No.172
Spring 2015
CAMRA Members’ Weekend preview. Read more on pages 28 and 30
West Norfolk Pub of the Year Announced! See Page 5
Magazine of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale
* see pages 53 - 65
Special Festival Section
E F RE
Norfolk Nips | Campaigning
Vote for Pubs, Real Ale and Cider! The General Election is fast approaching and CAMRA has just launched its Manifesto for Pubs and Real Ale. It calls for Candidates to support well run community pubs, real ale brewers and the consumer rights of drinkers. More than 300 have so far pledged their support. Those that have done so will be provided with a logo and template press release showing their support and will be put in contact with their local Branch. As Tom Stainer, CAMRA’s interim Head of Communications said “CAMRA now has around 170,000 members, more than many of the main political parties, so it’s important that politicians listen to and reflect the views of our members when it comes to real ale and cider and pubs.” “Supporting pubs as vital community assets as well as ensuring Britain’s brewing industry gets the support it deserves should be high on any prospective candidates list of priorities” he added. The Manifesto calls for: Strengthening planning law to ensure planning permission is required before pubs can be converted to any other use or demolished.
Pubco reform in England and Wales so licensees of large Pubcos have guest beer rights and the choice of paying a higher rent in exchange for being able to buy beer on the open market.
In this issue: Vote for Pubs
3
West Norfolk Pub of the Year
5
Pub and Brewery News
6-8
The Ed’lines
10
Stig’s Words
11
Go West
12-13
Retention of the freedoms of the 2003 Licensing Act, so consumers continue to enjoy a choice of well-run pubs.
The Rant
15
An end to short measures, and clear pricing information.
Tombstone
Specifically for real ale and cider, it calls for consideration given to a freeze in Duty for the lifetime of the Parliament.
Heritage Pub Games Community Assets
16-17 19 20-23
In Search of Soft Drinks
24
From the Archives
27
Let’s go to Nottingham!
28-29
Retention of the Small Breweries’ Relief as it supports the continued growth of small breweries.
CAMRA AGM Info Form
30
Norfolk’s Lost Souls
33
Renegotiation of EU Duty Directive so the draught beer in pubs pays a lower rate and that the relief rate on low strength beers can apply up to 3.5% ABV
Wanted - Editor
41
LocAle
45
Cider in May
48
CAMRA Discount Sceme
51
CAMRA Beer Festivals
53
Candidates can make the pledge by emailing campaigns@camra.org.uk or by phoning 01727 798 447
City of Ale Report
53
Join CAMRA
66
So the next time a Candidate knocks on your door, you know what to ask!
Last Orders
67
CAMRA Branch Calendar
68
Contact Details
70
Retention of duty exemption for small cider makers.
Branch Survey
35-38
Beer Festival Listings
54-65
Spring 2015 | 3
Norfolk Nips | West Norfolk Pub of the Year 2015
And the winner is... The competition this year was blessed with a selection of really excellent contenders all worthy of your attention as well, congratulations on your nominations keep up the good work. So on behalf of the branch our heart felt congratulations to all at the Coach and Horses for a second year. A presentation will follow soon.
After a very close set of results were collated from members branch pub of the year surveys a winner has emerged. I am pleased to announce that the West Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2015 is, (sound of envelope tearing) The Coach and Horses in Dersingham!
This is particularly significant as this will be the second year in a row, the Coach and Horses has won, a great achievement by Landlady Sheila Roythorne and her team in maintaining such high standards not only in beer quality but also the friendly atmosphere and inclusive nature of the pub which makes it such a pleasure to visit and re-visit.
Our branch winner will now go up against whichever pub wins the Norwich branch competition to find the Norfolk CAMRA Pub Of The Year 2015. Try it yourself and see what you think! Stig
Spring 2015 | 5
Pub and Brewery News | Norfolk Nips
Pub and Brewery News Ian Stamp’s News Three Enterprise pubs have re-opened in Norwich since my last column: the Buck, Thorpe St. Andrews, in November, and two Norwich pubs: the York Tavern in Leicester St, just before Christmas, and the Prince of Denmark, Sprowston Rd, in January. The leases on the Buck and the York have been taken by Russell Evans and John Linford, who also have the lease on the Belle Vue, in St Phillips Road. Still in the city, we hear that the freehold of the Perseverance, on Adelaide St, has been bought by Dawn Bailie, previously landlady at the Griffin and the Boundary, and one of the operators of the Walnut Tree Shades. The pub reopened in December after a few months closed. Also re-opened, just before Christmas, was the Kings Arms at Martham, which is now serving four beers including two from Adnams, and the Blue Bell (formerly Bluebell) at Langham, which has been nicely refurbished and is serving a house beer from Winter’s. However we also have news of various closures, including four in Norwich: The King Edward VII, on Aylsham Road closed in December; Kings, in King St, closed again after a reincarnation as a ‘fun-pub’, and is now for sale at £275,000;. 6 | Spring 2015
and the Bread & Cheese, Adelaide St, also for sale, and the Gibraltar Gardens, which both closed without warning in early January. Just outside the city, the Mill Inn, Saxlingham Thorpe (previously the West End) is also closed and for sale. And in Attleborough, the White Lodge has been closed since October. All except the Bread & Cheese are owned by Enterprise, who do seem to have terrible trouble keeping their tenants for some reason. The First & Last, Ormesby, has been closed for a while, and owners Elizabeth Holdings now want to demolish it and build ten houses. The Parish Council are opposed to the scheme, but it appears only on grounds of overcrowding, rather than wanting it to remain a pub. Comments on the story in the Evening News (Dec 27), suggested that offers had been made to buy it as a pub, and that the rent asked for a lease was too high. Two more pubs have been lost to development. The Old Hall at Sea Palling has reverted to housing after 40 years as a pub, and the Fox & Hounds, Filby has, we believe, had planning permission for conversion to housing. The Ratcatchers, at Eastgate, near Cawston is for sale at £350,000, and the Black Swan, North Walsham is believed to have closed back in September.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! The Olive Branch at Tunstead (previously the Horse and Groom) which has operated as a restaurant for a number of years, is now welcoming drinkers, and, somewhat at the other end of the scale, Delaney’s on St Andrews St, Norwich (previously the Festival House), has been purchased by the City Pub Company, is undergoing a major refurb, and is planned to re-open in May/June as a much more beer-focused pub, hopefully incorporating a micro -brewery, subject to planning consent. The company, which already has a dozen or more pubs around the country, including the Georgian Town House in Unthank Road, Norwich, is part-owned by David Bruce, of Firkin fame. Also I hear that the Green Man at Briston has been renamed Explorers Bar (since at least October 2013!!) and according to my correspondent is serving excellent food and ales. Rumours have been circulating for a while now that the selfstyled ‘punks’ at Scottish brewery and pub operator BrewDog are looking for premises in Norwich. The latest, admittedly short-lived notion, was that they had purchased Keir Hardie Hall, previously home to Norwich Working Men’s Club, and which appears to be being completely rebuilt behind scaffolding and hoardings at the bottom of St Gregory’s Alley. Given their preferred modus
Norfolk Nips | Pub and Brewery News operandi of leasing relatively small, easily re-decorated retail units, this was never really a runner, but one has to wonder, with the number of such places available in the city centre, whether they really are looking at all? Perhaps the competition from the likes of the Mash Tun and Norwich Tap is just too much!
range of excellent traditional ales, primarily for the Queen’s Head, but also for a couple of pubs in the Raveningham area.
And also in Great Yarmouth, where the Apollo Tavern has been renamed the Cask & Craft, with four handpumps, plus a couple of real ales on gravity, and a decent range of quality keg beers from brewers such as Camden, Black Isle and Lagunitas. More details at thecaskandcraft.com or on Twitter @thecaskandcraft
Unfortunately it does appear we have lost two of our local breweries, with both Ole Slewfoot and Norfolk Square closing in February. Norwich Bear has also ceased to exist as a brand - the beers were brewed by Norfolk Square, and available at the Rose and the Ketts Tavern, initially on a temporary basis while brewing plant was installed at the Rose. However with the two pubs going their separate ways, the plant was moved to the Ketts, which has just (Feb) been transformed into the Virtuoso Smokehouse and Craft Beer Bar, with an extensive selection of foreign bottled beers and a number of craft keg lines, but also a good range of six to eight real ales from around the country. The brewery is planned to be installed in the next few months, and will brew under the Virtuoso name.
Our November Campaign Trip took us to the south east of the Branch, visiting Surlingham, Rockland, Loddon and Thurlton, where, at the Queen’s Head (a lovely friendly community-owned pub) we discovered a new brewery attached (metaphorically, not physically!) to the pub. People’s Brewery, run by Maurice Leybourne (previously at Blackfriars in Yarmouth before they were taken over by JV Trading and converted into Lacon’s) produces a small
Mixed news from local and national government regarding the protection of pubs. In October Norwich City Council asked the Government to strengthen planning rules regarding pubs, to prevent change of use or demolition without permission. Unfortunately they turned a deaf ear: a vote in parliament on January 27th was lost, with all nine Norfolk MPs voting against giving pubs the same protection as launderettes, theatres, and .. wait for it.. nightclubs.
Some interesting news from the east of our area this quarter. Firstly in Gorleston, where the Shrublands community centre has been converted into a pub, the Pub on the Shrubs, believed to be stocking real ales - check out their website at pubontheshrubs.co.uk
There is, however, a faint silver lining. The night before the vote, the Government announced that if a pub is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), then any change of use or demolition would have to obtain planning permission. While this may help the less than 2% of pubs currently listed, anti-pub MPs are perfectly well aware that most local communities will be completely unaware of their ability to protect their pub until it is already too late, when it has been sold or demolished. So the message is clear: PLEASE, if you want to keep your pub, or even just have your say before it is demolished or becomes a Tescos, GET IT LISTED! It really is quite simple, and you can get all the information you need at www.camra.org.uk/list-yourlocal-assets-of-community-value And last but not least, we have a Correction to the Good Beer Guide 2015: Please note that the opening hours of the Beehive, Leopold Road, Norwich, are incorrect. The The correct hours are: 12-11 (4-11 Mon, 12-midnight Fri & Sat). Apologies to all concerned, especially Alex!
News from the West In January we organised a pub crawl of Kings Lynn to check out some of the places a bit off the beaten track as well as a few old favourites. The White Horse is now the only remaining pub in Gaywood, Continued Overleaf Spring 2015 | 7
Pub and Brewery News - continued | Norfolk Nips and I had not been in since long serving landlord Mick left several years ago. It was good to see the place clean and bright, with three beers on hand pump and still the same old regulars there. Down the road, the Woolpack has also had a lick of paint and a tidy up from Peter, the new landlord, formerly of the Maids Head on Tuesday Market Place. The beers here were a bit more adventurous, with a porter that went down well. The word is that many of the regulars from the Maids Head have followed Peter, and that the music nights are proving popular. Meanwhile Metro Inns have taken on the running of the Maids Head and undertaken a ÂŁ250,000 refit with the aim of making it the venue of choice for lovers of quality dining and real ale. The Metro group already run nine pubs in East Anglia including the aforementioned White Horse, so the signs are hopeful. I was a bit pessimistic about the Kings Arms in Swaffham last issue when I saw work being carried out there. The good news is that Claire Evans has reopened the venue as a vintage style cafĂŠ during the day and a gastropub in the evening. I have not been in yet but reports suggest that the beers are pretty good, mostly from Greene King at the moment, but hopefully will feature local brewers in the future. Intriguingly it appears that there is a Georgian ballroom upstairs which it is hoped to refurbish to be used as a function room. 8 | Spring 2015
Also refurbished is the Gate at Fair Green, The back bar which used to house the pool table is now a smart dining room and there are new toilets. This is one of only two pubs in West Norfolk which is listed as an Asset of Community Value and I can see why the locals would hate to lose it. They have done the sensible thing and had it listed whilst the going is good, rather than waiting until it could be too late. Another pub on the up is the Buck at Tilney St Lawrence, out on the fen. This isolated Elgoods pub has been spruced up by the new team of Peter and Wendy and more money is promised from Elgoods, who recognise that it is doing well. When I called there was only one draught beer on sale, which was alternately Elgoods Cambridge or a guest such as London Pride, but if enough of us go out there and support it, maybe the range will expand. It is one of those pubs which is full of people gossiping and I learnt amongst other things that the Jolly Brewers at Shouldham has been successfully sold, so the future there looks good. Also mentioned was that the Dray and Horses at Tottenhill has been bought by a local businessman and that the chances of it reopening as a pub are limited, but I stress that these are just the word in the bar. There is a bit more doubt about the Marshland Arms on the Smeeth, near Wisbech which was unexpectedly closed when we called in January. This has been one of my favourite
pubs out that way for a while, so hopefully this was a temporary situation. A look at the Facebook page for the Dersingham Feathers confirms the news that it has changed ownership and is now in the same group as two or three other Norfolk pubs. Hopefully after an unsettled period this will bring a bit of stability allowing the Feathers once again to become one of the leading pubs in the area. Up on the coast, Thornham Lifeboat and the nearby Chequers Inn are part of a group which have gone into administration due to short term cash flow problems. Backed by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, the pubs continue to trade as I write, and it is hoped that their future will be sorted out shortly. Cheers, Jeff
The Woolpack, Lynn Unfortunately, an error appears in my article in Nips 171. Contrary to what was stated, Greene King played no part in the purchase of the pub. Apologies to Wendy Newland and Peter Napthen for any inconvenience caused. On a more positive note, things are looking up there, the bar area refurbishment is nearing completion with a Sunday carvery available; their Bistro food service is expected to be available by the time this edition appears. Ian Bailey
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Spring 2015 | 9
The Ed’lines Welcome to the Spring Edition, another Spring Beer Festival Special highlighting festivals all over the county in the coming months, with a free map of Norfolk so that you know where to find them! I spent yesterday working at Weybourne on the North Norfolk Railway, where spring was definitely in the air, then the evening appearing in Panto in Rackheath. Spring? Panto? No wonder that my Character is described as bewildered and confused! Must have a pint. In this edition you will find the Branch Survey. Commissioned by the Norwich and Norfolk Branch, but applicable to all Branches, it is your opportunity to say what you want from your elected representatives. It is also available on line.
10 | Spring 2015
Talking of elected representatives, there must be a General Election in the air and canvassers will soon be knocking on our doors. When they do, remember to ask them for their views on pubs and the brewing industry. Why not make a note of their response and put it somewhere safe (like behind the clock on the mantelpiece) so that you can remind them later, if you need to, of course. CAMRA has launched its Manifesto as a helpful guide for Candidates who want to sign the pledge Have your prospective MP’s done so? Have a great Spring – remember to keep the sun block and the snow shovel handy, and I will see you for my last edition as Editor in the summer.
Norfolk Nips | From the Editors
Stig’s Words Another copy of NIPS is upon us, it doesn’t seem long since the last edition burst forth in a manger (maybe I’m becoming confused with some other recent event!). As I’ve often said it is quite difficult to be original when introducing an issue, trying to avoid seasonal weather clichés or just listing forthcoming beer festivals. Of course for many active CAMRA members this is a busy time of year visiting pubs to survey them for possible inclusion in this years Good Beer Guide. It never ceases to amaze me how often you visit a pub you thought to be stable and doing a great job to survey it and discover things have gone pear shaped for some reason! It is an unfortunate reality today that pubs continue to go out of business at an alarming rate, due to economic factors which publicans have little or no control over. They can find their pub is being sold to a pubco or is simply up for sale as a potential residence or shop. One of the factors CAMRA has campaigned over long and hard is the grossly unfair prices which tied houses charge them for their beer supply, sometimes failing to supply promptly and then penalising publicans, who faced with no beer in their cellar have made an alternative arrangement to keep their business open. This
“punishment” is usually levied as a surcharge on future beer deliveries from the brewery. I sometimes feel that CAMRA can seem to be a little too involved with brewers particularly as we are first and foremost a consumer organisation. Perhaps it is time to tread less carefully and expose some of the worst offenders against the pub culture which we all love and which is part of our national identity. What we need is a CAMRA representative at the election debate, after all if anybody should be raising a pint to gain public support it should be us! Although I have had a little bit of fun with the last statement, mainly because it was starting to sound like an election speech, I do believe that pub goers need to speak out if they wish to preserve the traditional way of drinking and interacting which still exists in our pubs. I wonder how much business is carried out in pubs, quite a bit I suspect, in fact millions of pounds of business (my kind of networking!) That’s enough tub thumping for one issue plenty to read about and enjoy this issue, with plenty of positive beer news to counteract the bad. So cheers, to all! Stig.
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 10 first class stamps or £6.50 cheque payable to West Norfolk CAMRA, 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5NG.
Spring 2015 | 11
It’s strange that when the time came to draw up the distribution routes for our local CAMRA magazine, Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, the pubs to the north and east of Lynn seemed to be more attractive than those to the south and west. However our post-Christmas trips suggest that there are plenty of places worth visiting out there if you make the effort. We always try to combine our tour with a bite to eat and there are a number of places worth visiting if you head south.
The Kings Head in Shouldham has had plenty of publicity recently, and we have become quite keen on their monthly philosophy nights, but don’t forget the Chalk and Cheese across the green which has a pizza oven for those who like something a bit different to the normal pub grub.
Many people will know the Hare Arms at Stow Bardolph which has been in the same family for many years, with Trish and David McManus being at the helm since 1976. I doubt that there is another local pub that can go close to matching that length of service, and to survive in the business for so long you need to do things the right way. To my mind they serve proper pub food alongside the Greene King ales and we are never disappointed to end up here.
Then there is the fen. Across the river is an unknown land for some Linnets, but why not start by dipping your toe in the water at the Victory in Clenchwarton? There are guest beers alongside the Elgoods, proper pub food that won’t leave you feeling hungry and it is no surprise that it was placed second in the Lynn News best bar competition recently and has been nominated in the best restaurant competition.
Another place to check out is the Berney Arms at Barton Bendish which has food that would not be out of place in some of the more famous gastro pubs up near the coast, but has the added benefit of great deals on their special set menu. It is also the pub in Norfolk where I would be most confident of always getting a top quality pint, with the Adnams being never less than excellent.
Be a bit more adventurous and you will discover a couple of pubs which do not serve food. The Cock at Wiggenhall St Mary Magdelene will sell you a pint of Black Sheep bitter or a proper cider, but if you are hungry you will have to make do with a bag of crisps. Further over the river I recently rediscovered the Buck at Tilney St Lawrence. This out of the way Elgoods pub has recently been taken over by Peter and Wendy who are in the process of transforming the place. They have persuaded Elgoods to invest some money and it is light, bright and welcoming. When we last called there was only one real ale on sale, but Peter was alternating Elgoods with a guest beer such as London Pride. Which week would suit you best?
For something a bit different we call at the Swan at Fincham. They specialise in Thai food, which is the best I have tasted outside Asia, and serve beers from local breweries such as Wolf and Elmtree. Also worth a look are the Chequers in Wimbotsham, where we have had a couple of good Sunday lunches recently, washed down 12 | Spring 2015
with Greene King beer and the nearby Heron at Stow Bridge which was also doing a roaring trade at Sunday lunchtime when we had our recent CAMRA walk.
Norfolk Nips | Trip around West Norfolk From there our trip would normally take us to the Marshland Arms on the Smeeth, but last time it was closed, temporally I hope. Instead we cut back to the Woolpack at Terrington St John hoping that the chef would be in on a cold and wet Wednesday evening in January. As we rolled up it looked as though we were to be disappointed as the pub seemed empty. This turned out to be an illusion as the dining room had a party of over 30 and just after we arrived a group of a dozen turned up for a birthday celebration. Fortunately the chef fitted us in and our evening turned out well as there was also some decent beer on the bar. Before Christmas we headed out to Terrington St Clements and were pleased to see that the King William, another pub I had not visited since my domino playing days, was doing well and has also been nominated for the Lynn News pub of the Year. We thought about trying the food, but in the end made do with a pint of London Pride before heading on to the nearby Wild-
fowler where it happened to be curry night, so whilst having a tinge of regret at passing up the chance of a nice pie or fish and chips, it was great to see a pub serving such a tasty curry. If you carry on towards the furthest point west in Norfolk you will come to Emneth, on the outskirts of Wisbech. We occasionally visit the Queens Head, an Elgoods pub but the last time we went this was closed, so for the first time ever we tried the Gaultree Inn and were pleased to find an excellent pint of Batemans on sale. So the moral of this tale is that if you set out from Kings Lynn, try giving the old favourites up near the coast a miss and head south or west. The chances are that you will find some decent beer wherever you end up. Some of the pubs out on the fen are like all village pubs were decades ago, with a few locals sitting around, having a chat and not a plate of food in sight. Fentastic! Jeff
al h ourse en s n i C f o i 2 t h i s d e a Fr Tr r citiz 0 s o t p i s i n a h e o c s R & ay Meal ÂŁ8.5 ay d d i n r u f S y y evenrgside main menu) ever(12 - 4pm) sdany) s e u T oo (alo (aftern
Main Road, Clenchwarton, King’s Lynn PE34 4AQ Spring 2015 | 13
Norfolk Nips | The Rant
“Why did the CAMRA Member cross the road?”
So there I was, out for a pint or two, but crossing the road AWAY from the Dog and Duck! And before you ask, I have not been banned, well not for ages anyway. No, it’s merely that I fancied a change of scene, and we are always being told to use pubs or lose them. The fact that I was clutching a money off coupon for food had absolutely nothing to do with it. Unlike the Dog and Duck, this pub is owned by a Brewer, so I knew what to expect. Sure enough, there were three handpumps on view, two offering the flagship ales that the Brewery if famed for. The third was not in use. So, what to choose? Or is this to point where I turn turtle and head back across the road to the sanctuary that is the Dog and Duck? Look, the food smelled pretty good and the date on the coupon was about to expire, so a beer it is. So which one? Both are decent, if not somewhat ubiquitous ales. One is a great session beer, though oddly named whilst the other is a strong bitter that punches above its weight. I went for the session beer, but could not help wondering what the third beer would have been. What I really wanted was something between the two but there was no choice – or was there?
I found myself wandering back to my younger days, when more pubs were part of a Brewery’s tied estate. A Bullard’s pub sold Bullard’s beers, an S&P pub sold S&P beers. If you went in one or the other you knew what to expect. But what if you did not like the offerings from the Breweries? Strange incantations were speaking to me from days long past – pints of two’s, black and tan, mild and bitter. Yes, it was common in those days to mix beers, to get something you liked. When the world went keg, mixing was even more common. I found that Guinness made Watney’s Special more palatable. But could it be done today? Is this responsible drinking? What would the Bar Staff say? (I am still getting over the shock of being asked if I wanted ice in a half of Nelson’s Revenge. But that is another rant for another day). Spring 2015 | 15
The interior of the Old Railway Tavern, Eccles showing the twister on the ceiling
Norfolk Twister Regular readers will be used to seeing an article in Nips featuring two pubs with historic interiors under the heading of Norfolk’s Real Heritage Pubs. There have been 22 articles featuring at least 44 pubs but we are struggling to find any others in Norfolk to feature due to the amount of change carried out since the 1960s and against a background of pubs closing, or changing to other business use.
number of pubs were we have found there is still one available for play is only 10. According to historian Arthur Taylor, who has written a book about traditional games called Played at the Pub – currently available from www.playedinbritain.co.uk for only £10 post free - competitors chipped into a kitty before taking it in turn to spin the pointer on a dial with between 12 and 20 segments.
If you do know of a pub where the interior is little altered in the past 40 years we would be delighted to hear from you.
He noted “One survives on the ceiling at the Alby Horse Shoes Inn, between Aylsham and Cromer with 20 segments ten of which are numbered, the rest are marked with symbols, including playing cards, a glass of wine, a pint of beer, a barrel and a horseshoe.
By way of a change, this article is about a pub game mainly seen in Norfolk – Twister – but the
16 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Heritage Pub Games
Land the pointer on a number and you score that many points. If it lands on a drink symbol it means you must buy that drink with money from the kitty and down it before your next go. The potential to neck several pints in quick succession not only makes it a legal grey area, but might also explain why memories are hazy when it comes to the finer points of the game. It dates back to the early days of the pub in the 1830s, explains landlady Margaret Rushmer. It's very old. It’s a roulette board in the ceiling; a game of chance. When we came here, people used to just spin it as they came in the door. The board described above appears to be a unique survivor, as all the other known examples in the county are only numbered and lack any symbols. The rules would appear to be specific to the Horse Shoes as well, as all tales we have been told about the game on our travels around the county would suggest that its main role was to relieve the naive pubgoer of cigarettes, beer or money. Two of the pubs featured in the ‘Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs’ articles have twisters - the Three Horseshoes at Warham and the Wheel of Fortune, at Alpington. Another pub run on very traditional lines with a twister on the ceiling is the Old Railway Tavern, Eccles near Eccles Road railway station.
Apart from the four pubs mentioned above we are aware of the following other surviving Twisters in Norfolk: Cock, Attleborough; Feathers, Aylsham; The Garden House, Banham. White Horse, Chedgrave; Cock, Diss; and the Fighting Cocks, Winfarthing – where the pointer is the shape of a fish. Also, one from the Red Lion, Banham is preserved in the Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse Museum. (Until recently there was also one at the Bear Attleborough.) If you are reading this article in a pub please take a look on the ceiling to see if there is one there - we would be delighted to hear of more examples. The game is not confined to Norfolk – there are Twisters at the following pubs: Mitre, Sandford Orcas, Dorset (but it is on the wall, not the ceiling); Rose & Crown, Bradford Abbas, Dorset; Sorrel House, Shottisham, Suffolk – a pub with a regionally important historic interior; Selsey Arms, Coolham, West Sussex; White Post, Rimpton on the border of Dorset and Somerset; and Two Brewers, Thornborough, Buckinghamshire. Text and photographs by Mick Croxford & Mick Slaughter of CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group.
Twisters from bottom left to top right: Three Horse Shoes, Alby; Fighting Cocks, Winfarthing; Three Horseshoes, Warham; Garden House, Banham, Feathers, Aylsham and Cock, Diss. Spring 2015 | 17
Norfolk Nips | Bar man
Secure your community assets NOW! The latest attempt to protect our pubs was to add a clause to the infrastructure bill that was debated in the House of Commons on 26th January. It was proposed to add a clause ‘to ensure that any proposed demolition of or change of use to public houses and other drinking establishments would be subject to planning permission. Currently such buildings can be demolished or have their use changed without such permission being granted.’ This was defeated with 245 in favour and 293 against, one of whom was the local MP Henry Bellingham. I had written and asked him to support the amendment and in his reply he said ‘‘While current permitted development rights allow the change of use from drinking establishments, which includes public houses, to shops and supermarkets, without the need for a planning application, planning reforms made by the Government already enable local authorities and local communities to remove these permitted development rights when they deem it appropriate and protect local assets. However, I recognise that there is passionate support to enable local communities to consider planning applications for the change of use of a pub of particular local value. I am pleased, therefore, that the Government has recently said that it will bring forward legislation at the earliest opportunity, so that the listing of a pub as an Asset of Community Value will trigger a removal of the national permitted development rights for the change of use or demolition of those pubs premises. This will mean that in future, where a pub is listed as an Asset of Community Value, a planning application will be required for the change of use or demolition of a pub. This will then provide an opportunity for local people to comment, and enable the local planning
authority to determine the application in accordance with its local plan, any neighbourhood plan, and national policy. The local planning authority may also take the listing into account as a material consideration when determining any planning application.’’ So it’s pretty clear that if you want to make sure that your local pub does not suddenly become a supermarket or is turned into a house it is a good idea to take the initiative and apply for it to be listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’. There is a guide to exactly what this means and how to do it on the West Norfolk council website at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk. I think it is a good move to do this as soon as possible and not wait until the pub is under threat. There are instances of applications being contested by the owner because the pub has not been used in the ‘recent past’, which is difficult when the pub is boarded up. Currently there are about six hundred pubs listed as ACVs over the country, but only two of them are in West Norfolk. One is the Kings Arms at Shouldham which was ultimately bought by the community, and the AVC played a big part in allowing this to happen. The other is the Gate at Fair Green. In all there are only six AVCs listed in West Norfolk, including the Walks football stadium. CAMRA would like to see as many pubs listed as possible and have produced a guide to the process which can be found under the ‘Campaigns’ heading on their website at www.camra.org.uk. You will need 21 people to sign the form, so it would be ideal to pass it round the darts team, football team or on a quiz night. Better to be safe than sorry. bar.man@btinternet.com Spring 2015 | 19
Tombstone Brewery | Norfolk Nips
A lone rider and his brewery... Brewery Liaison Officer Patrick Smith gives us the lowdown. dian liquor towers here. The main man is to be found by walking in and shouting “HELLO”. Then a head will pop out of a door of the stillage, grain store or office and smile at you.
Estcourt Road is not a scenic part of that ancient port of Yarmouth. It has terraced housing and lean-to small industry that any old town back street will have. Over the road was the original Yarmouth Northgate Workhouse, later Northgate Hospital. Behind it is the Victorian town cemetery. I have been to the brewery before but even so I walked past it twice before I was sure where it was. No grand Edwar-
Paul Hodgson started the Tombstone Brewery during the early winter of 2013. His first brew to be sold was Gunslinger which was offered in The Mariners in Yarmouth on the last day of that year. This has since been joined by 21 other pubs all supplied locally in and around Yarmouth and in Norwich.
I asked him what was his background before he came to brewing ? “I have spent the last 20 years as a corporate mobile communications specialist with both BT and O2. Before that I was a financial consultant. “ What is a “Corporate Mobile Communications Specialist” to an Englishman? “I used to sell mobile phone and data solutions for businesses.” So why brewing? “Well, I have always liked Real Ale and am a CAMRA member. I have been a keen amateur home brewer for some time. I had come to a time in my life where I wanted a change. So I thought why not. I then started a search for a suitable place to start a brewery. It was not as easy as you might think. One Continued Overleaf
20 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Tombstone Brewery - continued
of the places we were offered did not have any running water. I said to the chap “You do realise that we want it for a brewery?” He said “Are you not going to take the water out of the river!” Another had no mains drainage. I chose this place at Estcourt Road because it offered all the essential requirements that I needed.” I understand that you are now working on your own? “Yes, I bought my partner out and since April 2014 have been running the brewery entirely by myself.” And when you say run it yourself that is absolutely what you mean? “Yes, I do everything here from ordering the ingredients, designing the recipes, brewing the beer, casking, distribution and sales.” What is your favourite style of beer? “I like light golden beers most, but the taste is more important.
What sort of ingredients do you use? “I use Maris Otter malts in all my brews. I use no strange ingredients, it’s all grains and hops. All my recipes have at least three different grains and three different hops. I like to try to balance the sweetness of the malt with the differing hops available. I am not a fan of excessively “grapefruity” beers that you see so much of these days.” Dark beers seem to have a growing popularity at the moment. How do you see that developing? I don’t see them as being as popular as light golden beers. However, I do see them increasing in the future as they offer a more rounded and depth of flavour that discerning real ale drinkers appreciate. “
memorable. I remember Northgate Brewery was one and Escourt Brewery was another. Eventually thinking that we back onto the cemetery here I just said “Tombstone” and that was it. However I did not want us to take on a macabre marketing line so Tombstone being in Arizona we adopted a Wild West theme for naming the beers.” I am very pleased with the way the business is going at the moment and looking forward to progressing. I am going on holiday to Tombstone Arizona in the new year and hopefully will gain some more inspiration from the trip.
Why Tombstone? “Well having acquired the premises we were sat in a pub in Yarmouth talking about names. I wanted it to be Spring 2015 | 23
Chairman’s Letter | Norfolk Nips
“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
Bookings 01692 404800
Regular Events: Open Mic Nights first Monday of every month 8pm Philosophy Nights last Tuesday of every month 8pm Classic Car / Bike Meet first Sunday of every month, from 12 midday
Other Events: Northern Soul Night Sat May 2nd 7.30 pm Poems and a Pint Tuesday April 7th, 8pm
3rd Annual Beer Festival 4th to 6th September Approx 30 real ales • 15 real ciders • Wines from Bijou Bottles Food stalls • Live Entertainment Tent Beer festival Opening times: Friday 4pm-12pm, Saturday 11-12 pm Sunday 11-6pm
www.kingsarmsshouldham.co.uk Tel 01366 347410 kings arms Shouldham
24 | Spring 2015
@KASHOULDHAM
My normal tipple is real cider or real ale but, for some time last year, I found myself in a position where I couldn’t drink alcoholic drinks. I still wanted support pubs so, rather than hide in the house, I continued to go out and enjoy life, and I have to admit that it was very interesting to find out how much choice (or more often than not lack of choice) those who visit the pub and need to have soft drinks have available to them My experiences varied from one pub (not in Norfolk) which could only offer a can of Coke to another which offered a range of fresh still apples juices from a local producer but on the whole, most of the non alcoholic drinks I found were fizzy and tasted more of sugar than anything else. Still water was an alternative to the fizz but, again, there is only so much water you can drink before you get fed up and want something with a bit more taste. Thankfully, the places where I drink regularly were able to obtain something interesting such as a still fresh apple juice or an old fashioned type of lemonade with a bit of taste to it. We are going through a period where many pubs are struggling, a lot of which are in rural districts where someone needs to drive back at the end of an evening and I began to wonder whether, if these pubs were able to offer a more interesting selection of soft drinks, more people may be willing to drive home. It obviously is not the solution to all their problems but, if it gets a few extra people through the door, it could be a step in the right direction.
Open from Midday Everyday Fresh home cooked food to be found on our bar and specials menus Ever changing selection of local ales and fifty whiskies to be sampled Upcoming Events Real Ale, Cider, and Music Festivals during the summer bank holidays, May 22nd till the 25th and August 28th till the 31st, Pub Quiz every Thursday, DragonFest open mic nights, and much more! Check our website and Facebook page to stay updated through the summer.
Angel Gardens Free House
This independently run freehouse has been under the ownership of Ian Warren since 1988 and is situated on the north of the city near to Waterloo Park.
Homecooked and speciality meals Prepared by Ian - a qualified chef with years of experience. Up to NINE reasonably priced Real Ales and SIX real ciders
Live Music on Saturdays Now showing Sky Sports Sunday roasts from 12-8pm
96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT
01603 427490
www.norwichinns.com
email: ikwarren-angel@tiscali.co.uk
26 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | From the archives
From the Archives Another trawl through our files looking at the burning issues of the day Issue No.113 March/April 2001 A5 20 pages printed in black on green uncoated stock. Editor – Adrian Hennessy Full pints ahead? This was the burning topic on page one of this issue. Over 100 MP’s had signed an Early Day Motion tabled by West Lancashire MP, Colin Pickethall. However, although The National Consumer Council supported the proposals, CAMRA was criticising the Better Regulation Task Force for failing to consult consumers. They had met with representatives from the Industry, but had not consulted CAMRA despite requests for a hearing. Lord Haskins, Chairman of the Task Force claimed that the proposals were not reflected in the number of complaints received by The Department for Trade and Industry, but Mike Benner, CAMRA’s Head of Campaigns and Communications, countered that when a customer received a short pint, they complained to the bar staff, not the DTI. Elsewhere, Alan Edwards was musing about House Beers, where they a Beer Ticker’s nightmare he asked? Some had a proper clip with all the details displayed, whilst some were more anonymous with handwritten clips. These could
often change strength and colour and could be whatever was going cheap or short dated stock, etc. A genuine House Beer should be unique to that pub, Alan argued, and he asked whether the smaller independent Brewers could help here. The Kings Arms in Hall Road was having another themed Beer Festival, entitled “Beware the Ales of March” or “What did the Romans ever do for us?” And we learned that The Festival House had just reopened as Delaney’s an Irish Themed Bar. Nominations were invited for Best Mild Pub and the Best Mild Brewery Awards. The current winners of the Pub Award were the Fisherman’s Return in Winterton and the Tafford Arms in Norwich. Sadly, the death was announced of Stuart Ferguson, a partner in the Wolf Brewery. It was reported that he participated in the Winter Ale Trail as part of a team from The Kings Arms who completed the trail by public transport. There exploits were covered in NIPS Issue No.108
Members’ Weekend | Norfolk Nips
Let’s go to Nottingham! Friday 17th to Sunday 19th April 2015 Was it really two years ago that the National AGM was in Norwich? And it only seems like yesterday that we enjoyed ourselves in foggy Scarborough!
Remember that you can also check in at the venue between 4pm to 10pm on the Fiday and also on Saturday and Sunday morning before the conference.
Ah well, let’s look forward to this year, when the Members’ Weekend and AGM visits Nottingham. CAMRA has been here before - we were last there in 1975. It’s a vibrant city with plenty going on to appeal to the 1,000 Members who will flock there.
You can be actively involved by attending a workshop or policy discussion group or even participating in the debates. You are a Member, so you are entitled to make your views known. Look out for the CAMRA merchandise stand, useful for local beer guides and replacing the lanyard that you have somewhere at home.
This year, the setting is The Albert Hall Conference Centre, conveniently located in the city centre. Here is the NIPS readers’ guide to the weekend: Pre-register before 20th March to receive your handbook and badges in advance. This means less time queuing to get in which means more time in the Members’ Bar. Do so at www.camraagm.org.uk/register Book trips, brewery visits etc., in advance. Read the confirmed motions in advance so that you don’t miss any hot topics.
28 | Spring 2015
Visit the Members’ Bar and Food counters, which are open every day Get out and about and visit some of the local attractions and some of the fine pubs and restaurants that Nottingham has to offer.
Must see: Nottingham Castle, Wollaton Hall, Green’s Windmill and Sherwood Forest. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Canalhouse, Fothergills, The Roundhouse, The Cross Keys and other iconic pubs.
Norfolk Nips | Members’ Weekend
Organised Trips: Blue Monkey Brewey – Buffet and Beer included. Charnwood Cider – BBQ and some pints of cider. Flipside - Buffet and Beer included.
ARE YOU BEING SERVED with our range of local and regional ales, imported lagers and great freshly prepared food
Lincoln Green – Buffet and Beer included, plus a bottle to take home. Navigation, Magpie and Totally Brewed – a traditional pub meal included. You may also visit Castle Rock and Nottingham Breweries, but you will have to make your own arrangements. Visit the CAMRA AGM website for full details and twitter feeds for updates.
Rampant Horse
R EASTE BEER L A FESTIVpril 2-6A
Get on down to the...
Rampant Horse country alehouse & restaurant. 2 Chapelfield, Freethorpe NR13 3LY Tel: 01493 700103 www.rampanthorse.net
Spring 2015 | 29
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 a meal or snack from our extensive and popular menu.
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
Live & Let Live Free House
One of Kings Lynn’s best kept secrets. Come and visit this traditional town pub with a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
LIVE SIC MU most nds weeke
Ever changing 5 real ales & ciders; a mini beer festival on the bar!
18 Windsor Rd, Kings Lynn Tel: 01553 764990
The Harte Old Costessey, Norwich, NR8 5BS Tel: 01603 742755
Norfolk Nips | Norfolk’s lost souls
The Railway Tavern, Holt The closure of this pub was an absolute travesty. It was the only true pub left in the town and it was, in effect, the Town’s public bar. You could pop in for a swift half whilst you waited for your bus – the bus stop was right outside. There was no food on offer, just good company and a decent pint. How odd that when there is an organisation seeking to return the railway to the town, the pub at the other end of Station Road has closed its doors? We covered the closure in an earlier edition of NIPS, but it still rankles today. The pub shut its doors for the last time on 6th October 2013. Punch Taverns had sold it to Capricorn Estates, who saw an opportunity to convert the outbuildings to the rear for residential purposes with off-road car parking. The Developers were told that the plans for this were approved, but they must not touch the Grade II listed pub. Somehow this was allowed to change and the pub is no more, despite objections from residents. Today the pub is still empty, a new development of two brewery barn conversions, two new build barnstyle houses and two apartments.
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. Visit www.thehartenorwich.co.uk to check out the menu and opening times
A lick of paint adorns the frontage which still has “The Railway Tavern” emblazed over its doors - a mocking tribute to the folly of planners. The blurb from Cockertons, the Estate Agent says “Small and exclusive developments such as this are rare in the centre of Holt.” Enough said. WARNING: Do not let this happen to your pub! If you have an inkling that something is afoot, then contact your local CAMRA Branch and speak to the Pubs Preservation Officer immediately. Help and advice is at hand. Spring 2015 | 33
Please support our advertisers | Norfolk Nips
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 | Spring 2015
email: californiatavern@btconnect.com Tel: 01493 730340
Norfolk Nips | Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Branch survey
Branch Survey CAMRA Membership Number:
Branch: * Please tick Other if you are not a CAMRA member
Norwich & Norfolk West Norfolk Other: Name:
What events would you like to attend? Tick all that apply Beer Tastings Meet the Brewer events Brewery Tours Brewery / Beer / Pub History Talks City Tours (e.g. Nottingham, Derby) Other:
Branch Meetings: Branch Meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month
Email or other contact details If you would like us to contact you for any reason.
Age Group: 18-25 46-55
26-35 56-65
How long have you been a CAMRA member? * 0-5 years 6-10 years 16-25 years over 25 years
36-45 over 65
Did you know any Branch member can attend Branch Meetings? * Yes No Do you attend any Branch meetings? * No Occasionally Quite regularly All, or nearly all
11-15 yrs
Social Events Do you attend any social events organised by Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA? * e.g. Friday Five, Campaign Trip etc. Yes No Not Sure
Would you like to attend more Branch meetings? * Yes No
Continued Overleaf Spring 2015 | 35
Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Branch survey | Norfolk Nips If you answered no to the previous question, please indicate the reasons you are unable to attend as many meetings as you'd like * Tick all that apply Too far to travel / not held near me I don’t have the time Meetings are on the wrong day for me I don’t hear about them Other: Would any of the following encourage you to attend more Branch meetings? * Tick all that apply Hold Beer Tastings at meetings Hold Meet the Brewer events at meetings Hold meetings at Breweries (with tour) Hold meetings on different day(s) Change Locations Other: What day(s) would you prefer to attend meetings? Tick all that apply
Monday night Wednesday night Friday night Saturday night Sunday night
Tuesday night Thursday night Sat lunchtime Sun lunchtime
Where should we hold Branch meetings? All in Norwich Most in Norwich, occasionally in the county Evenly split between Norwich and county Most in the county but a few in Norwich All in the county Where would you like the Norwich meetings to be held? All at the same pub Rotate round a small selection of pubs At as many different pubs as possible Other
36 | Spring 2015
Branch Activities: Have you nominated pubs for the Good Beer Guide In the last 5 years? Yes No Have you surveyed pubs for the Good Beer Guide In the last 5 years? Yes No Have you voted for the Good Beer Guide pubs In the last 5 years? Yes No Did you know you can vote for beers in the Champion Beer of Britain (CBOB) selection process? Via the national CAMRA website www.cbobvoting.org.uk
Yes
No
Have you used the national WhatPub.com pub guide? Maintained by CAMRA branches
Yes
No
Have you ever scored beers using the National Beer Scoring system (NBSS) In the last 5 years, either online via WhatPub.com, or using cards
Yes
No
Do you use the Cask Marque accreditation when choosing a pub? Yes No
Branch Magazine: Norfolk NIPS is the quarterly magazine of the three Norfolk branches of CAMRA Do you read Norfolk NIPS? No - I never see it anywhere No - it's there but I don't read it Yes - occasioanlly Yes - whenever I see it
Norfolk Nips | Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Branch survey If you read NIPS, do you read it.. Tick all that apply In the pub At home Online Receive it on subscription .
What would you like to see changed / improved at the Beer Festival? Bear in mind we are very limited by the venue!
Norwich Beer Festival: Norwich & Norfolk Branch organise the Beer Festival every year in late October Do you attend the Beer Festival as a customer? Yes - every year Yes - occasionally No Have you volunteered at the Festival? Yes - every year Yes - occasionally No - I used to but not anymore No - never Did you know you can help with the Festival at other times of the year, not just during the Festival? Yes No Would you be interested in helping at the Festival in the future? No Maybe Yes If you leave your email or contact details we'll get in touch.
Branch Committee: Do you know what the Branch Committee does? Yes No Do you know any of the people on the Committee? Yes - most of them Yes - one or two No - none Did you know any Branch member can stand for election to the Committee? Yes No Do you know how to stand for election to the Committee? Yes No Would you like to stand for election to the Committee? We need help in various areas! Yes No
Continued Overleaf Spring 2015 | 37
Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Branch survey | Norfolk Nips If Yes, which area do you think you,d be interested in helping with? Tick all that apply
Communications (Magazine, Website, Social Media) Socials Pubs (Competitions, Campaigning) Beer Festival Membership . Please enter your contact details and we'll get back to you! Or email: chairman@norwichcamra.org.uk.
If No, what factors discourage you from standing?
Norwich Survey 2015: Are you aware of the National Strategy and four Key Campaigns? Please tick any campaigns you are aware of Stop tax killing beer and pub Secure an effective government support package for pubs Encourage more people to try a range of real ales, cider and perries Raise the profile of pub-going and increase the number of people using pubs regularly What would you like the Branch to focus on in the future? Tick all that apply Campaigning against pub closires Beer Quality Beer Choice Local issues Education & Training (public) Education & Training (pubs / bar staff) Other: You may complete this survey on the Norwich and Norfolk Branch website or send the completed form to the Editor at the competiton address below. You can also scan or copy it and email it to us.
Competition: To win one of our popular mystery prizes, just answer the following question: Which traditional pub game is featured in this issue? Send the answer, together with your name and address to Norfolk NIPS and Cask Force, 201 Kingswood Avenue, Taverham Norwich NR8 6GJ or email to michaelbaldwin8@gmail.com.
38 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Please support our advertisers
Spring 2015 | 39
Please support our advertisers | Norfolk Nips
CROWN FREE HOUSE THE BANNINGHAM
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
The Farmer’s Arms ‘The pub on the hill’
The Ancient Mariner Inn ‘The pub by the sea’
BEST WESTERN PLUS Knights Hill Hotel & Spa, South Wootton, King’s Lynn PE30 3HQ
BEST WESTERN Le Strange Arms Hotel, Golf Course Road, Hunstanton PE36 6JJ
email: reception@knightshill.co.uk
email: reception@lestrangearms.co.uk
tel: 01553 675566
tel: 01485 534411
Open for meals 12 noon – 9.00pm daily - Real food, Real ales, Real pub
For special offers visit www.traditionalinns.co.uk
50% OFF
40 | Spring 2015
All food purchased when you spend £25 or more
Name Email Postcode
Terms and Conditions - Coupon valid only when £25 or more is spent on food, cannot be exchanged for cash, does not apply to spend on drinks cannot be used in conjuction with any other promotion, not valid for parties in excess of 8 people. Valid until 29th May 2015. If you do not wish to receive further promotions please tick here Q
The Norwich and Norfolk Branch are seeking to appoint an Editor for their part of Norfolk NIPS and Cask Force. The successful applicant would take over the reins from the Autumn 2015 Issue and work alongside the West Norfolk Editor. Training will be given for this key role. Core responsibilities include the gathering and editing of copy from a variety of sources and forwarding it to the Production Team. If you want know more, then please contact the Branch Chair Warren Wordsworth (01603 665557) or current Editor Mike Baldwin (07913 981 896)
Norfolk Nips | Please support our advertisers
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
New Beer for April and May Navigator 4.2% ABV Chestnut coloured spicy floral ale. 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
Spring 2015 | 43
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 44 | Spring 2015
Here is a current list of all the pubs in Norfolk which are part of the CAMRA LocAle scheme. New entries are in Bold.
Horseshoes, Alby Black Boys, Aldborough London Tavern, Attleborough Crown Inn, Banningham Chequers Inn, Binham Cock Inn, Barford Kings Head, Brooke Artichoke, Broome Green Gate, Caister-on-Sea Reedcutter, Cantley Crown Inn, Catfield George Hotel, Cley-next-the-Sea Three Swallows, Cley-next-the-Sea Victory, Clenchwarton Muskett Arms, Clippesby Red Lion, Coltishall Ugly Bug Inn, Colton Albion, Cromer Red Lion Hotel, Cromer Royal Standard, Dereham Bob Carter Centre, Drayton White Hart, Downham Market Railway, Downham Market Royal Standard, East Dereham Queens Head, Emneth Erpingham Arms, Erpingham Bull, Fakenham Kings Head, Filby Rampant Horse, Freethorpe Locks Inn, Geldeston Wherry, Geldeston Dock Tavern, Gorleston Mariners Compass, Gorleston Dabbling Duck, Great Massingham Barking Smack, Great Yarmouth Mariners, Great Yarmouth Oliver Twist, Great Yarmouth Red Herring, Great Yarmouth St. Johns Head, Great Yarmouth Fox & Hounds, Heacham Kings Head, Hethersett
Greyhound Inn, Hickling Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling Swan, Hilborough Eagle, Hockham Buck, Honingham White Hart, Hopton Nelson Head, Horsey Brickmakers, Horsford Elm Farm Country House, Horsham St. Faith Star Inn, Lessingham Swan Inn, Loddon Dog Inn, Ludham Fox and Hounds, Lyng Anchor Inn, Morston White Horse, Neatishead Relish Restaurant & Bar, Newton Flotman Railway Hotel, North Elmham Orchard Gardens, North Walsham Adam and Eve, Norwich Angel Gardens, Norwich Beehive (Leopold Rd), Norwich Bell Hotel, Norwich Cellar House, Norwich Champion, Norwich Cottage (Silver Road), Norwich Duke of Wellington, Norwich Earlham Arms, Norwich Eaton Cottage, Norwich Fat Cat and Canary, Norwich Fat Cat Tap, Norwich Fat Cat, Norwich Garden House, Norwich Jubilee, Norwich Ketts Tavern, Norwich Kings Head, Norwich Leopard, Norwich Lollards Pit, Norwich Lord Rosebery, Norwich Maids Head Hotel, Norwich
Murderers, Norwich Plasterers Arms, Norwich Red Lion (Bishopgate), 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 Royal Oak, Poringland Ferry Inn, Reedham Ship, Reedham Kings Arms, Reepham Swan, Ringland Lobster, Sheringham Windham Arms, Sheringham Red Lion, Thetford Goat, Skeyton Peddars Inn, Sporle Sprowston Manor Hotel & Country Club, Sprowston Ferry House, Surlingham Lynn Arms, Syderstone Pelican Inn, Tacolneston Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market Queens Head, Thurlton White Horse, Upton Cherry Tree, Wicklewood Willow House, Watton Stag, West Acre Bell, Wiveton White Lady, Worstead Green Dragon, Wymondham
Spring 2015 | 45
Please support our advertisers | Norfolk Nips
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 R M A in the C er Chilled bar rolls made daily only ÂŁ1 e B d o Go 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
46 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Please support our advertisers
The pub with no bar, ales direct from cask. Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events.
Tongue twizzling food, and great value. Huge garden and children’s play area.
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”
Shooting parties, lunch & dinner menus available
Victory Barn Function Room for Weddings and Parties Come & visit Nelson’s local. Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk PE31 8HN
01328 738241
The Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licence offering over 60 bottle conditioned ales from 15 Norfolk brewers. We are located on a beautiful arable farm close-by Wells-next-the-Sea, which provides much of the malt used in brewing the ales we sell. The Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB.
Tel: 01328 710810 www.therealaleshop.co.uk Spring 2015 | 47
Cider in May CAMRA has celebrated cider and perry during the month of October for a number of years now and, this year, we are introducing a second opportunity to celebrate this traditional drink in the month of May. May might seem a strange time to celebrate a drink made from apples and pears but there is some logic in the timing. May is a time when the apple and pear trees in our orchards are in blossom and, without the orchards and tree blossom, we wouldn’t have the fruit to make the ciders and perries which are on offer throughout the year. Unfortunately many of the old traditional orchards have disappeared over the years but, thankfully, in recent years producers have started to plant new trees to keep the tradition of cider and perry production alive. May is also the time when the juice which was pressed the previous year has fermented through and is ready to drink. Real ciders and perries differ from the more industrial products available in that they are not fizzy and the flavours of the fruit used in their production come through in the final produce so why not take the opportunity to visit some of the many pubs which now offer these products and give them a try. 48 | Spring 2015
Hemsby
U
U
The Kings Head 3 real ale pumps with up to 6 guest ales weekly from ÂŁ2.50 pint s Regular Entertainment s Home Cooked Food s Log Fire s Dogs Welcome North Road, Hemsby , NR29 4LR
Tel: 01493 717475
Makers of a range of award-winning organic traditional ciders including User Friendly, Original, Old Norfolk (East Anglia’s best cider 2011), Special Reserve and Rum Cask. Norfolk Perry (subject to availability).
i
Now also ‘Whisky Cask’ and our ‘Dutchie Original’
A blend of two and three year old oak matured Norfolk cider Available in 5 Gallon (22.5 liter) and 10 liter poly-cask 20 and 10 liter Bag-in-Box, or 750ml and 500ml bottles Also try our organic unpasteurised Cider and Perry Vinegar which many believe have health-giving and weight-loss properties!
All our cask ciders are currently unpasteurised and free from preservatives. Our Bottled ciders are pasteurised but at the lowest temperature possible to ensure the product is stable without compromising the quality and without resorting to the use of sodium metabisulphite. (A range of organic juices also available) By using only organic apples in our cider and keeping organic growers in business, we have helped to keep a few orchards from being grubbed up and contributed in a small way to maintaining a few pockets of biodiversity. These organic orchards are like tiny oases in what for wildlife has become a vast desert of monoculture where gigantic machines work the land, compacting the soil and growing crops by applying fertilizers, weed-killers, fungicides and all sorts of other chemicals that I personally would rather avoid eating or drinking.
Although the Soil Association allows the use of preservatives, we have so far refrained from using them at any stage of our production and because of that our bottled cider has been deemed not to be ‘traditional’ by CAMRA. We are hoping to change the definition of traditional cider at the next conference so that using low temperature pasteurisation instead of sodium metabisulphite can become an acceptable method for keeping bottled ciders stable. We hope you will enjoy our ciders and apple juices and perhaps you’ll even support our campaigns. For more information please visit our New and Improved website and follow us on twitter if and when we can be bothered to twitter and do please like us on facebook if you feel so inclined and vote for us in the next election but above all: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A VOTE!!
Register now if you haven’t done so already!
Tel: 01379 687687 / 0750 006 7544 www.crones.co.uk
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50 | Spring 2015
Grab a CAMRA Discount at your local! The following local businesses offer a discount for CAMRA members (usually on presentation of a Membership Card): Pig & Whistle, Westlegate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Grange Hotel, Ormesby St. Margaret, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Lighthouse Inn, Walcott: 10% off all real ales Cherry Tree, Wicklewood: 30p off a pint of Buffy’s London Tavern, Attleborough: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale
Brickmakers, Horsford: 10p off a half, 20p off a pint of real ale
Green Gate, Caister-on-Sea: 20p off a pint of real ale
Railway, North Elmham: 10% off B&B and camping
Albion, Cromer: 10% off real leas, draught and bottled Red Lion, Drayton: 10% off of real ale Oliver Twist, Great Yarmouth: 10% off across the board - please show card before ordering
Compleat Angler, Norwich: 10% off all real ales Glasshouse, Norwich: 20% off all food Plasterers, Cowgate, Norwich: 10% off all real ales (available to all customers on Mondays)
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!
Spring 51 WINTER2015 2014 || 51
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52 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | CAMRA Beer Festivals
CAMRA Beer Festivals Calendar MAR 12 - 14 St Neots Beer & Cider Festival Priory Centre, Priory Lane, St Neots, Cambs, PE19 2BH www.hunts.camra.org.uk APRIL 8 - 11 (Wed - Sat) Maldon Beer Festival Plume School, Maldon Maldon and Dengie branch: maldonanddengiecamra.org.uk APRIL 22 - 25 (Wed - Sat) East Anglian Beer Festival Apex, Bury St Edmunds West Suffolk branch: www.freewebs.com/westsuffolkcamra
MAY Thursday 14 - 16 (Thu - Sat) Mid Anglia Beer Festival Yaxley Village Hall, Yaxley Mid Anglia branch: www.midangliacamra.com MAY 18 - 23 (Mon - Sat) Cambridge Beer Festival Jesus Green, Cambridge Cambridge & District branch: www.cambridgebeerfestival.com MAY 26 - 30 (Tues - Sat) Colchester Real Ale & Cider Festival Arts Centre, Colchester Colchester & North East Essex branch: www.colchestercamra.org.uk
City of Ale puts Norwich on the map In the latest edition of Beer, the magazine for CAMRA Members, Writers Susanna and James Forbes listed their Top Ten Beer Festivals in the UK. Four of them were CAMRA Festivals, but the others were an eclectic mix that offered something just that little bit special. And that list included the Norwich City of Ale Festival, a wonderful achievement for an Organisation that is just five years old this year. And there was more, as Co-founders Phil Cutter and Dawn Leeder were announced as Real Ale Heroes, numbers eight and nine in the same magazine. There are to be heartily congratulated.
City of Ale has never been afraid to challenge obstacles and push back boundaries in its mission to promote Norwich, nationally and internationally, as the UK City of Ale. The Norwich and Norfolk Branch of CAMRA were there at the start and have continued to support them. As we have said before, City of Ale and the Norwich Beer Festival in October create huge synergy which can only be good for the City of Norwich and lovers of real ale and cider who flock to our fair City. The 2015 Festival runs from Thursday 21st to Sunday 31st May. Around 40 pubs and 40 Breweries will be participating, with a wide range of events, so there will be something for everybody. Make sure that you see the website www.cityofale.org.uk or grab a programme when they are available. Spring 2015 | 53
BE
FI ER / S SPR N FE UM IN D N A ST ME G EA B LI R R EE STI YO R N U FES GS ! T
Something for everyone at a Norfolk beer festival
As the winter months disappear and the sun starts to shine its time to start planning your beer-based excursions for the spring and summer of 2015. Norfolk is a hive of fantastic beer festivals from those held in the humble village hall or community centre like Ranworth and Walsham, to the massive city-wide event that is the Norwich ‘City of Ale’. The locations are as varied as the sizes, fancy seeing out the summer solstice at a 16th century pub by the sea? Check out the Hill House Happisburgh. For steam enthusiasts the North Norfolk Railway hosts it’s beer festival in July. How about a festival celebrating women in the brewing industry? Check out the FEM.ALE festival at the Plasterers Arms, Norwich. Fancy celebrating the best-known malting barley in the world? Visit the Maris Otter Festival in September and try from a range of 50 new brews using this extraordinary ingredient! There truly is a festival for everyones tastes and ages.
54 | Spring 2015
In the following pages is a selection of pubs and other venues which have advertised their beer festivals with us. We have also included a diary which lists all of these events and any others we have been made aware of. To get an idea of location, there is also a map included. The numbers on the map correspond to the numbers next to the diary listings. A well-run pub can cater for all ages, offering a place where friendships can be formed and provides a convenient stopping point for a family enjoying a bike ride on a sunny day. To help you plan your travel to and from these events we have also included a brief guide to bus and train travel and where to find further information and timetables. So whether you want a quick pint after work, a night out with your friends or a family day out with the kids; check out Norfolk, you won’t regret it.
Norfolk Nips | Beer Festivals
Spring 2015 | 55
Beer Festivals | Norfolk Nips
56 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Beer Festivals
Travelling around Norfolk Norfolk is well served by train and bus services between all the major towns, villages and out of Norfolk via Kings Lynn and Norwich. There are also many cycle and walking routes available for the more adventerous beer hunter or those with families looking for a full day out with some excercise thrown in. Abellio Greater Anglia Services run everyday into Norfolk from Ely, Peterborough, Cambridge and Ipswich. All services pass through Norwich where you can then go on to the coastal Norfolk towns of Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Cromer and Sheringham.
off from Kings Lynn and covers Hunstanton Wells - Weybourne - Sheringham - Cromer and many of the smaller villages in between. Other services include X8 covering Kings Lynn to Fakenham and Heacham. X5 and X6 services from Fakenham to Norwich covering many villages including Little Snoring, Erpingham. Aylsham and Mile Cross. There is a large map of the routes available for download at: www.norfolkgreen.co.uk
Go to www.abelliogreateranglia.co.uk to check times
The X1 First group service runs into Norfolk from Peterborough passing through Kings Lynn, Narborough, Swaffham and several other villages to Norwich. The service then runs on through Acle and Great Yarmouth. Check out www.firstgroup.com for more details.
Heritage Train services
Cycling and Walking
Mid Norfolk Railway Travelling between Dereham - Yaxham Thuxton - Kimberley Park - Wymondham Abbey
Norfolk has hundreds of miles of quiet country lanes and roads to explore and is a brilliant county for cycling, whether you’re after a relaxing Sunday pedal or something a bit longer.
This volunteer run railway has a variety of locomotives including a fleet of heritage diesels. Go to www.mnr.org.uk to check times. The North Norfolk Railway Travelling between Sheringham - Weybourne Kelling Heath Park - Holt The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains on some journeys) through a delightful area of North Norfolk designated as being of outstanding natural beauty. Go to www.nnrailway.co.uk/timetable.php to check times.
Bus Services Norfolk Green run a number of Bus services into and around Norfolk. The Coasthopper route sets
Information on routes such as Marriotts Way and Peddars Way are available from the Norfolk County council web site at www.norfolk.gov.uk. The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes through Norfolk and is designed to make cycling fun, safe and simple as you cover huge stretches of the UK. www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map /national-cycle-network One third of the Network is completely free from motor traffic, using old railway paths, forest tracks, country parks and bridleways, and the rest uses quiet minor roads and traffic-calmed streets in towns and cities. so if your having a drink - get out of the car and on yer bike!
Spring 2015 | 57
Norfolk Nips | Beer Festivals
A Beer Festival is near you! 1 2 - 6 April Rampant Horse Easter Beer Festival Chapelfield, Freethorpe NR13 3LY
2 3 - 5 April Easter Beer Festival Royal Oak, Poringland NR14 7JT Tel: 01508 493 734
3 3 - 6 April
4
5
6
7
11 20 - 25 May Dove Beer
12 25 - 30 May
Vine Summer Beer Festival Vine, Dove St, Norwich www.vinethai.co.uk
Rose Inn Easter Beer Festival 13 18 - 22 June Awesome ales from all over! Hill House Inn Solstice 235 Queens Rd, Norwich NR1 3AE Beer Festival www.rosenorwich.co.uk Over 120 beers, ciders and perries. 1 - 3 May Crown Beer Call 01692 650 004 for details. Festival 14 19 - 21 June 12+ real ales and ciders with BBQ Jolly Sailors 6th Ale and live music every night. Front & Music Festival Street, Trunch, North Walsham 30 real ales, local music and 1 - 3 May garden marquee Wymondham & District Brancaster Staithe Ex-Services Beer Festival www.jollysailorsbrancaster.co.uk 16 real ales and 2 ciders, snacks 15 19 - 21 June available and live music in the White Lady ‘Titchfest’ evenings. Friarscroft Lane, Charity Music Festival with real ale Wymondham NR18 9AQ tent, stalls and bouncy castle. 14 - 16 May www.thewhitelady.co.uk Mid Anglia CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival 16 30 Jul to 1 Aug 35 local real ales, cider, wine, food Angel Inn Beer Festival and music. Yaxley Village Hall, One of the largest outdoor Beer Suffolk IP23 8BX Festival’s in Norfolk. Over 70 Real Ales and Ciders - See more at 21 - 31 May www.angel-larling.co.uk 2nd Annual Scottish Invasion! Beer Festival Range of ales from north of the border at the Fat Cat, Norwich
8 21 - 31 May Norwich City of Ale Ten-day celebration of local pubs, breweries and real ale. www.cityofale.org.uk
9 22 - 25 May FEM-ALE Festival Tastings, Music and gallons of brewster brewed beers! Plasteres Arms, Cowgate, Norwich 10 24 May
Rugby Sevens & Beer Fest Local Norfolk ales, svens rugby all day, BBQ and Hog Roast. Norwich Rd, Scottow NR10 5BU
20 24 - 26 July
Festival 60+ beers, ciders and milds. BBQ every day. Dove Street Inn, Ipswich www.dovestreetinn.co.uk/index.php
17 14 - 19 July
Reedham Beer Festival Weekend Church Road, Reedham, Norfolk 21 24 - 26 July
Worstead White Lady Music & Beer Festival 20 live bands and 40 real ales, family event 22 5 - 9 August
Lynn Arms Annual Beer Festival Over 10 real ales and live music. www.thelynnarms.co.uk 23 7 - 8 August
North Walsham Beer Festival 30+ Real ales, ciders food and music. The Scount Hut, Midland Rd, North Walsham 24 7 - 9 August
6th Ranworth Beer & Cider Festival 20+ real ales and ciders, snacks available and live music in the evenings. Ranworth Village Hall, Broad Road NR13 6HS 25 28 - 30 August
Panther Brewery Beer Festival Stimpson’s Piece, Reepham 26 August Bank Holiday Weekend
- Railway Beer Festival Station Rd, North Elmham.
Heathlands 5th Summer 27 4 - 6 September Kings Arms Shouldham 3rd Beer Festival and Fair Beer Festival 16 real ales and 2 ciders, Live 30 real ales, 15 real ciders,wine and music and fair attractions. wine tasting, Live entertainment. Woodbastwick Rd, Blofield Heath, www.kingsarmsshouldham.co.uk Norwich. 18 17 - 19 July
Crusaders RUFC 7th Beer Festival Local breweries and cider producers featured, camping available. Little Melton, Nr Heathersett 19 18 - 19 July
28 17 - 19 September
Maris Otter 50th Anniversary Beer Festival 50 special ales brewed with Maris Otter malted barley. Venue: Open, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4SF
Catfield Crown 2nd Annual Beer Fest Live Music, BBQ and lots of great ales. The Street, Catfield, Great Yarmouth NR29 5AA Spring 2015 | 59
A beer festival is near you! 14
Brancaster Staithe
22 26
27
16
Larling
60 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Beer Festivals The numbers on the map match the numbers next to the events described on page 59. This map is to show you the general area and is not to scale!
23
25
15
10
28
18
13 21
17
7 8 9 12 3
5
4
2
19 24
1
20
Reedham
Poringland
Geldeston
6 11
Spring 2015 | 61
Beer Festivals | Norfolk Nips
Serving a good selection of changing local real ales Also serving home cooked food. Sunday roast two courses for ÂŁ8.95. Two main meals for ÂŁ10.00 from our set menu. Monday and Tuesday lunch times only.
R FESTIVAL 2ND ANNUAL BEE th July
ing to Sun 19 Sat 18th July even lots of great real ales
d Live music, BBQ an our website d join the fun, see an me co le, ab ail av ls. tai de or ring for more The Street, Catfield, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR29 5AA
Telephone: 01692 580128 Email: catfieldcrown@hotmail.co.uk
62 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Beer Festivals
16 Real Ales 2 Real Ciders
Opening Times Friday 1st May 7pm-11pm Saturday 2nd 11am-11pm
Live Music Friday and Saturday Evening
Sunday 11am until the beer runs out!
Food Available
Entrance fee ÂŁ2
Spring 2015 | 63
Beer Festivals | Norfolk Nips
Good Friday 3rd April
CROWN BEER FESTIVAL
Car Treasure Hunt • 2pm start • BBQ and Live music from 8.30pm with the Punktures.
Friday 1st May (evening) until Bank holiday Monday 4th.
At least 12 real ales plus ciders. BBQ and Live music every night. Fri 1st: Julie Bunn ‘Covers’ Sat 2nd: Leon Covers. Sunday 3rd: ‘Johnny Jump’, Skiffle. 22nd May: ‘Mojo Preachers’ 9pm
Front Street,Trunch North Walsham NR28 0AH
THE WHITE LADY • WORSTEAD
Tel: 01263 722341
Proprietor DENNIS GILLIGAN
TITCH FEST
19th, 20th &21 JUNE A freehouse in the heart of Worstead with up to NINE ales available
5 rooms en suit bed and breakfast
CHARITY MUSIC FESTIVAL
WITH REAL ALE BEER TENT, STALLS, HOG ROAST, BOUNCY CASTLE, BBQ etc CLASSIC VEHICLES ON THE SUNDAY WORSTEAD WHITE LADY MUSIC AND BEER FESTIVAL
24th - 26th July
Resturant with home cooked food Traditional Sunday roast
Over 20 live bands • Over 40 local real ales Hog roast, BBQ, pizzas and more Stalls and plenty to do for the family
Weddings and functions catered for
WORSTEAD WHITE LADY MUSIC FESTIVAL ALL DAY
Winners of channel 4 “four in a bed”
SATURDAY 12th September
Best of local live music all day, all under a marquee. Hog roast 8 BBQ• Real ale beer festival • Outside bar • Bouncy castle for the children
www.thewhitelady.co.uk 64 | Spring 2015
NR28 9RW (01692) 535391
Norfolk Nips | Beer Festivals
Spring 2015 | 65
Norfolk Nips | Last orders
Warren’s Words Now that winter months are drawing to a close we can begin to think of an approaching spring and hopefully a fine summer. After our Branch AGM the Committee of Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA will continue to discuss a programme which we hope will prove attractive to members. This brings me to the point of our Branch survey that we are in the process of conducting. As Chairman of the Branch I would urge as many of you as possible to take part. So far we have had some returns, but we want more members to participate so that we can get as much feedback as possible and thus gain an accurate idea of how best to proceedd. We are not short in having active members, we just want them to get in touch. We are happy that there are reasonable turnouts for Friday Fives, County coach trips and one off events such as brewery trips. There are large numbers of people who distribute our Branch publication of NIPS and there is always a large turnout of volunteers to help make our annual Beer Festival a big success. I am asking these members and anyone who is interested in the well being of our Branch to take part in this survey. It is really quite easy and will not take up much of your time. If you have not already completed the questionnaire either follow the links via the home page of our Branch website on www.norwichcamra.org.uk/ or log into http://docs.goo.gl/fSARqU and we will be happy to receive your replies and take note.
Finally may I remind members that it is only a short time before CAMRA’s National Members Weekend & AGM that this year is in the East Midland City of Nottingham, and which along with Norwich is one of the finest beer drinking cities in the country. There are many local breweries and excellent pubs which can be visited. Fortunately Nottingham is easy to access from Norfolk with a direct rail service from Norwich or good road links. If you are looking for a good weekend break I heartily recommend a visit. You do need however to be a member and register and book accommodation. I wish all readers of NIPS a happy 2015. Warren Wordsworth Norwich and Norfolk Branch Chair
Steve’s Words Both locally and nationally we still have a never ending fight to keep the great British pub open. CAMRA members will have had emails about lobbying your local MP with regard to the various votes in the Commons, Please keep lobbying your MP’s the more people who do, and hopefully the politicians will listen. It was very disappointing to read that Henry Bellingham and Elizabeth Truss voted against the reforms recently, but the good news was that the vote was successful, with many coalition MP’s voting for the reforms. By the time you read this, we will have voted for the West Norfolk Pub of the Year and decided on the entries for the 2016 Good Beer Guide entries. It is very pleasing to see that we still have many good pubs serving excellent beer, with increasing competition for places in the Guide. The finalists for Pub of the Year are all deserving of the title, but there can only be one winner. The days are now starting to get longer, with the warmer weather just round the corner, just go out and enjoy the diverse selection of beers served at the many pubs we have in our area. For those travelling further afield, the 2015 Good Beer Guide is an excellent companion. It is to beer what Bradshaw’s Guide is to Michael Portillo’s railway travels! Enjoy the spring.
Cheers Steve Barker W.N. Chairman
Spring 2015 | 67
The Gatehouse Pub 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ Tel: 01603 620340
CAMRA Branch Calendar
FOUR REAL ALES Wednesday Irish Folk Music ursday Folk & Singing Music Friday & Saturday Live Music Sunday Folk Music
Large garden overlooking the River Wensum OPEN: Mon - urs 12-11 Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11
Norwich and North Norfolk Branch Friday, 6 March 20:00 – 23:00 First Friday Five (starts Forge) 118 Philadelphia Ln, Norwich, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 3JJ, UK) Visiting 5 pubs in north Norwich, starting at the Forge (118 Philadelphia Lane) then Angel Gardens, Lord Rosebery, Whalebone and Dyers Arms. Tuesday, 17 March St Patricks Day 20:00 – 22.00 Branch Annual General Meeting (Take 5) At Take 5, 17 Tombland, Norwich NR3 1HF. Our AGM, where we elect the branch committee and discuss branch campaign objectives for the following year. If you wish to stand for a committee post please contact the branch secretary Rob Whitmore at secretary@norwichcamra.org.uk for further details. Please note that you must be a current CAMRA member to attend. Saturday, 28 March Norfolk Brewhouse visit + North Norfolk pubs. Time TBC Brewery visit to Norfolk Brewhouse followed by a visit to 5 north norfolk pubs including lunch. Times to be advised. This is expected to be a popular event and again places are limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to join us on this trip please contact our social secretary, Michael Phillips on 07851923554 to reserve a place.
68 | Spring 2015
Norfolk Nips | Dates for your Diary Friday, 3 April Good Friday 20:00 – 23:00 First Friday Five (starts Woolpack) Visiting 5 pubs in Norwich city centre, starting at the Woolpack (Golden Ball Street), then Number 12, Walnut Tree Shades, Sir Garnet and finishing at the Rumsey Wells. Tuesday, 21 April 20:00 – 22.00 Branch Meeting (White Horse, Neatishead) NR12 8AD Our monthly branch business meeting , this time at the White Horse Inn, The Street, Neatishead NR12 8AD. Free coach from Norwich, The coach will depart from John Lewis promptly at 19.15 and if you are intending to join us please could you let our Social Secretary know so that we can book the appropriate sized coach for the numbers attending -- please contact Michael Phillips at socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk or on 07851923554. Friday, 24 April 19:15 – 23.30 Campaign Coach Trip Campaign Trip visiting 5 pubs outside of Norwich, this time to pubs close to the Norfolk Broads. Coach departs John Lewis at 19.15 and booking is essential If you would like to join us on this trip please contact our social secretary, Michael Phillips on socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk or 07851923554 to reserve a place. Friday, 1 May 20:00 – 23.00 First Friday Five (starts Golden Star) Visiting 5 pubs in Norwich city centre, starting at the Golden Star (Duke Street) then White Lion, Plough, Ten Bells and finishing at Micawbers Tavern. Tuesday, 19 May 20:00 - 22.00 Branch Meeting (Beehive, Norwich)) Our monthly branch meeting, this time at the Beehive, 30 Leopold Road, Norwich NR4 7PJ. Friday, 29 May 19:15 – 23:30 Campaign Coach Trip
Campaign Trip visiting 5 pubs outside of Norwich, this time it's a Seaside Special. Coach departs John Lewis at 19.15 and booking is essential If you would like to join us on this trip please contact our social secretary, Michael Phillips on socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk or 07851923554 to reserve a place.
West Norfolk Branch Saturday 7th March JoC’s Brewery, Barsham, tour (details with Bruce, see him if you’re interested) Tuesday 10th March Ouse Amateur Sailing Club, Lynn Tuesday 14th April Old White Bell, Southery Tuesday 12th May Rose & Crown, Harpley
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.
70 | Spring 2015
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