Welcome to Norwich. - Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA

No.164 Spring 2013
FREE
Special Festival section
* see pages 53 - 65
Welcome to Norwich.
2013 CAMRA Members’
Weekend and AGM
Also inside:
THE ANGEL POTY FOR
WEST NORFOLK
BEER FESTIVAL DIARY
PUB AND TRADE NEWS
AND MUCH MORE!

Trafford Arms
Thank you to all our customers and our fantastic
team of staff for making the 20th valentine beer
festival a great success!
Great Beer, Great Food,
Great Atmosphere -
situated in a Great City!
Raising money for for the
Magdalene Group Jigsaw Project
Chris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms -
61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466
www.traffordarms.co.uk traffordarms@btconnect.com

Welcome to
our Fine City
The Halls are ready, the beers
and ciders have been ordered,
Pubs and Breweries are waiting
to welcome new friends. Yes,
the 2013 CAMRA Members’
Weekend and AGM is almost
upon us and you can feel the
excitement. At the time of
writing, over 1,000 CAMRA
Members have pre-registered
and we are on course for a
record attendance for this prestigious
event, which takes
place from Friday 19th –
Sunday 21st April in Norwich.
Many will already have been
here for the Norwich Beer
Festivals, but the Halls will have
a different feel about them this
time. The entrance to the
venue is via the doors to The
Cloisters, where the Registration
desk will be found. St
Andrew’s Hall is the main
Conference venue and will
have tiered seating facing the
stage, as it does for the regular
concerts held there.
The Members’ Bar will be in
Blackfriars’ Hall, tantalising
drinkers with around sixty
beers and eleven ciders and
perries. The average strength
will be about 4.5% in a variety
of styles, so there will be something
for everybody; all
produced by local Breweries
and Cider Makers. It will showcase
the best that Norfolk and
its environs have to offer. Soft
drinks and tea and coffee will
also be available, and the
Caterers have produced a tasty
menu. Blackfriars’ Hall is also
where you will find the CAMRA
merchandising stall, on the
stage.
The Branch have organised
six pub walks, which radiate
from the Halls in all directions,
visiting many of the City’s best
loved real ale pubs. Printed
leaflets with pub descriptions
and directions will be at the
Halls – you can also find details
on the website. There is also a
cider crawl which will visit four
pubs, including the East Anglia
Cider Pub of the Year 2012 –
The White Lion. Brewery Trips
are very popular and six have
been laid on, three each on
Friday and Saturday evenings.
They are sure to sell out, as will
the Cider Trip which visits two
popular Producers.
CAMRA Members have until
22nd March to pre-register
with CAMRA for the weekend
and get the Handbook in
advance. If you are not a
Member, then this is the
perfect opportunity to sign up
and join in the festivities!
For further information:
www.agmnorwich2013.org.uk
www.camraagm.org.uk
Norwich & Norfolk Branch
Chairman: Graham Freeman
Tel: 01603 687495
Email:
chairman@norwichcamra.org.uk
Secretary: Warren Wordsworth
Tel: 01603 665557
Email: w.wordsworth@ntlworld.com
Social Secretary: 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
Twitter:
Norfolk_nips
Facebook:
West Norfolk: West-Norfolk-Camra
Branch mailing list web
page:
groups.yahoo.com/group/
CAMRA_Norwich
Published every 3 months by the Norwich,
Norfolk & West Norfolk branches of the
Campaign for Real Ale © N&N CAMRA
2012 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.
Edited by:
Mike Baldwin
Email: norfolknips2@gmail.com
Chris Lucas
Email: chris-stig@tiscali.co.uk
Design & Production:
Daniel Speed - Orchard House Media
Email: info@orchardhousemedia.co.uk
Distribution:
12,000 copies / four times a year
Norwich and Norfolk District:
Tony Miles
nips.distribution@gmail.com
West Norfolk District :
Ros Harre r.harre@btinternet.com
Advertising:
For advertising enquiries please
contact Jane Michelson or Chris
Shilling on: 01778 420888 / 421550
jane@shillingmedia.co.uk
SPRING 2013 | 3

Chairman’s Bits | NORFOLK NIPS
West Norfolk
By the time you are reading this, spring will be here,
hopefully with warmer weather. Very soon we
should be enjoying our Ale alfresco, with all
thoughts of the dark winter nights behind us.
It was very encouraging to see the turnout in
December from all over the country marching on
London to lobby Parliament. Jeff Hoyle from Kings
Lynn was amongst those who travelled down and
was fortunate enough to meet up with the local MP,
Henry Bellingham MP, who subsequently paid
tribute to CAMRA and Jeff in particular for lobbying
MP’s to further the aims of CAMRA.
As you are reading this magazine, the National
AGM in Norwich in April is looming ever nearer. This
is an event not to be missed as it is unlikely to be
held as close to us again in the near future. Various
trips and pub crawls have been arranged to entertain
the CAMRA members in their free time.
In February, the Norfolk Liaison Meeting was held
at the Stuart House Hotel Kings Lynn, who we thank
for their hospitality. This event was well attended
and a very useful forum for discussion of issues
affecting the two County Branches and the part of
Mid Anglia which falls in Norfolk. To finish, just
leaves me to wish you all a Happy Easter and look
forward to many happy hours of drinking Ale.
Cheers,
Got a short pint?
Steve Barker
W.N. Chairman
If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in
a pub, club or bar, you should contact the Trading
Standards service by writing to them at Norfolk
Trading Standards Service, County Hall, Martineau
Lane, Norwich, NR1 2UD or faxing them on
01603 222999.
A wide range of consumer information and advice
is also available online from the Consumer Direct
website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
NOW UNDER
NEW MANAGEMENT
Totally refurbished, retaining the
traditional feel with a contemporary
twist • 3 real ales available
Fantastic food • Superb service
“The best ambience in Norwich”
12 Farmers Ave, Norwich NR1 3JX
Tel: 01603 611135
info@number12norwich.co.uk
www.number12norwich.co.uk
Three Real Ales
regularly available
Fresh, home-made food
served from Tuesday to
Sunday
Locally sourced
ingredients
We cater for all dietary
requirements including Coeliac,
Vegan and Vegetarian.
Pub Quiz
first Wednesday of every month.
All proceeds going to local charities
Victory Inn
Clenchwarton
Main Road, Clenchwarton,
Kings Lynn PE34 4AQ
Tel: 01553 775668
Fresh fish
& chips
every friday
(alongside main
menu)
Traditional
Roast
every Sunday
(12 - 4pm)

NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s Bits
Another One Bites the Dust
Sitting here in the Pub enjoying a good beer
with the snow all around outside made me feel
how welcoming and essential our local is to the
Community.
In a rural County like Norfolk it was heartwarming
to hear a local mention that a
neighbour had fallen on the ice and another say
he would go and visit to make sure everything
was all right. Where could you do this if the local
Pub has been closed. The Pub is a comfort for all
walks of life and a place to meet your friends
and make new ones. Mardling was something I
had not heard about before but have since
found it very enjoyable. Every week 13 Pubs
close for various reasons and we must do all we
can to prevent this happening.
In these austere times I appreciate we only have
so much money to spend but I encourage you to
spend as much as you can on beer and ciders in
the Pub. Your custom just might be the help the
Pub needs to keep the wolves from the door.
Now the weather is getting better please visit
your local. But what about the Breweries? If the
Pub closes where are they going to sell their
beers that they spend so much time and dedication
in brewing for us. I sometimes feel that as
CAMRA we may not be focusing on the main
issue of keeping the Pub open but getting
distracted by other aspects like what is Real Ale,
Beer Tax and those strange Craft Beers.
As mentioned previously, I did attend the mass
lobby of Parliament on the 12th December and
was able to discuss matters with my MP. I understand
over 300 MPs were lobbied (or harassed)
by 1200 CAMRA members and we received
national media coverage. My highlight was
having a pint in the Stranger's Bar. We then had
a rally where various MPs spoke to the audience
and we were privileged that the only publican
invited to speak was our own Dawn Hopkins of
the Kett's Tavern, Rose and Norwich Bear fame.
She did Norfolk proud. Talking of local Brewers
we had a great night at the Beers of the
Norwich Festival awards. It was complimented
by the awards for best Beer in a Bottle that had
previously been cancelled due to the snow. It
just showed what a great choice of beers we
have on offer in Norfolk. And finally I would like
to mention the forthcoming Members Weekend
and National AGM which will be held in
Norwich on the weekend 19th April in St
Andrew’s and Blackfriar’s Halls. We already have
over 1000 members pre-registered to attend
which will be fantastic when they visit our local
Pubs and Breweries. I know we will all celebrate
the event and I look forward to seeing the many
photos and hearing the stories of this historic
occasion. Preferably when I have a pint in my
hand.
Graham Freeman
Norwich & Norfolk Chairman
4th Annual
George’s Fest
Friday 19th - Sunday 28th April
OVER 50 ALES, CIDERS
AND PERRIES
ALSO
MUSIC FROM: Hard Rain, Roop Murphy,
The Vagaband, Starbuck, We Ghosts & Lou
and The Diamonds
BBQ and Paella al fresco will be available!
9 SILVER RD, NORWICH NR3 4TB
TEL: 01603 665535
SPRING 2013 | 5

Welcome to the Spring 2013
Edition! In this bumper 72
page issue, we celebrate the
vibrant real ale scene in Norfolk
by highlighting some of the
Spring Beer Festivals that are
taking place throughout the
County. You will find all the
details in the Special Festival
section on pages 53 onwards.
In April, Norwich welcomes
CAMRA Members from all over
the UK to the 2013 CAMRA
Members’ Weekend and AGM.
The Ed’lines
Extra copies of this magazine
have been ordered, so there
should be some available at St
Andrew’s and Blackfriars’ Halls.
I must start the year by saying
thank you to Chris (Stig) Lucas
for editing the Winter Edition,
while we were recovering from
the 35th Norwich Beer Festival.
It was a brilliant edition with an
innovative front cover that
certainly got people talking.
A tough act to follow, well
done Chris!
I am looking forward to the
Members’ Weekend & AGM. It
will be the first that I have been
NORFOLK NIPS | Words from the Editors
to and should be quite an
experience. I will be there with
the camera and notebook and
a full report will appear in the
Summer Edition. But we need
your help! Please send in your
photos, memories and experiences
and we will publish a
selection.
It has been a long time
coming, starting with the
Handover meeting at The
Pineapple in London, when the
baton was handed to us by the
South Devon CAMRA Branch
last year. It will finally end
when we hand over to Scarborough
for 2014.
Words from Stig
I find that being original when
you’ve edited a magazine for a
few years become increasingly
difficult. You can start with a
seasonal reference or grab hold
of the tail of a large sporting
event but only so many times
before it becomes robotic!
So let’s try something else,
the national pastime, with a
brief hiccough last year has
been gloom and pessimism. So
bad has it become that professional
pessimists such as yours
truly just can’t compete! Here
are some reasons to be
cheerful: The Asteroid missed
us! (Please disregard if you live
in parts of Russia). Unemployment
is going down (Don’t
know how, then neither do the
government). The A11 will be
dualled before we all collect
our pensions (at 85) and most
important, real ale is about the
only growing part of the drinks
market. We have better quality
beers in more diversity than
ever before, new breweries
seem to spring up like mushrooms
from the forest floor!
Some of course have the
same lifespan as a fungus, so
get out there and try them.
The National AGM is in
Norwich, which gives the
County as a whole a chance to
shine. I hope many of the delegates
will make it out of
Norwich
and visit some of the exceptional
pubs in rural locations.
Jeff Hoyle’s lobbying of his MP
has got him mentioned in
Hansard, when his MP spoke in
favour of the reduction of beer
duty in the debate our petition
achieved. So one or two
reasons to take that half full
glass and fill it right up.
Finally a little plug for our
Branch Pub of the Year the
Angel at Larling, ideal for a
stopover en route to the AGM!
SPRING 2013 | 7

| NORFOLK NIPS
Pub News
The Vine in Hopton and The
White Horse in Thelnetham
have both just re-opened after
a period of closure.
The Vine – Hopton
Landlord Ivor Noble (& Zoe) -
ales will be Adnams Southwold
Bitter, Woodforde's Wherry and
an ale from a local micro
brewery e.g. Old Chimneys,
Wolf, Humpty Dumpty etc.
(When I visited on 31st
December this pump had an
excellent Adnams Old Ale on at
£2.70)
The White Horse,
Thelnetham
Landlady Dawn Abel has
worked at the Old Brewery
Hotel in Reepham and the Buck
at Thwaite. Ales will be Adnams
Southwold Bitter (excellent
when visited), Woodforde's
Wherry and the intention is to
have a third, guest ale from
local breweries.
The Railway Tavern, Holt
The plan by owners Capricorn
Estates Partnership to convert
this pub has been deferred by
North Norfolk District Council.
They wanted to create a
ground floor shop with two
flats above and two more in
the yard. Planners decided to
give tenant Tony Groom time
to submit figures which would
prove that this “working man’s
pub” is viable.
The Millhouse, Thorpe St
Andrew
Poor investment is being
blamed for the demise of this
large pub. A recent poll for the
Evening News showed that
79% of respondents would
welcome the Co-op taking it
over.
The Ram, Brundall.
Brundall Parish Council have
started proceedings to have
this pub listed as a community
asset under the 2011 Localism
Act. This would mean that
Tesco’s plans to take over the
site would be delayed. 200
villagers attended a recent
meeting to discuss the plan.
1,700 had signed a petition
which asked for views on Enterprise
Inns plans to lease the
building to Tesco, with 90%
coming out against the supermarket.
The Brickmakers, Horsford
changed hands in November
last year, with the previous
licensee moving to the Dog in
the same village.
The Marquee, Norwich reopened
in November serving
Greene King beers. We visited
the pub on the January First
Friday Five and found a warm
welcome and an excellent pint
of Old Golden Hen. The landlord
wants to extend the range
of real ales, as well as adding
bottled ales and possibly newstyle
polypins.
The Wild Man, Norwich
re-opened in December 2012
following a major refurb. On
the January FFF we found a
much smarter pub than before,
with wood-panelling and more
comfortable seating and three
or four real ales, although
much of the old ‘character’
(‘characters’!?) has gone unfortunately.
The Earlham Arms,
Norwich, has re-opened after
a very nice refurb, under the
ownership of Chris Coughborough,
the ‘Flying Kiwi’. Up to
eight ales are available,
including (of course) Jo C’s
Norfolk Kiwi and Bitter Old
Bustard at very attractive
prices, plus others from mostly
local breweries, some on
gravity in the cellar - a neat
touch is that you can watch
your beer being poured via a
camera in the cellar linked up
to a big screen behind the bar!
At our visit on the February FFF
the food being served (with
difficulty, there were about 40
of us) looked excellent, and the
bar snacks / tapas were all very
reasonably priced. No real
cider at the time of going to
press, but watch this space...!
The Mill, Saxlingham
Thorpe had re-opened under
an experienced landlord who
was very welcoming when we
visited as part of the November
Campaign Trip.
The Bridge Tavern,
Norwich (in the Riverside
complex, previously Old
Orleans) is offering Moongazer
beers (from Norfolk Brewhouse)
ast 10% off TO CAMRA
8 | SPRING 2013

members. For details of offers
from other pubs for CAMRA
members, please see our
Discounts List on p68.
The Cherry Tree, Dereham
has re-opened after a long
period of closure, and has
Greene King ales on the bar. A
little birdie tells us that the
Railway, Framlingham Earl
will be re-opening ‘soon’ (as of
February), initially serving
Greene King beers, but not tied
so may increase the range as
and when trade allows.
On to the bad news: Castlegates,
Norwich has been sold
and converted to a steak
restaurant, the Griffin, Thorpe
St Andrew and the Bear, Attleborough
have closed, as has
the Green Man, Rackheath, in
November.
We also understand that the
New Inn at Rockland St
Mary has closed - this is a
Punch pub, and even the
excellent landlords there apparently
couldn’t make it work.
And on the brewing front,
Wilbur Wood, previously
brewer at Oakham and Fyne
Ales, is the new Head Brewer at
the old Blackfriars Brewery,
possibly soon to become
Lacons, although the Wilbur
Wood name has been seen
recently on pumpclips. Trial
beers have also been released
under the Courtyard Brewery
name.
Norwich Bear Brewery’s
plant had been installed at The
Rose, Norwich.
If you have any information
about pubs in Norfolk, please
let me know at pubsofficer@
norwichcamra.org.uk. We have
over 1000 pubs in the county,
and as hard as we try, we can’t
possibly keep tabs on all of
them. So if a pub opens,
re-opens, closes, starts or stops
selling real ale, check our database,
at norwichcamra.org.uk/
pubdb and if it’s out of date,
please let us know!
De Dolle Brouwers
Presentation
In December, Annie & I made
the arduous trip to Belgium to
visit friends, sample some beer
and do some Christmas shopping.
While we were over
there, we made the trip to De
Dolle Brouwers at Esen in West
Flanders, to pick up some Stille
Nacht (12% blonde Christmas
beer) and to present them with
the certificate for Foreign Beer
of the 2012 Norwich Beer
Festival for Arabier. We also
had the chance to sample a
version of the 2010 Stille Nacht
that had been maturing in oak
for 25 months - superb.
His 95 year old mother leads
the brewery tours every Sunday
and says that her health and
long life are due to drinking a
bottle of Arabier a day. You
can't argue with that!
NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News
Keith Loney
Foreign & Bottled Beers Manager
News from the West
It has been a tough time for
some of our pubs recently.
Bradleys wine bar on the
South Quay in Kings Lynn has
closed and I believe that it is up
for sale. A couple of informants
told me about the sudden
closure of the Duck Inn
(formerly the Crown) in
Stanhoe, although we believe
that it is likely to reopen.
Greene King seems to have a
policy of selling off pubs in the
area. In Kings Lynn the
London Porterhouse has
been up for sale. The tap room
tittle tattle suggests that there
is a buyer interested with plans
to reinstate the racks behind
the bar and once again serve
beer by gravity. If this is true it
could once again become a
real gem of a pub. Also on the
market is the famous Wenn's
Hotel on Saturday Market in
Lynn. About 18 months ago
the area manager for Greene
King came along to one of our
meetings and told us of the
exciting plans the company
had for the pub, but these have
not come to pass. Yet another
Greene King pub on the
market is the Chequers at
Wimbotsham which, as I write,
appears to be under offer.
Another former Greene King
pub is to be found at the South
Gates in Lynn. Once upon a
time this was the Prince of
Wales, but it has been through
a number of different names
Continued Overleaf
SPRING 2013 | 9

| NORFOLK NIPS
Angel Gardens
Free House
This independently run freehouse has been
under the ownership of Ian Warren since
1988 and is situated on the north of the city
near to Waterloo Park.
Homecooked and speciality meals
Prepared by Ian - a qualified chef
with years of experience.
Up to SEVEN reasonably priced Real
Ales including THREE guest ales
96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT
01603 427490
email: ikwarren-angel@tiscali.co.uk
www.norwichinns.com
We are part of the "Norwich City of Ale" ale trail
and Woodfordes Summer Ale Trail
Monthly Quiz & Darts
Live Music on Saturdays
Beer Garden
2 Bars (with one for Private Hire)
Ample Car Parking
A warm welcome from Rob and Fawnda to...
THE GREYHOUND
• TIBENHAM NR16 1PZ •
An old Fashioned, traditional country pub.
Serving a selection of Real Ales and Fine food.
Children’s play area and large car park.
Camping space &
Electric hook ups
for Caravans
available
Dog Friendly
Tel: 01379 677676
smithrjsmith@btinternetcom
OPENING TIMES
Mon: 12 - 3pm and 6.30pm - midnight
Tues: 6.30 - midnight.
Weds and Thurs: 12 - 3pm and 6.30pm - midnight.
Friday: 12 - 3pm and 6.00pm - midnight.
Sat and Sun: 12 midday -12 midnight.
Carvery lunch Sunday afternoon 1pm - 3pm.
Booking advisable 01379 677676.
Carvery lunch Sunday afternoon 1pm - 3pm.
Booking advisable 01379 677676.
For up and coming events see or website
the-greyhound tibenham.co.uk
10 | SPRING 2013

NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News continued
and uses before opening as the
Ciao international sports bar
last autumn. This has proved to
be a fleeting incarnation and it
is again closed.
It is not all bad news. The
House on the Green at
North Wootton reopened
around the end of January and
is serving good beer from the
likes of Adnams and Woodfordes,
whilst the Winch at
West Winch seems to have put
the uncertainty behind it and
to be open regularly. In Lynn
both the Glendevon Hotel
and Antonio’s Wine Bar
have been sold and are undergoing
refurbishment. The
Glendevon is to remain as a
hotel but to incorporate an
Indian restaurant, whilst
Antonio’s future is at the
moment is unclear. For a
clearer insight into what is
available on the pub scene
check out the property
websites such as rightbiz or
Fleurets. Many of the pubs for
sale do not have names or
detailed locations, but you
might be surprised by how
many you recognise.
Good news also on the
brewing front. John, from West
Norfolk’s newest brewery, Two
Rivers at Denver, came along
to one of our meetings with
some samples of his beer which
were met with universal
approval. At the moment he is
only producing bottled beer
and it can be found at places
such as Dent’s Farm Shop on
the A10, the Chalk and Cheese
in Shouldham and Worzals
near Wisbech. There are plans
to produce cask ale in the
future and a few possible
outlets have been investigated
so keep your eyes peeled. Over
in Wisbech there is a new
brewery called the Mile Tree
brewery which has been
brewing since October. I
haven’t heard of any beers
coming eastwards so far, but
once again, be alert.
CAMRA has put a lot of effort
into persuading the Chancellor
of the Exchequer to scrap the
beer duty escalator and this
culminated in a mass lobby of
parliament, where members
from all over the country were
encouraged to go down to
parliament and arrange to
meet with their M.P. and
persuade him or her to work
for the removal of the escalator.
I made the trip and was well
received by Henry Bellingham,
M.P. for West Norfolk, who
took a lot of interest in the
points I raised. I am pleased to
say that he attended a debate
on the issue of the unfair way
that tenants of some large pub
owning companies are treated.
Not only did he speak in the
debate to praise the work of
CAMRA, and to help to
persuade Vince Cable to introduce
legislation on the issue,
but he also commented on the
tax issue and asked to treasury
to consider scrapping the escalator
as it makes no money and
is a big factor in making some
pubs unviable.
On planning issues, once
again an application has been
made to change the use of the
Albert Victor in Castle Acre
to residential use. This was
refused at a planning meeting I
attended last year. I filed an
objection to the new plan. For
my troubles, I have received a
letter from Hutchinson’s planning
and development
consultants based in Kimbolton
in Cambridgeshire, which is a
touch tetchy in tone. It
suggests for example, that my
assertions are ‘clearly made
with no knowledge of the
community and what it can
sustain’, that my comments
‘appear to be made as a
general ‘knee jerk’ reaction to
any proposed public house
conversion wherever it may be’
and that ‘the emotive objections
put forward…detract
from the credibility of the
organisation I purport to represent.’
Gosh. I remember when
my photo adorned the wall of
the nearby Ostrich presenting a
certificate for being one of the
few pubs to appear in every
issue of the Good Beer Guide.
Now it seems that if I set foot
in the village they might have
to put the stocks back on
Stock’s Green.
The consultants anticipate
support from the Parish
Council for the latest application,
so it seems that yet
another pub will bite the dust.
Subscriptions
To receive the next 4 issues of
Norfolk Nips and Cask Force
by post please send either 10
first class stamps or a cheque
for £6.50 payable to ‘West
Norfolk CAMRA’ to
Norfolk Nips and Cask Force
91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn
Norfolk PE30 5NG
SPRING 2013 | 11

Beer Legends | NORFOLK NIPS
Rita McCluskey
For the second article in this series, where we
interview people who have made the Norwich
and Norfolk Beer scene what is today, I made
my way to The Adam and Eve, to interview Rita
McCluskey.
Rita is well known as the Landlady of this iconic
Norwich Pub. She is also a supporter of City of
Ale and won several prizes in the first year. The
pub is always a riot of colour in the summer
months with its impressive floral displays and I
was not surprised to hear that she is now a
Trustee of Norwich in Bloom.
But what of the early days? How did it all start?
Rita tells me that she has been in the trade for
twenty three years. She worked in Catering at
the West Norwich Hospital, “feeding the
Doctors seemed a good idea”, she said, “you
have to look after the men in white coats.”After
that she worked at the Newsman’s Social Club
for Eastern Counties Newspapers and then in
many pubs and hotels, before taking on the
Adam and Eve.
It was the total uniqueness that attracted her
to the pub, it’s a true one-off, she added, and
you have to agree. The pub had already been
modernised when she took over, the bars had
been installed, but the catering side needed an
upgrade. She installed the chillers and fridges
and created the menu. Sipping my half of Old
Peculier, I asked her what makes a decent real
ale pub? Without hesitation, she listed perfectly
kept beer, with a good choice of ales on offer,
good glassware, branded if possible for that
extra attention to detail. “You also need knowledgeable
staff, and give a friendly warm
welcome,” she smiled.
Running a pub is hard work and her advice to
anyone contemplating doing so was to do the
research, learn the trade and make sure that you
want to make the commitment. “Have a plan
and stick to it” she said firmly, “don’t overstretch.”
12 | SPRING 2013
“Everyone sells alcohol, but I don’t sell milk
and eggs” is what she said in an interview with
the Norwich Evening News when she was asked
about the challenges facing pubs today. Competition
from Supermarkets, the uncertain job
security felt by customers, VAT and beer prices
all have an effect on trade.
Rita was full of praise for the Norwich and
Norfolk Branch of CAMRA. In addition, the Beer
Festival in October always brought in regular
visitors and she was looking forward to
welcoming visitors for the CAMRA Members’
Weekend and AGM in April.
Rita, who claims that she has no plans to move
on, and never leaves the pub, is clearly enthusiastic
and passionate about the pub and the
trade. “All surviving pubs need support,” she
said firmly,” to preserve the unique nature of
British Pubs!”
I couldn’t agree more.
Subscriptions and
Branch information
We have a growing number of postal subscribers to
Norfolk Nips and Cask Force, and I would like to
send my thanks for the kind comments and best
wishes from those who have renewed their
subscriptions recently. If you would like to join
them in receiving the next 4 issues by post, send
12 first class stamps to Norfolk Nips and Cask
Force, 91 Tennyson Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk,
PE30 5NG.
I also send out occasional emails to members with
details of forthcoming meetings and Branch events.
All are welcome at these meetings so if you wish to
add your name to my mailing list, send your email
address to jeffhoyle@btinternet.co.uk.

Beer in Hawaii
NORFOLK NIPS | West Norfolk Editorial
Fellow real ale enthusiasts, I
tried the first cask of real ale on
the first day it was introduced
to Oahu (13 Nov 2012). There
is a new bar in Honolulu that
specializes in good, peculiar,
hard to find, etc. beers. They
typically have 20 brews on tap
with a huge selection of
bottled beers as well. They
serve a very eclectic selection of
food too. For example, we had
French fries fried in duck fat,
buffalo chicken, deviled eggs
and maple syrup cured American
bacon. All three were
pretty good but different.
They are really catering for a
different experience. Here is
their website, www.realgastropub.com/
they have a
Facebook page too.
Back to the beer, the beer
mostly rotates around so it is a
great place to stop in because
you can always find something
new to sample. Their selection
of beers can be almost as interesting
as their food selection.
For example, they recently
had the Belgian brew Delirium
Tremens on draft or draught
for you Brits.
Another interesting thing they
do is have weeks where the full
range of a brewery on at one
time. When we went down to
try the first local real ale it was
Sierra Nevada week. It made
for a fun time. They also had a
rep from the brewery there to
answer questions, have a quiz
and give out some prizes!
Now for the real ale, I talked
with the head man who is in
charge of beer ordering, etc.
He knew right away what
CAMRA was and I didn't have
to explain that part.
When I asked about a cask
breather he understood that
too. When I asked about the
proper temps he was clear on
that as well. So they are off to a
good start. They had two casks
on and I had a pint of each.
They were both very good,
clear, the correct temperature
and tasty! It is hard to explain,
but I really miss the British real
ales. The cold, fizzy stuff we
have over here is good but it
could be so much better.
However, American real ale is
slowly catching on so there is
hope. My concern with the real
ale they are serving here is that
they just put on a cask and
serve it until it is gone.
They don't have a cellar or
refrigerator to keep the
temperature consistent. I
pressed him about this and he
was planning to get a smaller
reefer installed under the bar to
hold his casks. However, this
would still require him to move
the casks from the main cooler
to the small one under the bar.
His plan might be to move it
early in the week, let it settle,
and then tap it on a Friday for
the weekend crowd.
I told him about the cooling
jackets as an option. Obviously,
it isn't an ideal setup but
he is trying and is determined
to provide real ale, at least on
the weekends.
I'll just have to go down and
support him in his endeavor!
My only complaint is the drive
is about 25 minutes from the
house and the traffic can be
bad. Sandi has been a sweetheart
and will drive me home if
I drive there and back in to the
parking stall.
I have one final complaint
(That’s two Craig! Stig), the
price of real ale was $8 or
about £4.80. It could be less
expensive!
I wish they took Wetherspoon's
coupons.
Cheers from
Craig in Hawaii
SPRING 2013 | 15

Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 16 | NORFOLK NIPS
This series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years or
so. Here we feature a former CAMRA Norfolk Pub of the Year and the hotel bar that was a rare outlet
for real ale in Norwich when CAMRA was formed in 1971.
Angel, Larling
© Michael Slaughter 2013
© Michael Croxford 2013
A 17th century former
Coaching Inn on the former
A11, this bypassed pub has
been in the ownership of the
Stammers family for most of
the period since 1913. It retains
a number of fittings from an
inter-war refurbishment that
took place in two of its four
rooms. In the public bar on the
left the 1930s bar back has
some modern additions, the
bar counter was replaced in
1983 and the 1930s brick fireplace
has increased in size. The
lounge on the right retains its
1930s wood panelled walls, bar
back fitting, slatted bar
counter, distinctive 1930s
doorways and some fixed
seating. The inner lobby still
retains the off sales hatch. The
small rear Dining Room and
Breakfast Room have been
brought into use and have no
old fittings. The Angel was
Norfolk Pub of the Year in
2010, holds one of the largest
pub beer festivals in Norfolk in
early August, and sells over 100
malt whiskies.
Angel, off A11, Larling NR16
2QU. It opens from 10 to
Midnight Mon to Sat; 10 to 11
Above: Angel, Larling lounge Bar
Left: Angel, Larling exterior
Sun. Meals are served from 12
to 9.30pm (Fri, Sat 10pm).
Phone number is 01953
717963. Website: www.angellarling.co.uk.
Has a tent and
caravan site. Real ales on sale
are Adnams Best Bitter and four
changing guest beers mostly
from microbreweries.
16 | SPRING 2013

Maids Head Hotel, Norwich
NORFOLK NIPS |
Dating back to at least the
16th century, the red brick
exterior dates from the early
20th century. There are many
old fittings to admire both in
and around the public bar,
which is situated at the rear of
the hotel. There are two rooms
– the bar itself and a snug
which is often laid out for
diners.
The snug is one of the oldest
remaining parts of the hotel
and was used as a reception in
the past – look for the letters
slot in the wall and note how
the original hotel door from
Wensum Street led into this
area with a flagstone floor. The
tiny snug has panelled walls
which could be 300 or more
years old, an old fireplace with
Delft tiles, 3 bell pushes, and
old fitted cabinets in the wall. A
part glazed partition wall separates
the snug from the bar
and has two sliding windows
now permanently open. The
main bar has old wood
panelled walls and the good
carved wood surround and
brick fireplace which also looks
old, but the bar counter
appears to be post war and the
fine mirrored bar back fitting is
a modern addition. Elsewhere
in the hotel the Oak Room has
fielded panelled walls from the
1930s, bell pushes around the
room and 1930s brick fireplace.
Look for the decorative
plasterwork cornice throughout
the hotel and there is a Tudor
shaped stone fireplace in the
lounge.
Maids Head Hotel, 20 Tombland,
Norwich NR3 1LB. The
Maids Head Bar is open to nonresidents
from 10.30am to
11.30pm. Meals are served all
day. Phone number is 01603
209955. Website www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk
The real ales
are on sale are currently
Adnams Best Bitter and Woodfordes
Wherry.
The snug at The Maids Head Hotel
The bar at The Maids Head Hotel
If you require photographs of
your pub interior / exterior
you can contact Mick on
01733 390598 or email
m.slaughter45@ntlworld.com
to discuss your requirements.
SPRING 2013 | 17
© Michael Slaughter 2013
© Michael Slaughter 2013

“Take Cou
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”
A short course at Easton Otley College Norwich
An Introduction
to Micro Brewing
This 10 week course will provide a comprehensive overview
of the brewing process and examine the practicalities of
establishing a micro brewery. By the end of the course
participants will cover the following:-
• An examination of the theory relevant to the brewing process
• Beer styles, recipe formulation and ingredients
• Process of sitting up a microbrewery, consideration of plant,
equipment premises and legal requirements
• Demonstration of quality control procedures
•Visit to a Norfolk Micro Brewery, discussion with staff.
One evening a week (Wednesday) for ten weeks plus one
Saturday session visiting a Micro Brewery.
Start Date: May 15th 2013 Cost £300.00
For further details contact: Tel: 01603 616209
introtobrewing1@virginmedia.com
18 | SPRING 2013
When I were but a lad growing up in the wilds
of Northern Hampshire, my beer of choice was
Courage Best Bitter. It was sold in the Courage
pubs where I lived and also in Reading near The
Berkshire College of Art, which I attended. It was
everything I wanted in a beer and I lamented its
demise and replacement with Courage Tavern,
in pasteurised keg form. Never mind, there was
always Inde Coope Double Diamond, Youngers
Tartan Bitter and of course, Watneys Special. Ho
hum…
The last time I had a pint of Courage Best was
a couple of years ago in The Dog Inn in Horsford.
Ah, I hear you ask, but did it taste just as
good? Frankly, after 50 years I hadn’t a clue, but
it was in fine knick and certainly drinkable. Of
course, I could buy a bottle or two from my local
supermarket and drink at my leisure anytime.
But something is not right. The Courage Best
that I drank all those years ago was brewed in
Reading, I know, I visited the Brewery and drank
it in the Brewery Tap. Now, the brand is owned
by Wells and Youngs and no longer brewed in
that Brewery in Reading.
The point is that the pump clip looks the same,
the label on the bottle looks the same, except
for the name and address on the back of the
neck label.
But it is clever marketing, if it’s aimed at the
likes of me. When I see the distinctive cockerel
and the brand name it brings back memories of
times long gone. It is however, misleading, it’s
Courage Best Bitter in name only – and it is not
the only beer affected in this way.
It is now common practice by many Brewers to
use Brand names of beers formerly brewed elsewhere,
usually in Breweries that they have
closed. You could argue that this is a good
thing – maintaining famous brands which otherwise
would have been lost, but are these beers
as close as possible to the originals or pale imitations,
and does it matter?

NORFOLK NIPS | The Rant
rage” for example...
The Norwich and Norfolk Branch Committee
certainly thinks so, and the following motion has
been put forward for discussion at the 2013
CAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM:
“This Conference notes that some breweries are
using brand names of closed or non-existent breweries
on their pump-clips, while not naming the
actual brewery, and that this misleading practice is
also used by CAMRA in the Good
Beer Guide, NBSS and other publications
and databases.
This Conference instructs the NE
to develop and publish a standard
for naming of beers in
CAMRA publications and databases
which includes the
commonly-known name of
the brewery, and to set up a
process by which disputes
regarding beer names can
be resolved.”
It should be an interesting debate, and CAMRA
can take a lead in resolving this issue. You never
know, I might chuck in my two penn’orth – I
didn’t get where I am today without recognising
a drum that wants beating when I see it!
It’s a common complaint that beers brewed
away from their place of origin do not taste the
same, and the usual given reason is the water.
But face facts, unless you brew with water from
your own borehole, the quality of the water you
use and where it comes from, is determined by
your supplier.
Brewers have to constantly monitor and
“doctor” the water to maintain consistent
quality, and if you are doing that – why not treat
it so that you can replicate water available elsewhere
– soft water that is wanted to produce a
beer that is now brewed in a hard water area
and hard water that is wanted to produce a beer
that is now brewed in a soft water area!
Does that make sense? (I think so, keep going,
Ed).
So this practice will continue to happen,
always has, always will. And the answer? In my
view, it’s all down to the marketing again. Take
that Courage Best pumpclip and bottle label for
example. I want to see the cockerel and the
name Best Bitter, so I know what it is.
But, if Wells and Youngs added the slogan –
“Proudly brewed by Wells and Young to the
original Courage recipe”, that, in my view,
would do. It would tell me that Wells and
Youngs have done their best, they have
respected the beer’s heritage – and that they are
proud to do so. Sounds simple, just going to
need a bigger pump clip!
SPRING 2013 | 19

| NORFOLK NIPS
Bars on Film
One of the delights of Kings Lynn that I have
rediscovered recently is the Majestic Cinema.
Not only is it centrally located, but it is also great
value, and so it was that I recently went along to
see Quentin Tarantino’s new film, ‘D’Jango
Unchained’. Even when lost in a world of
escapism, a small portion of my brain is still
rooted in the real world, so imagine my surprise
when I noticed that in a scene set in a saloon in
pre-civil war Texas our heroes were helping
themselves to beer from hand pumps on the
bar. I have no idea if this is an authentic reconstruction
– I suppose it is possible that hand
pumps proliferated throughout the Confederate
States and, like much of America’s brewing
heritage, became victim to the rigours of prohibition.
It is far from the first scene to feature on either
the big screen or TV. Some of the more famous
pubs are sets constructed especially for the
show, the Rovers Return in Coronation Street
and the Queen Vic in East Enders being notable
examples. Many, however, use real locations,
but care must be taken in sorting fact from
fiction. As a child, the bar wife lived in the house
in Swaffham which was used in the TV series
Kingdom. Unlike Stephen Fry, she could not see
the sea when she looked out of the window. In
the same way, a pub may be shown in a film
from the outside, but the interior may be a
studio set. An example is the City Barge in
Chiswick, the exterior of which features in the
Beatles film ‘Help’, whilst the interior was a
mock up filmed at Twickenham Studios. One
that was a real pub was the White Horse in
Nottingham, scene of the drinking contest in
the British New Wave film, Saturday Night,
Sunday Morning. The building, out in Radford,
is one of the few locations used in the film that
still exist, but sadly it became an Indian Restaurant
in 2011.
There are a large number of websites dedicated
to film and TV locations, so I can reveal
that The Angel Inn near Oldham was used in
‘Life On Mars’, the Wellington Inn in West
Gorton in Manchester, which featured as the
Jockey in ‘Shameless’ closed in 2010 and the
Vick and Comet in Newcastle from the film ‘Get
Carter’ is now an Irish theme bar called O’Neills.
Film location tourism pulls in the crowds for
many years after the original production. Parts of
North Yorkshire are still ‘Herriot Country’, whilst
apparently Holmfirth is known as ‘Little Hollywood’
on account of it being the location for
‘Last of the Summer Wine’. It is surprising that
Lynn is not billed as the home of ‘Revolution’.
“Murder one surly varmint in
cold blood and find yourself
banned from all the saloons in
Texas. That would teach you.”
I am told that many fans like to act out their
favourite scenes. A visit to the café used in the
film ‘When Harry Met Sally’ could be an interesting
experience if a coachload of fans were
visiting at the time. For pubs, you might just
about get away with a re-creation of Albert
Finney’s drinking contest if you could find a pub
selling enough pints of mild, but there is not a
lot I would like to imitate from D’Jango. Indeed,
I don’t ever recall a scene set in a saloon in the
old west that turned out well. I am surprised
that they don’t have bouncers on the door, or at
least display stickers advertising their membership
of the Saloon Watch scheme. Murder one
surly varmint in cold blood and find yourself
banned from all the saloons in Texas. That
would teach you.
bar.man@btinternet.com
Read the bar man every Friday in the Lynn News
or check out the website to see archived copies
20 | SPRING 2013

© Michael Croxford 2013
West Norfolk Pub of the Year
I am pleased to reveal that West Norfolk CAMRA
pub of the year is ………. (The Oscars are on the
telly!) The Angel at Larling!
The Angel has been in and out (and in again)
of the ownership of the Stammers family since
the current landlord’s grandfather bought it
almost exactly a hundred years ago.
The current landlord Andrew has run the pub
for most of his working life, he has transformed
it into a true real ale Nirvana, seizing it from the
jaws of Norwich brewery who had come to own
the pub in the intervening years. A true lover of
all things real ale, if ever there was a man in the
perfect place Andrew is him. This is reflected in
the quality and choice of beers at the Angel.
The Angel hosts an annual beer festival, every
August, which is by far the largest in West
Norfolk. The Angel retains a real feel of the rural
farming community of which it is the heart.
Since being bypassed by the busy A11, it has
gone from strength to strength, and is much
easier to pull into!
The home made food is rightly famous and
makes it harder to drive out again as you’ll
struggle to fit behind the wheel…
When asked for his reaction to the news that
he had won our branch award he “Was as
pleased as punch”, and seemed keen to know
which Norwich branch pub he was up against
for Norfolk pub of the year! As I write this has
not been revealed but good luck to both.

26 St Leonards Road
Norwich NR1 4BL
01603 618734
A real gem,
well worth a visit.
Eight real ales to choose from, two of
which change regularly.
Two pooltables upstairs.
Hot pies,pasties and
sausage rolls available all day.
Lovely enclosed beer garden with
large sheltered smoking area.
Only a ten minute walk from the
train station and city centre.
Open all day from 12 noon everyday.
Sky Sports and ESPN
JOIN TIM IN CELEBRATING 20 YEARS AT THE JUBILEE!
22 | SPRING 2013

NORFOLK NIPS | Dragon Hall Beer Fest
Third Dragon Hall
Beer Festival
Back for its third year, this has become one of
Norfolk’s most popular and friendly beer festivals
– as well as perhaps the most female
friendly.
The Dragon Hall Beer Festival concentrates on
celebrating the quality and diversity of Norfolk’s
finest ales from independent brewers in the
magnificent surroundings of one of Norwich’s
best-loved historic buildings. The festival is
supported by The Fat Cat, CAMRA and Tipples
Brewery and features an impressive range of
Norfolk ales and cask conditioned ciders. There
is a discount on admission for CAMRA
members. All profits will help towards the
upkeep of Dragon Hall which is run by an independent
charity.
The Dragon Hall Norfolk Beer Festival
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 May
Times: Friday 6 – 11pm, Saturday 12 – 3.30pm
and 6 – 11pm, Sunday 12-3.30pm
Admisson: Lunchtimes £5 (CAMRA members
£4), Evenings £6 (CAMRA £5), includes £2 beer
vouchers and souvenir glass.
Dragon Hall, 115-123 King St, Norwich NR1 1QE
Tel: 01603 663 922
SPRING 2013 | 23

CAMRA Lobby Day report | NORFOLK NIPS
Dawn Hopkins, Landlady
of The Kett’s Tavern and
The Rose reports on her
two visits to London:
On Tuesday 5th February, I
attended a Labour Party Round
Table Conference.- I was one of
around 20 publicans, plus
representatives from SIBA
(Julian Grocock & Nigel Sadler),
CAMRA (Mike Benner &
Jonathon Mail), The Publicans
Morning Advertiser (Michelle
Perrett), BII (Phil Dixon), ALMR
and others, who met with Toby
Perkins (Labour MP for Chesterfield)
in The Thatcher Room at
Portcullis House in Westminster
to discuss pubco regulation. The
debate was split into 3 groups
and we were asked to choose
two to join for 30 minutes each
- the debates were 'Alternatives
to the Free Of Tie option', 'Rent
Reviews' and 'How adjudication
should work'. I joined in the
discussion on the FOT option
and adjudication.
Not surprisingly, most tied
lessees wanted to be given the
choice of a Free of Tie option,
to enable them to buy the beer
they want at the market price,
rather than be limited in choice
and paying twice the price of
freeholders. Therefore
24 | SPRING 2013
Norfolk Landlady
makes a stand!
discussing alternatives proved
quite difficult as many lessees
see this as the way forward
(and better for the consumer
and small breweries too!).
The discussion centred around
whether lessees could opt for
part tied (i.e. just on soft drinks
& wine if they wanted to
specialise in ale) and how that
would be workable within the
pubco model.
As for adjudication it would
seem that many lessees feel
that they are ‘fobbed off’ by
the pubco grievance procedures
and that they take too
long, so a time limit was called
for. Most also seemed in
favour of a panel of adjudicators
that are not in the trade
i.e. not working for pubcos or
other companies with vested
interests in the outcome. With
Rent Reviews many were
concerned that they did not
get a fair outcome as the
valuers were ‘recommended’
by the pubcos, so looked at
ways to change this.
There is a real feeling of hope
amongst lessees that something
may actually change to
help them run their pubs the
way they would like to without
being penalised for doing well
and with a choice of what they
want to sell. I was very pleased
to see that these discussions
were conducted with people at
the sharp end of the industry,
and not just their so called
representatives.
As for the BDE lobby in
December, I was astonished
and very pleased at the turnout
and honoured to be invited to
speak at the rally, alongside the
likes of MPs Greg Mulholland,
Andrew Griffiths, Hazel Blears
as well as Colin Valentine from
CAMRA and Duncan Sambrook
of Sambrook Ales.
In my speech, I tried to
convey that it was now a myth
that only bad pubs were
closing and only bad publicans
were losing their livelihoods -
we have lost many great pubs
and publicans (point in case for
Norwich - The Rosary & Ian &
Nina) and without a serious
change this will continue - it's a
hard life and it's getting
harder! I also pointed out that
with every price rise we face -
be it beer duty, rates, utilities -
that we as publicans have to
pass this on to the consumer,
as the alternative is to not be
able to invest in our pubs,
move forward, employ staff or
in some cases even keep them
open. And all of that comes
before having anything for
ourselves of course!
(I must have done alright
because Greg Mulholland shook
my hand and said it was a great
speech afterwards, and he is a
pub hero!)

77 Church Street
Coltishall, Norwich
NR12 7DW
Tel: 01603 736644
www.redlion-coltishall.co.uk
NORFOLK NIPS |
The Red Lion is a traditional Norfolk Real Ale and Wine Freehouse Pub situated
in the picturesque village of Coltishall on the Norfolk Broads. The pub dates
back to the 17th Century and has recently undergone a major
refurbishment. The interior now offers contemporary style décor with many
original, period features that have been retained.
Several locally brewed real ales avaliable
Selection of fine wines from Adnams
Unique combination of seating areas to accommodate drinkers who like to stay
at the bar, friends wishing to share a bottle of wine by the fire and a top bar
where things can get lively whilst live sport is shown on the television!
Large Beer Garden • Ample Car Parking
The Red Lion is managed by Kevin and Sue Gardner who also run the King’s
Head gastro pub down the road in the same village.
A traditional Free House owned by local people from the village offering you a
warm welcome and enjoyable stay.
Opening Times
Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm - 11pm
Friday to Saturday: 12noon - 11pm
Sunday: 12noon - 6pm
Try our Award Winning
Norfolk Ales
The Wolf Brewery will
soon be moving to:
Decoy Farm, Norwich Road,
Besthorpe, Norfolk, NR17 2LA
Telephone: 01953 457775
E-mail: info@wolfbrewery.com
Available All Year Round
Available in bottles and 36 pint polyp
on-line atwww.wolfbrewery.comor
from our brewery shop
SPRING 2013 | 25

Whin Hill Cider Trip | NORFOLK NIPS
A farewell and a new beg
The Coasthopper Bus, a good place to be on a
cold Saturday morning such as the one before
Norwich beer festival. It was certainly popular.
At Hunstanton Cliffs the driver had to check the
number of passengers already standing before
letting anyone else board. At Wells the weather
was no better. It was running down the North
Sea, across the harbour and driving up the
narrow streets of the town. No matter, across
the car park, Whin Hill’s Ciderworks beckoned
with something special on offer.
We wondered whether change was afoot. Jim
Ferguson and Pete Lynn, Whin Hill’s founders
had recently sold the cider company to Mark
and Lisa Jarvis. The cider had always been
pressed at their orchard near Stanhoe, however
an ancient press had been a feature of their
Stearman’s Yard premises for as long as I’d been
going there. All I’d ever seen it used as was as a
convenient ledge to put a cider glass down on a
warm summer’s day when outside seems the
best place to drink. This time was different, the
press had been restored to working order
(apparently with surprisingly less work than may
have been anticipated) and was promised to be
back in action for the first time in more years
than anybody could remember.
On arrival, having partaken of a particularly
welcome glass of freshly mulled cider, it became
clear what was afoot. Apples from the orchard
were being put through a scratter of similarly
ancient vintage. A scratter is the equipment used
to break the fruit up into a coarse pulp. This is
done between toothed and flat rollers, hence
the term cider mill. The scratter was fitted with a
belt wheel on the side to drive it; indeed a
reproduction Victorian poster on the wall advertising
a similar machine was promoting it as
being suitable for steam or horse power (and
could be conveniently operated by two boys).
On this occasion, it was being hand cranked. It
was hard work. This being an old and well used
machine its bearings were not at their best. Two
varieties of apple were being pressed. The
Brown’s Apples were large, soft and went
through easily. The others, Michelins, were a
different story, they were small and hard, being
described as bullets; if too many were put
through, the scratter stopped dead in your
hands. Not much fun. Predictably, everybody
through the gates was “offered” a chance to give
a turn of the handle. Most didn’t keep it up long.
“All I’d ever seen it used as
was as a convenient ledge to
put a cider glass down on a
warm summer’s day when
outside seems the best place
to drink. This time was
different, the press had been
restored to working order...”
From there the pulp was taken to the press
where another surprise awaited. Instead of using
conventional nylon ‘horsehairs’ (the porous
cloths used to hold the pomace as the juice
drains away), the more traditional straw was
being used. This is a very traditional process
whereby each layer of straw used to build the
cheese (successive layers of pulp and filtration
medium) is put together by hand, a laborious
process. A recent visit to one of the last straw
pressers remaining in the West Country
suggested that the last straw, so to speak, was
the introduction of the combine harvester
which, apparently, leaves straw too short to be
useful for pressing. Back at Wells, the apple juice
gushing from the press was, having had a few
surreptitious tasters, agreeably tasty. Jim reckoned
that considerably less juice was being
26 | SPRING 2013

NORFOLK NIPS |
inning at Whin Hill Cider
produced than Whin Hill’s modern belt press
would make from the same apples although the
slower process today was allowing more oxidation
giving a greater depth of colour.
The juice was then transferred to an oak cask
to ferment naturally through the winter. On the
day, bottles were being sold in advance to raise
funds for Wells Community Hospital. Afterwards
there was time for an agreeable lunch at The
Edinburgh and a visit to some of the town’s
pleasing variety of independently owned shops.
Following a return to Whin Hill for goodbyes
(and another drop of cider), a wait for the next
bus home allowed a first visit to The Albatross, a
Good Beer Guide listed pub in the hold of a
working sailing ship. An interesting location but
not for those who have trouble with the
The Harte
Old Costessey, Norwich, NR8 5BS Tel: 01603 742755
awkward steps down to the hold.
A worthwhile visit seeing the elderly equipment
restored and in use, if only for special
occasions. The resultant cider is much anticipated,
this being the only straw pressed cider I
am aware of having been produced commercially
in the Eastern Counties for many years.
Ian Bailey
The Gatehouse Pub
391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ Tel: 01603 620340
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
FOUR REAL ALES
Wednesday Irish Folk Music
Thursday Folk Mixed Music
Friday & Saturday Live Music
Sunday Celtic Folk Music
Large garden overlooking
the River Wensum
OPEN: Mon - Thurs 12-11
Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11
SPRING 2013 | 27

The Baum, Rochdale, Lancashire
has been crowned the best pub
in Britain by CAMRA, the
Campaign for Real Ale.
CAMRA’s National Pub of the
Year competition recognises all
the criteria that make a great
pub, including atmosphere,
decor, welcome, service, value
for money, customer mix, but
most importantly, the quality of
the beer. The building, which
sits next door to the Pioneers
Museum, which is the original
Co-op store, has only been a
pub for around 30 years and
was converted from Morris’s
Hardware Store in the 1980’s.
Simon Crompton, one of the
owners, started work in The
Baum in 1993 and became
manager in 1994. In 2005,
Simon and his wife Heidi, who
co-owns the business, bought
the pub just two days after
having their first child.
On hearing the news, Heidi
Crompton said, “We were
ecstatic to hear that we had
been voted CAMRA’s National
Pub of the Year. We are very
proud of the team that have
played an important role in The
Baum’s success and it is a testament
to their hard work that
the consumers have recognised
our pub with this prestigious
award.”
Heidi continued, “We are a
family run pub with our values
influencing every aspect of the
business in relationships with
our staff and suppliers. We are
dedicated to the ‘buy local,
shop local’ initiative, always
willing to support independent
businesses. The support from
the regular customers and local
CAMRA members is valued and
we would like to thank everyone
for their continued support.”
NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA News
Converted Hardware Store
Judged Britain’s Best Pub!
CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide
2013 describes the pub as “A
split-level hostelry with old
world charm next door to the
world’s first co-operative store.
The Baum has eight handpumps,
one dedicated to cider,
and a large variety of continental
bottled beers. Excellent
food includes vegetarian
dishes, with a tapas menu
available throughout the week.
There is an upstairs dining /
function room. The large rear
garden, over looked by a
conservatory, contains two fullsize
pétanque pistes.”
The other finalists were:
Bridge End Inn, Ruabon, Wales
– winner of CAMRA’s National
Pub of the Year last year and
the first Welsh winner of this
award. Taken over by the
McGivern family in 2009, it
sells five different real ales.
Conqueror Alehouse,
Ramsgate, Kent – Ramsgate’s
smallest free house, where ale
and cider are served straight
from barrels. It offers a quiet,
music and TV free atmosphere
in which to enjoy a pint or two.
Tom Cobley Tavern,
Spreyton, Devon – a former
CAMRA National Pub of the
Year in 2006, it sells 14
different real ales every week,
plus 20 ciders in a pub that is
‘part of the community life’.
SPRING 2013 | 29

Norfolk A - Z | NORFOLK NIPS
G is for…
Two places in Norfolk which
perhaps show the wonderful
diversity in the County.
The first is Great Yarmouth,
the County’s largest seaside
resort, where you can breathe
in deeply the bracing air and
have some fun. Like most
places in Norfolk though, it
takes some getting to. Yes
there is the rail link and yes,
there is an express bus service,
but if driving you have to
contend with the Acle Straight
– the only road on which I have
been stuck in traffic and overtaken
by a sailing boat on the
nearby river! It’s an ancient
town, which relied on the
fishing industry before it
became a seaside resort. You
can catch a glimpse of it’s
heritage at The Time and Tide
Museum, housed in a former
Victorian Herring Curing
House, which brings the
atmosphere of a 1950’s fish
wharf.
Great Yarmouth still has a
busy commercial harbour on
the river and there is the new
outer harbour, built for
commerce that has yet to
materialise. Between the
harbour
and the wide expansive sea
front with its miles of golden
sandy beaches and piers, lies
the heart of the town and the
Heritage Quarter. Part of the
medieval town remains with
some of the old houses
crammed in narrow alleys,
which were called rows in
Great Yarmouth. Modern
delights include the Sea Life
Centre, the Funfair and the
Merivale Model Village, all on
the Promenade.
Earle Arms
Heydon
Traditional Norfolk
freehouse and restaurant
Three Real Ales
always available
Good Food • Real Fires
01263
587376
Satnav: NR11 6AD
(Just off B1149 Holt -
Norwich Rd)
30 | SPRING 2013

By now, you are ready for a
drink! There is a Wetherspoons
here, The Troll Cart (NR30 2AF)
in Regent Road and no less
than three pubs in the 2013
Good Beer Guide. The
Mariners Tavern (NR30 1LN) in
Howard Street South was the
Branch Pub of the Year, in
2010. A bit hard to find, but
this former Lacons pub has up
to eight real ales and ciders
and perries on offer. The Oliver
Twist (NR30 2DX) in North
Market Road is even harder to
find, tucked away in a cosy
back street. The St John’s Head
(NR30 1JB) in North Quay, one
of the oldest parts of the town
is reputed to be built on land
confiscated from monks of The
Carmelite Order.
Many of the pubs were
owned by Lacons Brewery and
it easy to spot their distinctive
style, with flint walls, decorated
windows and the Lacons
Falcon Crest embedded in the
walls.
The other “G” is Gressenhall
Farm and Workhouse (NR20
4DR). This “house of industry”
for the poor was built on farmland
in 1776. The Poor Law
Amendment Act of 1834 saw it
converted into a Workhouse.
Not much fun here then. Costs
were kept low by making life
for the paupers so hard and
unpleasant that they didn’t
want to be there. Men, women
and children were separated
and were given menial tasks.
They did get Health Care and
Education though!
Incredibly, the Workhouse did
not close until as late as 1948,
and it opened as a Museum in
1976. The farm still remains
and you can have cart rides
around it, whilst the house has
been converted into Galleries,
celebrating the lives of those
who lived and worked on the
land. You can see a 1950’s
room, the Land Girls and
Lumber Jills Gallery, the Engine
Rooms, the Transport Gallery
and the Workhouse Corridor.
In the grounds you will find
the lovely 1930’s Cherry Tree
Cottage, the Village Row, with
the Smithy, Grocer and Postmaster
and the Panhard et
Levassor Motor House, where
Charles Roll’s 1899 vintage
Panhard motor car has been
lovingly retored.
Time for a pint! Dereham is
just to the South. It has one
Good Beer Guide Pub, The
Romany Rye (NR19 1DL) a
typical Wetherspoons, in
Church Street. Other pubs are
available, as they say on the
BBC.
Alternatively, head north on
the B1146 to the crossroads
and turn right. Drive through
the village and you will find
The Brisley Bell (NR20 5DW)
set back from the road, apparently
miles and miles from
anywhere! Carry on to the
crossroads and you have The
Kings Head (NR20 5JB) in front
of you.
But if you are looking for a
Good Beer Guide pub, then
head east on the B1145. Just
after the railway crossing (The
Mid Norfolk Railway will eventually
have trains running here
from Dereham) The Railway
NORFOLK NIPS |
Freehouse (NR20 5HH) is on
your right. This is a popular
rural community pub which
hosts the Norwich and Norfolk
Branch December Meeting and
Christmas Quiz every year.
Attleborough
Heritage Group
The Attleborough Heritage
Group is holding an Illustrated
Talk on the History of Public
Houses in Attleborough and
the Surrounding Area.
Believe it or not, there were
around twenty two pubs in
Attleborough, four or five in
Besthorpe, five or six in Old
Buckenham and seven in New
Buckingham. In addition,
research is going on into the
six in Great and Little
Ellingham and the six in Rocklands.
And there may have been
more. The Group are looking
for anyone with memories or
old photos to build up an
archive and incorporate into
the presentation. They want to
know about the pubs themselves,
their Landlords and
Landladies, their customers
and the beers and ciders that
they drank.
If you can help, then please
get in touch. Please call 01953
455877 or e-mail attleboroughheritage@tiscali.co.uk
The talk will be on Saturday
23rd March, 19.00 for 19.30
at St Mary’s Church Hall, Attleborough
SPRING 2013 | 31

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
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
Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pm
Chilled bar rolls made daily only £1.00
Attleborough’s only Good Beer
Guide pub 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013
Camra 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
FREE HOUSE
COAST ROAD, WALCOTT,
NORFOLK NR12 OPE
Telephone
(01692) 650371
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
32 | SPRING 2013

Update
NORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA News and LocAle
Yorkshire Brewery bags
repeat winter beer award
Elland Brewery 1872 Porter, at
6.5 per cent ABV, was crowned
CAMRA's Supreme Champion
Winter Beer of Britain 2013 by
a panel of judges at the
National Winter Ales Festival in
Manchester.
The West Yorkshire brewery
first scooped the country’s top
winter beer award in 2010.
The winning beer is described
in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide
2013 as a creamy, full flavoured
porter, with rich liquorice
flavours and more than a hint
of chocolate.
Nik Antona, CAMRA Director,
praised the outstanding quality
of the champion. He said:
“Porters should not be
regarded as endangered beers,
they are beers for today’s
discerning drinkers. And on a
cold day, 1872 Porter is a
perfect winter warming beer.
“Elland Brewery 1872 Porter
is a fine example of a modern
day interpretation of one of this
country’s classic beer styles. It’s
gorgeous, drinkable, likeable
and is highly recommended.”
Here is a current list of all the pubs in Norfolk
which are part of the CAMRA LocAle scheme.
New entries are in Bold.
Alby, Horseshoes
Aldborough, Black Boys
Attleborough, London Tavern
Binham, Chequers
Broome, Artichoke
Cantley, Reedcutter
Catfield, Crown
Cley, George & Dragon
Clenchwarton, Victory
Clippesby, Muskett Arms
Cromer, Cottage
Cromer, Red Lion
Drayton, Bob Carter Leisure Centre
Downham Market, Railway
Downham Market , White Hart
Earsham, Queens Head
Filby, Kings Head
Geldeston, Ferry Inn
Geldeston, Locks Inn
Gorleston, Dock Tavern
Gorleston, Mariners Compass
Great Yarmouth, Barking Smack
Great Yarmouth, Mariners
Great Yarmouth, Red Herring
Great Yarmouth, St Johns Head
Great Massingham, Dabbling Duck
Heacham, Fox & Hounds
Hethersett, Kings Head
Hickling, Pleasure Boat
Hilborough, Swan
Holt, Kings Head
Holt, Railway Tavern
Hopton, White Hart
Kenninghall, Red Lion
Kings Lynn, Live and Let Live
Loddon, Swan Inn
Ludham, Dog
Newton by Castle Acre, George &
Dragon
North Elmham, Railway
North Walsham, Orchard Gardens
Norwich, Beehive (Leopold Road)
Norwich, Bell Hotel
Norwich, Champion
Norwich, Cottage (Silver Road)
Norwich, Duke of Wellington
Norwich, Fat Cat
Norwich, Fat Cat & Canary
Norwich, Fat Cat Tap
Norwich, Jubilee
Norwich, Ketts Tavern
Norwich, Kings Head
Norwich, Lord Rosebery
Norwich, Murderers
Norwich, Red Lion
Norwich, Reindeer
Norwich, Ribs of Beef
Norwich, Rose
Norwich, Take 5
Norwich, Trafford Arms
Norwich, Vine
Norwich, Wig and Pen
Norwich, York Tavern
Poringland, Royal Oak
Reedham, Ferry
Reedham, Lord Nelson
Reedham, Ship
Reepham, Kings Arms
Rockland St Mary, New Inn
Sheringham, Lobster
Sheringham, Windham Arms
Surlingham, Ferry House
Swardeston, Lakenham/Hewitt
Rugby Club
Tacolneston, Pelican
Thorpe Market, Gunton Arms
Thurlton, Queens Head
Watton, Willow House
West Acre, Stag
Wiveton, Bell
Wroxham, Brewery Tap
Wymondham, Cross Keys
Wymondham, Green Dragon
SPRING 2013 | 33

Voted best
pub Norfolk &
Norwich CAMRA
2012 winter ale
trail
“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
The Street, Catfield,
Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk NR29 5AA
Telephone: 01692 580128
Serving a good selection of
local real ales
Also serving home cooked food
Parties catered for
Open 7 days a week
34 | SPRING 2013

Awards Night| NORFOLK NIPS
Awards Night
at The Cottage
On Thursday 24th January, the Norwich and
Norfolk Branch celebrated the 35th Norwich
Beer Festival by presenting the awards to the
winning Breweries. The Category Winners were
announced in the Winter Edition of NIPS and
most gathered at The Cottage in Silver Road,
Norwich to collect their Certificates.
The Nominated Charity of the Festival,
NorLSAR - Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue,
were also on hand to collect their cheque for
£3,500 from Branch Chairman, Graham
Freeman. They were clearly delighted to receive
such an amount. Chairman Paul Chamberlain
said that the money would go to useful equipment,
such as radios, tents, and display boards for
events, because awareness of who they are and
what they do is as important as raising money.
Already it has been a busy year for them. One
night they were training near Thetford when
they got a callout to look for a missing person in
Gimmingham, the other side of the County!
Fortunately, the missing person turned up safe
and sound. They provide this service to the
Police 365 days a year and so far have had 2 call
outs and 5 stand byes and it’s not even
February.
Awards were also made on the night to
winners of Norfolk Real Ale in a bottle.
The overall Champion was India Pale Ale from
the Grain Brewery which was the winner of the
Strong Bitter Category and Runner up was The
Squirrels Nuts from the Beeston Brewery which
won the Mild Category.
36 | SPRING 2013

2700 members
1934 male
763 female
3 others
274 are
young members
CAMRA Members’
Weekend and AGM 2013
When: Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April
Where: St Andrew’s and Blackfriars’
Halls, Norwich
What time: Registration desk opens 16.00
on Friday, 09.00 on Saturday and Sunday.
See www.agmnorwich2013.org.uk for full
details
Members can pre-register with CAMRA
before 22nd March 2013
Norwich and Norfolk Branch
Annual General Meeting
When: Tuesday 21st May 2013
Where: Take 5, Tombland, Norwich (in
the Function Room upstairs).
What time: 8pm
Card carrying CAMRA Members only!
The Summer issue
of Norfolk Nips will
be available: 3rd June
Deadline for Editorial
copy is 1st May

Queen’s Head
and Waveney Brewing Company
Traditional Village Pub with a brewery
producing permanent and seasonal
ales on site
Large beer garden, traditional games, lunchtime menu and a good
selection of real ale, spirits and soft drinks
Listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2000.
Station Road, Earsham, Norfolk
Tel: (01986) 892623
38 | SPRING 2013

BBPA Challenges Cambridge’s
Pubs Protection Policy
City of Ale
Update
Chair of the All Party Parliamentary
Save the Pub Group
Greg Mulholland has, during
Community and Local Government
questions on the floor of
the House of Commons,
condemned the British Beer
and Pub Associations (BBPA)
decision to pursue judicial
review against Cambridge City
Council’s supplementary planning
policy for pubs.
The BBPA have announced
that they will pursue judicial
review of Cambridge City
Council’s supplementary planning
policy, which was introduced by
the Council in 2012 to give
pubs greater protection in
planning law including
ensuring that local communities
have a say over the future
of their local pubs, rather than
allowing the large unaccountable
pubcos to sell off their
pubs, even when they are
viable, simply to pay off their
debt or to appease shareholders
and creditors, despite
this meaning the loss of a pub
valued by local people.
Greg Mulholland said: “The
decision by the BBPA to pursue
a judicial review into Cambridge
City Council’s ground breaking
pubs protection policy is both
extraordinary but also
disgraceful. The democratically
elected Council have done
exactly what Ministers envisaged
in the Localism Bill, which
is to build on the National
Planning Policy Framework and
introduce local policies to suit
local needs, in this case to give
greater protection to pubs and
to give local communities a say
over their future.
“The fact that the BBPA, the
so called ‘British Beer and Pub
Association’ are seeking to
overturn this, despite it being
introduced by a democratically
elected council, exposes the
BBPA for who they really are,
which is the Big Brewers’ and
Pubco Association who,
pretend to campaign for pubs
whilst they really simply lobby
on behalf of their pubco
paymasters.
“The BBPA are now prepared
to spend thousands of pounds
to defend the indefensible right
of some of their members to
continue to sell viable, wanted
pubs and asset strip pubs
without letting the community
have a say, which is appalling.
This stance is anti pub, anti
small business and anti
community”.
“It is time that Councils and
the Government saw through
the claims of the BBPA to speak
for pubs, they do not, they
speak for the large pub owning
companies who often pursue
an agenda that is directly
damaging to pubs. It is time
that we had better pro pub
leadership in the pub industry
and time for non pubco
members to consider their
position and to evaluate
whether the BBPA are really
advancing their interests and
the interest of the Great British
pub”.
Planning for the 3rd Festival is
already under way and the Organisers
are hoping to build on the
successes of the first two events.
The new logo has been
launched as has the website
which will be updated.
Louisa Griffith-Jones MCIPR,
Director, LGJ Public Relations
has been appointed as the PR
supremo for City of Ale 2013.
Louisa will be promoting
Norwich far and wide with an
engaging and informative bimonthly
email newsletter
which will go out to trade and
consumer journalists, beerbloggers,
CAMRA members
and real ale lovers. Pubs and
breweries are encouraged to
submit stories for inclusion.
Each edition will also feature a
beer-writer's take on City of Ale
plus news of new pubs, breweries
and beers and other
real ale related stories. The
intention is to cement
Norwich's reputation as the
UK's City of Ale and make it a
must-visit destination for beer
lovers everywhere.
Email: louisa@lgjpr.co.uk with
any news item for inclusion in
the newsletter!
SPRING 2013 | 39

Beer Sommelier | NORFOLK NIPS
Being a Beer Academy
Sommelier by Nigel Sadler
“You’re a what?” “A beer sommelier” I reply. That’s how
conversations usually start when I chat to people these days.
And continue along the lines of “What’s a beer sommelier?” or
“What do you actually do then?”
So what is a Beer Sommelier? Well the definition
on Wikipedia, admittedly not always the most
reliable source but in this case quite succinct, is:
“A beer sommelier, (sometimes known as a
'cicerone') is a professional who works in the alcoholic
beverage industry specializing in the service
and knowledge of beer. This knowledge includes an
understanding of styles, brewing, ingredients,
history of beer and brewing, glassware, beer
service, draught systems and food pairings. The
profession is relatively new but growing.”
(abridged)
I chose to become a Beer Academy Sommelier
18 months ago to further my knowledge on
food and beer pairing, an area of particular
interest to me and one that is becoming more
and more common at many venues from local
pubs to some more established restaurants.
Many people are choosing beer to accompany
meals for a variety of reasons such as; lower
alcohol levels, price against wine and finally
because, very often, it works better with some
foods than wine.
Over the past few years we’ve all seen the
many changes and challenges that face the
brewing industry. We are still seeing pubs close,
albeit at a slower rate than previously, supermarkets
seemingly have an ever growing share of
the market and the population has changed its
drinking habits. However, all is not lost and there
are many positive notes, which we must
consider, as to where growth lies. One of which
is that more and more licensees are looking to
develop their cask ale sales, this sector has seen
strong growth in recent years. In addition
undoubtedly one of the ways forward is to offer
beer, of all styles, as a worthy companion to the
food menu. Indeed “beer cards” and chalk
boards with beer details are becoming more
common sights in pubs.
My own interest in food and beer pairing
started back in 2002 when in Bruges on a business
trip. I realised that the drink I had enjoyed
for so long was in fact a far better match for
some of the dishes on the menu than anything
from the wine list. Over the following months I
experimented (enthusiastically!) using a couple
of different beer styles with one particular dish at
a time. Wheat beers in particular were a great
success I seem to remember and proved very
versatile.
The role of the Beer Academy Sommelier is
varied; we offer advice and guidance to both
outlet and consumer by helping pair menu
items with beers available at the venue. We are
ambassadors for the industry helping to
promote beer, in all its forms from cask ale to
bottled lager and encourage the public to try
various styles. We are all knowledgeable people
with experience in the trade whether, like
myself, as a brewer or a beer judge or beer
writer. Above all we have a passion for the
product which we’re keen to pass on and
communicate to others. After all beer is our
national drink in many ways and there’s so
much more to it than a pint glass on a Friday or
Saturday night. The Beer Academy was set up to
offer a range of short courses that would provide
education to anyone and everyone who wished
40 | SPRING 2013

NORFOLK NIPS | Beer Sommelier
to learn more about beer. These build up knowledge
over a range of levels thus helping the
attendee gain from a step by step approach. The
title of “Beer Academy Sommelier” being the
pinnacle of achievement and final course in the
series.
So how do you get there and what’s on
offer?
First of all there are 90 minute tasting events,
usually themed such as Belgian or American
beers. These short sessions are the starting point
of the journey so to speak. They offer guidance
on the brewing process, different styles and
highlight tastes and flavours.
There are then 2 different half day courses on
offer. The first “How to Judge Beer” is essential
for the route to the Sommeliership. This is
designed to help professionals, enthusiasts and
beginners understand how to assess and judge
the quality and style of a beer. The second half
day course “Beer and Food Matching”, though
suited to all, is aimed at retailers who are looking
to generate sales by inspiring and guiding
customers to choose a well thought out and
highlighted beer and food option. This course
would help staff, from bar to kitchen, in offering
advice and preparing menus.
Moving on from these there is the One Day
Foundation Course, which incidentally is City &
Guilds Accredited to Level 1and therefore gives a
qualification on successful completion. This
again is perfect for staff training perhaps alongside
the BII ABCQ Certificate. It provides a sound
knowledge of brewing ingredients and their
impact on flavour, the basics of food and beer
pairing and introduction to beer style characteristics.
This course is to be recommended for
anyone looking to build a career in the
beer/hospitality trade.
The Two Day Advanced Course builds significantly
on the aspects of the Foundation Course.
The range of styles sampled and detailed by
candidates is increased to some 50 beers. It also
introduces the art of beer tasting and beer
assessment. Finally it builds further on the beer
and food matching element. This course will not
only equip candidates with the skills to communicate
knowledgeably about beer with
customers and consumers but will enhance their
professional status in the beer sector.
Finally we reach the Sommelier accreditation
the - ultimate award. Having completed the
Advanced Course and How to Judge Beer
Course you are eligible to go forward for this
title. You will have developed menus, hosted
beer and food events by now in your own right.
These are submitted for scrutiny by the chief
examiner followed by a 90 minute interview and
assessment
The journey with the Beer Academy nears the
end but the role as a Beer Academy Sommelier
continues out in the wide world, which I
mentioned at the beginning of this article, as an
ambassador with the knowledge, experience
and communication skills to inspire people. It’s a
great feeling to be able to get people to rediscover
beer, to encourage those who have never
tried it and even be able to start people off on
the same journey I’ve made over the past 18
months.
So if you’re looking to improve your own or
the knowledge of your staff and want to be
trained by experts look at
www.beeracademy.co.uk or call 020 7499 8144
for further details.
Biog
Nigel Sadler is Commercial Manager of
Wibblers Brewery and owns the craft brewing
school Learn2brew Ltd. He qualified as Beer
Academy Sommelier in 2011 and was voted
APPBG Beer Sommelier of the Year 2012.
He is Vice-Chairman of the Society of Independent
brewers (SIBA) and has written blogs
for the BBC Food & Drink website. He is a
member of the Chelmsford and Mid-Essex
branch of CAMRA,
SPRING 2013 | 41

THE BANNINGHAM
CROWN FREE HOUSE
We are
in it!
Traditional Country Pub and Restaurant
•5 Real Ales•
•Great Food•
•Sheltered Gardens
& Patio•
Colby Road, Banningham, Aylsham, NR11 7DY
01263 733534
www.banninghamcrown.co.uk
42 | SPRING 2013

Calling all Publicans – can you help
the Normandy Veterans Association?
“There are 28,000 British
dead in Normandy: We have
no right to forget” so said
Corporal Eric Gunton
(1903 – 1978).
NORFOLK NIPS | Appeal for our heroes
Normandy Veterans never
forget, they have been making
their way back to visit their fallen
comrades in the many War
Grave Cemeteries ever since.
Since 1984, the 40th anniversary
of the landings, there has
been a series of “Final” pilgrimages,
celebrating the 45th, 50th,
55th, 60th and the 65th
anniversary, which was thought
to be the last one possible.
But, in 2014, there will be
another final organised
pilgrimage to celebrate the 70th
anniversary. The Norwich and
District Branch plan to take part,
but need your help.
The 65th anniversary was
funded by a Government Initiative
called Heroes Return, this
time they must fund themselves.
With each Veteran being over
90 years of age, the Insurance
cost is astronomical, plus they
will need carers, first-aiders and
other helpers. The total cost is
estimated at around £20,000.
The horrors of the D-Day Landings
have been well
documented. These veterans
have never received counselling,
just left to get on with their lives,
and for many, those horrors that
they witnessed have come back
to haunt them.
So, how can you help?
The Veterans have launched the
70th Anniversary Appeal – The
Teddy Bear Fund Raiser. They are
looking for pubs to take a pack,
which includes a Teddy Bear, a
Poster, and a book of Raffle
tickets. Then sell the raffle tickets
at £1 per ticket, make the draw
and award the winner the prize
bear and then send the proceeds
to the NVA Norwich Branch. All
funds raised will go to fund this
final, final pilgrimage. “The
veterans of Normandy deserve
nothing less.”
Please contact Jack Woods on
01603 627706 or e-mail him at
jack.aylsham50@virgin.net
SPRING 2013 | 43

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.
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
Drop in and enjoy the warm, friendly,
informal atmosphere.
The Burston
Serving tasty food and superb ale.
Our food is all homemade, some traditional,
some inspired and locally sourced where
possible. The portions are best described as
hearty -you certainly won’t leave hungry!
We serve Adnams and Greene King Abbot from
the cask and two guest local Ales.
We have a beer festival, live music, Steak
nights, Buskers nights and lots more
going on throughout the year.
Please take a look at our
website:
www.burstoncrown.com
or call
01379 741257
44 | SPRING 2013

CAMRA Calendar
Norwich and North Norfolk Branch
Tuesday 19th March
Branch Meeting
The Grange Hotel and Freehouse, Ormseby,
NR29 3QG. Voting for the Branch Pub of the
Year at this meeting
8 – 10 pm
Saturday 23rd March
Visit to The Green Jack Brewery and tour of pubs
in Lowestoft. Coach departs from John Lewis at
12.30
Friday 29th March
Campaign Coach Trip
Visiting pubs to the East of Norwich
Friday 5th April
First Friday Five
A pub walk visiting five pubs in Norwich
Route to be advised
Tuesday 16th April
Branch Meeting
8 – 10pm Venue to be confirmed
Friday 19th – Sunday 21st April
National CAMRA Members’ Weekend and AGM
St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls
Pre-register on the CAMRA website
Card carrying CAMRA Members only
Friday 26th April
Campaign Coach Trip
Visiting county pubs to the North of Norwich
Friday 3rd May
First Friday Five
A pub walk visiting five pubs in Norwich
Tuesday 21st May
NORFOLK NIPS | Dates for your diary
The Branch Annual General Meeting
Take 5, Tombland, Norwich
8 – 10pm
For events outside Norwich, a coach will be
provided. This is free for Branch Meetings with a
charge of £5 for Members and £7 for Nonmembers
for other events.
Coach pick-ups: 6.47 p.m. junc. Southwell
Rd./Grove Rd.; 6.55 junc. Old Palace Rd./West
End St.; 7.02 junc. Mile Cross La./Eversley Rd.;
7.06 Sprowston Fire Stn.; 7.10 Heartsease
(Harvey Lane bus stop); 7.15 Norwich Railway
Stn. (Thorpe Rd. bus stops).
Please contact Michael Philips, our Social
Secretary to obtain further details or to book a
seat on the coach on 07851 923 554 or
socialsecretary@norwichcamra.org.uk.
CAMRA Members who have registered their
e-mail address with the Branch will receive a
monthly update on this list. If you would like to
take advantage of this service, or have not
received the latest e-mail, please contact the
Membership Secretary, David Rackham, at
pugs1985@googlemail.com
All Branch Meetings start at 8pm.
West Norfolk Branch
Branch meetings (All include social)
Tuesday 12th March
Ship, Brandon Creek
Tuesday 9th April
William IV, Sedgeford
Tuesday 14th May
Angel, Larling
SPRING 2013 | 45

46 | SPRING 2013

A unique Country Pub & Restaurant near Dereham, featuring a fine selection of
real ales: Adnams Broadside & Best, Beeston Afternoon Delight and Woodforde’s
Wherry, plus guest ales, all served directly from the cask.
Our menu is changed regularly and offers an irresistible selection of
fresh, locally-sourced seasonal fare.
Darby’s Freehouse,
Elsing Road, Swanton Morley,
Dereham, Norfolk, NR20 4NY
Tel:
01362 637647
Email:
info@darbysfreehouse.com
Web:
www.darbysfreehouse.com
(offer ends 30/04/13)
Opening Times
Mon - Thurs
11.30am to 3pm and
6pm to 11pm
Fri & Sat
11am to 11pm
Sunday
12noon - 10.30pm
SPRING 2013 | 47

The King’s Head
KEG FREE HOUSE
Open 12.00noon - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday
12.00noon - 10.30pm Sunday
Run by enthusiastic drinkers
and CAMRA members.
WE ARE
IN IT!
Keg Free Zone 14 Hand Pumps
Norfolk Ales and Cider
Mild always available
Worldwide Bottled Beers
Belgian Beers
Television-free
Bar Billiards
www.norwichbarbilliards.co.uk
CAMRA Norfolk
Pub of the Year
2006 & 2008
The Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JE
www.kingsheadnorwich.com

NORFOLK NIPS |
From the Archives
Issue No. 48 April/May 1990
On the 6th - 8th April 1990, CAMRA’s National
Conference and AGM, as it was then, came to
Norwich for the first time, and issue No.48
heralded the event. Members were promised
the chance to sample over 30 East Anglian Real
Ales in Blackfriars’ Hall. City pubs were getting
in on the act – The Rosary was having Pitfield
and Premier beers, The St Andrews Tavern was
having a Welsh Weekend, and the Reindeer
were going to have the full range of their homebrewed
beers, including the return of their
excellent stout and a special new mild.
A selection of Manchester beers was available
at The Bystanders Club. They had just had a
successful Beer Festival in February with beers
from Ash Vine, Martin, Oakhills, Malton, Moles
and Whitby Breweries, not normally seen in
Norwich. All beers were £1.00 per pint and it
was hoped to make this a regular event. The
Club had recently changed its Constitution to
recognise its long association with CAMRA, so
that CAMRA members were now associate
members of the Bystanders, entitling them to all
the benefits of full membership.
Issue No. 49 reported that the event was a
success for Norwich as member delegates were
“impressed with the welcome afforded them in
the pubs, the efficiency of the staff of St
Andrews Hall and the many attractions of our
fine City.” A quarter of the beer ordered was
Mild, as it was known that members would go
for low gravity beers. This was borne out as the
best-selling beers were Reepham Dark Mild,
Woodfordes New Broadsman and Batemans
Dark Mild.
It was noted that members were not the same
as Beer Festival drinkers as they were polite and
prepared to wait patiently to be served at busy
periods, knew what they wanted and said please
and thank you.
As for the Conference debates, it was thought
that Whitbread would be worried, and anyone
with an interest in cask-breathers would be
happier.
So CAMRA said thank you and bade farewell
and set off for Sheffield and then Bristol.
Bateman’s of Wainfleet had organised a pub
trail for the weekend. Batemans Mild was available
at The Reindeer, White Lion, Pottergate
Tavern, St Andrews Tavern, Ribs of Beef and the
Bystanders Society. XXXB was at the Rosary and
The Jubilee. Members were invited to get their
entry forms stamped and answer questions
about these pubs, to be in with a chance of
winning the prize – a night in Wainfleet and a
tour of the Brewery!

50 | SPRING 2013

NIPS 164 Competition
By popular request - The Mystery Prize is back!
As part of the CAMRA Members’ Weekend and
AGM, Members will be exploring the City’s Pubs
on six Pub Walks.
Some of the Pubs on the Walks are listed on
the right, in anagram form. In order to win the
Mystery Prize, all you have to do is solve the
anagrams and name the pubs.
E-mail your entries to norfolknips2@gmail.com
or post to
Norfolk NIPS 164 Competion, 201
Kingswood Avenue, Taverham, Norwich
NR8 6GJ.
Entries must be received by Friday 3rd May.
Please note that we do not collect readers’
details for any purpose whatsoever, other than
to know where to send the prize!
NORFOLK NIPS | Competiton
KENT VEST ART
VEIN
DING SHAKE
FARM FOR DARTS
GET COAT
LARGEST DON
RE STAPLERS
TOIL WHINE
HUGE SO EAT
BANKING MOLE
SPRING 2013 | 51

52 | SPRING 2013

Beer Festivals
Spring / Summer 2013
Norfolk Pub
Beer Festivals
- Spring / Summer 2013
Over the next three months, a
celebration of real ale is taking
place in pubs and other venues
across the county.
Norfolk is rapidly becoming
centre stage for real ale in the
UK. With Norwich holding the
CAMRA AGM in April when
over 1,000 CAMRA members
will descend on the city and
surrounding area, inbibing the
beery best our county can
provide, along with spreading
the joys of real ale and
supporting our pubs.
Then in June the ‘Norwich City
of Ale’ event returns for its third
year. Many pubs in the city
have teamed up with Norfolk’s
finest breweries to offer up
some of the best real ale in the
country. Also a huge range of
events throughout Norwich is
organised. ‘Norwich City of Ale’
is becoming a major event in
the city and beyond, attracting
visitors from all over the
country and from abroad!
During the summer months
there are dozens of beer festivals
being held in pubs
throughout Norfolk. Some of
these festivals are well established
and some are new this
year. Some of these festivals
run over a few days and others
go on for a week or more!
There are a wealth of attractions
at these beer festivals,
including beer and food
pairing, hog roasts, live music,
children’s entertainment,
bouncy castles and even a
funfair, many of these festivals
are raising money for charity.
With there never being so
many micro-breweries in the
UK, not only will you get the
chance to sample a variety of
real ales you may never have
tried before - including those
brewed specially for the occasion
- you’ll be able to try your
hand at traditional pub games,
take part in an ‘ale-trails’ and
history walks and learn how
this great tasting drink is
brewed.
In the following pages is a
selection of pubs 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; look in at
the local, you won’t regret it.
SPRING 2013 | 53

A Beer Festival is near you!
1
2
3
29 March - 1 April
Old Bell Easter Beer Festival
Saham Toney
8 Ales, 2 Cider and Entertainment
29 March - 1 April
Union Jack Easter Beer
Festival
Union Jack, Roydon
8 Ales, 2 Ciders and entertainment
30 March - 1 April
Pie and Ale Festival
Rickinghall Village Hall, Hinderclay
Road IP22 1HD
4
5
6
29 March - 2 April
Easter Beer Festival
Royal Oak, Poringland NR14 7JT
Music all weekend
5 - 7 April
Beer and Bike Show
Railway, North Elmham
15 - 21 April
14
15
The Mad Moose Beer Festival
16
2 Warwick St, Norwich NR2 3LD
19 - 21 July
7
8
9
10
18 - 21 April
Best of Norfolk Ales Beer
Fest
The Murderers, 2-8 Timber Hill,
Norwich
19 - 28 April
Cottage George’s Fest
The Cottage, Norwich NR3 4TB
Over 50 ales, ciders and perries
3 - 5 May
Dragon Hall Norfolk Beer
Festival
115 - 123 King Street, Norwich
NR1 1QE
4 - 6 May
The Oliver Twist Bank
Holiday Cider Festival
North Market Road, Great
Yarmouth
Over 20 Real Ciders and entertainment
11 22 - 27 May
20 26 - 28 July
Dove Street Inn Beer Festival
St Helen’s St, Ipswich
12 21 - 23 June
Norfolk Real Ales Beer
Festival
21
Jolly Sailors, Brancaster Saithe PE31
8BJ
13
17
27 - 28 June
Charity Biker Rally & Beer
Festival
The White Lady, Worstead NR28
9RW
24 - 29 June
‘Small but perfectly formed’
beer festival
The Vine, Dove Street, Norwich
4 - 7 July
The Beehive Beer Beer
Festival and BBQ
Leopold Rd, Norwich NR4 7PJ
over 30 Ales
Crusaders RFC Beer Festival
Beckhithe, Little Melton NR9 3NP
20 Ales and Cider from Local
Breweries. Camping and Caravanning
available
25 - 28 July
Fox and Hounds Beer
Festival
Fox and Hounds, Heacham
18 26 - 28 July
Humpty Dumpty Reedham
Beer Festival
Reedham Village Hall & Field, NR13
3HL
Real Ales, Ciders, Live Music, BBQ
& entertainment. A family friendly
event
19
27 July
Mattishall Beer Festival
South Green Park, Mattishall,
Dereham NR20 3JY
Over 50 Ales, entertainment and
Hog Roast
Worstead Music & Beer
Festival
White Lady, Worstead NR28 9RW
Over 50 Real Ales and live music
9 - 11 August
4th Ranworth Beer Festival
Village Hall, NR13 6HS
Over 20 Ales and Ciders
STOP PRESS!!
These festivals were listed
at the last minute so are
out of date order sorry!
22 16 - 21 July
Heathland Community Beer
Festival
Heathlands Community Centre,
NR13 4QH
12 Real Ales, 2 Ciders and loads of
entertainment
23 22 - 24 March
Fakenham Beer Festival
20 plus local ales and entertainment
2429 March -1 April
Reedham Riverside Beer
Festival
20 plus ales and live music
2524 - 27 May
May Bank Holiday Beer Fest
Green Dragon, Wymondham
NR18 0PH
Live music every day
2620
- 24 June
13th Solstice Beer Festival
The Hill House Inn, Happisburgh
NR12 0PW
OTHER BEER
FESTIVALS
23 May - 2 June
3rd Norwich City of Ale
Festival
Throughout Norwich
54 | SPRING 2013

A beer festival is near you!
The numbers on the map match the numbers next to the events described on page 54. This map is to show yo
12
Brancaster
Staithe
17
Little Walsi
23
Roydon
Gt. Massingham
2 5
West Acre
1
1
Feltwell
56 | SPRING 2013

Beer Festivals section
u the general area and is not to scale!
ngham
26
Heydon
13
20
9
15
21
10
16
6
7
9
8
14
22
18
24
Reedham
25
4
Poringland
Tacolneston
Geldeston
North Lopham
11
3
SPRING 2013 | 57

THE MAD MOOSE
REAL ALE
FESTIVAL
15th to 21st April 2013
A week long festival celebrating the great taste
of British Real Ale.
Come and enjoy our fabulous food and great
atmosphere with a pint or two of proper beer!
We hope to see you soon.
£5.00
lunches
available
HAPPY
HOUR
4-7pm Mon - Fri
30% OFF
The Mad Moose
2 Warwick Street
Norwich
NR2 3LD
T: (01603) 627687
madmoose@animalinns.co.uk
www.animalinns.co.uk

Beer Festivals section
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.
The Coasthopper route sets 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.
Greater Anglia and East Midlands Trains
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.
Go to www.greateranglia.co.uk
or www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk to check times
Heritage Train services
Mid Norfolk Railway
Travelling between Dereham - Yaxham -
Thuxton - Kimberley Park - Wymondham Abbey
This volunteer run railway has a variety of
locomotives including a fleet of heritage diesels.
Go to www.mnr.org.uk to check times.
The North Norfolk Railway
Travelling between Sheringham - Weybourne -
Kelling Heath Park - Holt
The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile
round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains
on some journeys) through a delightful area of
North Norfolk designated as being of
outstanding natural beauty.
Go to www.nnrailway.co.uk/timetable.php to
check times.
Bus Services
Norfolk Green run a number of Bus services into
and around Norfolk.
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
The X1 First group service runs into Norfolk
from Peterborough passing through Kings Lynn,
Narborough, Swaffham and several other
villages to Norwich. The service then runs on
through Acle and Great Yarmouth.
Cycling
Norfolk has hundreds of miles of quiet country
lanes and roads to explore. To help you, East of
England Tourism has developed a range of Free
circular Cycling Discovery Maps.
These are available at:
http://www.visiteastofengland.com/
things-to-do/Cycling.aspx
The Sustrans National Cycle Network passes
through Norfolk and is designed to make
cycling fun, safe and simple as you cover huge
stretches of the UK.
One third of the Network is completely free
from motor traffic, using old railway paths,
forest tracks, country parks and bridleways, and
the rest uses quiet minor roads and
traffic-calmed streets in towns and cities. so if
your having a drink - get out of the car and on
yer bike!
SPRING 2013 | 59

Heathlands Community Centre, Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath,
Norwich, NR13 4QH Tel: 01603 714164 Mob: 07818466473.
SUMMER FAIR & BEER FESTIVAL
TUESDAY 16TH TO SUNDAY 21ST JULY
12 REAL ALES & 2 CIDERS
SESSION
TIMES
Tues 16th - Thurs 18th:
7.30pm until late
Friday 19th:
5pm until late
Saturday 20th:
2pm until late
Sunday 21st:
12 noon until late.
Entertainment:
Thurs: Blofield Heath Jammers
Fri: KC’s Karaoke & Video Disco
Sat: The Rob Holmes Band, on the
field, (weather permitting) from 9pm.
Sunday: Summer Fair - 12 Noon
Fully Licenced Bar
Light Snacks available
Kindly supported by
Greenjack Brewery, Lowestoft.
www.heathlandscommunitycentre.org.uk Registered Charity: 303909
Proud to be providing publishing
services to CAMRA
Print Management
Magazine Publishing Services
Digital Marketing
Web Sites and Hosting
Graphic Design
Illustration
Search Orchard House Media
60 | SPRING 2013

Summer
Beer Festival
Thurs 4th - Sun 7th July
Over 30 beers!
Beer Festivals section
SPRING 2013 | 61

4th Norfolk Ale & Music Festival
21,22 & 23 June 2013
Norfolk real ales • Live music all weekend
Beer marquee • Freshly cooked pub food
Introducing the 5th
29th March (Good Friday)
to Monday April 1st
20+ Ales on every session
Live music every night • All ales locally sourced
Date for your Diary
August Bank Holiday
Beer Fest
23rd - 26th August 2013
Live Music from ‘The Water Rats’ on Bank Holiday Monday
For further information please call:
62 | SPRING 2013

Exclusively available at the Fat Cat
during the CAMRA Members’ Weekend
For all your bar requirements
please phone Julie on 07816 070658

Beer and
Bike Show
5th - 7th April
THE WHITE LADY • WORSTEAD
Proprietor DENNIS GILLIGAN
A freehouse in the heart
of Worstead
Open 11 Till Late 7 days a week
Newly refurbished bar with up to 9 Real Ales
CHARITY
BIKER RALLY
MUSIC AND
BEER FESTIVAL
JUNE 27th - 28th
REAL ALE , FOOD,
BIKES AND MUSIC!
Large New Restaurant Serving Food 7 Days A Week
5 Luxury Bed And Breakfast All En Suite
Function Room Available To Hire For Weddings
Folk And Quiz Nights check web site for details
WORSTEAD
MUSIC &
BEER FESTIVAL
26th - 28th July
Live music and over
50 real ales over 3 days
OPEN ALL DAY
www.thewhitelady.co.uk NR28 9RW (01692) 535391
64 | SPRING 2013

Beer Festivals section
SPRING 2013 | 65

The Smallest Pub in Norwich • Open Monday - Saturday • Families welcome
A great real ale pub in the
centre of the City
Exceptionally good Thai Food
lunchtimes and evenings
We are
in the Good
Beer Guide
2013
Sunday 21st April
CAMRA AGM, we will be open
from 12 to 6pm.
Food served all day
The ONLY Thai Restaurant
for Norwich in
THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE!
www.vinethai.co.uk
We are part of the
“Norwich City of Ale” ale trail
Small but Perfectly
formed Summer
Beer Fest
24th - 29th June 2013.

Mick Watts
Terry Walpole writes: “‘Tis with a heavy heart but
I must announce the passing of Mick Watts
after a long illness. . . I know Mick and his
daughter Emma were involved with Norwich
and Norfolk CAMRA and especially involved in
the beer festivals in October over a long period
of time , but not necessarily in the last few years.
I remember back in the day when the music was
all week and a ticket only on the Saturday . “
Mick, and his brother Nigel were involved
with the Norwich Beer Festival for many years.
Nigel was in charge of overall security and Mick
was always on the door. Mick was very well
known, mostly to the folks that he and his
brother barred from entering the Halls!
He also provided some musical entertainment
on the decks occasionally, before retiring owing
to ill health.
NORFOLK NIPS | Obituaries
Roger Jeckells
Roger Jeckells, formerly of
Norwich, passed away peacefully
in Chandler’s Ford,
Hampshire, on the 4th
February 2013. Roger was a
member of Norwich and
Norfolk CAMRA branch for
many years, distributing
Norfolk Nips to outposts in the
north of the county until he moved south with
his wife in 2010. A regular in The Fat Cat,
Roger could generally be found there in the late
afternoon with his group of friends and a pint of
strong ale. Having moved to Hampshire, Roger
preached with missionary zeal to anyone who
would listen about the wonder of the pubs in
his ‘Fine City’. He will be greatly missed.
SPRING 2013 | 67

Spring Fair at
Gressenhall Farm
Bank Holiday Monday 1st April
Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse hold an Apple
Day event every year in October which is very
well attended and popular. It is an autumn
themed event that includes music and dancing,
crafts people and cider drinking as well as other
apple related activities. The Spring Fair in
April is the Spring version of Apple Day and this
year they plan to add a mini beer festival to the
event. Local microbreweries are being invited
to celebrate the great number of small breweries
in Norfolk.
It will be a colourful and fun event for all the
family including: music from Klezmerized; molly
dancing with the Ouse Washes Molly Dancers;
crafts people demonstrating; a marquee full of
stalls-food, gifts, etc; a chapelful of local
brewers; circus workshops; Punch and Judy
shows; an April Fools Parade; traditional games;
and an inflatable obstacle course.
The Plasterers, Cowgate,
Norwich:
10% off all real ales (available
to all customers on
Mondays)
The Red Lion, Drayton:
10p off a half, 20p off a pint real ale
London Tavern, Attleborough:
10% off all real ales
Cherry Tree, Wicklewood:
30p off a pint of Buffy’s
(see wicklewoodcherrytree.co.uk/what.php)
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 this is correct at the time of
going to press, however pubs may withdraw or
change offers at any time!
68 | SPRING 2013

SPRING 2013 | 69

Hill House Inn - Happisburgh
For 2013: FIVE DAYS
Thursday 20th June to
Monday 24th June inclusive
Over 100 Beers & Ciders
(and the odd perry) from far and wide,
at competitive pub prices.
LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
inc. Rock, Traditional Jazz, Rockabilly, Skiffle, Folk and much more.
The
13th
Family Friendly
FREE PRINTED FESTIVAL
GLASS AND TASTING NOTES.
CAMPING AVAILABLE
Food served all day inc BBQ & our
One Off Entry payment of £5.00 to festival valid
NEW IN Coffee shop and Carvery
for the whole weekend. (Numbered wristband).
Festival T-Shirts available
Come and join us at the independent festival by the sea.
Celebrate the 13th Solstice festival and 4 centuries of the Hill House.
For more details contact:- Clive and Sue Stockton, The Hill House Inn, Happisburgh, Norfolk NR12 OPW
Tel/Fax 01692 650004 Web www.hillhouseinn.co.uk

Award Winning
Real Ale Pub
We Don’t Have a Big Screen TV, Food Or a Juke Box
We do have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide,
2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales From gravity, a large car park, large beer
garden with heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes and crib.
We now serve morning coffee from 11am, children are welcome.
The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and new
customers are always welcome. Come along and get a real
welcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!!
Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.
EASTER BEER FESTIVAL
Friday 29th March to Tuesday
2nd April 2013
Music all weekend
with Tosh and Friends
A dream of a pub situated in the village of
Poringland on the B1332 road to Bungay.
Norwich And Norfolk
Pub Of The Year 2007
Norfolk Pub Of
The Year 2007
14 years in the
Good Beer Guide!
The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside.
44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JT
www.poringlandroyaloak.co.uk
Tel: 01508 493734