Issue 159 of Norfolk Nips and Cask Force

Newsletter of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

No.159 Winter 2011/ 12

Also inside:NORWICH BEER FESTIVAL REPORTNORFOLK’S TRUE HERITAGE PUBSPUB AND TRADE NEWS

CHRISTMAS ON THE DEATH STARINTER-BRANCH SOCIAL TRIPWROXHAM BREAK COMPETITION

FREE

IT’S WARM INSIDE YOUR LOCAL PUB!

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On 12th October at The Traf-ford Arms Chris Higgins,landlord and Sheriff of Norwichfor 2011 - 2012 in conjunctionwith Martin James of PantherBrewery launched a new beer“Paws for Thought” in conjunc-tion with his ‘Norwich CivicCharity Appeal 2011- 2012’which is Big C Cancer Charity.

People in attendance at TheTrafford Arms with Chrisincluded the Lord Mayor ofNorwich, Councillor Jenny Lay,Cathryn Parish and colleaguesfrom Big C, Martin James andhis Panther colleagues plusGraham Freeman, Chairman ofNorwich CAMRA and otherrepresentatives from NorwichCAMRA.

Martin James Owner/Brewer ofPanther Brewery describes‘Paws for Thought’ his new beeras ‘ a golden ale like a New

Zealand IPA”. Please look outfor this beer as for every bottlepurchased £1.25 will go to thisworthwhile cause The local BigC Cancer Charity.

The Big C Cancer Charity,which is based in Norwich, is alocal independent charitycommitted to the care andsupport of those affected bycancer, and their familiesthroughout Norfolk & Waveney.Big C is not affiliated to anational charity; it exists inde-pendently and solely to raisefunds for local people affectedby the disease. The organisationalso funds support and care atthe Big C Family Cancer Infor-mation and Support Centrewhich is based at the Norfolkand Norwich UniversityHospital.

Warren Wordsworth

New ale launched inaid of Sheriff’s Charity

Norwich & Norfolk BranchChairman: Graham FreemanTel: 01603 687495Email: [email protected]: Warren WordsworthTel: 01603 665557Email: [email protected] Secretary: Michael PhilipsEmail: [email protected]

Pubs Officer: Mark StimpsonEmail: [email protected]

West Norfolk BranchChairman: Phil BuffhamSecretary: Ian BaileyContact: Bruce WardTel: 01485 609107 Branch websites:www.norwichcamra.org.ukwww.camra.org.uk/wnorfolk

Branch mailing list web page:groups.yahoo.com/group/CAMRA_Norwich

Published every 3 monthsby the Norwich, Norfolk & West Norfolkbranches of the Campaign for Real Ale ©N&N CAMRA 2011 Norfolk Nips isproduced and distributed by members ofthe branch in their own time.

Edited by:Mike BaldwinEmail: [email protected]

Chris LucasEmail: [email protected]

Views expressed in NorfolkNips are not necessarily thoseof the editor or of CAMRA

Design & Production:Daniel Speed - Tamoko DesignEmail: [email protected]

Distribution:12,000 copies / four times a yearNorwich and Norfolk District: Tony Miles [email protected] Norfolk District : Ros Harre [email protected]

Advertising:For advertising enquiries pleasecontact Jane Michelson or ChrisShilling on: 01778 420888 / [email protected]

Ad space in NIPS is regularly booked up longbefore we go to press, so to avoid disappoint-ment please get your ad space reserved at theearliest opportunity. The best way is to book aseries of four ads – your message will then bevisible all year round and you’ll enjoy adiscount off the regular price

WINTER 2011 | 3

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Date for your Diary

George’s Fest 2012 Thursday 19th

- Monday 23rd April

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The seasons have changed andthe dark nights are nowdrawing in, but what betterplace is there to spend yourtime than in a friendly welcomingPub. You might even decide onone with a log fire to warmyourself whilst choosing one ofthe many winter ales on offer.Most Brewers will have aspecial beer during the wintermonths and it's very exciting toresearch the choices available. I was recently told by a Brewerthat his Christmas Ale wasextremely popular whenwarmed up like the olden days.

I'm still looking for my red hotpoker. Talking of the darkerbeers I hope you enjoyed ourNorwich Beer Festival as wehad lots of customers thankingus for the opportunity to drinkthe Stouts Porters and Old Ales.There were new beers notavailable before and that’swhat makes an enjoyable BeerFestival. I would like to thankthe Lord Mayor and Sheriff ofNorwich for officially openingthe Festival for us which is oneof the most popular events inNorwich. Without the help ofour volunteers we would not

have a Festival so I take thisopportunity to thank all of ourlittle helpers. We all had agrand time. Also at this time ofthe year we ask for nomina-tions for pubs to be included inthe Good Beer Guide 2013 andwe welcome any help in thesurveying which is most enjoy-able. Finally on behalf of ourCAMRA Branch I would like towish you a Merry Christmasand a Happy New Year.

Graham FreemanChairman Norwich & Norfolk

CAMRA

NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Letters

The dark nights will bring winter cheer

WINTER 2011 | 5

Alas, I did not make foreignparts as Stig suggested in thelast issue of this magazine. Themost exotic place I visited wasExmouth, for a weekend,where I sampled some fineDevon and Cornwall Ales. Theabsence was due to Emailfailure, him failing to receivemy Email and myself not beingable to access mine to find outhe had not received mine; butI’m back with my Norfolk wit ( I think that’s what he put).

Another year has passed andthere’s been good and bad.I’ve lost count of the number ofBeer festivals I have attendedthis year but there havecertainly been some excellent

ones both in our area and inother necks of the wood.There’s been several pubsclosing and reopening, someunfortunately not reopening atall with the loss of the Wool-pack at Walpole Cross Keys,and the Norfolk HarvesterKings Lynn. Also the demolitionof the King William at Dockingwhich closed in 2009.

Whilst the future of the AlbertVictor at Castle Acre is stilluncertain, but for the thirdtime planning permission forthe change of use has beenrefused. Thanks to Jeff for hisobjections on this and theother Pubs he is still fighting tokeep open.

Overall I think we have had agood year in West Norfolk. The membership has steadilyincreased.

We have had membershipstalls at the Ancient MarinersOld Hunstanton, during theirBeer Festival.

The editing and distributionof Nips and Cask Force havebeen very successful nowhaving the second biggestdistribution in the country. Mythanks to all the members andcommittee concerned, hopeyou all have a good Xmas andNew Year

Buff

The Wanderer Returns

2

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Welcome to the Christmasedition, I hope you enjoy it I’vetried to give a mix of humourand information, many thanksto Mike and Warren for theirhelp. The only problem withediting a magazine is notalways having the time to writemuch yourself. So I’ll squeeze acouple of things in here.

Recently I had to travel to theNorth East and found myself inTeesdale I stayed at The FourAlls in Ovington, which brewsits own beers a very individualestablishment not currently inthe GBG as a pub. During mytravels it proved hard to findpubs open in the day time, butfollowing instructions from alocal BMW rider I found theMoorcock Inn in Eggleston,selling two real ales at a pricethat would make manydrinkers in Norfolk smile, theinn also produced great foodand had an unbelievable viewacross Teesdale at sunset.

I can highly recommend avisit, this pub is very CAMRAfriendly as well, and I met pubfolk from the midlands andpassed on some copies of Nips.

A point about Christmas aswell, after you’ve been out tothe pub in December don’tforget many pubs reallystruggle to make ends meetafter the Christmas holiday, nothelped by skint customers andNew Year resolutions!

Make sure you use your localearly in the year, or nextChristmas it might not be thereanymore…

The New Year also sees thestart of the search for branchpubs of the year if you haveany nominations for the WestNorfolk area please email themto our branch contact BruceWard at [email protected] .

I’d like to thank allthe people whohave worked tomake this a verygood year for Nips,not just contribu-tors but also thosewho tirelesslydistribute the magand publicans wholet us display it.

A happy Christmas and apeaceful New Year to all ourreaders, and as always come toone of our meetings listed inNips and meet some likeminded folk for a chat!

With the pressure on pubculture at the moment weneed every bit of help we canmuster, or your only recourseat Christmas will be bottlesfrom the supermarket…

Cheers, Stig

PS. I know Bamberg isn’t inNorfolk, but it should be!

6 | WINTER 2011

Christmas is here again!

CAMRA urges Government toban restrictive covenants

CAMRA has responded to a Governmentconsultation on the impact that imposingrestrictive covenants on the sale of pubs has onlocal communities. These are used when sellinga pub to prevent the new owner from keepingthe pub open.

The Community Pubs Minister, Bob Neil MP,has recognised the adverse impact of restrictivecovenants, arguing that they deprive localcommunities from playing a positive role in thefuture of their local pubs. He added that they

can also have a double whammy effect “notonly depriving them of a much cherished localasset, but also stopping them from ever usingthe building as a pub again.”

CAMRA believes that Government Interventionis the only way to secure real reform, saying thatself regulation has clearly failed, with 12 PubCompanies still using restrictive covenants

CAMRA’s Great British Pubs(RRP £14.99, paperback)Compiled by Adrian Tierney Jones, this is thedefinitive collection of must visit pubs

News from CAMRA HQ

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WINTER 2011 | 7

Many thanks to Stig and theCask Force team for editing thisedition, it gives us the opportunityto recover from the BeerFestival!

And what a Festival it was.Following on from the inau-gural City of Ale Festival, it nowmeans that Norwich has twoBeer Festivals to be proud of –good for Norwich, but alsogood for local Pubs and Brew-eries in Norfolk countywide,and beyond. This means thatthe really good news is that

instead of longing for nextOctober, we only have to waituntil next May to celebrate allthings Real Ale.

The 2nd City of Ale Festivalwill run from 31st May – 10thJune next year, later than thisyear because the Bank Holidayhas been put back a week forthe Queen’s Jubilee Celebra-tions. It will be bigger andbetter this time, with moreevents, more pubs and a freeprogramme! City of Ale had apresence at the Norwich BeerFestival, which was good tosee. Together with CAMRA, thetwo Organisations need towork together for the greatergood – and then who knowswhat can be achieved!

It was good to meet the twoNorwich MP’s - Chloe Smith

(Norwich North) and SimonWright (Norwich South), at ourFestival. Both young, bothkeen, they were impressed withwhat they saw and seemedgenuinely interested in whatwe had to say. And they bothlistened, which is crucial. Wemay need their support!

Next year is a special year forNorfolk NIPS as we will be cele-brating our 30th Birthday withthe Spring Edition. It will alsobe three years since Cask Forcewas incorporated, so a celebra-tion is due.

But how to celebrate – anyideas? Please let me know.

Merry Christmas and a HappyNew Year!

Mike BaldwinEditor –

Norfolk and Norwich Branch

The Ed’lines NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors

throughout the UK. In celebrating everythingabout the British Pub, this book reviews anddetails over 200 great pubs. It includes two inNorfolk, The Fat Cat and The Kings Head inNorwich. Buy from the CAMRA shop(www.camra.org.uk/shop) or major bookretailers

CAMRA – The Way Forward.The debate begins

CAMRA’s strategic direction should be basedprimarily on increasing the popularity of real ale

(including cider and perry) and encouraging athriving pub sector where real ale will be sold.So says the National Executive who met recentlyat a special strategy meeting in York.

This was part of a process started by theCAMRA Fit for Purpose Report, which called forCAMRA to be more focussed on fewercampaigning objectives each year.

The new online members “opinion panel” willbe used to test new ideas generated in Yorkbefore potential campaigns can be put to themembership at the AGM in Torquay next April.

A very happy Christmas fromNorfolk Nips!

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8 | WINTER 2011

The Fat Cat and The KingsHead, two iconic real ale pubsin Norwich, have made it intoCAMRA’s Great British PubGuide. Two hundred pubsnationwide in different cate-gories are included, and theseare the only pubs in Norfolklisted.

It’s a double celebration forThe Fat Cat, which is 20 yearsold in December.

Jolly Farmers, Southery, nowclosed again. Queens Arms,Lynn, boarded up is nowsigned as sold. However anadvertisement recentlyappeared in the business pressfor someone to run it. Wild-fowler, Lynn appears to beshut up and not trading.Kings Head, Great Bircham isnow under new management.Red Lion, Hockwold, looksgood to reopen soon.Chequers, Feltwell hasreopened and ‘looks good’.Wenns, Lynn. Greene King’srep stated that they expect toconvert it to a ‘Local Heroes’format serving 4 GK beers and4 others on handpump. Wehave been invited to areopening. It is still trading inits current format and a refitsuch as this would expect totake a couple of months.Cobblestones, Lynn failed toreach its reserve price at arecent auction. Duck, Stanhoehas a new landlord (he alsokeeps The Bell, Wiveton). Beersnow on handpump with minorchanges to internal layout.

Red Lion, Thetford (Wether-spoons) have applied forplanning consent for alterationsto their buildings.

News from the West

Once again there are a wholelot of closed pubs around thearea. In Lynn there are theQueen’s Arms, Wildfowlerand Cobblestones (formerlythe Princess Royal) in additionto Antonio’s Wine Bar.Permission has just been givenfor the change of use to resi-dential for the NorfolkHarvester and also the RedHart at Three Holes and theWoolpack at Walpole CrossKeys. The Lynn News recentlycarried a picture of the demoli-tion of the King William atDocking, which closed in 2009.This leaves the Railway as theonly surviving pub in this largevillage. I remember the HareArms and the Pilgrim’sReach, but Docking Heritagegroup have much more infor-mation about past pubs andbeer houses in the village.Contact them at www.dockingheritage.org.uk.

Down in Stoke Ferry the lastvillage pub is currently closed.The chairman of the parishcouncil, Tom Ryves is trying tosave the Blue Bell and itwould seem that there is somechance of this happening.Check out the website at

www.stokeferry.com for thelatest news and to see how youcan help, with either financialor practical support.

It is not all doom and gloom,as the change of use at theAlbert Victor in Castle Acrehas been refused and the RedLion in Thetford, which hasbeen empty for some time, hasbeen bought by Wetherspoons,who are reputed to havebudgeted over a millionpounds for the refurbishment.

Out at Clenchwarton, theVictory has reopened and hasbeen totally redecorated by thenew landlady, Wendy Hyamand her friends and family.When I went in I was veryimpressed, by the atmosphereand delighted by the choice ofa couple of real ales on offer.

Meanwhile, there are newfaces at the House on theGreen at North Wootton,where Steve and TracyMcGivern have taken over thebar and kitchen. The ownersof the pub are the ReactiveLeisure Management Group,who also own theRampant Horse at Gayton,which has been recently refur-bished, and the Maids Headand Woolpack in Kings Lynn.

One of our former branchpubs of the year is also undernew ownership. The KingsHead at Great Bircham hasbeen taken over by CharlesCampbell and his wife Holly.

Pub News | NORFOLK NIPS

Pub News

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Some of our branch membershave been in, and noted thatthere were 4 beers on offer,Wherry (£3.10), Speckled Hen,Humpty Dumpty, with StEdmunds, although these mayvary. The food seems to be veryaffordable with take away fishand chips also available. Beer ischeaper on Tuesdays. Not faraway is the Duck Inn inStanhoe, which we believe hasalso changed hands. Handpumps are now used todispense the beer, rather thangravity and I believe that theglass-fronted cellar is to beremodelled. However the beeris still excellent and the food isup there with the best on offerin North Norfolk.

Down in Shouldham, at theChalk and Cheese, there isan extra hand pump on the barand the beer is no longerexclusively from Elgoods, withWherry being on offer duringour last visit.

In Southery, John reports thatthe Jolly Farmers is currentlyclosed again having openedtwice recently for periods of afew weeks with no real ale orpromise of getting any. Finally,I was up north recently for theOldham v Bury game and wefound a few pubs in the GoodBeer Guide. All were good, butthe Rising Sun in Mossley is astone terrace at the edge of asmall East Manchester town. Ithad 10 beers, 9 ciders and oneperry on offer, alongside a fineselection of bottled beers fromBelgium and other places. Itwas also cheaper than mostpubs in Norfolk. If they can do

it up there, why can’t we do itdown here?

Out And AboutAround Fakenham

John and June recently went toFakenham races and stopped totry a few pubs. This is what theyfound.The Bull, Fakenham, was asalways, popular and welcoming,Tetley’s Headless Huntsman,Woodfordes Once Bittern(£3.00), Highgate I.P.A, fromWalsall, Wherry (£2.90), OldRosie (£3.45). Definitely a placeto try again. The Star,Fakenham, Two pumps, BlackSheep Bitter £3.00 (Wherry clipunder the Black Sheep clip)and the other pump was offwith a Ringwood Best clip. Thefood is OK, £5.95 for Steak Pie,mash and veg, catering iscontracted to an outside firm.

Passing the Gallery Bistroin Market Place, Fakenham, wewent in after seeing noticeadvertising real ale on tap. Sureenough, they had Hobgoblin(£3.00) with the pump notvery prominent but stated theyhad introduced it only thisweek.

Sculthorpe Mill, Sculthorpe,a really pleasant inside bar andoutside seating, a Greene Kinghouse offered IPA (£3.10),Abbot and Speckled Hen.

The Crown, East Rudham,offered Adnams Broadside andSouthwold, along with Jo C’s(wife of owner) Norfolk KiwiAle from her own brewery.

The Dukes Head / ThamsRestaurant, West Rudham,offered Spitfire and Adnams.

Ramblingsfrom the Snug

It's becoming increasinglyworrying the growing numberof pubs that are standingempty around Norwich andthe surrounding area.

Around Anglia Square both theMagpie and the Cat andFiddle remain closed. TheMagpie was sold to an anony-mous buyer a couple of yearsago. Apart from railings beingerected along the front nothingelse has happened to it. Hopesthat it would reopen as a pubare now fading fast.

The Cat and Fiddle just roundthe corner from the Magpie wassold at auction in the summerand has remained closed eversince. The pub is reputed tohave been granted planningpermission for a brewery at theback a few years ago.

Whether the planned redevel-opment of Anglia Square willinspire the owners to reopenremains to be seen.

In the city centre, the GarnetWolsey closed it's doors justbefore Christmas last year. Itdid open briefly early in theyear but now it's doors arefirmly shut. The Garnet Wolsey

NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News

WINTER 2011 | 9

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NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News continued

WINTER 2011 | 11

is an important pub and wellworth saving as a pub. At onetime Norwich boasted 13 pubsaround the market place. Now,sadly the Garnet Wolsey is thelast remaining one.

The Cricketers Rest, sold lastyear and saw a flurry ofbuilding activity is still boardedup. The Surrey Tavern whichclosed in the spring is now upfor sale. And so the list goes on.

On to something more posi-tive, 2012 will see thewelcome return of theNorwich and Norfolk WinterAle Trail.Running from 1st January to31st March 2012 the WinterAle Trail will promote CAMRA'sLocAle scheme and beers from

Norfolk breweries. Look out formore details towards the endof the year.

Once again nominations arebeing sought for entries intothe 2013 Good Beer Guide. Doyou have a favourite Norfolkpub that you think should bein next year's guide? Then whynot nominate it?

And also this year, we will beonce again running two Pub ofthe Year (POTY) competitions,one for the Norwich POTY andone for Norwich and NorfolkCounty POTY. Winners of bothPOTY competitions will thengo head to head at the AGM,with the overall winnerbecoming the Norwich andNorfolk Branch POTY.

If you haven't already nomi-nated your favourite pub forentry into the 2013 Good BeerGuide and/or 2012 BranchPOTY there is still plenty oftime to do so by email [email protected]

The closing date for nomina-tions for entries into the GoodBeer Guide is Saturday 31December 2011.The closingdate for nominations for theNorwich & Norfolk Pub of theYear (POTY) competition isTuesday 31st January 2012.

I look forward to hearing fromyou. Until next time.

Mark StimpsonPubs Officer

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Although it is no longer a pub, many willremember the Spread Eagle, the large buildingjust on the town side of Dodman’s Bridge inKings Lynn. In 1836 it is recorded as havingextensive pleasure gardens attached, presum-ably where Archdale Street and Eastgate Streetwere built around 1900. Next to these gardenswas a field where circuses were held. In the timebefore television and cinema, it must have beenquite a sight when the circus came to town withtheir exotic animals, most of which would neverhave been seen by the local people, probablynot even in a photograph. In those days it wasthe custom for the circus to parade throughtown when it arrived to drum up some publicityfor the show. In 1887 Ginnett’s circus arrivedand set off towards the town. One of theelephants passed up the chance for a drink atthe river by Kettlewell Lane and instead tried toenter the saloon bar of the Hob In The Well. Thecustomers must have had something of a shock

as they exited rapidly through the openwindows.

By 1928 I guess that the circus was being heldon Tuesday Market Place as there is a report thatelephants from Sanger’s circus broke out of theirstables and headed for the Maids Head wherethey ripped out the window and pulled downthe shutters on the bar.

On the corner of Norfolk Street and ChapelStreet once stood the Flower Pot, one of Lynn’simportant landmarks. Back in 1899 Lynn was avery different place with lots of narrow windingstreets, but Barnum and Bailey’s circus stilldecided that their parade should be a grandone, with their magnificentfree pageant being led by alarge coach pulled by noless than 40 horses.Disaster struck when theytried to get around FlowerPot corner and the ornatecurved windows on thefront of the hotel weresmashed and thewooden panelling badlydamaged. So beware –the posters are up andthe circus is coming totown again. Hopefullythe only performerswho make it into thebar this time are theclowns.

Charlie Cairoli

The Elephant in the Room

WINTER 2011 | 13

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE |

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The The I ha a se on t syst “pre imp

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The Also Woo and prop ege Yarm

As a our if yo

We are in it!

The ONLY Thai Restaurantfor Norwich in

THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE!

A great real ale pub in thecentre of the City

Exceptionally good Thai Foodlunchtimes and evenings

Now taking Christmas bookings

Open on Boxing Day

Small but Perfectly formed Winter

Beer Fest 23rd - 28thJan 2012.

Small but Perfectly formed Winter

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16 local and nationalAles served from the Cask and Hand pumps

Merry Christmas

and a very happy N

ew Year

to all of our loyal customers

www.vinethai.co.uk

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NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE| Post-its

The Apollo Tavern, Great Yarmouth.There were four cask beers on and two ciders. I had London Pride which was very good and ata sensible price. There were spare handpumpson the bar and also spare outlets from a curioussystem of dispense, presumably by pump, out of“pretend rustic” wooden casks. And, mostimportantly, a real choice of products.

Well done Apollo. Now you ale men, get inthere and support it. Today, everybody else wasdrinking lager or the abysmal John Smith’sSmooth. Use it or lose it!!

The Kings ArmsAlso on Northgate St. is the The Kings Arms.Woodforde’s Wherry and Nelson regularly onand a guest too. Nice pub and beers served atproper cellar temperature. Friendly and knowl-egeable Licensee. A regular drop-in when inYarmouth.

The Erpingham ArmsThe Erpingham Arms (formerly The SpreadEagle) has reopened in Erpingham, Eagle Road,Norfolk. The pub has been extensively refurbishedand now provides delicious locally sourced food.Family friendly with beer garden. Real alesincludes Woodfordes Wherry, Nelsons Revengeand 2 Guests beers. More information check outtheir website: www.erpinghamarms.com

The Iron HouseI just noticed that The Iron House (was the Iron-monger's - opposite Thorns on Maddermarket),while doing excellent coffee and cream scones,also has a range of Grain bottled beeers available(Best, Stout, Oak and Harvest Moon). Yetanother place where you can have beer with agood meal (a very interesting menu includingpigeon, Cromer crab, and fennel tarte tatin).Obviously the way of the future!

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

Three Norfolk cider makers,Peter Blake, Jonty's Cider, andWhin Hill Cider, are celebratingwins at CAMRA's East AnglianCider Competition. Thecompetition, which attracted atotal of 23 cider entries and 6perry entries, took place atCAMRA's Norwich Beer Festivalin October this year.

The results for cider were:1st Hog & Vine Original,made by Peter Blake in GreatYarmouth

2nd Early Night, made byJonty's Cider in Banham

3rd Dry Cider, made by GlebeFarm (Kings Ripton, Cambs)

The winning perry, for thesecond year in a row, wasWhin Hill Perry, made by WhinHill Cider, Wells-next-the-Sea

The winning cider, Hog &Vine, from small cider makerPeter Blake, was described byjudges as having "an aroma of a cornucopia of woodlandfruits, a bit Christmas

puddingesque. Flavoursomewith lots of body, and a longlingering finish.”

The winning perry, Whin HillPerry, was described by judgesas having "a delicate aroma ofperfume with a hint of fruit,then a sweet and tangy flavourwith a sharp edge. A balancedrefreshing aftertaste makes itvery drinkable.” Jim Fergussonfrom Whin Hill Cider in Wells-Next-The-Sea commented that"this result shows the benefit ofusing real perry pears ratherthan dessert varieties.”

Results of the East Anglian Cider Competition 2011

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DUKEof WELLINGTONTRADITIONAL REAL ALE HOUSE

91 - 93 WATERLOO ROAD | NORWICH | 01603 441182

14 REAL ALES GRAVITY SERVEDavailable all year round fromour glass fronted tap room

6 MORE ALESON HAND PUMP

WelcomingREAL FIRE

CAMRA Good Beer Guide ListedOpen

Monday to Saturday 12noon to 11pm

Sundays 12noon to 10.30pm

Come and enjoy our TapRoom with a selection of

Belgian bottled beers, Budvar,Erdinger and Riegele all on

Draught.

Enjoy your favourite takeaway witha decent pint and decent company!

Just order your food to be deliveredto the pub or bring it in and we

provide plates,knives, forks and environment.

We even have themenu’s available -Indian, Chinese,

Pizza etc.

NN#159_Layout 1 02/12/2011 09:20

Norwich and North NorfolkBranch

Friday 16th DecemberThe Christmas Pub Crawl in Norwich - See The Whiteboard for full details

Tuesday 20th DecemberBranch Committee Meeting and Christmas QuizThe Railway Tavern, North Elmham

Friday 7th JanuaryFirst Friday FiveVisiting five pubs in Norwich - Route TBA

Tuesday 17th JanuaryBranch Committee MeetingThe White Horse, Trowse

Friday 27th JanuaryCampaign Trip - TBA

Friday 3rd FebruaryFirst Friday FiveVisiting five pubs in NorwichRoute TBAAll events start at 8pm, unless otherwise stated.

For all events outside Norwich, a coach is provided.To book seats or arrange pick up, please contactMichael [email protected]

West Norfolk Branch

Saturday 17th December Norwich Christmas crawlStarting 11am Eaton Cottage, NorwichSee The Whiteboard for full details

Tuesday 10th January Branch Meeting Blue Lion, Pickenham

Tuesday 14th February Branch Meeting, Albion, Thetford

Tuesday 21st February GBG selection meeting ,Narborough Social Club

Tuesday 13th March Branch Meeting, Lifeboat, Thornham

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | Norfolk CAMRA Branch Calendar

CAMRA Calendar

WINTER 2011 | 17

Got a short pint? If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in apub, club or bar, you should contact the TradingStandards service by writing to them at NorfolkTrading Standards Service, County Hall, MartineauLane, Norwich, NR1 2UD or faxing them on 01603222999.

A wide range of consumer information and advice isalso available online from the Consumer Directwebsite at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

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8 Keelan Close, Norwich NR6 6QZ

Tel. 01603 [email protected] www.wintersbrewery.co.uk

SearchWinter’s Brewery

@wintersbrewery

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John Moray Smith is a Norwichbased public artist who producedfor Morgans Brewery of Norwicha number of both exterior andinterior colourful bas-reliefpanels. To see examples of thepanels at their best I recommenda visit to the Woolpack, GoldenBall Street. Norwich, NR3 1DF.Here the bar back features theremaining five of six panels cele-brating the Norfolk wool tradethat was commissioned forMorgans brewery in 1938 for thisnew build pub. Nowadays theWoolpack has an open plan inte-rior and sells Adnams SouthwoldBitter, a Woodfordes beer andthree guest beers. It is open from11 to 11 and food is sold from12 to 9.

The most colourful of the exte-rior signs still to be seen is the 4metre by 3 metre one on the lefthand side of the Prince ofDenmark 140 Sprowston Road,Norwich, NR3 4JQ, dating from1939 and was repainted in 2007.Again the interior of the pub ismuch changed and WoodfordesWherry is on sale.

On the front of the Coach-makers Arms, St Stephens Road,Norwich, NR1 3SP, there is a bas-relief exterior sign depicting StStephen’s Gate throughNorwich’s ancient City Walls.Norwich Society state it hassuffered from traffic fumes and isneed of restoration. The interior ofthe Coachmakers Arms was lastrevamped in the early 1990s. Itsells Woodfordes Mardlers Mild,Wherry, Nelsons Revenge,Adnams Broadside, Greene KingIPA and Abbot Ale all servedstraight from casks on a stillagebehind the bar. Open 11 to 11and sells food from 12 to 8.30.

Norwich Society produced anexcellent fully illustrated booklet

Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 12 | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

This series of articles highlights the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 yearsor so. This particular feature has a different style as we highlight the pubs (one a true heritage pub)that have wonderful bas-relief signs by the artist John Moray Smith.

18 | WINTER 2011

John Moray Smith c1889 -1958

The re-painted exterior bas-relief sign at the Prince of Denmark, Norwich

Some of the splendid bas-relief panels on the bar of the Woolpack, Norwich

If yo your you 017 or em.slto d

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The Berstrete Gates still retainsthree rooms and lots of fittingsfollowing a flat roof extensionadded in the 1930s byMorgans Brewery. The mainbar has fielded panelling, a1930s panelled counter, a barback which looks 1930s buthas some modern items suchas the small glass pieces from

the 60s (or later), a 1930s brickfireplace, leaded windows, butit has been enlarged by incor-poration of a lobby area inrecent years. On the right is asplendid small snug with moreoak panels on the walls and a1930s brick fireplace. The smalldining room on the rear lefthas a 1930s wood surroundwith new tiles fireplace and isserved by a hatch/doorway.The inn sign is a bas-reliefmural by John Moray Smithdepicting one of the city gatesand has been repainted inrecent years.

Berstrete Gates 174 BerStreet, Norwich NR1 3EN01603 620623. Open from 12 to 11. No real ale unfortu-nately. Sells Vietnamese andChinese food particularly onSunday lunchtimes.


The exterior of the Berstrete Gates,Norwich showing the bas-reliefsign by John Moray Smith

© M

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Berstrete Gates,Norwich

The wood panelled smoke room at the Berstrete Gates, Norwich

‘John Moray Smith - A Very Public Artist’ in 2007 fromwhich much of the detail for thisarticle has been taken. Thisdetails the whereabouts of manyother signs. There are the threepanels produced for the ShipHotel, Cromer on display inCromer Museum, Church Street,Cromer NR27 9ES (01263513543), which has a smalladmission fee. There are also 5 oforiginally 7 panels produced forthe Jolly Farmers, South Lynnthat are being stored at theMuseum of Norfolk Life, Gressen-hall, Dereham NR20 4DR (01362860563) and can be viewed onlyby request. Two other panelsentitled ‘Punch & Judy’ and ‘TheMaypole’ are also stored atGressenhall.

It is still possible to obtaincopies of the ‘John Moray Smith- A Very Public Artist’ bookletfrom Norwich Society. They cost£1 (or £1.50 including postageand packing). Write to The Admin-istrator, The Norwich Society, TheAssembly House, Theatre Street,Norwich NR2 1RQ.

The exterior bas-relief sign at theCoachmakers, Norwich

If you require photographs ofyour pub interior / exterioryou can contact Mick on01733 390598 or [email protected] discuss your requirements.

WINTER 2011 | 19

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The King’s HeadOpen 12.00noon - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday

12.00noon - 10.30pm Sunday

Keg–Free Zone 14 Hand PumpsNorfolk Ales and CiderMild always availableWorldwide Bottled BeersBelgian BeersTelevision-freeBar Billiardswww.norwichbarbilliards.co.uk

KEG FREE HOUSE

The Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JEwww.kingsheadnorwich.com

CAMRA Norfolk

Pub of the Year

2006 & 2008

Run by enthusiastic drinkersand CAMRA members.

WE ARE

IN IT!

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Alby HorseshoesAldborough Black BoysAttleborough London TavernBawsey SandboyBinham The ChequersCatfield The CrownClippesby Muskett ArmsCley The George and DragonCromer The CottageCromer Red LionDabbling Duck Great MassinghamDrayton Bob Carter Leisure CentreDownham Market Railway ArmsDownham Market White HartEarsham Queens HeadFilby The Kings HeadGorleston Dock TavernGorleston Mariners CompassGt Yarmouth MarinersGt Yarmouth Red HerringGt Yarmouth St Johns HeadHeacham Fox & HoundsHethersett The King’s HeadHopton White HartKenninghall Red LionKings Lynn Live and Let LiveLudham The DogLyng Fox & HoundsNewton by Castle Acre George & Dragon

North Elmham RailwayNorth Walsham Orchard GardensNorwich BeehiveNorwich ChampionNorwich Cottage (Silver Road)Norwich Gardeners/MurderersNorwich JubileeNorwich Ketts TavernNorwich Kings HeadNorwich LeopardNorwich RoseNorwich Take 5Norwich The Ribs of BeefNorwich Trafford ArmsNorwich VineNorwich York TavernNorwich Wig and PenReedham FerryReedham Lord NelsonReedham ShipReepham Kings HeadThurlton The Queen’s HeadTacolneston PelicanSheringham Windham ArmsSwardeston Lakenham/Hewitt Rugby ClubWest Acre StagWiveton The Wiveton BellWroxham Brewery TapWymondham Cross KeysWymondham Green Dragon

Update This list is believed to be correct at the time ofgoing to press,new entries in bold

The Norwich Branch of The Royal British Legion– shoulder to shoulder with all that serve, haveraised over £67,800 in the last year, says BranchChairman Ernie Green. A cracking sum, you willagree, but as the Legion is planning to raise£90m in its 90th year, the Branch was lookingfor ways to boost their fundraising.

So they approached Wolf Brewery to ask if theycould brew a beer for them, available in bottlesand casks, which would be sold not just locally,but countrywide.

The result is Poppy Ale, a refreshing lightgolden 4.2% beer which was launched at TheMurderers recently. The launch which wasattended by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, JennyLay and the Sheriff of Norwich, Chris Higgins,was hailed as a great success. Jenny Simpsonfrom the Branch explained that they were

looking beyond the traditional two week PoppyAppeal. They will receive £7 per firkin, roughly10p for every pint sold. Nathan Wryde, fromWolf Brewery added that they were delighted tobe involved with the Charity and to be able tosupport such an important cause.

Wolf Brewery Launches Poppy Ale

WINTER 2011 | 21

d y

Nathan Wryde and Jenny Simpson man the bar

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22 | WINTER 2011

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Branches get together at The Whitwell and Reepham Station Beer Festival

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | Inter Social

Real Steam and Real Ale at the Branch Inter Social

WINTER 2011 | 23

A good selection of excellent beers were available

including the House Beer - Whitwell Wobbler and

the mighty Good King HenryThis being a Steam Sunday, some were determined not to miss the train...

...ah, some things don't

change - overcrowded

and not a seat in

sight..

Some enjoyed the ride

Even Sam, our CoachDriver, enjoyed aBusman's Holiday!

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24 | WINTER 2011

When it fell to me to write something for a beermagazine with the only condition being thesubject started with B, it was clear that I had tosteer clear of what Doug and Pete might call theb------‘ obvious!

Of course there was always brewing, that onesnot been done to death has it? So I thought Iwould tell you about one of my favourite placesto visit, the true beer city of Bamberg in theNorthern part of Bavaria known as Franconia.

Bamberg has a couple of claims to fame. Firstlyit survived the campaigns of Bomber commandand the US 8th Air Force virtually unscathed.Meaning the buildings are real not post warreconstructions. Secondly it has ELEVEN breweries!

Anyone who has visited a beer festival knowsthat CAMRA embraces the wider European beerculture as well as our own. The great thingabout Bamberg is you can see a whole culturewithout leaving the city.

My two stays in Bamberg were at the Fasslabrewery which has the advantage that the bar

opens an hour beforethe breakfast room.

To visit your secondbrewery of the dayjust cross the street,where you will findSpezial all the brew-eries are accompaniedby their own beer hallsor are house breweriesfor pubs.

Some of the barsdon’t open till later in the day so the morninggives you time to see the beautiful city itself.

Walking in from Fassla takes you across theriver at the Altes Rathaus, the renaissance townhall standing over a weir with a gatewaythrough its centre, it is decorated with murals.

The main street climbs up towards the cathe-dral and is an amazing collection of oldbuildings many of which contain beer halls. Themost famous of these is Schlenkerla whichproduces the famous Rauschbier or smoked beerwhich is an acquired taste to say the least, as it

B is for... | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

B is for Bamberg abratwurst and bac

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rg and bacon beer!

tastes a lot like oak cured bacon. This is becausethe malt is oak smoked. The legend goes that amonk discovered after a fire in the Abbey malt-ings that the oak timbers had smoked the maltand rauschbier was born, is it true, who knowsbut it is a great story! If you find rauschbier toobacony Spezial do a more palatable version.

Up in the hills above the city centre many ofthe breweries have Kellars which allow the beersto lager these have gardens in which to samplethe products under the shade of large andancient trees, a good place to spend a hotcentral German afternoon. I think my favouritewas Greifenklau.

On the walk back down weave your way to theBishops garden on a terrace in front of thecathedral and enjoy the view over the city.

There are many more delights in Bambergincluding Klosterbrau, Mahrsbrau and others.

The visits I have made so far have been in thesummer maybe it is time for a Christmas visit,how could you go wrong?

Stig


WINTER 2011 | 25

The Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licence offering over 50 bottle conditioned ales

from 15 Norfolk brewers.

We are located on a beautiful arable farmclose-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

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26 | WINTER 2011

What follows is a list. It’srather a long one, so skip it ifyou wish.

Railway, Portland Arms, JollyFarmers, Honest Lawyer, SevenSisters, Anchor, Admiral’s Tap,Rummer, Carpenter’s Arms,Naval Reserve, Victoria, SpreadEagle, Swan (Gaywood) Swan(West Lynn), Ship, StanleyArms, Crystal Palace,Hogshead, Woolpack, Free-bridge, North Star, Discovery,Bird in Hand, Antonio’s WineBar, Bar XIX, Norfolk Harvester,Cobblestones, Fairstead,Mildenhall Hotel, East AngliaHotel (JJ’s Bar), Lincoln Tavern,New Fishermans Arms.There’s more. Hospital SocialClub, St Margarets Club,Foster’s Social Club, St Augus-tine’s Club, Gas Board Club,RAFA Club, Railway Club,Norfolk Street Snooker Club.

As you may have guessedthese are all closed. When Ifirst came down to Lynn in1980, they were all open, and Ihave drunk in all of them barabout 4 at some time in the

last 30 years. That is not theend of it, though. As I write,the Queens Arms and the Wild-fowler lie empty and the SouthGates Bar (O’Tools and beforethat, the Prince Of Wales) andthe Hob In The Well cater forrather specialised clientele.That makes a total of 42 pubsor clubs gone that come tomind – there well be more.That leaves whole areas of Lynnwith no drinking venue. Ihelped to do a leaflet drop afew months ago around thearea bounded by WoottonRoad, John Kennedy Way andthe old railway line, and I thinkwe delivered to close to 2000houses. This area has no pubs.Neither does Fairstead, Reffley,the Springwood estate, SouthLynn or North Lynn. I can onlythink of 8 pubs and 1 cluboutside the town centre.

So, suppose that you fancy apint and you live on theFairstead, what are yourchoices? Walk to the nearestpub – could be around half anhour. Catch a bus if you canfind one. Take a taxi, if you can

afford one. More likely it will bea cheap carry out sat in front ofthe TV. No chance to meetpeople, have a game of darts,try the pub quiz or join in thekaraoke. Not much chance of adecent pint either. Some do goout for a drink, but end upsitting on a park bench with acan of cider or lager. Surely itwould be better for everyone ifall these people were in a pubor club.

I think that the pubs andclubs are the backbone of thecountry. They provide foodand drink in a warm controlledenvironment. People interactsocially and they are enter-tained. They might be the basefor a football team, pool teamor darts team. You may be ableto read the paper, pick up abook or watch the football.They provide employment andraise money for charity. When Ijoined CAMRA the battle wasfor a decent pint. The gamehas changed – now the verysurvival of the pub is at stake.

Jeff

Campaigning | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

The Death of the Pub

The Docking DemolitionOctober saw the Demolition of The King WilliamPub in the High street in Docking, The buildinghad been closed since 2009. When permissionwas granted by West Norfolk council for itschange of use.

Four three- bedroom houses are now going tobe built in its place. Alas another Pub that willnever serve a pint again.

Recent years have also seen the closure in theVillage of the “Hare Inn and the Pilgrim’s Reachrestaurant leaving The “Railway” in Station Roadas the only Licensed Premises.

What a difference to years back when dockingused to have around 11 Pubs and numeroussmall Beer houses.Information Regarding thiscan be found on the Docking Heritage Groupwebsite.

Buff

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Correspondence There

be moreTreasure!

Rupert Eris had promised usanother Treasure Hunt, thistime in Great Yarmouth, withless pubs than we encounteredin Norwich last time.

So on a cold grey Saturdayafternoon we gathered at TheMariners Tavern, ready for theoff. True to his word, therewere less pubs – nine instead often, but most were warm andwelcoming and worth anothervisit when we are not franticallylooking for clues. There weresome rare delights, some inter-esting beers and more LaconsFalcons than you could shake astick at – a poignant reminderof days gone by.

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | Letters

WINTER 2011 | 27

Dear Editor,Many congratulations toWoodforde's Brewery for yetanother very successful BeerTrail, with special thanks to theorganisers for their hard workon a job well-done.

It's a great idea that getsdevoted drinkers visiting pubsother than their own “local”,thereby in a small way helpingto keep the pubs open, ratherthan the ever increasingnumber that are sadly closing.

Of the numerous partici-pating pubs in the Angliaregion a card was supplied toeach participant, who for thepurchase of a pint of Woodforde'snectar, the pub would rubberstamp the card once. The objectwas to then visit up to sixtyoutlets, and in return for howevermany stamps were obtained, youcould then claim various giftsfrom the Brewery shop.

I, like many others,completed a full card, and Iwas very impressed with thegeneral quality of the beer thatwas served throughout.Only two or three pubs neededsome “Quality Control” toreach Woodforde's high stan-dard. The one BIG noticeabledifference between the pubs,was the variation in price,which ranged from £2.40 to£3.40 for a pint of Wherry.

With this variable price rangeI would have expected the

higher priced pubs to be more“Up-Market” and not so busy,but strangely enough it wasthe reverse. (Although it wasnoticeable that those whosequality was not up to standardcame from the £3.40 range).

Another noticeable point wasthe few remaining “Charac-ters” that usually have theirspecial stool at the bar enjoyinga good old “Mardle”, (afteryou have topped up their glassof course). Sadly these drinkersare a declining breed. Therewas one particular characterwho in nearly every pub Icalled at he was there or justmoved on. In fact out of the350 or so listed pubs, heusually visits the lot. (Hows thatfor dedication).

To those drinkers who havenever been on the Beer Trail, I strongly recommend it, notjust for the gifts you can obtain,(it cost you far more) but it'sgood to see how other pubscompare to your local, plus it’snice to have a conversationwith complete strangers whereit’s about the same old thing.

Hopefully Woodforde’s willorganise another trail in 2013,(or even next year) as it createsa lot of fun, especially if youtravel around in a smallgroup. Well done Woodforde’s- roll on the next one - I cantwait

R E Blunden

Rupert Eris shows the Clue Sheet toGraham and Warren when theythought they were going to be judges

One of the delights was therevamped Apollo Tavern

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28 | WINTER 2011

The Lobster& Stables Restaurant

10 Real Ales • Fine Wines • Childrens MenuBaby Changing • Disabled Facilities

Large Beer Gardens • Dogs are welcome

13 High Street, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8JPTel: 01263 822716 www.the-lobster.com

OPENING HOURSMonday to Thursday 10am to 11pmFriday to Saturday 10am to 1.30am

Sunday 12 noon to 12pm

BEER FESTIVALS ON BANK HOLIDAYS

FRESH FOOD

SERVED DAILY

Vegetarian and Vegan

options available

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WINTER 2011 | 29

This warm and friendly 17th century Freehouse is to thenorth side of Norwich cathedral. Owned by Craig & LynneMcLaren since 1993. ‘The Wig’ as its affectionately known,has built a reputation for fresh, fast, affordable British cuisine.

6 St Martins Palace Plain,Norwich NR3 1RN

01603 625891www.thewigandpen.com

Look out for our Cask Marque Plaque. This guarantees beer qualityin the Wig & Pen and theopportunity to TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.

For the 16th successiveyear, the Wig & Pen hasbeen included inCAMRA’s Good BeerGuide. We are very proudof this achievement.

• Good Ale • Good Food • Heated smoking area • Comprehensive Outdoor Dining Area • Late Night Opening

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The

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Yet another winner, with the largest queues thatsome people could remember, extending waypast The Playhouse Theatre. A very sorry sightfor the “There is no demand for Real Ale”Brigade.

Opened with gusto by The Lord Mayor ofNorwich Jenny Lay, following an impassionedaddress by the Sheriff, Chris Higgins, the Festivalwas thronged with happy drinkers all week.

Norwich’s MP’s Chloe Smith and Simon Wrightvisited on the Friday. They were both highlyimpressed with what they saw and heard andseemed genuinely interested in the aims ofCAMRA and the local Beer and Brewing scene.

Given the challenges that we face this can onlybe good. Martin Ward, Festival Organiser, wasalmost lost for words, but paid tribute to allthose involved. He was pleased that the Beerselection had gone down well again.

The Entertainment Diary was packed with amix of old and new favourites. This was the firstFestival since Mike Capocci, described as “analmost permanent fixture at the Beer Festival” inlast year’s programme sadly passed away. Thisyear’s Charity was The Priscilla Bacon Lodge whofound the experience very rewarding.

So that’s it for another year. Put Monday 29th –Saturday 3rd November in your diaries for nextyear. Enjoy the photos. There will be more onthe Branch website soon!

WINTER 2011 | 31

The 34th Norwich Beer FestivalNORFOLK NIPS | Norwich Beer Festival review

The Sheriff, Chris Higgins, addresses the festival

Simon Wright MP with Martin Ward and Mike Spivey

Martin explains how the Festival works to Chloe Smith MP

Pics

by:

Mike

Bald

win,

jon K

night

s, W

arre

n W

ords

worth

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32 | WINTER 2011

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NORFOLK NIPS | Norwich Beer Festival photo diary

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34 | WINTER 2011

Each year, drinkers at the festival vote for theirfavourite beers, ciders and perries. Thisyear's Beer Of The Festival was Darwins Origin, a4.3% premium bitter from Salopian Brewery,near Shrewsbury, in Shropshire.

The silver award went to Ginger Doodle Stout,from Binghams Brewery, Twyford, Berkshire, andthe bronze award went to Norwich's Fat CatBrewery's Cougar.

Full ResultsMild

Gold: Sarah Hughes, Dark Ruby Silver: Riverhead, White Moss Bronze: Chalk Hill, Flintknappers Mild

Bitter Gold: Humpty Dumpty, Festival SpecialSilver: Wibblers, Apprentice Bronze: JoC’s, Norfolk Kiwi

Premium BitterGold: Salopian, Darwins Origin Silver: Thornbridge, SequoiaBronze: Winter’s, On The Beer City

Strong BitterGold: Grain, Redwood Silver: Westerham, Audit Ale Bronze: Highland, IPA

Old, Stout & Porter Gold: Beeston, Old Stoatwobber; Silver: Mauldons, Blackberry Porter; Bronze: Harveys, Old XXXX.

Speciality BeerGold: Binghams, Ginger Doodle StoutSilver: Art Brew, Spanked Monkey Bronze: Osset, Silver Link

Golden Ale Gold: Fat Cat, CougarSilver: Crouch Vale, Yakima Gold Bronze: Golden Triangle, City Gold.

Barley Wine Gold: Ole Slewfoot, Friend Of The Devil Silver: Buffys, 9X Bronze: Blackfriars, Audit Ale

Cider Pickled Pig, Rum Cask.

PerryRoss On Wye, Rum Cask Perry.

Foreign BeerLefebvre, Barbar.

NORWICH BEER FESTIVAL AWARDS 2011 | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

Beers of the Festival 2011

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Large beer garden, traditional games, lunchtime menu and a good selection of real ale, spirits and soft drinks

Listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2000.

Queen’s Head and Waveney Brewing Company

Traditional Village Pub with a breweryproducing permanent and seasonal

ales on site

Station Road, Earsham, NorfolkTel: (01986) 892623

WINTER 2011 | 35

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36 | WINTER 2011

The planning department has consented to the‘change of use’ applications for the NorfolkHarvester in Kings Lynn and the Woolpack atWalpole Cross Keys. I expect that these will soonbe knocked down and replaced with housing.The application for the Albert Victor in CastleAcre has been refused and the council are keento retain it as a pub. I know that I am not theonly member to have objected on that one, sothanks to all that took the trouble to registertheir opinion. It is pretty easy – just look at thelocal council website and follow the links. Youcan find out about applications by checking thelocal paper – the Lynn News carries listings forthe area. You can also see the notices posted onthe buildings.

Change of use for the Red Hart at Three Holeshas also been permitted. This had the backing ofthe Parish Council as well as the planningdepartment.

Three pubs in Lynn are currently closed. Lookout for planning applications for the Wildfowler,Queens Arms and Cobblestones, and put in yourobjections. As I write, the Queens Arms isdisplaying a ‘Sold’ sign, but I have not seen achange of use application. The Red Lion atUpwell is also up for change of use. One of thesupporting documents is a viability report from afirm in Loughborough prepared by JeremyBerridge LLB FRICS FCIArb Dip BMM Dip Arb,Associate, For and on behalf of Bruton Knowles.Amongst some rather unconvincing, but I guessrather expensive statements was the following,which I include both for information and to seewhat you get for your money. This is copied andpasted from the report – the spelling is theirs.‘Cobblestones, Blackfriars Street, Kings

Nynn – A public hosue unsold at auction inJuly 2011, the last bid being £124,000.’

I have recently been contacting our local MPsand asking them to support the implementationof the Business select committee’s recommenda-tions on the beer tie. Henry Bellingham, asalways, replied straight away, and Elizabeth Trussafter a short delay, both with positivecomments. However the MP for Mid Norfolk,George Freeman, would not reply because I donot live in his constituency, even though Iexplained that I was representing a group fromhis area. The more people who contact theirMP the better, but I would especially welcomesomeone from his area to write to him.

Jeff

Planning | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

Campaigning Issues inWest Norfolk

Norwich’s oldest pub

Norwich City of Ale FestivalBest Pub Award 2011

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

Food served12 noon - 7pm Mon to Sat

12 noon - 5pm Sundays

17 Bishopgate, Norwich NR3 1RZ 01603 667423

Best Public House AwardNorwich in Bloom 2011

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WINTER 2011 | 37

A selection of our Award winning Norfolk ales

We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and an

Olympic New Year for 2012

The Wolf Brewery Rookery Farm, Silver Street

Besthorpe, AttleboroughNorfolk, NR17 2LD

Telephone: 01953 457775E-mail: [email protected]

www.wolfbrewery.com

www.redlion-cromer.co.ukTel: 01263 514 964

Six Real Ales from local breweries including Bees, Woodfordes, Green Jack, Adnams, Blackfriars and Humpty Dumpty

10 offyour entire food bill!

% Come along to see the recently refurbished Red Lionin Cromer and receive 10% offyour food bill with this voucher

CAMRA MEMBER • GOOD PUB GUIDEGOOD BEER GUIDE • LOCALE SUPPORTER

NN#159_Layout 1 02/12/2011 09:22

The Shoulder of Mutton ~ Strumpshaw ~

Fine ales and good food served in a friendly atmosphere

Real ales includeAdnams Bitter and

Broadside plusTWO guest ale(mainly from local

breweries)

Food served 12-2pm and 7-9pm (Mon-Sat), 12-2pm Sundays

Pub games include Darts, Pool, Crib and Petanque!

Ian and Jenny look forward to welcoming you..

Norwich Rd, Strumpshaw, Norwich NR13 4NT

Tel 01603 712274

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Win a Real Ale break on theBroads courtesy of The Shed inWroxham and discover this realale experience for yourself.

The prize is three nights (anyFriday to Monday betweenJanuary 6th - March 30th 2012)in a two Bedroom Cottage onthe Wroxham Peninsular thatwill sleep up to six people.PLUS £50 Beer vouchers to bespend in the Shed during yourstay.

A perfect real ale weekend forthe lads and ladies!

To enter simply find the belowwords on the word search, fillout and the information paneland cut this page out and postit to:-West Norfolk CAMRA,19, Kemps Lane, Hockwold,THETFORD IP26 4LG

The words to find are:bees, beeston, blackfriars, fox,holiday, humpty dumptynorthcote, panther, peninsular,real ale, tipples, winters, wolf,woodfordes, yetmans.

The words to be found areonly some of the breweries thatThe Shed supports.

Closing date for entries is 2ndJanuary. Prize is subject to avail-ability, terms and conditionsaply.

The Shed is situated in the heartof Wroxham, on the Peninsularand was a traditional woodenboatshed. It now offers over50 Real Ales, Milds and Stouts, alldispensed by gravity or hand-pumps. Takeaway beers are available inHDPE containers, which can betaken back for recycling. If you

take them back cleaned out youcan get 10p back on your nextpint. All money raised from therecycling goes to Caister Lifeboat,one of only two offshore lifeboatsin the country not supported bythe RNLI. For further informationabout the Shed please visit:

www.theshedwroxham.co.uk

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | Competition

WINTER 2011 | 39

Sponsored by

The Shed,

Wroxham

Name:

Address:

Email:

Win a Real Ale Break in Wroxham

NN#159_Layout 1 02/12/2011 09:22

40 | WINTER 2011

To qualify for this series, pubshave to be worth visiting butare in a remote location or justnot on your radar.

The Oddfellows Arms doesthis, tucked away in a narrowone way street in Gorleston,between the town and thequay. You wouldn’t know thisformer Adnams Tied House wasthere, and yet it is only a fewhundred yards from themagnificent beach!

Landlord Dennis Morrellshowed me around. This 200year old building was originallytwo houses which have beenknocked together. The result isa surprisingly large two roompub with comfy sofas, andtables and stools at thewindows. There is a largeAdnams mirror under thebookshelves.

There will always be four realales on offer. The selectionvaries, but Adnams Old, Fullers

London Pride, Green JackOrange Wheat and MauldonsMole Trap were available onmy visit. Purity’s Mad Goosehad been on and was verypopular. Dennis has beentrying a selection of bottledBelgian Beers, and there is alsoa selection of single malts. He isnew to the trade having takenon the pub in March and wantsto see what works for hiscustomers. Tasters will alwaysbe offered.

No real cider, though, andfood is not available at present.

There is a patio area to therear of the pub beside the carpark. I was intrigued by whatlooked like an old SmokeHouse. This had two floors andDennis explained that this wasgoing to be opened up, toprovide space for eating and aBBQ, with a rear door whichwould lead onto a garden area.

Dennis is keen to promote a

warm and friendly atmosphere,so why not visit – but checkopening times first!

The Oddfellows Arms43 Cliff HillGorlestonNorfolk NR31 6DG

Tel: 01493 668416

Local transport;Buses:1,1 A,2,5,6,7,8,,A47,X1to Gorleston Town.

Why not visit... | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

The Oddfellows Arms, Gorleston

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WINTER 2011 | 41

Town Green, WymondhamTelephone: (01953) 605675

Freehouse listed in The Good Beer Guide

Pub food 7 days a week served lunchtimesand evenings.

Function Room for parties or meetings.

Large Car Park

A warm welcome awaits you!

Great real ales, fine wines and spirits.Home-made selection of traditional foodserved daily, Main meals, Light lunches,

Specials & Childrens menu. Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm

Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1.00

Attleborough’s only current Good Beer Guide pub 2011 & 2012Camra Discount Scheme & Local Ale

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

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Church St, Attleborough Tel :01953 457415

The LondonTavernFree House

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42 | WINTER 2011

26 St Leonards RoadNorwich NR1 4BL01603 618734

A real gem,well worth a visit.

Eight real ales to choose from, two ofwhich change regularly.

Two pooltables upstairs.

Pork pies and other light snacksavailable all day.

Hog roast available sundays.

Lovely enclosed beer garden withlarge sheltered smoking area.

Only a ten minute walk from thetrain station and city centre.

Open all day from 12 noon everyday.

Sky Sports and ESPN

Wishing all our customers a very happy Christmas and New Year!

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Albion Thetford gets Award

The Albion Public House Thetford has beenpresented with a Special Award celebrating 25years (1987-2012) continuous recognition inthe CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Amanda Middlebrook was presented with theframed certificate by Phil Buffham chairman ofthe West Norfolk branch of CAMRA. The Albionhas been run by the Middlebrook family for 42years.

2012 sees the welcome returnof the Norwich and Norfolkbranch of CAMRA Winter AleTrail. The aim of the trail is twofold. Firstly to encourage beerdrinkers to visit pubs that theywould not normally visit duringthe winter and secondly topromote locally brewed real ale.

Each trail pub will stamp atrail card for each pint ofLocAle purchased. Completedtrail cards can be exchangedfor a free ale trail t-shirt as wellas being entered into a prizedraw.

At the time of going to pressthe following pubs and brew-eries had signed up are

Artichoke, Broome The Crown, Burston

Ugly Bug Inn, Colton Mermaid Inn, Elsing Beehive, Norwich Fat Cat, Norwich The Bush, Old Costessey Wyndham Arms, Sheringham Cherry Tree, Wicklewood Green Dragon, Wymondham London Tavern, Attleborough Chequers, BinhamThe Crown, Catfield Dock Tavern, Gorleston St Johns Head, Great Yarmouth The Railway, North Elmham Orchard Gardens, NorthWalsham The Cottage, Norwich Kings Head, Norwich Murderers,Norwich Ribs of Beef, Norwich Trafford Arms, Norwich The Vine, Norwich Wig & Pen, Norwich

Reedham Ferry, Reedham The Ship, Reedham The Kings Arms, Reepham Queens Head, Thurlton The 9 breweries are:��Beeston��Blackfriars��Fat Cat Brewery��Grain��Golden Triangle��Northcote�Panther�Wolf��Woodfordes

The ale trail runs from 1stJanuary to the 1st April 2012 sothere is plenty of time to visitall the pubs and sample somelocally brewed real ale.

Mark StimpsonPubs officer

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | Winter Ale Trail

WINTER 2011 | 43

Winter AleTrail 2012

Phot

ogra

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by T

ony

Allis

on

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44 | WINTER 2011

There have beensongs and even filmsabout it. But now itwas my turn – I was

going home forChristmas.

I’d been up to Norwich,to investigate claims thatNorwich was the City of

Real Ale that I had read inNorfolk NIPS online.

So many beers, yet so littletime. When I left, a new lifelong friend, aNorfolk Kiwi, thrust a copy of the 34th NorwichBeer Festival Programme in my hand, which,armed with a few beers, I had read on the trainto London.

Now at Paddington, I boarded The Chel-tenham Flyer and gazed out of the window asthe train slid out of the station. Curious, Ithought, Paddington Bear I might haveexpected, but Poo Bear and Nookie Bear wavingat me? Classic!

It had been a Sunshiny day when I left, but theSpiced Winter sun was setting at Sundown and Idrifted off dreaming of another BroadlandSunrise.

The train stopped with a jolt. With a quick lookat the watch I realised that this must be my stop,so grabbing my bag, I leapt off the train.

Two things hit me at once – one, this wasn’tmy stop and two, the train was leaving.

My bag was heavy and I was glad to see afigure coming towards me. With his antique

uniform and Extra Pale complexion, I thought hewas an Historic Porter and I asked to him carrymy bag. He declined, saying that he was onlyable to carry smart phones of a certain make –he was the Blackberry Porter.

It was cold, with an Orkney Blast blowing fromthe Nord Atlantic.

I was Over the Moon to see the sign for thebar, and opening the door, I gazed at theDisorder inside. In one corner a crowd had gath-ered to watch Witches Wallop each other. In another, a man was gently shaking a ferret.On closer inspection, it appeared I was wrong,he was just an Old Stoatwobbler.

I made my way to the bar and was greeted bya man with a big badge that said TimothyTaylor, Landlord.

I ordered a Pint. “Mild, sir “he said, “for thetime of the year” he added. I replied that Ithought it was bitter.

“Ah yes, Best Bitter”, he mused,” kills thegerms”. I had the Landlord’s Choice from theGreat Raft of ales on offer. The beer was good,very good. “Good King Henry!” I exclaimed, “Ican’t Believe it’s not Bitter!” “Tally Ho!”

Moving away from the bar, I found room at atable near the fire. Two young ladies there intro-duced themselves “Sara Hughes, Ruby Mild”they chimed. (She was Decidedly Dark, thatRuby). Their friend, Captain Bob, who was aBengal Lancer, mistook me for someone else.“Peters Well?” he enquired. I politely told himthat Wheat never met and I didn’t know Peter.

He was on his way to Pendle. Witches Brew a

A Beery Christmas | NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE

ChristmasABeery

NN#159_Layout 1 02/12/2011 09:41

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Tidy Pint for any Friend of the Devil up there hesaid and left to catch his train, steam hauled by60014 Silver Link, I noticed.

I wasn’t sure if the girls were using Hopnosison me, or whether or not there was a DarkConspiracy. The Jiggle Juice was certainlyflowing and that Vital Spark was certainly there.But I was getting a Headcracker. It was probablyBusiness as Usual for the girls but instead ofthem I was seeing a Black Panther and a GingerPanther. They were joined by a Cougar and aWildcat. I was seeing Double. Dragon – the onefrom Norwich, surley not, was devouring theEntire Stout Canary that had been in the cagewith the Norwegian Blue.

Now, I don’t mind admitting that I am all for aWee Drop of Mischief, and I was SawleyTempted, but it goes Against the Grain.

So, as a Journalist, I felt that I had to do thedecent thing and make my excuses and leave.

I bolted for the door, liked a Spanked Monkey,tripping over the Norwich Terrier who was obvi-ously relishing some Squirrels Nuts. Preservationwas the name of the game and this was allBeyond the Pale.

Victory!” I cried, then it all went black as I wasfought over by a Whyte Angel and a PhantomMonk, who pulled and pushed me.

“Wake up, Sir” I came to and realised that Iwas on the train, and it was my station.

Picking up my copy of the Beer FestivalProgramme I got off the train.

My bag was heavy, nevera Porter when you wantone…..

MerryChristmas!

WINTER 2011 | 45

THE ANGEL INNFREEHOUSE

NORFOLK CAMRA PUB OFTHE YEAR 2010!

Open all day every day

Excellent home cooked meals available from our award

winning kitchen

Large Beer Garden with play area

En-suite accommodation

Camping and Caravanning availableLarling, Norfolk, NR16 2QU (17th Century former coaching inn)

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

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46 | WINTER 2011

NORWICH AND NORFOLK BRANCH PUB OF THE YEAR 2011

01263 822609 or 01263 82600315-17 Wyndham Street, Sheringham Norfolk NR26 8BA

www.thewindhamarms.co.uk

Function Room available - Licensed Bar • Catering up to 65 people, 35 seated• Ideal for meetings, parties and special occasions • Parking Available

Only NORFOLK Cask Ales

Homemade Locally-Sourced Food

** Try our Greek Specials **

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WINTER 2011 | 47

CAMRA has launched a scheme to promotepubs serving traditional cider. If a pub offers agood quality real cider or perry throughout theyear then the pub is eligible for inclusion onAPPLE’s website which lists these pubs alphabeti-cally, county by county. The list can be accessedvia the National CAMRA website, following linksto the Cider pages. The pub itself is givenpromotional material, including a poster and awindow sticker to publicise the availability of thereal thing on the premises.

A recent Norwich city survey of pubs discovereda good number selling cider and perry and asubsequent tour has confirmed that thefollowing Norwich pubs sell products from thenamed maker:

Cottage, 9 Silver Road, NR3 4TBWestons, Burnards.

Duke of Wellington, 91-93 Waterloo Road, NR3 1EGWestons.

Fat Cat, 49 West End Street, NR2 4NABroad Oak.

Fat Cat Brewery Tap, 98-100 Lawson Road, NR3 4LF Broad Oak, Burnards, Gwynt y Ddraig.

Glasshouse, 11-13 Wensum Street, NR3 1LA Westons.

Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, NR3-1JE Kingfisher.Lord Roseberry, 93 Roseberry Road, NR3-3AB Westons.

Plough, 58 St Benedicts, NR2-4ARCrones.

Ribs of Beef, 24 Wensum Street, NR3-1HYKingfishers

Take 5, 17 Tombland, NR3-1HF Crones

Trafford Arms, 61 Grove Road, NR1 3RL Kingfisher

White Lion, 73 Oak Street, NR3 3AQ Westons

The list is not, of course, comprehensive, andfurther research is ongoing. If you know of aworthy pub please let us know. We are particu-larly keen to find out more about what is outthere in the county.

National Cider and Perry Pubof the Year 2012

In 2011 the competition was won by aDevonian pub, the Old Cider Bar in NewtonAbbot. Nominations for 2012 are open andN&N CAMRA invited nominations for a NorfolkCider Pub of the Year at the cider bar of thisyear’s Norwich Beer Festival. With the upsurge ofinterest and production in our county we areintending to identify both a city and county pubthat enthusiastically supplies quality cider. Aninteresting set of suggestions were received andthese are currently being considered for nomina-tion. Watch this space!

Is there a good cider pub near you?

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48 | WINTER 2011

The Three Horseshoes atRunham first became a publichouse in the 1840’s and a listof every publican who subse-quently ran the pub from 1903onwards, exists – until 1969 -when the pub closed. Until 11years ago that is, when Johnopened what had become hishome to the public on onespecial day of the year. It hasnow become something of atradition for the whole villageto call into the pub after theHarvest Festival Service in thechurch, partaking of a harvestsupper washed down with beerand cider and at the same timeraising funds for the village hall.

Arriving on my bicycle mywelcome as a stranger waswarm and enthusiastic and Ifound two Blackfriars firkinsand a pin of real cider on thebar. That bar is the original

corner bar that served thelounge and it is still there,complete with the two hand-pumps that originallydispensed the Lacons beersthat the pub sold. To the leftof the entrance hall I wasproudly shown the Snug barwith its curved settle still inplace from its public housedays. A box on the table

contained many historic photosand articles including a news-paper cutting from 1969. In itthe very last landlord lamentedthe closure, claiming that‘people just don’t drink likethey used to’. Fast forward to2011 and national papers arefull of stories about bingedrinking, fuelled by the newalternatives of high streetdisneybars and cheap super-market booze.

Maybe the pub as thecommunity hub no longerapplies in this modern age, butall power to villages that main-tain the spirit of localtogetherness and for this oneweekend of the year at least,hats off to John at the oldRunham Horseshoes.

Mont

Three Horseshoes, Runham | NORFOLK NIPS

Reeling Back the Years

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NORFOLK NIPS |

WINTER 2011 | 49

COAST ROAD, WALCOTT,NORFOLK NR12 OPE

Telephone(01692) 650371

Proprietor since 1989: STEVE BULLIMOREFREE HOUSE

OPEN FOR FOOD & DRINKS ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, 11am - 11pmFood available all day until 10.30pm10% off food and drink on production of CAMRA membership card

www.lighthouseinn.co.uk

FOUR REAL ALES & CIDER

Tel: 01603 721141 www.salhousebell.co.uk

Offering four real alesA traditional 17th Century pub,

how they used to be

From Norwich & Acle head to Salhouseand at the mini roundabout follow the signto Wroxham, we are 200yds on the right.

Open all day every dayfood is served:-

12-2 & 6-9 Tuesday to Sunday

12-3 Sunday for plated home cooked Sunday luncheswith homemade Yorkshire puddings and fresh

vegetables. Booking advised if dining.

Superb food using fresh, local, seasonal produceShoot dinners a speciality

Popular quiz every Wednesday from 8:30pmMeat raffle every Sunday at 4:30pm

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50 | WINTER 2011

Apollo Tavern | Northgate Street | Great Yarmouth | NR30 1BP

Good covered smoking area

10 mins walk from railway station

Ales from £2.00 a pint!

We now have EIGHTcask ales!

See www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.uk for details

Everchanging 13 Real Ales, Cider and Mild.Popular Quiz Night last Wednesday of every month

Occasional live Music – see website or phone for details

Food served: Tuesday - Sunday 12noon - 2.30pmwith Roast dinner every Sunday

Eat your takeaway in the pub - plates and cutlery provided!

Michaela and Rik welcome you to

The Kings Arms 22 Hall Rd Norwich NR1 3HQ Tel: 01603 766361

See all of Norwich City’s matches (Home and Away!)

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The committee of West Norfolk CAMRA aselected at our AGM 11-11-11

Chairman Phil BuffhamSecretary Ian BaileyTreasurer Jim FergussonMembership Secretary Jeff HoylePress & Publicity Bruce WardPubs Officer Ian BaileyDeputy Pubs Officer Mandy Stratton (new)Pubs Preservation Officer Jeff HoyleNips / Cask Force Editor Chris LucasWebmaster Nige NuddsCider Andrea BriersBranch Contact Bruce WardPublic Affairs Officer Jeff HoyleAppontment of Auditors Ros Harre andJune Parsons

NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk Committee

West NorfolkCommittee

WINTER 2011 | 51

SubscriptionsTo received the next four issues of NorfolkNips and Cask Force send 12 1st classstamps to:-

Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, 91 Tennyson Road,Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5NG.

Thanks to all those who have sent niceletters with their renewals.

EATON COTTAGE UNTHANK RD, NORWICH Tel: 01603 453048

Fine Real Ales, lagers, wines and spirits

All Sky Sports • A traditional pub

Good covered outside areas

Doggies welcome

“A festival of beers every day”

FOUR REAL ALESLive Music, Friday & SaturdayLarge garden overlooking the

River Wensum

OPENMon - Thurs 12-11

Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11

The Gatehouse Pub 391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ

01603 620340

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52 | WINTER 2011

Now showing a

ll

NCFC hom

e and

away games!

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Issue No.40, Christmas 1988brought us grave news aboutthe plans by Courage Breweryto refurbish The Plough in StBenedicts, Norwich. Plansincluded knocking the two,small, attractive bars into one,taking the historic woodencounters out together with thepool table and the dart board.

The new major emphasiswould be on food, rather thanbeer, aiming to make this “thebest pub in Norwich for food.”

Geoffrey Kelly, a local histor-ical consultant, who had beendrinking at The Plough for 25years, feared that the moneycould be squandered and citedthe Ten Bells as an example. He felt that the Plough was“the last truly traditional housein Norwich.”

Landlady Betty Lambert feltthat the plans would lessen theoriginal objective of the pub –to be a real ale establishment.She added that she managed

to persuade Courage to shipDirectors up from London onlyby paying for the handpumpherself.

To cheer us up, the newEditors had been touring thepubs of Norwich, looking forWinter Ales.

They had found Black Shuckfrom Forbes, which had beenlaunched at The Norwich BeerFestival. This was made from100% malted cereals and hadno sugar, additives or finings.

From The Reepham Brewery,they came across SmugglersStout (1048), heavilyresearched at The Reindeer andBrewhouse Ale (1055) a fullbodied reddish bitter.

Greene King had introducedWinter Ale (1060) but theycould not find any in Norwich.Tolly Cobbolds were offeringOld Strong (1046) a rich darkbrew, thought to be the bestthat Tolly produced.

Old favourites from Wood-fordes were Norfolk Nog andHead Cracker together withNorfolk Porter (1041).

Mauldons had introduced anew old, called Mauldons Oldwhich joined their regularChristmas Reserve (1065)

Nethergate Old Growler wasavailable at Swannington Halland The Reindeer – which wasbrewing Sledgehammer (1067)again for Christmas.

Des O’Brien had done someresearch on Adnams, and wasfull of praise for Old Ale (1042)and the rare Tally Ho (1075)

Watneys were producingBullards Old (1057) – brewedin Wiltshire by Ushers! Whitbread were offering WinterRoyal (1055) and you mightfind bottled conditioned Imperial Russian Stout (1104)in some Courage pubs.

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | From the Archives

From the Archives

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54 | WINTER 2011

Telephone: 01379 898 445Email: [email protected]

www.thebellrickinghall.co.uk

The Bell Inn, The Street, Rickinghall, Norfolk IP22 1BN

Whether you are visiting us for business or pleasure we will endeavour to ensure your stay with

us will always exceed your expectations.

We are open all day every dayFood Served 12:00 - 9:00 every day

Sunday Lunch served all day 12:00 - 9:00

The Bell Inn is a family owned and run Country Hotelwith ample Free Parking and Patio Garden.

• 8 En-suited Bedrooms • The Chimes Restuarantseating up to 30 guests • Private Function Suite • Bespoke menus tailored to suit all functions

• Warm & friendly atmosphere • Five Real Ales

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18th – 21st January 2012 (Wed – Sat)National Winter Ales Festival

Sheridan Suite, Oldham Road, Manchester M40 8EAwww.alefestival.org.uk/winterales

19th – 21st January 16th CambridgeWinter Ale Festival

University Social Club, Mill Lane

23rd - 28th JanuaryVine - Norwich - Small but Perfectly formedWinter Beer Fest. 16 local and nationalAles served from the Cask and Hand pumps.

21st - 22nd January Blackfriars Brewery, Gt. Yarmouth - January Salebeer festival

25th – 30th January Pig n Falcon, St Neots Winter Beer Festival. 20 Ales and Ciders.

11th - 12th FebruaryBlackfriars Brewery, Gt. Yarmouth - ValentinesBeer Festival from 12noon - 11pm

24th – 25th February (Fri – Sat)3rd Chappel Winter Beer Festival

Event is operated as a fundraising activity forEARM by CAMRA.60+ winter beers, + few ciders/perries.Note: Ticket Only Event in the Goods ShedOpen: Fri 11am-5pm, 6pm-11pm; Sat 11am-5pm, 6pm-11pm.Each session £5 per person(plus 50p transaction fee on entire order), incadmission + fest glass. Card-carryingCAMRA/EARM members also get token for freepint on admission. If you wish to attend morethan 1 session you need to purchase a ticket foreach session. Please book ticket before settingout, ticket numbers are limited & NOT availableon the door. Buy tickets via www.earm.co.uk orcall 01206 242524 any day between 10-4pm.Website: www.earm.co.uk

Contact: Tickets 01206 242524 Venue: East Anglian Railway MuseumChappel & Wakes Colne Station

8th -10th February 22nd Battersea Beer Festival

150 kils of beer from around country, traditionalciders/perries, country wines + continentalbeers. Hot/cold food. Soft drinks available.

Open daily from 12noon-11pm.

Admission £4 (£3 before 5pm Wed), £1discount for CAMRA members at all times.

For further information please [email protected].

15th -18th Feb 11th Derby Winter Beer Festival

200+ real ales inc winter beer styles (barleywine, stout, porter, strong milds + old ales), pluscider + perry, and continental beers.

Trade Sess Wed 2pm-4.30pm. Open: Wed4.30pm-11pm; Thu-Sat 11am-11pm.Hot/cold food avail throughout.

Entrance charges, entertainment details + staffforms: www.derbycamra.org.uk

General enquiries contact Gillian Williams 07847504074.

24th - 25th MarchBlackfriars Brewery, Gt. Yarmouth - WheelyGood beer festival. Arrive on your bicycle andclaim a FREE drink!

Friday 6th - 10th AprilRoyal Oak, Poringland - Easter Beer Festival

NORFOLK NIPS & CASK FORCE | Beer Festivals

Beer Festival Diary

WINTER 2011 | 55

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56 | WINTER 2011

Angel Gardens

Free HouseThis independently run freehouse has been under theownership of Ian Warren since 1988 and is situated on

the north of the city near to Waterloo Park.

Homecooked and speciality meals Prepared by Ian - a qualified chef

with years of experience.

Up to SEVEN reasonably priced RealAles including THREE guest ales

Monthly Quiz & Darts • Live Music on Saturdays

96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT

01603 427490email: [email protected]

www.norwichinns.com

Earle ArmsHeydon

Traditional Norfolkfreehouse and restaurant

Three Real Ales always available

Good Food • Real Fires

01263 587376

Satnav: NR11 6AD(Just off B1149 Holt -

Norwich Rd)

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 • Summer barbecue

Victory Barn FunctionRoom for Christmas Parties

Come & visit Nelson’s local.

Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk PE31 8HN

01328 738241

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PLEASE TURN OVER...

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58 | WINTER 2011

...I have felt your presents!”

KINGS HEAD HOLT6 BRILLIANTLY KEPT REAL ALES

Including the ever popular Adnams Bitter, Broadside and Woodfordes Wherry. Proudly providing 3 guest ales (143 in one year and rising!)

Giving everyone a fantastic accompaniment to our ever growing grill menu. So why not try a deliciouslocally sourced steak cooked to perfection on our char-grill!

3 stylish, comfortable, yet affordable B&B rooms for single, double or family use

Recently re-furbished ‘George’ Lounge with Snugs and quiet cornersCome pull up a stool, grab an Ale at ‘The Question mark Bar’ and put the world to rights!

Live music throughout Spring, Summer and AutumnEnclosed Courtyard Beer Garden in the heart of the Appleyard

To find out more you can visit our website http://www.kingsheadholt.org.uk/, give us a call on 01263 712543, or just come on down and give us a try, you won’t be disappointed!

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Young MembersNow on facebook: www.facebook.com/group/N.N.youngmembers/

The next issue of Norfolk NIPS and Ca

sk Force

will be out on 9th March

Deadline date for copy is 15th February

1 1 17

17 18 19

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Friday 16th December Norwich Christmas crawl(Join or leave at any pub)5.00pm Fat Cat Brewery Tap5.45pm Whalebone6.15pm Duke of Wellington6.45pm White Lion7.15pm Plough8.00pm Micawbers8.30pm Rose Tavern9.00pm Mulberry9.30pm Eaton Cottage10.00pm Beehive

Saturday 17th December Norwich-West Norfolk CAMRAXmas Pub Crawl1100 Eaton Cottage1145 Mad Moose Arms1230 Garden House 1315 Black Horse1400 Earlham Arms1445 Alexandra 1530 Fat Cat 1615 White Lion1700 Plasterers1745 Glasshouse1830 Playhouse Bar 1915 The Vine

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We Don’t Have a Big Screen TV, Food Or a Juke BoxWe do have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide,

2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales From gravity, a large car park, large beergarden With heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes And crib.

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

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

welcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!! Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.

Easter Beer Festival Good Friday 6th - Tues 10th April

Music Friday and Saturday Night

Easter Egg Raffle on the Sunday in aid of The Break Charity

Norwich And Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007

Norfolk Pub Of The Year 2007

13 years in the Good Beer Guide!

44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JTwww.poringlandroyaloak.co.uk

Tel: 01508 493734

Award Winning Real Ale Pub

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.

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Issue 159 of Norfolk Nips and Cask Force

Documents

Transcript of Issue 159 of Norfolk Nips and Cask Force