Welcome to Norwich. - Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA

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.