Level, Charlie Law, Crosstown Trio and Lick and a Promise.

The Landlord Andrew Stammers is always happy to see a good crowd but as in previous years feels that the festival has reached an ideal size to remain a human experience and keep its atmosphere. The Beer of the festival was Lincoln “Imperial Bitter” and the farthest travelled beer was Highland Brewery “Island Hopping” all the way from Orkney!

My only regret is I didn’t make it myself, so they probably sold quite a few less burgers and hot dogs…

Stig

AUTUMN 2014 | 19

NORFOLK NIPS | The Rant

CO 2 at tahdey?

As I drove up to Scarborough for the AGM, one question was uppermost in my mind. “Would the fog ever lift?” No, not that one. In any case the SatNav was doing a wonderful job because it could see what I couldn’t. No, the burning question concerned Craft Beers. Having discussed it at length in Norwich the year before, would it come up again, and would we actually get somewhere?

Would CAMRA like to borrow my SatNav? CAMRA has decreed that all Real Ale is Craft, but not all Craft is Real Ale. Is that it then, and why does it worry me so?

Put it this way, if I enjoy a pint of Fullers London Pride straight from the cask in The Dog and Duck, then I am enjoying real ale and a craft beer at the same time, in the same glass. But if I buy a bottle of London Pride from the supermarket on the way home, then, not being bottled conditioned it is not real ale, but is it craft? Think about it. Greene King IPA, Shepherd Neame’s Spitfire, Sharp’s Doombar along with offerings from Flowers, Tetley, et al., are all Craft Beers in cask conditioned form. CAMRA says so. Is it something to do with their pedigree?

(Oh, add that one to the list).

So why does it matter? There has been an explosion in the craft beer scene recently, with new beers reaching these shores from far and wide. It would appear that the world is embracing this new phenomenon, whilst we promote the virtues of real ale in all its glory – and so we should. Regular readers of this column will be anticipating a “but” here, and they will not be disappointed. Here it is.

Recently, I visited two well-known pubs in the area and ordered pints of two well-known real ales.

To put it bluntly, they were awful. One I took back, the other was drunk with resentment, as they say.

The service was not that good either, if I am being honest. Thank heavens for the CAMRA Beer Scoring Guide. I scored them both accordingly, not good news for the pubs, especially as one is in the Good

re

Beer Guide. A few days later, I had a pint in another pub which was in tip top condition, and that was scored accordingly as well.

The point is this. The battle for real ale has been won, they say. But is the trade easing off a tad – is some laziness creeping in? We talk about the glorious old days, completely forgetting to mention that in many pubs the beer was not drinkable. The Nation was ripe for the keg revolution. Brewers invested heavily in the product and used the finest ingredients – at first.

What won that particular battle was consistency and quality. Eventually, the key word became “bland” and in the ensuing search for something better, something drinkable, CAMRA was born.

If we are not careful, history will repeat itself.

Only this time it will be the Craft Brewers who will emerge as the victors. Their offerings will not be cask conditioned, and they will be gassy. Some will be bland, but others will be flavoursome, like the Goose Island IPA that I have just enjoyed. Licensees will love them, because they are easier to manage and last longer. Adnams has jumped on the bandwagon with their Yardbird IPA and Dry Hopped Lager, available in bottles – at the moment.

In ten years’ time, hand pumps could have disappeared completely from your local to be replaced by shiny chrome offerings of Craft Beers.

Is this what we want?

The battle may have been won, but this is war and the enemy is priming ever more CO2 cylinders for the next onslaught. We have been warned.

AUTUMN 2014 | 21

Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs

20

Chequers, Thompson Long low-slung 17th century thatched pub with four rooms of character. On the right is a small room with low beamed ceiling, half timbered walls and a timber upright supporting the ceiling. It has a rare feature of a bar counter of wooden casks - half casks in this case with a wooden top - this style of counter was added to pubs

This series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years or so. Here we have a couple of multi-roomed pubs – one in the country and another in the town of Dereham. around 1960 but few examples survive. The largish brick fireplace is old (now with a log burner) - note the old fire (insurance) plaque on the wall.

The front door leads into a very small low beamed public bar with a red tiled floor. The bar counter here looks like it

was added in the early 1960s and is of brick with three wooden supports and wooden top, and the bar back shelving is also post-war. The small brick fireplace looks like a 1960s replacement with a copper hood and signs of an old oven on the left.

Left of the main bar is a tiny snug with just one small table and a beamed ceiling. On the far left is an open rafter ceilinged dining room with a fine old brick inglenook fireplace with a chimney that reaches to the roof. The small bar counter with a rendered front and wooden top was added in recent times and the bar back shelves are of no great date.

22

| AUTUMN 2014

Left: Right hand room at the Chequers, Thompson

NORFOLK NIPS | Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs Chequers, Briston Road, Thompson near Thetford IP24 1PX. Phone 01953 483360 Website: http://thompsonchequers.co.uk - Open Mon to Sat 11.30 to 3; 6.30 to 11; Sun 12 to 10.30. Meals 12 to 2; 6.30 to 9; Sun 12 to 9. Real ales on sale are Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Woodfordes Wherry and a guest beer from a local brewery. Accommodation available in 3 en-suite rooms.

Right: Right hand bar of casks at the Chequers, Thompson

Cherry Tree, Dereham Saved from conversion into a Chinese Restaurant or Takeway in 2011, this pub has retained some 100 year old bar fittings.

The public bar has a bare wood floor and unusual panelled dado with a smaller strip above

the standard height. The bar counter could date from Edwardian times with panelled front, some pilasters and a band at the top of diamond shapes. The part mirrored fivebay bar back fitting is old with good pilasters holding up the top section and a doorway in the centre for staff. Note the fridge in the servery which covers up an old fireplace. This room has a good plasterwork ceiling but a modern brick fireplace. The rear bar was probably refitted in the 1960s

Public bar of the Cherry Tree, Dereham Right: Rear bar at the Cherry Tree, Dereham

as there is a plain counter with a copper top and the small back fitting with copper on the main shelf - the top section could be more modern. Tables in this room have copper tops.

Cherry Tree, 1 Theatre Street, Dereham NR19 2EW. No landline. Open 11 to 12 midnight (1am Fri, Sat); Sun 12 to 11.

Bus: X1 Norwich to Kings Lynn; konectexpress 8 from Norwich.

Two real ales are on sale usually from Greene King.

If you require photographs of your pub you can contact Mick on 01733 390598 or email m.slaughter7@btinternet.com to discuss your requirements.

AUTUMN 2014 | 23

NORFOLK NIPS | Letter to the editor

Alfred Stowers, landlord of the The Cricketers Rest 1907 - 1945 In the last issue of Norfolk Nips ans Cask Force we published a small peice on the Cricketers Rest, (Rain stopped play? - Page 31, NN169), along with a plea for any further information about this lost soul of a pub. The below is a short history of one of the pub’s landlords Alfred Charles Stowers.

Thank you to his both Mike Wooldridge for getting in touch and his brother in law John Stowers for dictating the story.

Alfred Charles Stowers was born in 1883, he became the licensee on April 5th 1907 at the age of 24, and married Ivy Lofty at the age of 18 and became a special constable in 1915 ,his wife Ivy took over the pub till Alfred returned on Oct 7th 1919.

At one time Alfred was head cellaman at Backs on The Walk, at the back there was a barn that was always kept locked, he apparently bred canaries, he also kept in the barn one of the first early Vauxhall cars, solid wheels with the engine on a wooden floor and an open top.

To celebrate the arrival of the car he loaded barrels of beer on the back of the platform and took his mates in the pub’s “fishermen’s Club” to Great Yarmouth, they were not seen again for 2 days, they were eventually found by the police in a ditch, they were all drunk and the car was a write-off.

Alfred & Ivy had 7 children, the youngest was Leslie and one of Leslie’s sons was John Stowers.

One day in 1944 Leslie who was a maintenance engineer at the USA base at Rackheath, rode to the Cricketers Rest with John who was about 4 years old on the crossbar, dropping John off and proceeding to do some maintenance at the pylons at Stoke Holy Cross and then picked him up and cycled back to Rackheath.

Alfred Charles Stowers and his wife Ivy May Valentine Lofty

Alfred was also a generous and kindly man, at one time during the great war he lent money to local people to help them out, in most cases he never got reimbursed.

Ivy and Alfred retired to a dwelling in Foulgers Opening at the end of Ber Street, close to the Cricketers Rest on November 6th 1945 , they had a retirement celebration at a pub in Chedgrave.

Alfred passed away in Alfred Charles Stowers the Vale Hospital in Swainsthorpe on December serving at the bar 27th 1956 aged 73.

AUTUMN 2014 | 25

NORFOLK NIPS | City of Ale 2014

City of Ale report We were promised even bigger and better, and judging by the results of the surveys carried out

by Inside Track, City of Ale certainly delivered: Their findings revealed:

Pubs and Breweries: • Pubs sold more beer (an extra 4 firkins on average).

• Footfall in pubs increased by 80% • Over 75% greeted new customers.

• 98% found participation in the festival enjoyable • 92% thought that the festival was both well organised and well publicised • 79% of publicans stocked more beer • 86% of publicans stocked more varieties of beer

Festival goers: • Visitors from outside Norfolk were nearly double those surveyed in 2013 • Awareness of City of Ale was very high.

• Three-quarters rated their experience positively.

Key positives were variety of real ales, promotion of local pubs and the promotion of Norwich itself.

• Wolf Brewery beers were their favourite new beers and Norfolk Brewhouse Tidal Gold was the single best new beer.

But the organisers are not standing still, the survey also highlighted areas which could be enhanced or improved and these will be discussed when the planning gets under way for City of Ale 2015.

AUTUMN 2014 | 27

Perfect to escape to on a sunny autumn day and relax with a real ale, cider or perry! Did you know four of these pub gardens are on a river?

The Bush, Costessey The Banningham Crown, Banningham

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

The Duke of Wellington, Norwich The Gatehouse, Dereham Road The Green Dragon, Wymondham The Jubilee, St Leonards Road, Norwich The Geldeston Locks Inn, Geldeston The Plough, St Benedict’s Street, Norwich Red Lion, Bishopgate, Norwich

FOUR REAL ALES Wednesday Irish Folk Music Thursday Folk & Singing Music Friday & Saturday Live Music Sunday Folk Music

Large garden overlooking the River Wensum OPEN: Mon - Thurs 12-11 Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

The Royal Oak, Poringland Miss Terri Drinker

Above: Garden of The Duke of Wellington and Right: The Geldeston Locks Inn, Geldeston

AUTUMN 2014 | 29

A Pub Preservation Officer’s Life With 28 pubs closing every week, the Pubs Preservation Officer’s role is a crucial one for any CAMRA Branch. Norwich and Norfolk Branch PPO Mike Spivey tells us what is involved.

Another week another troll through the various ‘Weekly Lists of Planning Applications’ in each Council District in our ‘patch’ plus the Broads Authority, looking for applications affecting pubs in our area. I try to do this during the morning so as not to fall asleep in the process!

Sometimes it’s obvious, like an application to convert one into flats or worse still to demolish it and replace it with whatever the developer thinks will make them the most money. Other times things can be less obvious.

restricted parking or it is felt that the new building/buildings may cause a problem some time later. For example there was last year an application for the construction of a number of houses at the rear of a small country pub. That may not seem much of a problem. However from the experience of other areas it has been shown that this has caused the pub problems in later years, especially where the new properties only vehicular access is to be via the pub’s car parkas was the case here. There is also the possibility of future complaints about noise, or, if the publican is sensitive to this possibility, a permanent restriction upon what activities can be carried on in the pub and its remaining garden.

In the case in question it also meant that the Car Park would be smaller and worse still, so would the pub’s garden. Surely the latter is a major asset for any country pub? We objected.

Until very recently indeed no planning permission was required to convert a pub into a shop.

Dwellings yes, shop no! The only way I happened to discover that one pub was under threat of this was that the owners (A well-known large pub-owning chain) wanted to extend the car park. Fine..that looks like a harmless enough application. One might even think that it was a positive sign. But at the foot of the application where it was stated who was making the application, was the fact that this large, pub-owning chain were making it on behalf of Tescos! This could have been missed easily! Quite why they chose to disclose this and whether it was intentional or inadvertent we shall never know.

Naturally that was referred to our committee for them to decide if we were going to object. Well of course we did! The village in question went on to organise a protest, which continues, without any request for our help...But I keep my eye on it and help will be given if requested!

Opposing some applications can of course make CAMRA unpopular with the publican or pub’s owners. If that is one of the Big Pub Companies...I can live with that! If it’s a freehouse and the publican is the owner, well that’s unfortunate but as I've said, the experience of other branches has shown that some kinds of developments have been found to cause the pub problems at a later date. We don’t mean to restrict the owner’s right to raise capital by this means, but they may well be unaware of the problems other pubs elsewhere have had following similar developments taking place.

Sometimes the applicants are crafty and only give the pub’s address without mentioning its name, so it helps if you already know the basic postal address of any pub under threat or that has been empty for a while. You need to read the nature of the application. The obvious and possibly most serious one will be an application for a Change of Use, but one asking for permission to extend the premises or to build in the pub’s grounds could also be important, especially if it is an old building, already has

Here in Norfolk we are blessed with numerous architectural gems as pubs. Sadly two of these have been lost in recent times (The Earl of Beaconsfield and The Woodman). The problem here is that unless the building has some form of protection such as listing as a Community Asset or simply because of its historical and or architectural importance, the owner can do whatever they like with it, including leaving it empty and letting it fall down of its own accord.

There's absolutely nothing anyone can do about

30

| AUTUMN 2014

NORFOLK NIPS | A PPO’s Life

it without some form of formal protection being in place! Owners of any unprotected property have an absolute right to let it fall down, if that's what they want.

Another part of my role is to try to prevent unsympathetic alterations being made. I’m very glad to say that so far I’ve not had to do anything about this, but such is the size of ‘my’ patch that I cannot keep tabs on every pub and cannot know each and every architectural gem.

There is a current trend for old pubs to be ‘brightened up’ with pastel shaded walls and light washes on the woodwork and panelling.

Whether that's a good or bad thing depends upon individual tastes and the pub in question, the state of the woodwork and the colour used.

However, if you prefer to see the wood’s grain rather than the paint, it's hopefully not too much of a problem to restore it at some later date when fashions and tastes change. In the 18th Century there was a time when older panelling was painted in pastel shades. It was what they liked and it brightened up the interiors. It doesn't seem to have caused the panelling any harm in most cases I know of, indeed it may have even helped preserve it.

Current tastes appear to be much the same, dark wood furniture is out of fashion and so is dark panelling. What would concern me is if windows, partitions, doors and panelling were to be removed.

Carrying out the boring task of ploughing through seven different Weekly Lists every week can be the only way I know what’s happening.

A few of you out there have e-mailed me about pubs that concern you. Please, please keep this up, especially those of you from the outer reaches of our area. I need your input and espe

cially I need to know of pubs that become empty and remain so for any period of time so I can keep an eagle eye out for any applications.

Similarly if you know of an old pub or even a more recent one with interesting architectural features, tell me about it please, particularly if it’s standing empty or looks as if is about to be ‘refurbished’. Please keep me informed, especially if you see fittings being removed!

It doesn’t really matter what I find out and what your committee decide to do about these matters if the locals don't care. CAMRA standing up and objecting is all very fine, but if the locals don’t care and don’t use a pub or cannot see that one poor landlord or sadder still several poor ones, does not mean that the pub can’t be turned around by a good one! Lack of local support totally undermines any effort we may put in.

I can be contacted via the Branch Secretary or directly on: mykspivey@talktalk.net Keep using your local wherever it may be.

It needs you and you might just need it more than you realise!

Mike Spivey P.P.O. Norwich &Norfolk branch

AUTUMN 2014 | 31

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

THE DEFINITIVE MAP & GUIDE TO ALL NORWICH PUBS Limited edition print (200) now available from Jarrold’s Forum Shop, (Framed copy on view) or direct from Slaphead Design 07986 926 492 email: jimsomerville@ mail.com

PRINT FEATURES THE FAT CAT BREWERY LOGO!

32

| AUTUMN 2014

on line on NIPS and Cask Force Yo u can re ad Norf ol k ol k Branch web si te th e Norw ich and Norf .org.uk w w w.norw ich cam ra

Beer Scoring: 0 No cask ale 1 Poor 2 Average 3 Good 4 Very Good 5 Perfect! pub.com t a h .w w w w t a Vote

N IPS 169 C om p e t it io n w in n e r: M rs S C o lm a n -Wh a le y o f No r w ich .!

Next issue of Norfolk Nips and Cask Force

Copy to editors by Monday 3rd November On the streets by: Friday 5th December

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS 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

The California Tavern California Road, California, Great Yarmouth NR29 3QW

Free House, Restaurant and Live Music venue Great ales by Woodfordes, Greene King, Elgoods and Mauldons available Excellent Food, very popular Sunday Carvery, you will need to book!

Live music every Friday and Saturday Whatever your preference, you will not witness finer bands for free.

Function room • Kids adventure trail

Have you been to California? www.californiatavern.co.uk

34

| AUTUMN 2014

email: californiatavern@btconnect.com Tel: 01493 730340

Cider Pub of the Year Competition I’m sure most readers will know about CAMRA’s national Pub of the Year (POTY) award, but fewer will know about our national cider equivalent. However, you may be surprised that this competition is now 10 years old. The latest winner, the Railway Arms in Downham Market, Norfolk received unprecedented media coverage, with TV crews from both local BBC and ITV featuring the presentation. The popularity, interest and availability of real cider and perry has greatly increased during these 10 years. Over 1500 pubs have signed up to the ‘Real Cider Sold Here’ initiative and CAMRA currently gets around 200 nominations for the Cider POTY award.

So what makes a great real cider pub? The most important factor is obviously quality real cider and perry in top condition, which is on sale all year round. The other top priority is given to pubs that have knowledgeable licensees and staffs that care passionately about the product are committed to explaining its virtues and who make every effort to promote it. In addition, the other criteria are those used in the national Pub of the Year, for example community focus, atmosphere style and décor, service and welcome, sympathy with CAMRA’s aims, and overall value. Currently, pubs (or clubs) can be self-nominated, nominated by a branch, an individual member, or even a non member; but, as more and more branches run their own competitions, the intention is to move towards a position of every branch putting forward their

branch Cider POTY winner for judging in a regional round. Until most branches are doing this, ‘public’ nominations, and those from non members, will continue.

Public nominations, either from individual members or non-members are invited during October and November. This is done using the form either printed in What’s Brewing, on the CAMRA website or in the branch mail out. After this deadline, branches are sent details of any entries in their area. They consider these and can add further nominations if wished. The branch selects its winner and these are then notified to the Regional Cider Co-ordinator by about the end of March. Regional judging then takes place, to come up with the 16 regional winners by mid May. The Cider POTY Organiser randomly arranges these into 4 groups of 4 regional winners to form a super-regional round, with these results in by about mid July. The 4 winners from this stage then form the finalists and the overall national winner is chosen by early September. Details of these final 4 are kept confidential so as to maximise publicity for the ultimate winner, which usually receives its accolade on 1st October, to coincide with the start of CAMRA’s Cider and Perry Month promotion.

So far, there have been winners from CAMRA’s South West, Wessex, Central Southern, East Anglia, Yorkshire, East Midlands and West Pennines regions. Perhaps we can add other regions to this list soon.

Let’s see if we can all encourage pubs to stock this fantastic traditional product which is truly enjoying a great resurgence and hopefully they can benefit from this with increased sales to ever discerning real cider drinkers. It also helps preserve the existence of so many of our wonderful orchards, small producers and many of the fascinating characters who enrich many a visit!

Sarah Newson Cider Pub of the Year Organiser

Turn over the page for a cider pub nomination form

AUTUMN 2014 | 35

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

Running out of beer?

DON’T PANIC! r Ale Winte tival es F r Be e 0th 28th-3 er b m e v o N

Rampant Horse

Get on down to the...

Rampant Horse

country alehouse & restaurant.

Ever changing local and regional ales, imported lagers and great eshly prepared food.

Tel: 01493 700103 www.rampanthorse.net

36

| AUTUMN 2014

NORFOLK NIPS | Cider Pub Form

National Cider Pub of the Year 2015 Nomination Form The search is now on for National Cider Pub of the Year 2015 and we are looking for nominations for the competition. This award is for the best pub in Britain that promotes/encourages sales of quality real cider/perry.

nominate it for this competition by either completing the online form at http://form.jotform.co/form/32015619839862 or http://tinyurl.com/pwcm2uf or by filling in and returning the form below. Thank you.

If you know of a pub or club that fits the above description (anywhere in the country) you can

Closing date for Nominations is the 30th November 2014

Your Name: Contact Number:

Are you a CAMRA Member:

Yes

No

Pub or Club Name: Pub or Club Address: Pub or Club Telephone Number: Name the REAL ciders sold :

Name the REAL perries sold :

Your Comments:

Return to:- National Cider Pub of the Year, c/o CAMRA HQ, 230 Hatfield Rd., St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 4LW by the 30th November 2014

AUTUMN 2014 | 37

Behind Bars

| NORFOLK NIPS

A pub is for life, not just for football I know it seems a long while ago, but we DID have some very hot days this summer.

And with them came requests for glasses of tap water from passers by (usually followed up with ‘it’s my right, you know’).

I would never refuse a request for water, but I’m a little confused as to whether it is also a ‘right’ to then use the loo and read the pub papers (often at the same time), use the wifi and watch the football?

Is this just a pub thing or does it happen in restaurants and shops too? Do people walk into Pedros, demand their right to water and a sombrero and watch people eat for an hour or so? Are there tap water drinkers in Jarrolds roaming the

staircases and hogging the lifts? Maybe.

Times are hard, that I do know, but are things really that bad that folks can no longer afford a half whilst they read the paper, check on the half time scores and/or nip to the loo, as a matter of courtesy?

A few months back we were showing Norwich City on our big screen, the pub was packed with plenty of drinkers. I spotted a young bloke watching from a corner with no drink in his hand, or anywhere near him. I politely informed him that if he wanted to stay and watch the football he needed to buy a drink. He gave me a dirty look (almost a bar-able offence but

hey, the pub was busy so I was in a good mood) and then he reluctantly bought half a coke and made it last for the entirety of the game.

It wasn’t until the match had finished and the pub had cleared that I was informed who he was – an injured professional football player, a man who probably earns more in 10 minutes than I took over the bar all day!

So is it austerity or attitude that makes some people think they can use a pub’s facilities without a thought of the cost to the landlord or lady? I fear it is the latter but sincerely hope I am wrong.

Dawn Hopkins

Victory Inn Clenchwarton

ish Fresh fps & chi iday

r every idf e main s g n (alo nu) me

nal Traditiost Roa day un every S pm) (12 - 4

Tel: 01553 775668

Food served from Tues to Sun, made with locally sourced ingredients. We cater for all dietary requirements including Coeliac, Vegan and Vegetarian.

Halloween Beer Festival

Thurs 30th Oct to Sun 2nd Nov

Pub Quiz first Wednesday of every month All proceeds going to local charities

Main Road, Clenchwarton, King’s Lynn PE34 4AQ

A popular pub with locals and holidaymakers alike, the Crown Inn is perched right on the clifftop overlooking the beautiful sandy beaches of Sheringham in Norfolk.

Enjoy meals or snacks from our extensive and popular menu with a spectacular view of the seafront.

Five Real Ales always available Every Saturday - Live Local Bands

Monday nights - Pub Quiz with prizes, refreshments and free entry Tel: 01263 823213 crownsheringham@hotmail.co.uk www.crown-sheringham.co.uk Lifeboat Plain, East Cliff Sheringham NR26 8BQ

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask.

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

“The Country Pub On The Edge of Town” Bacton Road, North Walsham NR28 0RA FREE

ACCESS

OPEN ALL DAY FIVE REAL ALES Meals Served

12noon to 2.30pm and in the evening 6.30 to 9.30pm

Tongue twizzling food, and great value.

Huge garden and children’s play area.

Shooting parties, lunch & dinner menus available

Victory Barn Function Room for Weddings and Parties Come & visit Nelson’s local.

Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk PE31 8HN

Bookings 01692 404800

01328 738241

The Harte Old Costessey, Norwich, NR8 5BS Tel: 01603 742755

FREE

ACCESS

Privately owned freehouse and restaurant with a wide selection of real ales, lagers and ciders.

Freshly cooked locally sourced food.

Child friendly, large beer garden, pool table, easy access from A47, ample parking and on 23A bus route from the city centre.

40

| AUTUMN 2014

Visit www.thehartenorwich.co.uk to check out the menu and opening times

NORFOLK NIPS | Pump Clips

Pump Clips - Marketing tool or work of art?

Pump Clips play an important part in promoting real ale, but are they just another marketing tool or works of art. We talk to Graphic Designer Caz Jones.

If you are a devotee of a particular mega brand of alcoholic fizz, you can scan the shiny chrome taps for the logo you want to see. Reassured, you will get exactly what you expect, and want.

With real ale, and some ciders and perries, it is different. The major national brands are easily identified, but how about that guest ale in the middle? What is it? Who brewed it? Is it golden or dark? And what is going to persuade you to buy a pint, or at least ask for a taster?

Sometimes, it’s the name, one that might just tickle your fancy, or match your mood, but more often than not, it’s the design - just ask a graphic designer!

We did. I met Caz Jones in The Fat Cat recently.

An appropriate place since she has just produced a new range of designs for the Fat Cat Brewery.

You may have seen them. There is a look of real quality about them, incorporating the face of a cat with a mischievous wink. For each beer, the face is the same, but the fur changes according to the style. Clever stuff.

Caz, originally from Kent, studied Graphic Design at the Art College in Norwich. She worked for Citywise Magazine and Farrows Graphic Design before going freelance in 2006.

It was Bill Thomas who commissioned her first pump clip design for The Reindeer. The Beer was Red Nose. Looking for a different take, Caz spurned Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer as the obvious choice and went for Mr Punch instead.

Chalk Hill Brewery followed in 1993, with some designs that were hand painted in gouache. Caz laughs when she remembers them. She admits that they are among her favourites, but shudders at the thought of the

blood, sweat and tears that went into them.

Blue Moon, Winters and the Waveney Breweries have all gone for Caz’s designs. But it’s not just pump clips. At the Norwich Beer Festival last year, Caz met Dawn Leeder and she was asked to freshen up the City of Ale logo. A cornucopia of hops and barley now adorns the logo and Caz says that she is already thinking about the design for next year.

If you are a collector of Norwich Beer Festival glasses, it is quite possible that you have a sample of Caz’s work in your possession, as she designed the Festival Logo for the 13th Norwich Beer Festival.

So what next, I asked? Caz reckons that The Fat Cat designs are the pinnacle, but one doesn’t stop there! If you would like to discuss designs for your products, then give her a call on 07951 762 368.

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

Live & Let Live Free House

18 Windsor Road, Kings Lynn Traditional town pub with a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

LIVE SIC MU most nds weeke

Large selection of quality Real Ales and Ciders.

For further details ring 01553 764990

42

| AUTUMN 2014

EATON COTTAGE UNTHANK RD, NORWICH Tel: 01603 453048

Fine Real Ales, lagers, wines and spirits

All Sky & BT Sports • A traditional pub Good covered outside areas Doggies welcome

“A festival of beers every day”

NORFOLK NIPS | Dates for your diary

CAMRA Branch Calendar Norwich and North Norfolk Branch

Contact Michael Phillips at socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org,uk or call him on 07851 923 554 for further information or to book a place on the coach.

Come and join us!

Tuesday 16th September 8pm Branch Meeting Held at the Humpty Dumpty Brewery Friday 3rd October 8.30am Trip to Ascot Races and Beer Festival Travel by train to this event. Returns to Norwich at 10.30pm Friday 3rd October 8pm First Friday Five Monday 27th October 5.30pm 37th Norwich Beer Festival opens (runs until Saturday 1st November).

West Norfolk Branch

Friday 7th November 8pm First Friday Five

Branch meetings (All include social) All Branch Meetings start at 8pm.

Tuesday 18th November 8pm Branch Meeting

Tuesday 14th October Windmill Inn, Great Cressingham AGM

Friday 5th December 8pm First Friday Five

Tuesday 11th November White Horse, Brancaster Staithe

You do not have to be a Member to attend these events. The formal side of the Branch Meetings are kept to a minimum to ensure efficiency and plenty of time to socialise. The First Friday Fives are walking tours of five pubs in Norwich. You may visit all five or drop in and out as you wish. A coach is provided for trips outside Norwich.

Tuesday 9th December Red Lion, Hockwold

Full details will be posted on the Branch Website, and also facebook and twitter when confirmed.

Saturday 20th December Norwich Tour starting 11am, Beehive, Leopold Road Tuesday 13th January Kings Arms, Shouldham, meeting + post Christmas meal

AUTUMN 2014 | 43

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

Large walled garden - Fresh home cooked food 50+ malt whiskeys - Bar & specials menu’s Fine wines & beer - Local and national ales

What’s Happening..?

Beer Festivals May and August Bank Holidays, DragonFest Open Mic nights, Weekly quiz and more...

Check out our website and Facebook for events through into winter.

Christmas bookings now being taken.

44

| AUTUMN 2014

Update Alby, Horseshoes Aldborough, Black Boys Attleborough, London Tavern Banningham, Crown Inn Barford, Cock Inn Binham, Chequers Inn Brooke, Kings Head Broome, Artichoke Caister-on-Sea, Green Gate Cantley, Reedcutter Catfield, Crown Inn Cley-next-the-Sea, George Hotel Cley-next-the-Sea, Three Swallows Clenchwarton, Victory Clippesby, Muskett Arms Coltishall, Red Lion Colton, Ugly Bug Inn Cromer, Albion Cromer, Cottage Cromer, Red Lion Hotel Drayton, Bob Carter Leisure Centre Downham Market, White Hart Downham Market, Railway Earsham, Queens Head East Dereham, Royal Standard Emneth, Queens Head Erpingham, Erpingham Arms Fakenham, Bull Feltwell, Wellington Filby, Kings Head Geldeston, Locks Inn Geldeston, Wherry Gorleston, Dock Tavern Gorleston, Mariners Compass Great Massingham, Dabbling Duck Great Yarmouth, Barking Smack Great Yarmouth, Mariners Great Yarmouth, Oliver Twist Great Yarmouth, Red Herring Great Yarmouth, St Johns Head

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

New entries are in Bold.

Heacham, Fox & Hounds Hethersett, Kings Head Hickling, Greyhound Inn Hickling, Pleasure Boat Hilborough, Swan Hockham, Eagle Holt, Kings Head Honingham, Buck Hopton, White Hart Horsey, Nelson Head Horsford, Brickmakers Horsham St. Faith, Elm Farm Country House Kenninghall, Red Lion Kings Lynn, Live and Let Live Lessingham, Star Inn Loddon, Swan Inn Ludham, Dog Morston, Anchor Inn Neatishead, White Horse Newton Flotman, Relish Bar Newton by Castle Acre, George & Dragon North Elmham, Railway Hotel N. Walsham, Orchard Gardens Norwich, Adam and Eve Norwich, Angel Gardens Norwich, Beehive (Leopold Road) Norwich, Bell Hotel Norwich, Cellar House Norwich, Champion Norwich, Cottage (Silver Road) Norwich, Duke of Wellington Norwich, Earlham Arms Norwich, Fat Cat Norwich, Fat Cat & Canary Norwich, Fat Cat Tap Norwich, Garden House Norwich, Jubilee Norwich, Ketts Tavern Norwich, Kings Head

Norwich, Lollards Pit Norwich, Lord Rosebery Norwich, Maids Head Hotel Norwich, Murderers Norwich, Plasterers Arms Norwich, Red Lion Norwich, Reindeer Norwich, Ribs of Beef Norwich, Rose Norwich, Sir Garnet Norwich, Take 5 Norwich, Temple Bar Norwich, Trafford Arms Norwich, Vine Norwich, Wig and Pen Norwich, York Tavern Poringland, Royal Oak Reedham, Ferry Reedham, Ship Reepham, Kings Arms Ringland, Swan Saxlingham Thorpe, Mill Inn Rockland St Mary, New Inn Sheringham, Lobster Sheringham, Windham Arms

Shouldham, Chalk & Cheese Skeyton, Goat

Sporle, Peddars Inn Surlingham, Ferry House Syderstone, Lynn Arms Swardeston, Lakenham/Hewitt Rugby Club Tacolneston, Pelican Thetford Red Lion Thorpe Market, Gunton Arms Thurlton, Queens Head Upton, White Horse Wicklewood, Cherry Tree Watton, Willow House West Acre, Stag Wiveton, Bell Worstead, White Lady Wymondham, Green Dragon

AUTUMN 2014 | 45

Please support our advertisers

| NORFOLK NIPS

The Ugly Bug Inn

High House Farm Lane, Colton, Norwich NR9 5DG Tel: 01603 880794 www.uglybuginn.co.uk The Ugly Bug Inn is located in a peaceful rural location on the edge of the village of Colton, close to the A47 with links to Norwich and the Norfolk coast.

Real ales from Beeston & Humpty Dumpty Breweries Great dinner music nights every month (see website for details)

En suite bedrooms with four star AA status

View regular & CHRISTMAS MENUS on our website

46

| AUTUMN 2014

Ugly Bug Inn

NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA Beer Festivals

CAMRA Beer Festivals Calendar St. Albans Beer Festival Alban Arena AL 3LD Wednesday 24th September - Friday 26th September 11.00am - 11.00pm £3.00 (CAMRA members free) Saturday 27th September 11.00am - 11.00pm £4.50 (CAMRA members free) Seven bars with up to 350 real ales plus ciders and perries. Beer Tasting with Roger Protz at 7.30pm on Friday.

Contact www.stalbansbeerfestival.org.uk 37th Bedford Beer and Cider Festival Corn Exchange MK40 1SL Wednesday 8th October – Saturday 11th October. Open: Wednesday 4 – 11pm, Thursday – Saturday12 – 11pm. Over 100 power cooled real ales plus 40 ciders and perries Contact: www.northbedscamra.org.uk or call 01234 303221

St. Ives(Cambs)'Booze On The Ouse' Beer Festival Burgess Hall PE27 6WU Thursday 9th October 5 – 11pm 12am Friday 10th October noon – 11pm, Sturday 11th October noon – 10pm Around 70 cask beers over the three days, plus real cider and perry Contact:Andy Shaw 01480 355893 or festival@huntscamra.org.uk 37th Norwich Beer Festival St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls (See page 14-15 for details).

3rd South Woodham Ferrers Beer and Cider Festival Champions Manor Hall CM3 5LJ Thursday 30th October 4 – 11pm Friday and Saturday 11 – 11pm. 35 beers and 10 ciders.

Contact: Robert Longley at raclongley49@btinternet.com

Pub and Club Beer Festivals Calendar 12th - 14th September

17th - 19th October

Kings Arms, Shouldham.

Coach and Horses, Dersingham. Beer and Cider Festival 20+ real ales and Ciders plus live music

25th - 27th September Elgood’s, Wisbech.

26th - 28th September Wherry Hotel, Lowestoft. Oulton Broad Beer Festival.

1st - 5th October White Lion, Norwich. Annual Beer and Cider Festival.

3rd - 5th October Stag, Westacre. October Beer Fest.

Thursday 9th - Saturday 11th October

23rd October - 2nd November Murderers, Norwich. 10th Beer Festival. 60+ beers.

30th October - 2nd November Victory Inn, Clenchwarton. Halloween Beer Festival.

14th - 16th November Beccles Public Hall. 3rd Beccles Beer Festival.

Friday 28th - 30th November Rose Inn, Norwich. ‘Big Smoke’ Beer Festival.

Norwich Sound and Vision. Craft Beer Festival.

28th - 30th November

Friday 10th - Sunday 12th October

Rampant Horse, Freethorpe. Winter Ale Festival.

Black Boys, Aldborough, Beer festival and live music from Ricci on the 10th.

26th - 31st January 2015 The Vine, Norwich. Winter Beer Festival.

| NORFOLK NIPS

Angel Gardens

Please support our advertisers

Free House

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

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

Up to NINE reasonably priced Real Ales and SIX real ciders

Live Music on Saturdays Sunday roasts from 12-8pm

96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT

01603 427490 www.norwichinns.com

email: ikwarren-angel@tiscali.co.uk

48

| AUTUMN 2014

Beer in Store No time to spend in the Pub, but want a beer?

Rupert Eris offers some suggestions.

Of course we all like to drink in pubs, but sometimes I just want to drink a beer at home. I like to drink beer from a local brewery whenever possible and think that ‘Real Ale in a Bottle’ (RAIB) generally tastes better.

Living, as I do, in Cromer, what is available?

Cromer Supermarkets Budgens - Adnams (4 different beers), St Peters (4), Wolf (3) Co-op - Adnams (7), St Peters (7), Wolf (1), own brand (2, not local but RAIB) Morrisons - Adnams (5), Batemans (2), St Peters (3) As perhaps you would expect, a fair choice from regional brewers, but nothing from smaller and more local brewers and little choice of RAIB. So I count myself extremely lucky that we also have:Cromer Farm Shop - This is on Tucker Street, hidden away behind the church. It has a far better range, Beeston (8), Brancaster (5), Elmtree (6), Grain (9), Jo C's (2), Lacons (1), Norfolk Brewhouse (6), Norfolk Square and Maverik (12), Ole Slewfoot (5), Poppyland (9), Why Not (6), Winters (7). They also have Crones and Norfolk Square ciders.

Andrew and Lisa have had a farm shop in Cromer for the last 9 years and always hoped to have beer and cider as part of their range of locally produced food and drink. But it was only with the move to their latest premises about three and a half years ago that they were able to

do so. They firmly believe that ‘small is beautiful’ and that the quality of local brewers is extemely high. Andrew also points out that within their range you have examples of most styles of beer.

They are fortunate that as well as customers who live locally, they also have the many tourists who visit the area and who are looking for Norfolk produce, something they can't buy at home.

They regard the brewers they admire most as artists and were inspired to team up with the most local of their suppliers, Poppyland Brewery, to create Sir Humphrey The Sea Dog. This is a summer beer brewed exclusively for the shop by Martin Warren at the Poppyland Brewery just a few hundred yards away, so local it is delivered by hand. Named after their dog who also appears on the label looking suitably piratical. When thinking about a summer beer Andrew said it should be blonde, Lisa that it should be a wheat beer. Lisa then joined Martin to help with the brewing process which took Lemongrass, Japanese hops and Barvarian yeast to create something quite unique.

So what's next? Lisa says ‘What about Admiral Humphrey?’, Andrew ‘I think we should change the name to Cromer Farm and Beer Shop.’

Cromer Farm Shop, 15 Tucker Street, Cromer.

(01263) 513677 Open 8-5 Monday - Saturday, 10-4 Sunday.

Poppyland Brewery, 46 West Street, Cromer.

(01263) 513992 Do you have a local shop which sells real ale and ciders and perries? Let the Editor know so that we can compile a list of them.

AUTUMN 2014 | 49

The London Tavern Free House Great real ales, fine wines and spirits.

Food Served: Monday- Friday 11am - 5pm Saturdays 11am - 3pm Sundays 11am - 3pm Evening meals on request Find Us Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm A AMR in the C er Chilled bar rolls made daily only ÂŁ1 e B Good Guide

CAMRA Discounts available & part of the LocAle Scheme

Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing, Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden.

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Now Open!

Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415

50

| AUTUMN 2014

NORFOLK NIPS | Please support our advertisers

AUTUMN 2014 | 51

Please support our advertisers

CROWN FREE HOUSE THE BANNINGHAM

| NORFOLK NIPS

We are in it!

Traditional Country Pub and Restaurant •5 Real Ales•Great Food• •Sheltered Gardens•

01263 733534

Colby Road, Banningham, Aylsham, NR11 7DY

www.banninghamcrown.co.uk

52

| AUTUMN 2014

NORFOLK NIPS | From the Archives Issue No.142 August – October 2007 A5 40 pages, printed in black and red on white coated stock.

Editor – Adrian Hennessey “Win a case of beer!” screamed the front cover, which promoted the 30th Norwich Beer Festival.

The beer in question was the prize offered in the competition and was supplied by The Little Beer Shop in Blofield. In order to be in with a chance of winning, you had to state on which date the 30th Norwich Beer Festival started. In case you were stumped for an answer, it did appear on the front cover.

CAMRA was fearing the “domino effect” after the purchase in June of Ringwood Brewery by Marston’s. CAMRA Chief Executive Mike Benner said that the practice of larger breweries acquiring smaller competitors is “a race where the only loser is the consumer who is often denied a locally brewed beer.”

Tipples had done very well in the Norfolk Beer of the year competition. Jack’s Revenge, a 5.8% Strong Bitter from Tipples Brewery won the accolade. Norwich Branch Chair Des O’Brien said that owner Jason Tipple was “at the forefront of the new wave of craft brewers.” Tipples Longshore, Redhead, and Lady Evelyn were all category winners.

Social Secretary Tim MacDonald had organised a “Royal Tour” for the Mystery Coach Trip. One

or two were perplexed at the start as the CAMRA SatNav was locked onto Amsterdam.

First stop was the Hill House in Happisburgh.

(The Royal connection was explained by the fact that Happisburgh is a medieval word for castle!)

Then came The Duke of Edinburgh, Bacton and The Crown in Trunch. Finally, there was another Crown, this time in Smallburgh.

The summer outing took to the water with a trip down the River Yare. Three polypins of Woodeforde’s Wherry, Sundew and Nelson’s Revenge were on board. Colin Emms from the Why Not Brewery had brought along some bottles of Cavalier Red, Roundhead Porter, Chocolate Nutter, and a honey beer which our correspondent couldn’t quite remember!

Bramerton Woods End, Coldham Hall, The Beauchamp Arms and The Reedcutter at Cantley were all visited.

Subscriptions 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.

54

| AUTUMN 2014

CAMRA Discount Scheme

| NORFOLK NIPS

Grab a CAMRA Discount at your local!

The following local businesses offer a discount for CAMRA members (usually on presentation of a Membership Card):

Albion, Cromer: 10% off real leas, draught and bottled Brickmakers, Horsford: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale Bridge Tavern, Riverside, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Cherry Tree, Wicklewood: 30p off a pint of Buffy’s Compleat Angler, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Green Gate, Caister-on-Sea: 20p off a pint of real ale Lighthouse Inn, Walcott: 10% off all real ales London Tavern, Attleborough: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale

Plasterers, Cowgate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales (available to all customers on Mondays) Pig & Whistle, Westlegate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Railway, North Elmham: 10% off Red Lion, Drayton: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale If your pub or business offers a discount to CAMRA, but isn't on this list, please contact pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk and let us know the details (including any restrictions).

Please note: We believe the discounts listed are offered at the time of going to press, however pubs may of course withdraw or change offers at any time!

Entertainment Dave Thomas is well known to the Norwich Beer Festival having played there for the last three consecutive years. This year he's back on Thursday 30th October with his band - The Dave Thomas Blues Band.

Dave is also organising the first new Blues Festival of its kind in Norwich: a real Blues Festival with real Blues music. Think Real Ale v Keg! Dave was blooded in the 60’s British Blues Boom and still carries the torch! He has drawn from his experience working as a Blues musician and bandleader in the UK and in the USA. The FINE CITY BLUES EXPLOSION 2014 will take place at Norwich Arts Centre on the 24th & 25th October. There's a fantastic lineup of true Blues talent from the UK and the USA: Wallace Coleman The greatest living exponent of traditional Chicago style Blues harmonica.

56

| AUTUMN 2014

Paul Lamb & The King Snakes The UK's most successful and multi-award winning harmonica genius and his entertaining high energy band.

Sean Taylor Internationally acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave & Dana Dixon superb Blues guitarist and leading lady harmonica player from Scotland Dove & Boweevil Band Local heroes going global Dave Thomas...in various guises!

More events will be happening as part of the first Fine City Blues Explosion at The Bicycle Shop, the Plasterers Arms and at the Walnut Tree Shades. In October and into November the City will be buzzing with Blues...REAL BLUES!

NORFOLK NIPS | Please support our advertisers

AUTUMN 2014 | 57

CAMRA Discount Scheme

58

| AUTUMN 2014

| NORFOLK NIPS

Warren’s Words Here in Norfolk we have been lucky to have had yet another enjoyable warm sunny summer even if there have been a few torrential downpours at times. Meanwhile Norwich & Norfolk Branch members have been busy participating in summer social activities. In addition to our usual ‘First Friday Fives’ and County coach trips, we have visited breweries and maltings but our highlight was a train journey to Central London where we visited eight of London’s fine heritage pubs on both sides of the River Thames.

I hope that NIPS readers have made the most of the sun and fine weather to get out and about the County and visit rural pubs in remoter parts.

There have been many local beer festivals and opportunities to sample new beers. You may recall from a previous article in this magazine, I asked readers to note any rural gems that they may have visited for nomination for the ‘Good Beer Guide’ (GBG). If you have any suggestions contact our Pubs Officer, Ian Stamp on iancstamp@gmail.com and he will be pleased to hear from you.

Now that the summer season is ending and autumn nights are drawing in, our thoughts turn to our 37th annual Beer Festival. It is a busy time for our organising committee. Orders are given for a large selection of cask ales, ciders and perrys together with draught and bottled beers from Continental Europe. There are programmes, tickets and publicity to be organised. Not least are the arrangements for our many volunteer helpers who give of their time and without whom there would be no festival. I am looking forward to seeing and meeting as many NIPS readers as possible during Beer Festival week.

Steve’s Words

NORFOLK NIPS | Last Orders

Summer feels that it is over. The weather the last few days has been more like Winter, culminating in one of the worst Bank Holiday for a long time. Thank goodness for a local pub to shelter in !

What I find pleasing is that the range of real ale on offer now seems to be growing every month, form the light golden ales, through to the dark milds and porters. Something for everyone is available.

Nationally, it seems the trend for pub closures continues unabated, but in our area, it is pleasing that the Kings Arms at Shouldham has now reopened. This is really good news for the area. They currently have three real ales, including one local ale. This new local is well worth a visit and a friendly welcome awaits.

The Railway Arms at Downham Market is once again in the running for National Cider Pub of the year, having been successful in the Regional competiton.We all wish them good luck.

Shortly, we will be inviting nominations for our Pub of the Year. Every member can nominate a pub of their choice. The nominations will then be reduced to a shortlist, following which any member can visit all the pubs and score them using the sheet available. Further details will be available in the next issue.

Various items of clothing with the Branch Logo are still available at a subsidised cost , please contact Bruce Ward for further details.

Cheers Warren Wordsworth Norwich and Norfolk Branch Chair

Steve Barker W.N. Chairman

AUTUMN 2014 | 59

Branch contacts

| NORFOLK NIPS

Contact Details Norwich & Norfolk Branch Chairman: Warren Wordsworth Tel: 01603 665557 Email: chairman@norwichcamra.org.uk Secretary: Rob Whitmore Email: secretary@norwichcamra.org.uk Social Secretary: Michael Philips Email: socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk Pubs Officer: Ian Stamp Email: pubsofficer@norwichcamra.org.uk West Norfolk Branch Chairman: Steve Barker email: steve.barker495@btinternet.com Secretary: Ian Bailey Contact: Ian Bailey Tel: 01553 766904 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 and Norfolk & West Norfolk branches of the Campaign for Real Ale Š N&N CAMRA 2014 Norfolk Nips is produced and distributed by members of the branch in their own time. Views expressed in Norfolk Nips are not necessarily those of the editor or of CAMRA.

60

| AUTUMN 2014

Edited by: Mike Baldwin Email: michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com Chris Lucas Email: chris-stig@tiscali.co.uk Design & Production: Daniel Speed - Orchard House Media 01733 211933 Email: info@orchardhousemedia.co.uk Advertising: For advertising enquiries please contact Jane Michelson on: 07732 393 621 01733 211410 jane@orchardhousemedia.co.uk Distribution: 12,000 copies / four times a year Norwich and Norfolk District: Adrian Simpson West Norfolk District : Ros Harre r.harre@btinternet.com

NORFOLK NIPS | Awards

Champion Beer of Britain 2014 CAMRA are pleased to announce this year's Champion Beers of Britain as follows:

Supreme Champions Gold Timothy Taylor, Boltmaker Silver Oakham, Citra Bronze Salopian, Darwin's Origin

Champion Bottled Beer Gold Marble, Chocolate Marble Silver St Austell, Proper Job Bronze Spire, Prince Igor Imperial Russian Stout

Mild Gold Bank Top, Dark Mild Silver Branscombe Vale, Mild Bronze Castle Rock, Black Gold

Best Bitter Gold Salopian, Darwin’s Origin Silver Redwillow, Directionless Joint Bronze Langton, Inclined Plane Bitter Purity, Mad Goose

Speciality Gold Saltaire, Triple Chocoholic Silver Offbeat, Way Out Wheat Bronze Peak Ales, Chatsworth Gold

Bitter Gold Timothy Taylor, Boltmaker Silver Mighty Oak, Captain Bob Joint Bronze Flowerpots, Flowerpots Bitter Sambrooks, Wandle Ale

Golden Gold Oakham, Citra Silver Hawkshead, Cumbrian Five Hop Bronze Salopian, Hop Twister

Strong Bitter Gold Church End, Fallen Angel Silver Blue Monkey, Ape Ale Bronze Loch Ness, HoppyNESS

of Two Halves

A Campaign

)DL U RQ GHD E WD[ HHU 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

Direct Debit

Title

Single Membership

Surname

Non DD

£2

£2

£2

£

Forename(s)

(UK & EU)

Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)

Joint Membership

Address

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

Postcode

Email Tel

I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree to abide by the Memorandum and Articles of Association

address No(s)

I enclose a cheque for Signed

Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership)

Date

Applications will be processed within 21 days

Title

Surname

Forename(s) Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)

/

Enjoying Real Ale & Pubs

Campaigning for Pub Goers & Beer Drinkers

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

Bank or Building Society

9 2 6 1 2 9

Address

FOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLY

This is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building Society Membership Number Postcode Name

Name(s) of Account Holder

Postcode

Branch Sort Code

Please pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For Real Ale Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.

Instructions to your Bank or Building Society

Bank or Building Society Account Number Signature(s)

Reference

Date

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer.

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.

If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltd asks you to You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society.Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

O

O

Now in partnership with the Acorn Tearooms we serve sandwiches, cakes, scones and afternoon teas daily.

We 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.

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.

Autumn Beer Festival

Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007

31st Oct to 3rd Nov Music with Tosh and Friends all weekend

Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007 14 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.

44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JT

www.poringlandroyaloak.co.uk Tel: 01508 493734 poringlandroyaloak

@poringlandoak