WHERRY WELL DONE! - Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA

FREE& CASK FORCENo.158 Autumn 2011WHERRY WELL DONE!Also inside:NORWICH IS THE CITY OF REAL ALE • PUB NEWS • POST ITS34TH NORWICH BEER FESTIVAL • ANIMAL CRACKERS • CAMRA NEWSCIDER AND PERRY IN NORFOLK • THE FISHERMANS RETURNNewsletter of the Norfolk Branches of the Campaign for Real Ale

Trafford ArmsYOUR PUB,OUR COMMUNITYour nominated charity this year is theDowns Syndrome Societyand Norwich Civic Charity Appeal 2011/12 - Big CChris and Glynis invite you to the Trafford Arms -61 Grove Road, Norwich 01603 628466www.traffordarms.co.uk mail@traffordarms.co.uk

NORFOLK NIPS | Chairman’s BitsPubco’ - Good, Bad or UglyWhat have the Pubcos everdone for us? On my travelsduring visiting the Pubs on theCity of Ale Trail and others inthe County, I had an opportunityto discuss this with our variousPublicans. Our Pubs have beensuffering from the effects ofcheap alcohol sold by supermarkets,VAT rises, and with thePubcos increases in rents andbeer prices not helping.I can only consider theirstrategy is to make it so difficultfor the tenants that the Pub willeventually close. So many timeshave we seen the Pub beingdemolished or sold off as flatsor shops. It is a short sightedpractice and should bestopped. The Pub can be aviable proposition if supportedby the Pubcos.Some Pubcos even operate arestrictive covenant in theLease which prevents the Pubfrom being used as such after ithas been sold. They restrict thePub being sold to a competitorwhich guarantees it will closeforever. Recently the Governmenthave decided to reviewthese restrictive covenants andwe can only hope that in theend there is a ban on thedeplorable practice.I was encouraged to note thatCAMRA is campaigning tore-introduce traditional Pubgames into Pubs. Research hasshown that a way of attractingunder 25 year old drinkers is tooffer free games that havebeen forgotten over the years.Darts is now a major sport andnearly all the top playersstarted to learn the game downthe Pub. I can count on onehand the number of dartboardsthat are now in our local Pubs.I always remember the enjoymentI had at coming downfrom Manchester to Norfolkand playing Ringing the Bull forthe first time. I initially thoughtthey said it was Ringing the Bellfor last orders.I would like to remind youthat our 34th Norwich BeerFestival will be held on 24th to29th October in the usualvenues of St Andrews andBlackfriars Halls. This is staffedby volunteers and without theirhelp we could not have thegreat Beer Festival that isknown throughout the land. Ifyou would like to help we willmake you very welcome.However there may be a downsidein that you might findyourself working next to me.Graham FreemanA Ode to BuffWho is Buff, where is he?Taken the pledge and drinking tea!This seems a most unlikely fateAs many drinkers, small and great.Have seen Phil Buffham stand bestride,His foam topped kingdom far and wide.They’ve heard his mantra come to pass,Where’s the handle on my glass?Yet silence reigns, his mates regret,the awful lure of Easyjet.But fear not beer folk, be elated,He’s just on hols, not emigrated!He will return, so it is writAnd with his brand of Norfolk wit,Regale us all with tales of grace,Just hold your breath and watch this space!StigAutumn 2011 | 5

Fortunately not everyonebelieves that rural pubs aredoomed. Down in Shouldham,Andrew who was instrumentalin starting the Railway Armsin Downham has justconverted an old school houseinto a bar and restaurant. WestNorfolk branch organised aSunday stroll aroundShouldham Warren and afterwardsbecame one of the firstparties to dine there. Despitethe kitchen not yet beingcompleted, they did us proudwith an excellent roast. Soonthe pizza oven will be up andrunning for those who likesomething different. There arebeers from Elgood’s, comfortablesofas, Sunday papersalong with a village shop anddelicatessen and an antiquesshop on site. The Chalk andCheese also does accommodation– we had a look at oneof the rooms, and they lookextremely comfortable.Opening hours for the bar arelimited at the moment socheck before you travel.Not too far away in Tottenhill,Frank and Rachael have takenon the Dray and Horses.There seems to be lots goingon with live music Friday nightsand Sunday lunchtime, andparty nights on Saturday, foodis served through the week andB&B and camping is alsooffered. Another pub that hasreopened is the Crown atMiddleton, which is nowrebranded as a steakhouse andgrill under chef Lucien Stinga.No word on the beer at eitherof these two places yet.At East Winch the CarpentersArms does serve caskbeer, and it is in the process ofbeing refurbished. It is part ofthe same group as the FfolkesArms at Hillington so shouldbe in good hands. Also doublingup are the team from theRetreat in Kings Lynn who,we hear, have also taken on theThree Horseshoes atRoydon. Still no news, though,on the future of the Victory atClenchwarton or the QueensArms in Kings Lynn. We hopethat both these pubs willreopen, and indeed when Iwent past the Victory at theend of July it seemed as thoughwork was being carried out atthe premises.As well as pubs, we have alarge number of clubs in ourarea and many of these sellgood beer. Back in May ourbranch meeting was in theSocial Club at Runcton Holmeand we were very impressed byboth the welcome we receivedand the quality of the beer –I think that there were threeavailable including one fromBrains. I have also been to theConservative clubs inDownham and Swaffhamrecently – to take part in or runquizzes, rather than for anypolitical conviction I mightadd. The Downham clubalso had Brains alongside Spitfireand in Swaffham,Bombadier and Black Sheepwere on offer. Just over theborder in Santon Downhamthe Breckland Social Club inthe forest was selling AdnamsBroadside as a regular alongsidethe extra ones in its beerNORFOLK NIPS | Pub Newsfestival, whilst even furtheraway the excellent Selex clubin Basildon also ran a beerfestival where I thought theYorkshire Terrier was the pick ofthe pack.If you fancy a pub crawl witha difference why not walk theriver bank between Downhamand Lynn. I tagged along on asponsored walk recently and asluck would have it the heavensopened just as we approachedthe Cock at Wiggenhall StMary Magdalene, open despitethe ‘To Let’ sign. There was justtime for a very welcome pint ofCourage Best before the rainstopped and we headed on theSt German’s where lunch wastaken at the Crown andAnchor, washed down by apint of IPA. Better might be toreverse the route, add a stop atThe Heron at Stow Bridgeand wait for the return train toLynn in the Railway onDownham station.I didn’t make the NorwichCity of Ale event but I did pickup one of the superbprogrammes. The number ofbreweries in Norfolk keeps onincreasing and I was pleased totry some beer from the newTriangle brewery at the StuartHouse beer festival. I also hada chat with the brewer whohad just made a delivery toeight Norwich pubs. Look outfor this excellent ale. My onlydisappointment with theprogramme was the perpetuationof the myth thatBrancaster Jolly Sailorsbrew on site. We had a branchContinued OverleafAutumn 2011 | 9

NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News continuedmeeting at the pub recently –the beer was great, the foodexcellent and the staff reallyfriendly, but please clear up thismisconception.Having lived in the area forover 30 years now, I thoughtthat I knew of all the localpubs, but I was surprised tocome across two that I was notaware of. In the back streets ofSwaffham there is a shed likestructure which calls itself theBlack Horse and out on theSmeeth, between Wisbech andLynn is a free house attached toa caravan site. I would be interestedif anyone has anyinformation about these places.Just around the corner from thelatter is the Marshland Arms,formerly England’s Hope.When we went past it waslooking splendid and advertisingReal Ale. It is only openin the evenings, so I can’tcomment on the quality, butwhy not go exploring and findout for yourself?There are good and badthings about the summer. It’snice that the weather ispleasant and there are lots ofthings happening. We wentup to Bircham Windmill in Maywith a French teenager in tow.Performing that day were theKings Morris and he joined inthe hanky waving with gusto.As they came off, I overheardone of the professionals say toanother ‘My word sir, you aredancing like a gazelle today’.From there to the excellentAlbatross in Wells, and thenon to Sheringham and thesteam railway, with just time tolose a game of pool to theFrench lad in the WindhamArms. He must have an oddidea of England.On the other hand it is footballclose season, which seemsto last forever, but I haveadapted quite well. Watchingthe England women beat Japanon a big screen whilst drinkingwheat beer in a beer garden inMunich wasn’t bad, but RugbyLeague has really taken thestrain. A couple of trips toHarlequins RL have beencoupled with visiting some ofthe wonderful pubs aroundTwickenham. London Skolarsare up in the north of the city,and has fewer decent pubsclose by, but I did discover thewonders of Walthamstow.Don’t mock – the old part isreally nice. Most of the crowdat the thrilling Skolars vKeighley game were seducedby the sports centre bar, sellingJohn Smiths for £1 a pint.Behind me in the stands were agroup of lads who clearly hadhad their money’s worth andspent most of the game tryingto invent silly songs. Myfavourite was the chant of‘We’re not scared of Ofstead’.On a return visit a few weekslater, things had moved on.The chant was now ‘Were inspecial measures, failing school,failing school’. My wife has notyet been persuaded to a game,even preferring to go and lookat some old ruins whilst I sawGateshead Thunder loseheavily to Oldham. With herbirthday treat coming up I amgoing to offer her a choicebetween games at Batley andHunslet and see if that does thetrick.Finally, it has been good tosee increasing attendances andsome new faces, at our meetings.Indeed, at the GrimstonBell we nearly drank the pubdry with only one of the threehandpumps still standing at theend of the night. Why notcome along and see if we cando better next time out?JeffNips By PostWe have a growing number ofsubscribers to our magazine, andI would like to say thanks tothose who have sent very niceletters along with their renewals.If you would like to receive thenext 4 issues of Norfolk Nips andCask Force by post send 12 firstclass stamps to the addressbelow.Norfolk Nips and Cask Force91 Tennyson RoadKings Lynn, NorfolkPE30 5NGNational BeerScoring SystemIf you are a CAMRA member whynot log on to the National BeerScoring System? This can befound through the CAMRAwebsite or at the web addressbelow.It allows you to rate the quality ofthe beer when you visit a pub.The scores are passed on to thelocal CAMRA branch who canthen use them to monitor thepubs and this information maybe helpful when deciding theentries for the Good Beer Guide.http://beerscoring.org.uk/Autumn 2011 | 11

Pub Post Its | NORFOLK NIPSPub Post-itsAs always, remember that these post-its are subjective and reflect the personal experience ofour correspondents. Please feel free to email your post-its in to norfolknips@yahoo.co.uk - andif you really like the pub, why not nominate it for next year’s CAMRA Good Beer Guide?We Three Kings..........Kings Arms Fleggburgh (Burgh StMargaret). This community pub is now agenuine freehouse offering local beers on up toeight handpumps and four real ciders from pins,all at less than £3 a pint. The pub has undergoneextensive renovation with a bar, floor and furnitureof solid oak. There is a woodburner with tiledsurround and underfloor heating in the ladies forthe winter months. Rugby and cricket teams aresponsored and the darts board and pool tableremain. Folk music takes place on Sundays. Arestaurant with an open kitchen is coming soon.Kings Head Filby. A visit following thereopening in May had three handpumpsoffering Humpty Dumpty, Woodfordes andElgoods. The Little Sharpie at £3 was fine. Thepub seems little changed from the previoushosts when the pub briefly gained GBG status.There is still a public and a lounge bar, the latterlaid out for diners. The beer garden is pleasantand there is free WiFi for those so inclined.Kings Head Ormesby St Margaret. This hasbecome an Indian Restaurant and with the RoyalOak long converted to accommodation thevillage has lost any regal connection.Cottage, Louden Rd, Cromer.For years I`ve mistakenly believed this was thelocal Conservative Club. That`s upstairs.Probably a few Members downstairs too. But itis a proper pub. Very good Nelson’s Revengeand Wherry from Woodforde`s with Admiral’sReserve and Sundew lying in wait.Difficult to make conversation with anybody.There was an informal Quiz going on at the barbut my deferential suggestion that the "toxic"acid in Rhubarb leaves was Oxalic was firmlyignored in favour of "assetick”. Would seemoutsiders are not all that welcome by the Regulars.To think I was born and bred in this County.1948. Hope they enjoyed their fish and chipswithassetick acid.Racecourse - RackheathTwo years ago I was full of praise for this house,(Nips N0.150 Edition), with it's very busy BusinessLunch trade, but sadly you can now onlystand at the bar situated in the “Carvery”, with40 to 50 diners clinking their cutlery and thevarious food smells drifting past your nose.Although the Wherry at £2.90 pt. was in goodcondition I’m sure that the atmosphere wouldhave turned the second pint flat. Furthermorethere were no other “Drinkers” to chat with, andalthough the bar staff were friendly, they werefar to busy dealing with food orders, so it wastime to leave.Sole & Heel - RackheathAnother pub that has changed hands within thelast eighteen months, (but this time for thebetter), with a Landlord that has an interest inReal Ale. There are five constantly changingbeers available, all of which come direct fromthe barrel in the cellar, (which keeps the BarStaff fit), I chose one from the 'Blue Monkey'Brewery in Derbyshire, and an excellent choice itwas at £3.00 pt. Thankfully the diners here wereseperated in a different room, and I was able tochat with beer drinking customers at the Bar.Iron House, MaddermarketI just noticed that The Iron House (was the Ironmonger's- opposite Thorns on Maddermarket),while doing excellent coffee and cream scones,also has a range of Grain bottled beeers available(Best, Stout, Oak and Harvest Moon). Yetanother place where you can have beer with agood meal (a very interesting menu includingpigeon, Cromer crab, and fennel tarte tatin).12 | Autumn 2011

Beer advertising | NORFOLK NIPSTime Considered As A Helixof Semi-Precious StonesWhen Samuel R. Delany wrote his Hugo andNebula award winning short story with theabove title back in the 60’s it is a fair bet that hedid not have the lost and lamented brewerStones of Sheffield on his mind. For me,though, the passage of time can be traced byreference to beer advertising. One of my earliestmemories is being on holiday in Rhyl in NorthWales. I remember the boarding house westayed at each year, the little wooden chalet onthe front, but most of all a pavilion on the promenadewith a Guinness clock. It featured thefamous Toucan, one of the many items based onthe zoo theme, which used the line ‘My Goodness– My Guinness’, a campaign that wasfollowed by other classics such as the ‘Bottle ofGuinness’ tapestry and the Heath Robinson stylecalendar from the 70’s which featured imaginaryscenes from the brewery.Sometime in the early 60’s my father’s jobtransferred from Bury to Bolton. I guess becausethey had different holiday weeks we could nolonger catch the Wakes Week North WalesSpecial so for a couple of years we went onholiday to the Isle of Man. This involved takingthe ferry from Liverpool, and apart from sittingbehind a stone wall on a sharp bend watchingthe TT racers scream around the corner on theirmotor bikes, my abiding memory is a large signon the wall of a pub or hotel as we sailed intothe harbour at Douglas advertising DoubleDiamond, with the words of the catchy littlejingle ‘A Double Diamond works wonders, workswonders...’In 1969 I went on holiday down inBournemouth with my Grandparents – Fredused to work on the railways and so was entitledto a number of free tickets each year, some ofwhich he used to take the grandchildren onholiday. As we neared our destination Iremember being puzzled by the signs by therailway line which read ‘You are now enteringthe Strong country’ which I later found to be areference to Strong’s brewery of Romsey, latertaken over by Whitbread. Alas, being only 13I was still far to young to try this mysteriousbeverage. It was around this age that I began todiscover football, which back in Lancashiremeant watching the Big Match at 2 o’clock onSunday afternoon. Every week in the half timebreak there was an advert, again with a littlejingle ‘Beer at home means Davenports’. Thewords came up on the screen and a little bottlejumped over them so you could sing along.Although Davenports were a Birminghambrewery I guess that they had a home deliveryoperation in the North West.At last I became old enough to try the productsmyself and my first sips were probablyWhitbread keg beer. There were a couple ofbrands around at the time ‘Whitbread TrophyBitter – the pint that thinks it’s a quart’ and ‘It’s14 | Autumn 2011

NORFOLK NIPS |Tankard that helps you excel – after one you doanything well’. The latter had a series of beermats featuring a wimp called Stanley who coulddo amazing things after drinking Tankard bitter.Fortunately I soon became aware of the realthing and became involved with CAMRA. Backin the 70’s Watneys was not all bad. Up in thenorth they owned the Wilsons brewery inManchester and we were invited along for arelaunch of one of their products. Howeverbefore we got stuck into the tour and thesamples the management showed us some oftheir new advertising campaign for Fosters lager.These featured Paul Hogan who had just made itbig in this country and no doubt you willremember some of them. My favourite waswhen he encounters a couple of Japanesetourists looking at a map who ask him ‘What’sthe best way to Cockfosters’? ‘Serve it warm,mate’ comes the reply. On the evening theyalso showed us some that didn’t make the TV.One of them featured a traditional northern pubwith the old boys playing dominoes in thecorner. The camera pans round to show a bankof hand pumps as Hogan says ‘that’s verythoughtful, they even provide somewhere foryou to hang your hat.’So which adverts will become the classics oftoday? For my money the Peter Kay ones forJohn Smiths are favourite. The ball juggling onewhere he launches it into the stratosphereaccompanied by a cry of ‘ ‘Ave it!’ spawned manyimitators both on the pitch and in the stands atBury Games. The more recent series where hesays something outrageous and sits there with apuzzled look on his face and says ‘What?’ for mecapture northern life to perfection.So what we learnt by this idiosyncratic trawlthrough the history of beer advertising? Much ofthe advertising from years ago would not beallowed today, suggesting as it does thatdrinking beer is somehow good for you. It strikesme that when I was a child and had no interestin beer, I remembered more from when I was inan unfamiliar place. I think that the jingles stick inmy mind and finally I put to you my theory thatthe better the advertising, the worse the beer.Jeff4 Real Ales always on offerPool • Darts • JukeboxLarge Beer Garden with children’s play area.Food served daily from12-2pm & 6-9pm Tue - Sat 12 - 3pm SundayBreakfast served7am - 2pm Saturdays1 Norwich Road, Framingham Earl, NR14 7AB Tel: 01508 494811

Norfolk’s True Heritage Pubs 11 | NORFOLK NIPSThis series of articles highlight the pubs whose interiors have been little altered in the past 40 years orso. This issue features a seaside hotel selling a range of real ales and a true community pub.Red Lion Hotel, CromerThe public bar at theRed Lion Hotel, Cromer© Michael Slaughter 201116 | Autumn 2011The Red Lion is a Victorianhotel overlooking the sea. Themain bare boarded bar on theright retains many of its originalfittings but there weremajor changes in the 1980s.There is a corner Victorianvestibule entrance with twodoors indicating there was aseparate snug separated by awood and glass partition - nowremoved. Also, what looks likean off-sales near the servery hasbeen amalgamated into thebar. The counter is definitelythe original Victorian one butthe superstructure is a modernaddition and the mirrored barback also has some modernadditions. A second room hasan old counter front andglazed screen reaching to theceiling, and both rooms have1930s brick fireplaces. Look forthe decorative bell pushes fromthe days of table service whichfeature a stork. The left handside of the pub was opened upin the mid 1980s and has agood Victorian colourful tiledfloor but the counter here ismodern. The panelling aroundthe reception area dates fromc.1985 rather than Victoriantimes.

The King’s HeadOpen 12.00noon - 11.00pm Monday to Saturday12.00noon - 10.30pm SundayRun by enthusiastic drinkers and CAMRA members.Keg Free Zone 14 Hand PumpsNorfolk Ales and CiderMild always availableWorldwide Bottled BeersBelgian BeersTelevision-freeBar Billiardswww.norwichbarbilliards.co.ukCAMRA NorfolkPub of the Year2006 & 2008Dating from the14th century, the pub hasbeen restored to a Victorian style.KEG FREE HOUSEThe Kings Head, 42 Magdalen Street, Norwich NR3 1JEwww.kingsheadnorwich.com

The snug (was the off sales) at theCrown, New CostesseyNORFOLK NIPS | Heritage Pubs 11 continuedthe right also has its originaldoor blocked up and has beenrenovated at least twice inrecent years but it still retainsthe original brick fireplace. Thisis a true community pub withthe bowling green still in use,and is also the headquarters ofthe Costessey South RoadPigeon Racing Club, wherelocal pigeon fanciers bring theirbirds to load onto the lorry.The pub hosts an angling club,two football teams and twohockey teams as well.Crown, 79 Norwich Road, NewCostessey NR5 0EU is openfrom 12 noon (5pm Tue) to11pm. No food is sold – justcrisps and nuts! Phone 01603742849. The Crown sellsWoodfordes Wherry.If you require photographs ofyour pub interior / exterioryou can contact Mick on01733 390598 or emailm.slaughter45@ntlworld.comto discuss your requirements.Calling all Young Members...Were you at the Beer Festival last year? Did youhave a good time? Will you be at the BeerFestival this year? If you answered “yes” to thesequestions, here is another one – “Where haveyou been?”Nationally, CAMRA is trying to encourageYoung Members (18 – 30’s) to get moreinvolved and The Norwich and Norfolk Branchis helping the cause. At the last AGM, David(Pugs) Rackham was appointed as our YoungPersons Rep and he wants to hear from you.He has set up a page on Facebook and will beat the Freshers Week at The UEA in September.The Branch has an extensive programme ofevents, but we realise that these are not toeveryone’s taste. David wants to know what youwould like to see happening, what type ofevents you would be interested in – A YoungPersons First Friday Five ( no one over 30allowed) or Introduction to Real Ale TastingSessions perhaps?Let him know. Join the Facebook Group –www.facebook.com/groups/141049285967022or just search for Norwich and Norfolk YoungMembers and get involved.You know you will enjoy it!Autumn 2011 | 19

COACH & HORSESDERSINGHAMA TRADITIONALVILLAGE PUBHomecooked Food, Great BeerAccommodation & LargeBeer GardenSituated between King’s Lynn &Hunstanton one mile from theRoyal Sandringham Estate5th ANNUALBEER FESTIVALFRIDAY 7th - Sunday 9th OCTOBER 201120 REAL ALES & CIDERSLIVE MUSIC EVERYDAYSelection of Traditional HotPies available All WeekendFULL MENU & SPECIALS ALSO AVAILABLEFood Served Everyday12-2pm & 6-8.30pm,Sunday 12-3pm & 5-8pm. En Suite Rooms From £4577 Manor Road, Dersingham 01485 540391coach_and_horses@tiscali.co.uk

NORFOLK NIPS | Award Winning PubThe Adam and EveDancing which included Pedants’ Revolt, whofeature elsewhere in this edition.“No screens - No machines!” That was themessage for the TV Satellite Salesman when hephoned The Adam and Eve recently. LandladyRita McClusky added somewhat mischievously“We don’t do fun here!”In truth, screens and machines would be anintrusion here, completely out of place. There isjust a radio playing quietly somewhere. “Just abit of white noise” Rita explained, “ Being closeto The Law Courts, some conversations are notmeant to be overheard.I caught up with Rita after The City of AleFestival, which had brought considerable successboth to her and the pub. The many accoladesreceived included the Best Event; MorrisRita is justly proud of what she has achieved.The Adam and Eve is unique and so it should be.Rita says that no two pubs are identical. “It’s likecutting two loaves of bread” she explained,”they will not be exactly the same.”At this point I have to admit that I am anadvocate of LocAle, but a visit to The Adam andEve for me is not complete without a pint ofTheakston’s Old Peculier, which is a regular here,as is Adnams Southwold Bitter and Wolf StrawDog, which came in for The City of Ale and hasbeen kept on.Unusually, the Staff get to choose the GuestAles, Robert selected St Peters Best, Lee went forElgoods Black Dog Mild, and the Chef choseHumpty Dumpty’s Little Sharpie.There are many reasons to visit this delightfulpub, the River Walk is close by, the Ghost Walksstart here, and in the summer, there are plentyof seats outside in front of the pub, which is ariot of colour – Rita is a keen supporter ofNorwich in Bloom. Oh, and great food and topnotch beers as well. Drop in next time you are inthe area, you will get a warm welcome here.Not funny...Three pieces of string were desperate for a drinkbut the pub had a sign outside saying ‘Stringnot served here’. Undeterred the first piece ofstring entered the bar but was soon backoutside having been unsuccessful.As is traditional in these tales, the second pieceof string had a go, but with the same result.Seeing this, the third piece of string hurledhimself onto the ground, rolled around vigorouslyand tied himself up.He then went into the bar. The landlord eyedhim suspiciously and asked him ‘Are you a pieceof string?’‘ ‘Fraid not’ came the reply.Autumn 2011 | 21

Thurs 27th - Mon 31st OctoberCome over to the dark side,a festival of all beersdark and delicious

NORFOLK NIPS | Book reviewNorwich Pubs andBreweries: Past and PresentFrances and Michael Holmes | Norwich Heritage Projects £9.95This new book, published by Norwich HeritageProjects, gives a fascinating insight into the waythat Pubs and Breweries have so richlycontributed to Norwich’s Heritage.It’s not a Beer Guide, the authors (who areCAMRA members) leave that to the experts, buta well written, informative and humorousaccount of how we got to where we are today.Section One looks at the history of NorwichBrewers no longer with us: Youngs, Crawshayand Youngs Ltd, Bullard & Sons, Steward andPattison Ltd, Morgans Ltd, Watney Mann, andeven Lacons of Great Yarmouth. Anecdotes,interviews and some brilliant photos all bring thehistory to life. History is then brought up to datewith an in depth feature on Woodfordes, and awonderful account by Derek Spanton, a “21stcentury Drayman”. You can also read here aboutthe history of Beer Festivals in Norwich, from thefirst by The Bystanders Society in 1970 to TheNorwich and Norfolk CAMRA Beer Festival andPub Festivals, the first of which was at The TraffordArms.Section Two, Norwich Pubs, Inns and Tavernspresented the authors with something of adilemma, there was so much material! Theyhave solved this brilliantly by using OS Maps for1844/5 and dividing the City into 8 sections.These show the names and locations of 450hostelries! (Forget “a pub for every day of theyear”). Ten common themes were discovered –Signs and Names, Artists, Entertainment,Coaching Inns, Sporting Links, Pub Games,Community and Clubs, Murder and Mayhem,Norwich Yards and The River. Where a particulartheme is appropriate to a featured pub, acoloured icon indicates this.Did you know that artists John Crome and SirAlfred James Munnings painted signs for Pubsand Breweries? Or that John Moray-Smith (anItalian prisoner of war in WW1) produced thebas-relief for The Prince of Denmark?Many of the pubs were no more than a singleroom, and the Landlord often had a “day job”to makes end meet. No wonder that the qualitywas variable, but if you lived in a hovel in one ofthe yards, it was your only escape from reality.Too many pubs? Read here what impact the1904 Compensation Act had.And what modern day Beer Legends are nowsaying about Watneys. This is a great read, buy itas a Christmas present, buy it for yourself!NIPS 158 CompetitionTo win a signed copy of Frances and Michael Holmesamazing new book - Norwich Pubs and Breweries Pastand Present – simply answer the following question:The Pockthorpe Brewery was home towhich Norwich Brewer?Send your answers to:Norfolk NIPS 158 Competition201 Kingswood AvenueTaverham, Norwich NR8 6GJOr e-mail to norfolknips@yahoo.co.ukEntries must be received by Monday 21st NovemberPlease note: we do not collect names and addresses fromcompetition entries for any purpose whatsoever, otherthan to verify entries and know where to send the prize!Congratulations to Chris Raynor, who won the18 pint Beerbox of Once Bittern, supplied byWoodfordes in the Summer 2011 Edition.Autumn 2011 | 23

Elephant and Castle | NORFOLK NIPSAnimal CrackersHere the English troops marched through thenight to outflank the Scots and caught them bysurprise. This trek involved the feet of theelephants being wrapped in sacking to muffletheir steps, a difficult but worthwhile task as theyplayed a decisive part in the conflict. Howeversome of the elephants escaped in the course ofthe battle, and took to the nearby Cheviot Hillswhere they lived as a feral colony.It’s a little known fact that when Hannibal’s armywas defeated by Scipio’s, at the battle of Zama,the victorious Roman army captured some ofthe elephants that the Carthaginians famouslyemployed in battle. The great Roman writer Livyrecords how some of these were taken fromNorth Africa to other parts of the empire for useby the Roman Legions. These included forts onHadrian’s wall and indeed the well preservedruins at Chester’s fort, near Hexham containbuildings which some scholars believe oncehoused elephants. Amongst the artefacts in thesmall museum on site are fragments of ivorycarved by bored soldiers posted to this far-flungpart of the empire. When the Romans left someof the elephants remained behind and were laterused in the defence of the many castles thatprotected the border from incursions by theScottish tribes. You can see in the photographthe entrance to Norham castle, up on the RiverTweed, near Coldstream. Even though it is inruins it is easy to see how the gate had to bemuch bigger than a normal castle entrance toallow the passage of these great beasts. This is ofcourse the origin of the pub name ‘Elephant andCastle’. The end for the use of elephants inwarfare was the invention of gunpowder andthe last great battle in which they played asignificant part was at Flodden Field, close toNorham where the Scots were defeated in 1513.Over the many hundreds of years since theirancestors left Africa they have evolved. The greyskin of the African elephant filters out much ofthe strong sunlight in their native land, but inBritain the much weaker sun finds it difficult topenetrate, and therefore a lack of vitamin D,which is derived from sunlight, can lead toosteoporosis. Consequently the modern dayelephants have a pink skin, which absorbs thesun’s rays much more easily. It is said by somethat the last survivors perished in the harshwinter of 1963, but there are still some individualswho tell stories of leaving the pub late atnight after a number of pints and seeing thepink elephants on their way home.Lars TordersSubscriptionsTo received the next four issues of NorfolkNips and Cask Force send 12 1st classstamps to:-Norfolk Nips and Cask Force,91 Tennyson Road,Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 5NG.Thanks to all those who have sent niceletters with their renewals.24 | Autumn 2011

DUKEof WELLINGTONTRADITIONAL REAL ALE HOUSE14 REAL ALESGRAVITY SERVEDavailable all year round fromour glass fronted tap roomEnjoy your favourite takeaway witha decent pint and decent company!Just order your food to be deliveredto the pub or bring it in and weprovide plates,knives, forks andenvironment.6 MORE ALESON HAND PUMPBBQ WeekendIN THE BEER GARDENWe even have themenu’s available -Indian, Chinese,Fish and Chips etc.CAMRA Good Beer Guide ListedOpenMonday to Saturday 12noon to 11pmSundays 12noon to 10.30pmCome and enjoy our TapRoom with a selection ofBelgian bottled beers, Budvar,Erdinger and Riegele all onDraught.91 - 93 WATERLOO ROAD | NORWICH | 01603 441182

Norwich Beer Festival | NORFOLK NIPS34th Norwich Beer FestivalGreetings to you all, hope you are having agood summer and drinking lots of quality beer.Again preparation is underway for the 34thNorwich Beer festival which is scheduled to takeplace at it’s usual venue of St Andrews & BlackfriarsHalls in the centre of Norwich in the lastweek of October. Which reminds me to say thatwe are very pleased to host the National AGM &Members weekend in 2013, more news on thisnext year.As I write, the advanced tickets have gone onsale, and are going quickly, so get in fast if youwant to guarantee entry in the evenings.Beer and cider selection is ongoing andjudging from the feedback that we receivedfrom last year’s visitors, I think we did very wellin the choice of styles which has lead to someminor tweaking of the range, but hopefully,brewers willing, we should have our usual mix totitillate your palate, Including some very specialspecials (Thanks Ron & Roger) which are likelyto go very quickly.As you know costs have gone up, but we havedone our best to minimise the increases andbring you a quality pint at a reasonable price.The “souvenir” third pint glasses were exceptionallypopular last year, so this time I haveincreased the amount available for sale.The introduction of third of a pint measure wasalso well received, enabling our customers tosample more of their favourite beers. As achange this year we are going to offer half pinttankards instead of the traditional straight glass,I hope you will like it.On the catering front we have secured thereturn of Natural Nosh to provide hot and coldsnacks and meals for your consideration. Noshare no strangers to the festival having been ourpartners a few years back. I would however liketo thank Chameleon Catering for all their hardwork over the last couple of years.Finally a big thank you to all our volunteersand branch members who are helping out.Of course if you feel like you help out please getin touch with us via our website www.norwichcamra.org.uk/festivalor contact the staffingofficer Mark Stimpson at bfstaff@live.co.ukAnd last but not least, big thanks to Alex at theBeehive, for hosting the staff summer barbecue,Take Five for our regular planning meetings, &the Staff/Customers at the Fat Cat, Cottage andKings Head for inspiration and good beer.Martin WardNorwich Beer Festival Organiser 2011(again)The pub with no bar,ales direct from cask.Watch www.nelsonslocal.co.uk for forthcoming events.Tongue twizzling food, and great value.Huge garden • Summer barbecueVictory Barn FunctionRoom for Christmas PartiesCome & visit Nelson’s local.Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe Norfolk PE31 8HN01328 73824126 | Autumn 2011

FREE HOUSECOAST ROAD, WALCOTT,NORFOLK NR12 OPETelephone(01692) 650371Proprietor since 1989: STEVE BULLIMOREOPEN FOR FOOD & DRINKSALL DAY, EVERY DAY, 11am - 11pmFood available all day until 10.30pm10% off food and drink on production of CAMRA membership cardFOUR REAL ALES & CIDERwww.lighthouseinn.co.uk28 | Autumn 2011

Norwich Ale Survey | NORFOLK NIPSCity Pubs top the Real AlePremier League!However, pubs across the city contributed to thetotal with 56 pubs selling ales not availableanywhere else, from the Maids Head in Catton(Flowers, IPA) to the Bread and Cheese, AdelaideStreet (Wolf, Lupus Lupus) and from Otter Ale inthe Birdcage to St Austell Tribute in the Cock atLakenham.The price of a pint of real ale ranged from £1.70for a pint of Ruddles Best (3.7%) in theQueen of the Iceni to £3.60 for Adnams Tally Ho(7.2%) in the Fat Cat, with the averageprice still below the £3 mark at £2.95.“We are going to need a bigger laptop”A survey organised by the Norwich & Norfolkbranch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA),and carried out in the city on Saturday (18thJune 2011), found an amazing 215 differentreal ales available, topping recent claims fromother cities to the title of UK Capital of RealAle, per head of population.A team of 26 volunteers visited 136 pubs, ofwhich 113 (83%) offered a total of 489 real alesand 24 real ciders and perries. The total of 215different ales beats the numbers achievedin similar surveys in Derby (161 ales, population240,000) and Sheffield (240, 500,000 –which is a far larger population than Norwich).Local ales from 22 of the county’s brewerieswere on sale with Woodforde’s Wherry takingthe accolade of most popular ale, beingavailable in 43 pubs. The Fat Cat had the mostales on the bar with 31, followed by the Whalebone(20), Duke of Wellington (16), Fat CatBrewery Tap (15) and The Plasterers Arms (14).A dozen pubs visited were serving 7 or more ales.Ian Stamp, Norwich CAMRA member andorganiser of the survey said “This is an amazingresult – we expected to get over 150 ales but215 is fantastic and a great tribute to thepublicans and real ale drinkers across the wholecity who demand and get an excellentrange of real ales and ciders”. Surely Norwich isthe City of Ale!Other statistics:- Total pubs surveyed: 136- Total serving real ale: 113 (83%)- Total ales on sale: 498 (plus 24 ciders andperries), 186 from Norfolk Breweries- Unique ales on sale: 215 (18 ciders andperries - subject to verification)- Ales on sale in one pub only: 144- Prices: £1.70 - £3.60, average £2.95 (Norfolkbeers £2.92, non-Norfolk beers £2.97)- Breweries: 98 (22 from Norfolk)- Average ABV: 4.2%Most Popular Beers (with publicans!):43 Woodfordes Wherry28 Adnams Southwold Bitter30 | Autumn 2011

23 Fullers London Pride16 Greene King IPA14 Greene King Abbott13 Wolf Golden Jackal12 Adnams BroadsideWoodfordes Nelsons Revenge6 Hop Back Summer LightningSharps DoombarWells & Youngs BombardierOakham JHBWoodfordes Once BitternWoodfordes SundewPubs with more than 2 unique ales:17 Fat Cat15 Whalebone7 White Lion6 Duke of WellingtonKings HeadPlasterers5 BellKings Arms4 Fat Cat Brewery TapPlough (out of 4!)Trafford Arms3 Coach & Horses, Thorpe RoadCottage, Silver roadMicawbersWoolpackPubs with most local Ales:13 The Plasterers12 Fat Cat10 Kings Head, Magdalen Street6 Ketts TavernCoach and Horses,Thorpe Road5 Beehive, Leopold RoadFat Cat Brewery TapRose, Queens Road4 CoachmakersJubileeDuke of WellingtonBellIan StampThe FalconPulham Market, IP21 4SU...a REAL pubSince reopening 18 months ago TheFalcon is building a good reputation forales and ciders which are served straightfrom the barrels at cellar temprature.Lou and her staff have been awarded acertificate of excellence from Cask Marqueand a food hygiene rating of 5.The Falcon is very much a traditionaldrinkers pub with stone floors and woodburners, pool table and darts board. There isa quiz night every Wednesday and live musicevery Saturday. Also on Wednesday eveningsthere is a meet for local motorcyclist from7pm ( please contact the pub to check this as weapproach winter.)Bar food is served all day on Fridays, Saturdaysand Sundays and is avaliable to eat in ortakeaway.Diary of EventsOctoberSat 1st The Pure Floyd Show (tickets £6 )Sat 8th Rawedge (rock)Sat 15th Fourplay (classic rock)Sat 22nd Murphys Lore (folk)Fri 28th Halloween fancy dress party with HeadspaceNovemberSat 5th Egypt (blues/rock)Sat 12th Sun of Cash (johny cash)Sat 19th Andy Robinson band (rock/blues)Sat 26th After Hours Blues band (blues)Tel: 01379 608897Mob: 07534944242facebook.com/falconpulhamAutumn 2011 | 31

NORFOLK NIPS | Colonial CraigFrom Across the Pond (part 4)My fellow real ale drinkers, it is with greatsadness that I write this chapter. When this goesto press I will already be far away from the landof great ale. I diligently tried to stay anotheryear but my employer wouldn’t budge; I waseven forced out three months earlier than I waspromised! I have been banished to a smallisland in the middle of the Pacific with a pitiful(and expensive) selection of beer. Before youstart to feel too sorry for me, I should mentionthat the island I am on now is Oahu. If you arescratching your head about the location, let megive you a hint…the Japanese made an unexpectedvisit here back in 1941. Yes, I know it isrough but just remember that I don’t have anyreal ales to sample; at least none that I havefound just yet.“We are experiencing quitea bit of culture shock nowthat we are back in the US.I have already noticed a bigdifference between Englishpubs and American bars.”My lovely wife and I had a wonderful time inyour awesome country. We really appreciate thegreat hospitality and friendships we made overthe past few years. We are experiencing quite abit of culture shock now that we are back in theUS. I have already noticed a big differencebetween English pubs and American bars. Thepubs are more of a home away from home.There are many acquaintances at your friendlylocal pub and most of them you considerfriends. This isn’t the norm in our bars. We typicallybring our friends with us to the bar andchat only within our group. It is rare to find aplace in the US that has the friendly atmosphereof a typical pub. As an outsider, I can really seethe difference. Many of you probably don’trealize how special your pubs really are. Theyserve the best beer, in a superb environmentand you get to spend quality time with your palsand not just the ones you brought with you.What more could you ask for? Please don’t takeyour local pub for granted. If you don’t supportthem they won’t be around forever. I plan oncoming back to visit and I want to find the samegreat pubs, not a bunch of flat conversions!I am not sure when I will get back to the OldCountry but I have promised Stig that I wouldsubmit some articles on my travels and the beersI find. One highlight of my new job is that I willget to travel frequently. I should be able to dropyou a line now and then about the beers I amsampling and the breweries I am visiting. I willbe missing England and the real ales but at leastI had the opportunity to live in your wonderfulland for almost six years. Life is good!AngelGardensFree HouseThis independently run freehouse has been under theownership of Ian Warren since 1988 and is situated onthe north of the city near to Waterloo Park.Homecooked and speciality mealsPrepared by Ian - a qualified chefwith years of experience.Up to SEVEN reasonably priced RealAles including THREE guest alesMonthly Quiz & Darts • Live Music on Saturdays96 Angel Rd, Norwich NR3 3HT01603 427490email: ikwarren-angel@tiscali.co.ukwww.norwichinns.comAutumn 2011 | 33

Beer Tasting | NORFOLK NIPSTasting PanelA well attended Tasting Panel was recentlytreated to a comprehensive tasting of bottledand draught ales at the Ketts Tavern, Ketts Hill,owned and run by Dawn and Kevin Hopkins.The bottled ales were from Norfolk SquareBrewery, whose owners, Carlos and Lesley Branquinho,kindly organised the evening, andperformed the pouring and clearing duties weusually have to do for ourselves!Carlos was the ideal host, as he also brews theNorwich Bear ales for the Ketts and its sister pubThe Rose, at his brewery in Stokesby, while thenew Norwich Bear brewery is installed at TheRose. Following the usual tasting panel procedure,we tasted each beer, discussed aroma,flavours and aftertaste, and rated it having beentold only the ABV. Beer names were revealed - orconfirmed - by Carlos after the marking wascomplete.We started with Pi, a light hoppy golden beerof 3.7%, which was the first beer Norfolk Squarebrewed and very refershing, followed byScroby, the brewery’s 4.2% pale ale, fullerflavoured(the name reflects the brewery'sorigins in Great Yarmouth). Sunshiny, a 4.5%ale flavored with a light touch of honey,completed a trio of golden amber ales on asweeter note.We also tasted B52, slightly stronger at 4.8%;Square Miled, as the name suggest a dark 4%mild which was very popular, andWinklepicker, Norfolk Square’s 5% porter,pretty much in the true style, although a littlesweeter than some other brewers’ versions.We would normally not taste more than sixbeers at a session - apart from most of us havingto work in the morning, taste buds are usuallysomewhat jaded after so much work!However, we were loath to turn down a freetasting with the brewer (and bottle tastingsdon’t usually involve more than 1/3 pint perbeer!) so most of us took the opportunity totaste a little of each of the new Norwich Bear (asin “gis a point ‘a tha bear bor”!) brews: Classic,a 3.8% pale ale; Legend 4.3, slightly strongerand darker and reminiscent of London Pride;Platinum, a 5% golden ale; and NPA, a 4.7%'Norfolk IPA’, which was probably most people’sfavourite, although run a close second by theLegend.A very pleasant evening - if later than usual! -and our thanks to Carlos and Lesley, and thehard-working bar staff at the Ketts!Telephone: 01379 898 445Email: info@thebellrickinghall.co.ukwww.thebellrickinghall.co.ukThe Bell Inn, The Street,Rickinghall, Norfolk IP22 1BNThe Bell Inn is a family owned and run Country Hotelwith ample Free Parking and Patio Garden.• 8 En-suited Bedrooms • The Chimes Restuarantseating up to 30 guests • Private Function Suite• Bespoke menus tailored to suit all functions• Warm & friendly atmosphere • Good selection of alesWhether you are visiting us for business orpleasure we will endeavour to ensure your stay withus will always exceed your expectations.We are open all day every dayLunch 12:00 - 2:30 • Dinner 6:00 - 9:30Sunday Lunch served all day 12:00 - 9:0034 | Autumn 2011

CAMRA CalendarNorwich and North Norfolk BranchThursday 15th SeptemberVisit to Elgood’s Brewery, WisbechSpaces limited, contact Michael PhilipsTuesday 20th SeptemberBranch MeetingAt The Humpty Dumpty Brewery, Reedham. 8pmFriday 30th SeptemberCampaign Trip North of the City(Worstead area)Friday 7th OctoberFirst Friday FiveVisiting five pubs in Norwich.Starts 8pm. Route TBASunday 9th OctoberInter Branch Social with West Norfolk BranchAt Whitwell & Reepham Railway Station Beer FestivalTuesday 18th OctoberBranch Meeting TBAMonday 24th – Saturday 29th OctoberThe 34th Norwich CAMRA Beer FestivalAt St Andrews and Blackfriars Halls.Friday 4th NovemberFirst Friday FiveVisiting five pubs in NorwichStarts 8pm. Route TBA.Saturday 5th NovemberTreasure Hunt in Great Yarmouth. Meet at TheNORFOLK NIPS | CAMRA CalendarMariners. Howard Street at 1.30 for a 2pm startSaturday 12th NovemberVisit to Adnams Brewery - Booking is essential withMichael PhilipsTuesday 15th NovemberCommittee meeting at The Beehive, Leopold Road,Norwich 8pmFriday 25th NovemberCampaign Trip South of the City - Wicklewood areaWest Norfolk BranchTuesday 20th SeptemberAlbion, Thetford.Good Beer guide launch/ socialSunday 9th OctoberWhitwell & Reepham railway festival, joint socialwith NorwichTuesday 11th OctoberWindmill, Great Cressingham, AGMTuesday 8th NovemberUnion Jack, RoydonSaturday 17th December.Norwich Chrisrmas CrawlAll branch meetings start at 8pm and include asocial.Got a short pint?If you believe that you have been treated unfairly in a pub, club or bar, you should contact theTrading 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 ConsumerDirect website at www.consumerdirect.gov.ukAutumn 2011 | 35

Are you a CAMRA member?Have you changed your e-mail address since you joined?If so, please e-mail the Membership Secretary so thatyour details can be updated.Saturday 5th NovemberGreat YarmouthTreasure HuntMeet at The Mariners Tavern, Howard StreetSouth. Teams of four.1.30 for 2pm start.

Winter LocAle TrailIt’s back!Details to be announced shortly.?Monday 24th October – Saturday29th OctoberThe 34th Norwich and NorfolkBeer FestivalSt Andrews and Blackfriars Halls.Sunday 9th OctoberDon’t Forget!The Inter - Branch Social atWhitwell and Reepham Railway Station.The next issue of Norfolk NIPS and CaskForce will be out on 12th DecemberDeadline date for copy is 14th November

Lincoln Visit | NORFOLK NIPSA “Flick” around LincolnThose who know me will be aware that I am acomplete aeroplane nut so upon hearingrecently that the mighty hunter the Nimrod wasabout to make its last flights I headed intodarkest Lincolnshire to witness its passing.an impressive (12!) range of beers including ofcourse their own Milestone’s beers.Having left the 14th Century Dragon I headedfor the Jolly Brewer with a sense of trepidationhaving been told they had suffered a break inthe night before. The pub is close to the artschool and has a Bohemian look before youeven enter, it was open due to some hard workby the staff and proved to be the kind of no frillseccentric place I tend to like. Decorated by artstudents some years ago in an Art Deco style ithas wonderful coloured windows one of whichat the back of the pub had been broken in theThis event spanned two days at RAFWaddington which is just South of Lincoln so Idecided to stay in the city overnight and exploreits real ale drinking potential.The original plan of attack was to get to thetop of the hill upon which sit the Cathedral andcastle the let gravity aid my return to my digs.However when I got off the bus, I discoveredthat two of the pubs on my list were very closeby. First was the Green Dragon which has adownstairs bar level with the river front servingGreen Dragon38 | Autumn 2011

NORFOLK NIPS |break in, such a shame. The Brewer provedfriendly and the beer quality superb with twoexcellent local beers on offer out of the six available,plus real perry and cider.I moved on as they were setting up for livemusic, a bit later it must have been heaving.A this point I had to climb up to the level ofthe hilltop I chose the stairs on the side of thehill rather than the rather obviously namedstreet Steep Hill!Art Deco styling in the Jolly BrewerTime to return to my digs as I had to go backto Waddington fairly early, with enough beerguide pubs for a return visit, fairly soon Isuspect. With a great array of differing pubs plusthe medieval city, one to try for yourself.StigFlick off!First was the Morning Star which proved toprovide the reason for the title of this piece,inside I was greeted by the sight of a Subuteotournament about to start. The league is calledthe Lincoln Flickers, and this is serious competitionwith players polishing the bases of theirplayers before flick off, half the pub was takenup by the tables. You just can’t beat pub culture,just when you think you have seen everything…The next ale house was the darkly namedStrugglers, which is so called because whenpublic hangings took place outside the castlegaol the condemned were taken in to the pubto get drunk so they didn’t struggle on thegallows (shudder). The beer range was againvery good and it was standing room only, youcouldn’t struggle much even if you tried!Finally I visited the Bateman’s owned Victoriawhich wasn’t hard as it is right next door to theStrugglers.Autumn 2011 | 39

Norfolk Square Breweryopens Two Brewers ShopDRINKING THEYORKSHIRE WAYor BY-ECKMy wife and I plus the dog set offin our campervan to tour the YorkshireMoors, a beautiful area whichwe have visited many times before.Only this time we decided to breakthe journey from Norfolk and havean evening stop over near Selby,what a master stroke this turnedout to be. Our camp site at Riccall,had a pub called the GreyhoundInn and this was our first port ofcall. Four ales to choose from and Iwent for Little Valley Moor, WellWhat The Heck at 5.5% ABV.Tucked away at the top ofMagdalen Street, next to TwoBrewers Yard in Norwich is CarlosBranquinho’s latest venture.Wander through the frontdoor and you realise that this isa cornucopia of bottled beers.Rows and rows of bottles viefor your attention. You don’tknow where to look first – thewords “kid” and “sweetshop”come readily to mind.Hardly surprising, there are atpresent 40 local beers and over100 others from the UK andaround the world, plus cidersand wines! Fortunately they arearranged in some order,Norfolk Beers, American Beers,Belgium Beers etc.As one who dismally failed todiscover the delights of theItalian Craft Beer scene when inRome, I was delighted toreadily find two specimenshere; the Baladin Nora is definitelyone for Christmas.I spoke to Shop ManagerPeter Darwood who was happyto show me around. Hepointed out some rare delights,such as the Chinese Lucky Beer.There is an ever changingwindow display which featuredAmerican Beers on my visit.He told me that the shop willalso hold “Meet the Brewer”events at regular intervals,check their facebook page forthe latest news; Woodfordes isup next on 10th September,Not the easiest place to get toby car, but there is a large“loading only” bay opposite,and you would be loading,wouldn’t you?The Wheatsheaf, a roadside pub inBurn was my next choice. I couldnot bring myself to sample theJohn Smith’s cask ale but I did tryGoose Eye - Balmpot, Leed’s - Paleand Osset- Blond. NO Great Heck.Next the George and Dragon atWest Haddlesey (just down theroad) had Golden Angel from ToadBrewery, Doncaster. Our last venuewas again only a stones throwaway, the Wadkin Arms atOsgodby. With Wensleydale -Gold,and Brown Cow - WhiteDragon but no Great Heck.We moved on to the Yorkshiremoors the following day and canrecommend the following pubs.SUDDERBY’S at Malton (greatbottled beer shop as well)BLACKSMITHS ARMS atLastingham one of our all timefavourites (brilliant food)NEW INN at Cropton which hasits own breweryHORSESHOE HOTEL atEgerton BridgeSTATION INN at WhitbySUN INN at PickeringCROWN Hutton-Le-HoleMy next trip to the Yorkshire moorswill definitely be broken at Selbybut this time on the way there andback. Surely we must find someGreat Heck beers then!Bruce & Carol WardAutumn 2011 | 41

Geldeston Locks InnLocks Lane, GeldestonNR34 0HW Tel: 01508 518414Summer opening Hours up to 31st OctoberOpen all day every day 12 Noon - 11pmFood Served Monday to Friday 12 Noon - 2.30pm and 6pm - 9pmSaturday and Sunday 12 Noon all day through to 9pmWinter opening hours from 31st OctoberOpen urs, Fri, Sat 12 Noon – 11pmFood served urs, Fri, Sat 12 Noon – 2.30pm(Sunday 12 Noon - 5pm)Go to www.geldestonlocks.co.ukfor more information on our events,parties and music line-up73 Oak Street, Norwich NR3 3AQ01603 632333An ever-changing selection of five Milton brews andthree guest beers. Also serving a variety of fine maltwhiskies, a range of Trappist and Fruit Belgian beers anda unique English lager brewed to a Czech recipe.Food coming soonCome and have a tipple at the last of theOak Street Alehouseswww.individualpubs.co.uk/whitelion/FREEWiFi42 | Autumn 2011

A is for:NORFOLK NIPS | Interview with a LandladyThe Norfolk Beer Scene A to ZAey Allen, Landlady of The VineIn the first of a new series which looks at whatmakes the Norfolk Beer Scene so special, I interviewedAey. She celebrates three years at TheVine on 15th November and to mark the occasionis donating 10p per pint sold to Children inNeed during the week 14th – 19th November.Q. Nice selection of Ales, were theychosen with Thai food in mind?A. Oh yes, especially JHB.Q. You are in The Good Beer Guide andThe Good Food Guide, what is the secretof your success?A. Good staff and fresh home cooked food,using local produce wherever possible. The beerlines are always flushed through, not justcleaned. The Oakham Brewery says that I servethe best pint of JHB. I’m a fussy person, I likeeverything to be neat. It’s altogether.Q. What advice would you give toanyone thinking of taking on a pub?A. Firstly, you must love your job, and practiceyour people skills. Take care of people and youwill make customers your friends.Q. The City of Ale Festival, how was itfor you?A. It was good. We had 12 firkins on, peopleasked how the smallest pub could have so manybeers. It brought new customers in on the BankHoliday Monday, which is usually quiet for us.Q. If you could only have one drink andone meal, what would they be?A. A pint of real ale, definitely - possibly OakhamMacaw and a dish of Gang Pha (Village Curry).(This is No. 40 on the menu, which confirmsthat Aey loves this dish – Ed)Q. Looking to the future, what is yourbiggest challenge/concern?A. To keep finding something new. I try to makean improvement every three months. You can’tstand still.Q. Finally, The Vine is a great place inwhich to unwind, but how do you chillout when you are not in the pub?A. Oh, I love a good party!NORFOLK ALE SHOPOVER 60 ALESALE SALE!EVERY WEEKEND20% off ALL BOTTLESFIND US INSTORE ATTHE GENERAL STORE 41, HIGH STREET,RINGSTEAD. PE36 5JU. NEAR HUNSTANTON.Telephone: 01485 525270Email: generalstore41@aol.com.OPEN SEVEN DAYS8am -5.30pm.EXCEPT MON/TUES/WED.CLOSING AT 1pm.Autumn 2011 | 43

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Cider and Perry | NORFOLK NIPSThe birth of the East AnglianCider CompetitionA few years ago, around the middle of the lastdecade, three members of CAMRA interestedin promoting real cider and perry in East Angliamet in Cambridge, strangely enough in a barwhich sold real cider. East Anglia cider was notbeing promoted much at the time and wewanted to find a way to let people know thatcider is produced in the region, not just theWest Country and the South East.After much conversation (and a few ciders)we had come up with the idea of running acider competition to select the best ciders andperries in the region. Any cider producer basedin the region could enter as long as theproduct was not pasteurised or artificiallycarbonated and did not contain concentrate.Norwich Beer Festival seemed the ideal location,regularly having the largest amount ofEast Anglia cider in one place at that time.We started small, with around 15 productsbeing judged in the first year which was notbad bearing in mind that we were only awareof around 20 producers in the region. Over theyears, there have been a number of changes,the main things being the number of entriesand, therefore, the number of judges required.Entries have grown steadily and I am sure thatwe would never have imagined at the start thatwe would be judging over 20 ciders and haveenough perries to run a separate competition.Even better there are now nearly 50 ciderproducers in the region.Last year Norfolk did very well with CronesOwld Norfolk winning the cider competitionand Whin Hill’s was judged to be the bestperry. This year’s competition will be judged,as usual, on Tuesday 25th October at NorwichBeer Festival. If you would like to help with thejudging, please contact either myself or ChrisRouse on chrisjrouse@yahoo.co.uk. You don’thave to be a cider expert, all you need to beable to do is appreciate and recognise goodreal cider and perry.The winning products will go forward asregional entries into the National Cider andPerry Championships, which take place atReading Beer and Cider Festival in May nextyear.Andrea Briers46 | Autumn 2011

NORFOLK NIPS | Cider and PerryCider And Perry In NorfolkReal cider is a long established traditional drinkwhich is produced naturally from apples and isneither pasteurised nor carbonated. Perry issimilar, produced from pears. In order to ensurethat traditional cider and perry productioncontinues in the face of serious competitionfrom their heavily advertised keg competitorsCAMRA is actively seeking to support cider andperry makers in the UK. Here in Norfolk we havea number of active and successful producerswho are making drinks that differ in their naturefrom those produced in the West Country andWelsh Borders. N&N CAMRA will endeavour toinform the county about the choice of real ciderand perry available by providing information onlocal cider makers and the outlets (pubs, festivalsand farmers markets)where it can be obtained.In our inaugural piece we will introduce theEast Norfolk Trading Company based inMartham, and the only commercial cider makerin the Yarmouth area. The cider press is sited inan old agricultural shed on the outskirts of thevillage, as with so many micro-breweries thesedays, is well suited for the purpose with itsroomy space, ambient temperatures and ease ofdrainage and cleaning. Russell Watson set up theenterprise two years ago and to date hasproduced a number of successful varieties.Norfolk haymaker (6.5%) is a medium cider witha refreshing zesty flavour. Discovery (7.3%) isdry and uses 50% Discovery apples. The OakAged (7.5%) has been matured for four monthsin an oak barrel obtained from the malt whiskeyindustry and the result is a magnificent mix ofapple with a smoky aftertaste.Russell has also been experimenting with ciderinfused with his own elderflower cordial toproduce sweet Elderflower (7%). All these ciderswere sampled at the Cider Festival held recentlyin the Oliver Twist in Yarmouth over the Whitsunweekend. The Elderflower tasted fresh andflowery with a lingering sweet fruit on thetongue. And just for the festival, a delicious hotcider with honeycinnamon and cloves senteveryone off to bedcontent.At the moment Russellsources his apples fromeast anglian orchards buthe has also planted 70trees of his own. Outletsfor the cider are confinedto the east coast at the moment (try the HicklingPleasure boat, the Horsey Nelson’s Head and ofcourse the Oliver Twist in Yarmouth, all offer achoice of two) but he also supplies festivals andStalham Farmer’s market.And the Boy John is coming! It may be earlydays, but the signs are bright for cider with aNorfolk bite!2nd Annual Beer FestivalThursday 10th - Sunday 13th November12 Real Ales and 2 CidersFully licenced bar • Light snacks availableSESSION TIMES:Thursday: 7.30 until lateFriday: 6.00pm until lateSaturday: 2.00pm until lateSunday: 12.00 noon until late.ENTERTAINMENT:Thursday Eve - Live Music withThe Blofield Heath JammersSaturday Evening - Elvis RevisitedSunday Evening - Fun QuizHeathlands Community Centre, Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath,Norwich, NR13 4QH Tel: 01603 714164 Mob: 07818466473.www.heathlandscommunitycentre.org.ukRegistered Charity: 303909Autumn 2011 | 47

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Beer Festival DiaryNORFOLK NIPS | Festival Diary28 September-1 October (Wednesday-Saturday) St Albans Beer FestivalAlban Arena, Civic Centre - short walk from St Albans Cityor Abbey rail stationsUp to 350 real ales, plus cider perry, bottle-conditionedbeers + large range of foreign beers from allover the world. Live musical entertainment with CoJones plus John Otway on Saturday lunchtime withNine Below Zero in the evening. Open: Wednesday12-11pm; Thursday-Saturday 11-11pm. CAMRAmembers free at all times. Staff needed, email:staffing@hertsale.org.uk Other enquires torealales@yahoo.com (please put ‘SABF2011’ in subjectline) or www.stalbansbeerfestival.com.5-8 Oct (Wednesday-Saturday) 34th BedfordBeer & Cider FestivalCorn Exchange, St Paul's Square, Bedford MK40 1SL.Town centre venue - 5 minutes from the bus station, 10minutes from the railway station.110 power-cooled real ales, 35 ciders + perries + awide range of draught + bottled foreign beers. Open:Wednesday 4-11pm; Thursday-Saturday 11.30 -11pm.Admission after 5pm: Wednesday £2, Thursday £3,Friday £5, Saturday £1, paid on door. Free before 5pmand to CAMRA members all times. No under 18sadmitted. Press/trade preview Wed 3-4pm, invitedguests and CAMRA members only. Hot/cold food andfree soft drinks available at all sessions. Wheelchairaccess to all floors, evening pass-outs for smokers.Live entertainers: Wednesday evening - Dr Busker,Saturday evening - Lost 4 Words. For more details call01234 822698 or see www.northbedscamra.org.uk.12-15 Oct (Wednesday-Saturday) 18th ConcretePint (Milton Keynes) Beer FestivalThe Buszy, Elder Gate, Central Milton Keynes MK9 1LR(200yds from CMK railway station, above the old busstation; All bus routes into MK stop there)60+ real ales plus cider/Perry. Hot/cold food at allsessions. Live entertainment Thursday - Saturdayevenings. Admission £3 (free to card-carrying CAMRAmembers) Open: Wednesday 5 -11pm; All other daysnoon-11pm. Commemorative glass £2 (refundable)For more details see the websitewww.mkcamra.org.uk13-15 Oct (Thursday-Saturday) Nottingham'Robin Hood' Beer & Cider FestivalNottingham Castle, top of Friar Lane, Nottingham.Located in the superb grounds of the castle, close to OldMarket Square and tram stop (short walk from railwaystation and Broadmarsh bus station).Over 800 cask beers, plus wide selection of ciders andperries mainly sourced from the smaller producers.All Day opening Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 -11pm. See website for details of admission prices andCAMRA discount.Live music on Victorian Bandstand (separate frommain beer marquee, which is music-free). Hot foodavailable (except Sunday).Contact Nottingham CAMRA on numbers 0785 1112047 (General) or 0792 541 4726 (Staffing/volunteers)or 0115 929 7896 (Entertainment -Answerphone available) or festival@nottinghamcamra.org.24-29 Oct (Mon-Sat) 34th NorwichBeer FestivalSt Andrews & Blackfriars Hall, Norwich200 + real ales (many local ales and specials), 30+ciders and perries, (East Anglia Cider & Perry CompetitionVenue), Bottled beer from GB, Europe and furtherafield, plus draught foreign beer from mainland Europe.Open: Monday 5.30-11pm; Tuesday-Thursday11.30-2.30pm, then 5.30-11pm; Fri 11.30-3pm then5.30-11pm, Saturday 11.30-3pm then 6.30-11pm.Admission Prices Lunchtime: Tuesday-Thursday £1,Friday-Saturday £2. Evenings: Monday and Tuesday£4, Wednesday and Thursday £5, Friday and Saturday£6. CAMRA members FREE at all times, but please joinqueue and show valid membership card on entry.Over 18s only, no children. Last admissions are30minutes before closing time.Volunteers needed - please email Mark Stimpson,bfstaff@norwichcamra.org.uk or write to Mark: FestStaffing, 8 Pond Rd, Horsford, Norfolk NR10 3SW.Further information please see:www.norwichcamra.org.uk/festival/fest2011.htm orcontact Festival Organiser Martin Ward on 07833971894 (M) or macros_the_black@ntlworld.com.30 Nov-3 Dec (Wed-Sat) 10th Harwich &Dovercourt Bay Winter Ales FestivalKingsway Hall, Dovercourt50+ real ales, with an emphasis on dark and seasonalbrews, also cider and bottled continental beers.Open: 7-11 Wednesday, 11-11 Thursday-Saturday.Admission £1.50, £2.50 after 6pm Friday, 2pmSaturday, free to card-carrying CAMRA members at alltimes. Souvenir 1/2pint tankards available. Furtherinformation please see www.tendringcamra.org.ukAutumn 2011 | 49

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Local Beer FestivalsNORFOLK NIPS | Pub Beer FestivalsAs most people are aware by now that CAMRAorganizes many beer festivals all over the U.K.Some branches run more than one each year(Summer & Winter). Locally we have largeCAMRA beer festivals at Peterborough,Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich & Bury St.Edmunds just to name a few.However, there is a growing trend these daysfor pubs to run beer festivals of their own.Among the pub festivals recently visited was theStuart House, Kings Lynn(28th-30th July). Thiswas their 14th year and very successful it wastoo.Congratulations to Keith Barnes and his teamat the Ancient Mariner’s (Old Hunstanton) forrunning their 1st beer festival. Also thanks forallowing West Norfolk CAMRA to be involved.We hope this will be an annual event!Not only pubs run beer festivals! The NorthNorfolk Railway ran a great event, despite reallybad weather. This was their 10th year on theplatform at Sheringham station and a rake ofcarriages provided some shelter for eagerdrinker's to dry out and not forgetting the healthand safety aspect to stop drinker's falling fromthe platform on to the track!You cannot write about beer festivals withoutmentioning the Angel at Larling. Their 18thfestival had 67 ales & 4 ciders and wasa complete sell out. Congratulations to AndrewStammers and his team for making this year oneof the best.The Fox & Hounds at Heacham run severalsuccessful festivals each year. I was privileged tobe able to do a pre-tasting of some of the 38beers on offer for their July bash. Thanks Mark,they were all in good nick.During September & October there are manymore beer fests, which shows how popular realale festivals have become amongst drinkers of all(legal) ages!Listed below are just a few more local pubs andvenues that regularly feature beer festivals.Victoria, Hockering .Coach & Horses, Dersingham (7th-9th Oct.)Elgoods Brewery, Wisbech (22nd-24th Sept.)Dabbling Duck, Gt. MassinghamUnion Jack, Roydon.Plus many more in and around Norwich includingThe Trafford Arms and The Murderers.THE ANGEL INNFREEHOUSENORFOLK CAMRA PUB OFTHE YEAR 2010!Open all day every dayExcellent home cooked mealsavailable from our awardwinning kitchenLarge Beer Garden with play areaEn-suite accommodationCamping and Caravanning availableLarling, Norfolk, NR16 2QU (17th Century former coaching inn)Tel: 01953 717963www.angel-larling.co.ukAutumn 2011 | 51

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NORFOLK NIPS | Why not visit...?The Fishermans Return, WintertonIf you fancy getting away for the weekend,there are three en-suite rooms available.To the rear of the pub is the separate functionroom. Built in the 19th C, the Tin Ho’, or timboas it is called, originally catered for day trippersfrom Great Yarmouth.This is the second in a series where we look atpubs which are well worth a visit, but maybe ina remote location or just not on your radar.The Fishermans Return in Winterton certainlyfits the bill.Darrin has only been there for 2 ½ years,having first seen it one Christmas – with thewoodburners glowing, his first impression was“Wow!” This is a pub that has only had 4 Landlordsin 100 years, so Darrin and Scott areobviously “new”. By all accounts the pub was abit run down when they arrived, but it looksgreat now.Popular with the locals, holiday makers, dogwalkers and twitchers, it’s certainly worth a visit.This 17th C. brick and flint built pub is in the2011 Good Beer Guide and situated in thevillage, close to the Beach.Described by Landlord Darrin Winter as a“Country Pub by the Sea”, it’s appeal is immediatelyobvious and was a welcoming sight when Iarrived on a damp summer evening.There were five Real Ales on handpumps,Woodforde’s Norfolk Nog and Wherry arealways available, plus guests – HumptyDumpty’s Cheltenham Flyer and Sharp’s Own atthe time of my visit, plus their own House Beer,Skipper’s Tipple (a Greene King Beer brewed toa Hardy and Hanson recipe).There were also three ciders, Old Rosie, BlackDragon and Cider Twist with Raspberry.The Ales are not cheap, but were in fine fettle.There is a good food menu, using localproduce and daily deliveries of fresh fish fromLowestoft.8 Keelan Close, Norwich NR6 6QZTel. 01603 787820sales@wintersbrewery.co.ukwww.wintersbrewery.co.ukSearchWinter’s Brewery@wintersbreweryAutumn 2011 | 53

Pedants’ Revolt | NORFOLK NIPSFancy Dress Drinking(aka Morris Dancing)Pedants’ Revolt are a Norwichbaseddance group, and wefrequently get the opportunityto combine the noble arts ofdancing and drinking. Here weare in Norwich outside theAdam and Eve.We “black up” for the samereason that many dancers didin the 19th C. – to avoid beingrecognised by friends or neighbourswho might think that wewere begging, or employers,who would view this as a poorexcuse for being off work!We visited Reedham recently,to perform at the HumptyDumpty Beer Festival. Thedancers sampled several of thebrewery’s beers, and as it was ahot day, the Cheltenham Flyerand the Broadland Sunrisewere given the vote as to thebeers that refreshed most partsthe best. The SwingbridgeStout, my personal favourite,was not on, so I tried the BlackBuffle from Spectrum. A deliciousbrew, 4.5%, and namedafter the brewer's cat. However,there is one problem. You can’tdo justice to the beer if youalso need to dance, and viceversa. Fortunately, we findmany opportunities to indulgein more dedicated drinking.Several of us attended theWarwick Folk Festival at theend of July, a three-day eventfeaturing some of the country’stop folk bands. I think Show ofHands was my favourite act,followed by Spiers and Boden(two members of Bellowhead).And of course there's the beertent! I guess there were aboutfifty beers available over theweekend, some from the localChurch End brewery - Whatthe Foxes Hat, a golden beerwith a soft hop flavour andfinish was particularlyrefreshing in the heat of theday, and the Stout Coffin was afine evening companion in theconcert tent.If you want to find out moreabout where we dance anddrink, visit our website:http://littlebirdtoldme.info/PedantsRevolt/Jon Dimascio54 | Autumn 2011

Open all day every dayfood is served:-12-2 & 6-9 Tuesday to SundayOffering four real alesA traditional 17th Century pub,how they used to beFrom Norwich & Acle head to Salhouseand at the mini roundabout follow the signto Wroxham, we are 200yds on the right.12-3 Sunday for plated home cooked Sunday luncheswith homemade Yorkshire puddings and freshvegetables. Booking advised if dining.Superb food using fresh, local, seasonal produceShoot dinners a specialityPopular quiz every Wednesday from 8:30pmMeat raffle every Sunday at 4:30pmTel: 01603 721141 www.salhousebell.co.uk6 St Martins Palace Plain,Norwich NR3 1RN01603 625891www.thewigandpen.comThis warm and friendly 17th century Freehouse is to thenorth side of Norwich cathedral. Owned by Craig & LynneMcLaren since 1993. ‘The Wig’ as its affectionately known,has built a reputation for fresh, fast, affordable British cuisine.• Good Ale • Good Food • Heated smoking area• Comprehensive Outdoor Dining Area • Late Night OpeningLook out for our CaskMarque Plaque.This guarantees beer qualityin the Wig & Pen and theopportunity toTRY BEFORE YOU BUY.For the 15th successiveyear, the Wig & Pen hasbeen included inCAMRA’s Good BeerGuide. We are very proudof this achievement.Autumn 2011 | 55

Brewery Visit | NORFOLK NIPSVisit to MauldonsBrewery, SudburySteve demonstrated that Brewing insingle pints didn't workOn Saturday 23rd July, we ventured into deepestSuffolk, heading for Mauldons Brewery inSudbury. Armed with OS maps, GPS devices andthe not unreasonable assumption that the coachdriver knew where he was going, we were confidentof arriving, which we duly did – early.With the gates open, but no cars in the carpark, we opted to park the coach and hope thatsomeone was there to meet us. To immenserelief all round, we were met by our host, Steve,who was later joined by his son-in-law James.Three ales on gravity were also waiting for us,Mole Trap, Silver Adder and the new BlackberryPorter.Steve gave a fascinating potted history ofMauldons, which started on a farm in the 18thCentury, originally to export wine to Australia.Greene King bought the farm and the Australianlink continued when they brewed Fosters. PeterMauldon was worried that it was not up toscratch, but the Fosters delegation reckoned thatalthough it was nothing like Fosters back homein Australia, it was good enough for us!they did not like “fruit” beers were impressed;Ribena will never be the same. If you get thechance to try this, then do so. James takes thecredit for this, with his flair and enthusiasm youwonder what will be next.Following the tour, it was off to The BreweryTap, in Sudbury, which had a good selection ofguest Ales in addition to the Mauldon’s range,available on handpump and gravity.Having thanked our hosts we sadly departed,calling in at the Essex Branch’s Pub of the Year,The Bell Inn in Castle Hedingham, where weenjoyed a leisurely pint or two from the casksbefore calling in at The Angel, Larling on theway back to Norwich.It is easy to see why Brewery Trips are sopopular, great beer in great company and achance to learn more about the BrewingIndustry. If you have the opportunity to go onone, sign up: but as they say – Book early toavoid disappointment!The Brewery was eventually bought out inMarch 2000 and has moved from the AddisonRoad site to the new premises that we werevisiting. The kit is Canadian, and Steve admitsthat there were some teething problems at first,but it is much more efficient than what they hadat Addison Road, so much so, that storage spaceis now a problem!The ales that we supped were excellent; theaward certificates that adorned the walls aretestament to proven quality. However, it has tobe said that the Blackberry Porter was in aleague of its own. Even those who claimed that56 | Autumn 2011Graham watches out for The Suffolk Branch as wedash for the pub

Simon and Karen welcome youall to their traditional family pub.We are inFREEGreat selection of real ales and wines, along with finedining and excellent company.Trafalgar Beer Festival20th-24th OctoberFree Fireworks SpectacularSunday 30th Octoberwww.whitehorsechedgrave.co.ukThe Real Ale Shop is a unique off-licenceoffering over 50 bottle conditioned alesfrom 15 Norfolk brewers.We are located on a beautiful arable farmclose-by Wells-next-the-Sea, which providesmuch of the malt used in brewing theales we sell.The Real Ale Shop, Branthill Farm,Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB.Tel: 01328 710810The LondonTavernFree HouseGreat real ales, fine wines and spirits.A large Home-Made selection of traditional food serveddaily, Main meals, Set menu deals, Light lunches, Specials& Childrens menu. Roast Dinners Sundays 12-3pmChilled bar rolls made daily only £1.00Attleborough’s only currentGood Beer Guide pub 2010 & 2011Camra Discount Scheme & Local AleBreckland Council Rating Level 5Parking, Disabled facilities, Baby changing,Smokers sheltered garden, and Beer garden.Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.Christenings, Funerals, Intimate Weddings / Civil Ceremonies catered forChurch St, Attleborough Tel :01953 45741558 | SUMMER 2011

Queen’s Headand Waveney Brewing CompanyTraditional Village Pub with a breweryproducing permanent and seasonalales on siteLarge beer garden, traditional games, lunchtime menu and a goodselection of real ale, spirits and soft drinksListed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2000.Station Road, Earsham, NorfolkTel: (01986) 892623SUMMER 2011 | 59

Michaela and Toni welcome you toThe Kings Arms22 Hall Rd Norwich NR1 3HQ Tel: 01603 766361Everchanging 13 Real Ales, Cider and Mild.Popular Quiz Night last Wednesday of every monthOccasional live Music – see website or phone for detailsFood served: Tuesday - Sunday 12noon - 2.30pmwith Roast dinner every SundayEat your takeaway in the pub - plates and cutlery provided!See all of Norwich City’s matches(Home and Away!)See www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.ukfor detailsThe PavilionWells Road, Hindringham, North Norfolk. NR21 0PLTelephone 01328 878487Norfolk’s newest freehouse was officiallyopened on 28th August 2011 with NorthNorfolk MP Norman Lamb pulling the firstpint to the delight of a packed bar.The brand new freehouse has been built on thesite of the old sports club thanks to a £200,000fundraising drive in the village and is servingTwo real ales, draft lager and Aspells cider.The Pavilion is now open six days a week(closed on Mondays) and will offer a widevariety of food both for lunch and dinner andaims to be a community hub both for the villageand the wider North Norfolk community.Licencee Rob Eustace will run it alongside ateam of local staff and said: “We have done itfor the village and we want to put Hindringhamback on the map.”THE ThreeHorseshoesWest End, Norwich Road, Briston, Norfolk. NR24 2JATelephone 01263 861621Going back to the original name The ThreeHorseshoes (formally The Stracey Inn) will openwithin the next few weeks in Briston,North Norfolk’s largest village.Internationally experienced Head Chef GavinMcquire aims to offer a new and excitingdining experience and owner’s Sue Ridgwell andRob Eustace explained that the emphasis will beon traditional values, quality service andexceptional food. Opening seven days a weekoffering food all day from 12 Noon - 9pm.The Three Horseshoes is a freehouse usingAdnams brewery serving 3 real ales with guestbeers, draft lager and 2 draft ciders.3 ensuite rooms are available • Live music60 | Autumn 2011

Handpump v GravityNORFOLK NIPS | The big questionIt’s a real ale icon, it’s what we look for when wego into a pub that we’ve never been in before.The sight of one, or better still – several ofthem - can quicken the pulse and reassure us atthe same time. It’s OK, we can get a decent pinthere.It ,of course, is the humble Handpump, asymbol of all we stand for. It is incorporated intothe logo for the 34th Norwich CAMRA BeerFestival and I often wonder why CAMRA did notadopt it in 1971. But, it is under threat, thewinds of change are blowing and you have toask “Has the handpump had it's day?”The competition it faces is not new, what is?It’s just that more and more pubs are choosingto serve beers under gravity - straight from thewood, or temperature controlled aluminiumcask more like it. The handpump has manythings going for it. It is Point of Sale Marketingat it’s best, some pump clips are works of art andtheir design can keep Marketing, Design andAdvertising people occupied for a long andexpensive time. And, they are “customer facing”providing the ideal opportunity for a spot ofbanter between Bar Staff and customers. Noneed to to take the order and then turn yourback on the customer or depart for the taproom, leaving the customer to hope that theyget what they have ordered.Visitors to The Royal Norfolk Show will havenoticed that Woodfordes installed handpumpson their bar this year. You can get a lot of feedbackwhilst that pint is being pulled.But at The Fur and Feathers, the WoodfordesTap, there are three handpumps on the bar, butthe beer is served under gravity from dummybarrel fronts behind the bar. There are reasonsfor this, not least of which is that they sell alltheir beer range at the same time and to do thatwith handpumps, they would need a bigger bar.The Marsham Arms is similar, three handpumpson the bar, but beer is served from the small taproom adjacent to the bar. The Pigs at Edgefieldjust has the barrel fronts, The Lord Nelson atBurnham Thorpe doesn't even have a bar!So why is this? In my view, there are two verygood reasons why gravity is becoming themethod of dispense of choice – quality andmoney.Firstly quality - I fully accept that some beerstyles are best served by handpump and someby gravity, but in the case of the handpump,there are more variables involved -beer lines,swan necks, tight sparklers, etc. Each can havean effect on the quality of the freshly pouredpint. In my view, the greater number of variables,the greater the risk of contamination, etc.At The Wortwell Bell recently, Branch Memberswere queuing up not to be first when a newbeer was put on to an existing line, even thougha bucket load was pulled through first. (I had thefirst pint – and jolly good it was too!) Then thereis the money – that bucket contained a goodfew pints and at around £3.00 per pint, that's nosmall beer. I don’t have a Degree in DifficultSums, so I leave others to work out how muchprofit is lost in the beer lines at the end of theday or when the lines are cleaned. Less waste,more profit.Regardless of how you serve it, nothing canbeat good cellarmanship, some pubs get it right,some don’t. The chances are that we avoid thepubs that don’t, which could lead to themdispensing with real ale because there is nodemand or even worse, closing. As part of ourCampaign, we should all be willing and able tooffer advice where it is needed – and welcome!As for me? Well, I still reckon that Real Alestraight from the cask tastes best and can thankSir Isaac Newton for inventing Gravity!I still look for handpumps though ….....Autumn 2011 | 61

EATON COTTAGEUNTHANK RD, NORWICH Tel: 01603 453048Fine Real Ales,lagers,wines and spiritsAll Sky Sports • A traditional pubGood covered outside areasDoggies welcome“a festival of beers every day”Earle ArmsHeydonTraditional Norfolkfreehouse and restaurant3 Real Alesalways availablefrom Woodfordes, Adnamsand a changing Guest Ale.01263 587376Satnav: NR11 6AD(Just off B1149 Holt -Norwich Rd)62 | Autumn 2011

From the ArchivesA nostalgic trawl through earlier editions ofNorfolk NIPS has revealed the followinggemsfrom 21 years ago:Issue No. 45, Oct/Nov 1989 was a Special12th Norwich Beer Festival Edition.Admission was 30p at lunchtime, rising to £1.50for the evenings and a whopping £2.50 for theSaturday Party Night.Entertainment featured The Jonathan Wyatt BigBand and also Lee Vasey; with Adrian Lucas andFifth Avenue on Saturday Evening.Those new to the Festival, or planet Earth,would have been reassured by The HitchhikersGuide to the Beer Festival. The Beer Selectionprocess aimed to provide “a taste of beers notfreely available in the area.” This was toencourage smaller Breweries, both local andnational. Realising that “strange names” sellbeer, Hop Back Summer Lightning was underconsideration.“Festivals Remembered” looked back at earlierevents and ran a competition with the followingquestions: “Who pulled the first pint at the 1stNorwich Beer Festival and what type of beerwas it?”The prize was six bottles of Tolly Final Brew.Any ideas?AlbyAldboroughAttleboroughBawseyBinhamCatfieldClippesbyCleyCromerCromerDabbling DuckDraytonDownham MarketDownham MarketEarshamFilbyGorlestonGorlestonGt YarmouthGt YarmouthGt YarmouthHeachamHethersettHoptonKenninghallKings LynnLudhamLyngNewton byCastle AcreNorth ElmhamUpdateHorseshoesBlack BoysLondon TavernSandboyThe ChequersThe CrownMuskett ArmsThe George and DragonThe CottageRed LionGreat MassinghamBob Carter Leisure CentreRailway ArmsWhite HartQueens HeadThe Kings HeadDock TavernMariners CompassMarinersRed HerringSt Johns HeadFox & HoundsThe King’s HeadWhite HartRed LionLive and Let LiveThe DogFox & HoundsGeorge & DragonRailwayThis list is believed to be correct at the time ofgoing to press,new entries in boldNorth Walsham Orchard GardensNorwichBeehiveNorwichChampionNorwichCottage (Silver Road)NorwichGardeners/MurderersNorwichJubileeNorwichKetts TavernNorwichKings HeadNorwichLeopardNorwichRoseNorwich Take 5NorwichThe Ribs of BeefNorwichTrafford ArmsNorwichVineNorwichYork TavernNorwichWig and PenReedhamFerryReedhamLord NelsonReedhamShipReephamKings HeadThurltonThe Queen’s HeadTacolnestonPelicanSheringhamWindham ArmsSwardestonLakenham/Hewitt Rugby ClubWest AcreStagWivetonThe Wiveton BellWroxhamBrewery TapWymondham Cross KeysWymondham Green DragonAutumn 2011 | 63

Now showing allNCFC home andaway games!26 St Leonards RoadNorwich NR1 4BL01603 618734A real gem,well worth a visit.Eight real ales to choose from, two ofwhich change regularly.Two pooltables upstairs.Pork pies and other light snacksavailable all day.Hog roast available sundays.Lovely enclosed beer garden withlarge sheltered smoking area.Only a ten minute walk from thetrain station and city centre.Open all day from 12 noon everyday.Sky Sports and ESPNENJOY THE AUTUMN WITH A FINE ALE IN OUR BEER GARDEN64 | Autumn 2011

Request from theSheriff of NorwichNORFOLK NIPS | CorrespondenceChris Higgins with hisother hatDear Mike,I realise that in the present economic climateeveryone is struggling and tightening their belts.Asking for money is difficult but I know fromnearly forty years of experience how generousand innovative the pub trade is at charity fundraising.Having the honour to represent the trade inmy Civic Office this year enables me to wear twohats. On the one hand I recognise the struggleswe all face as publicans and brewers, and withthe other I see the fantastic voluntary work donein the city supported by charitable donationsfrom the very same people.Please can I ask that all monies from fundraising events are sent to the City Hall by theend of January 2012.All monies can be sent by cheque madepayable to “Norwich Civic Charity Appeal” andsent to The City Hall, Norwich, and can I thankyou all of from the bottom of my heart for whatevercontribution you make.With very best wishesChris HigginsLandlord of the Trafford ArmsSheriff of NorwichMy role this year brings me into contact withthe Civic Charity and this year it is Big C, and inparticular the support unit based alongside thehospital which offers support and counselling tothe people of Norwich and the wider community.Each year over 3000 people are diagnosedwith cancer at the hospital and the Big Ccontributes a wonderful support network forboth patients and families alike.I am asking all you wonderful publicans andbrewers out there if you could commit to justone effort of fund raising in this civic year tohelp me show just how fantastic our industry isat supporting and helping the community weserve. It does not matter how small the event,every little helps, and could you please contactPeter Walsh 772436E-mail: peter.walsh@archant.co.uk at theEvening News, Norwich, so that he can compilea directory of participants and help promoteyour event.Autumn 2011 | 65

12 Ales ofChristmasFestival fromDecember 19thOpen All Day Every DayAt Least 5 Local Real Ales Always On TapFood Served DailyLarge Function Room With Bar For HireCatering For Weddings Birthdays Parties EctBed And Breakfast And Camping10% Discount For CAMRA MembersStation Rd, North Elmham Tel: 01362 668300The Gatehouse Pub391 Dereham Road, Norwich NR5 8QJ01603 620340FOUR REAL ALESLive Music, Friday & SaturdayLarge garden overlooking theRiver WensumOPENMon - Thurs 12-11Fri & Sat 12-12 • Sunday 12-11Mark & Marie offer you a warmwelcome to theFox and HoundsHeachamHome of The Fox BreweryWe are a free house specialising in real ales.The first pub in Heacham to be inthe CAMRA Good Beer Guide.Live Music Tuesday • Quiz Night ThursdayModern British Menu now availableChristmas bookingsnow being takenwww.foxbrewery.com Tel: 01485 57034522 Station Rd, Heacham, Norfolk PE31 7EXOPEN ALL DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK66 | Autumn 2011

NORFOLK NIPS | City of Ale ReportNorwich City of Ale- The First FestivalThey started with nothing – ground zero, ablank sheet of paper – and produced a Festivalwhich grabbed the enthusiasm of Real Aledrinkers nationwide and had Beer Legend RogerProtz singing it’s praises and suggesting thatothers should follow their example.Extensive coverage by national and local mediacertainly spread the word and helped to makethe Festival the success it was.The emphasis was local (including sponsorship)and LocAle, which made it even more remarkable.From the opening night bash at St Gregorysto the final awards ceremony at Dragon Hall,there was something for everybody. Manycompleted the Ale Trails and got the T- shirt.The Festival Logo was everywhere, but for methe icon has to be the Eastern Transport CollectionBus which certainly caught the eye as ittoured the City. It has whetted the appetite forThe 34th Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA Festivalin October.But how successful was it? A post-event surveyreveals that 80% of publicans sold more beerduring the 10 day event, 82% agreed that thelaunch and final parties were great networkingopportunities with other pubs and brewers and85% agreed that the ale trails worked well ingetting people into pubs that they would notnormally visit.Next year? Wait and See!Here are the results announcedat the Final Bash:Best Pub: The Adam and EveBest Event: The Adam and EveBest Food: The Adam and EveBest Landlady/Landlord: Rita McCluskyBeer of the Festival: Golden Triangle CityGoldBest Mild: Fat Cat Meow MildBest Golden/Blonde Ale: Golden TriangleCity GoldBest Bitter/Best Bitter: Adnams BitterBest Pale Ale/IPA: Grain IPABest Old/Strong Ale: No awardBest Porter/Stout: Panther Black PantherBest Fruit/Speciality: Not awardedBest Wheat Beer: Wolf Straw DogBest Barley Wine: Opa Hay’s HaraldGodwinsonAdamand Eve17 Bishopgate, Norwich NR3 1RZ01603 667423Norwich’s oldest pubMulti award winnerOpen 11am -11 pm Mon to Sat12 noon - 10.30pm SunFood served 12 noon - 7pm Mon to Sat12 noon - 5pm SundaysBest PublicHouse AwardNorwich inBloom 2011

Beer & Music | NORFOLK NIPSMusic and Real AleIt is 22 years since I wrote my first jazz notes for Norfolk Nips. Amadeus Boldwickets Red HotPeppers Jazz Band were about to embark on their second annual tour of the Norfolk Broads, and Isent what was intended to be a 'one-off' article to Nips to publicise this event. Not only did thearticle get published, but the Norwich Branch of CAMRA ran a coach trip to the Friday night eventat the New Inn, Rockland St. Mary, and a good time was had by all. The editors asked me to write afollow up in the next edition and the rest, as they say, is history!Over the years I have tried to publicise as many local jazz events as possible, and at the same timelet people know what good real ales are available in some of the pubs. However, in the currenteconomic climate, the number of jazz events has dwindled, and only some of the hardy regularsremain. At the risk of being repetitive by listing the same old regular venues each time, I havedecided to call it a day, although I will try to inform the editor of any special events which come tomy attention, hopefully for inclusion elsewhere in Nips.So, for the last time, here are some of the individual events which I have heard of, together withsome of the regular venues.TRADITIONAL JAZZAcle Recreation CentreBridewell Lane, AcleReal Ales include Adnams Bitter,Theakstons and Tipples RedheadFriday 18th NovemberGambit Jazzmen with specialguest from New Orleans, ChrisTyle, on trumpetEnquiries – Brian Davis01493 701880Brook Hotel, Bowthorpe,Norwich (off Dereham Road)No Real Ale at presentThursday 13th OctoberSammy Rimington’sInternational Jazz BandTickets/Enquiries –Rod Playford 01362 667811The Diplomat, OrmesbyRoad, Badersfield (Ex RAFColtishall site Nr Coltishall)NR10 5JZReal Ales include house beer ‘Six68 | Autumn 2011Squadron’ and a guest beer.First Sunday of every month(1.00 – 3.30 pm) – NorfolkDixieland Jazz BandAdmission free, but lunchbookings advisable on 01603738866.Crown Inn, Banningham(Nr Aylsham) Adnams Broadside,Greene King IPA andAbbot Ale.Sunday 20th November (1.30 –4.30 pm) – Norfolk DixielandJazz Band.Admission free, but phone01263 733534 for lunch reservations.Fisher Theatre, Broad Street,Bungay, SuffolkAdnams Bitter no longer availableon handpump as it hasbecome difficult to keep in goodcondition in a venue which doesnot have constant turnover.Every Sunday evening - RedBeans ‘n’ Rice New Orleans JazzBandMarsham Arms, nr Hevingham(B1149 Norwich-Holt Road)The pub has now re-opened afterextensive refurbishment followinga serious fire last year. A new taproom has been created, whichstocks a good selection of realales served straight from thebarrel. The regular beers featureone each from the Adnams andWoodforde’s range, plus aselection of guest ales.Lumiere Rouge Ragtime Bandhave now resumed theirregular monthly sessions on thethird Friday of each month,and there is a possibility ofother jazz sessions beingstaged at other times.Red Hart, Bodham (Nr Holt)Adnams Bitter and BroadsideFirst Friday every month –Lumiere Rouge Ragtime Band

Bell Inn, Hempton (NrFakenham)Woodforde’s Wherry, John SmithsCask and guest beersFourth Thursday every month– Chris Wigley’s Jazz QuartetThe Buck Inn, The Street,Flixton, SuffolkWoodforde’s Mardler’s andAdnams Bitter are the regulars atpresent, plus a good selection ofguest beers Every Thursday - SoleBay Jazz BandGeorge and Dragon,Newton by Castle AcreHouse beer Newton Bitter,brewed by Elgoods, plus localguest beers.Whilst the music does not fallexactly within the TraditionalJazz category, a Jazz Trio will beperforming fortnightly onTuesday evenings, whilst aSwing Jazz Quartet will appearon the last Friday of everymonth (Also folk music on firstThursday every month).Further details from the pubon 01760 755046.MAINSTREAM /MODERN JAZZGreen Man, Wroxham Road,RackheathWoodforde’s Wherry, AdnamsBitter, Fuller’s London Pride plusguests.Weekly sessions continue atthe Green Man, with the residenttrio now known as theSimon Brown Trio comprisingSimon Brown (piano), MikeHarris (bass) and Brian McAllister(drums), who will beperforming at many of theevents with a special guestEvery Tuesday – For furtherdetails of jazz sessions at theGreen Man, contact BrianMcAllister on 01603 614169,macjazznorwich@aol.com orwww.norwich1.com/jazz.greenman.htmDereham Jazz Society,Lakeside Country Club, QuarryLane, Lyng (nr Dereham)Greene King IPA and Woodforde’sWherryEvery Wednesday – Fullprogramme consisting ofvarious bands and musicians invaried styles, which usuallyincludes one ‘traditional’session each month. Sessionsnow commence at 8.00 pm.For further details phone01328 863511 or 01362696741 or visit websitewww.lakeside-jazz-club.co.ukWell, that's it from me, soover and out, and keep jazzing(and drinking the real ale)!Keith Chettleburgh

A Campaignof Two HalvesJoin CAMRA TodayComplete the Direct Debit form below and you will receive 15 months membership for the priceof 12 and a fantastic discount on your membership subscription.Alternatively you can send a cheque payable to CAMRA Ltd with your completed form, visit www.camra.org.uk/joinus or call 01727 867201.All forms should be addressed to Membership Department, CAMRA, 230 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL1 4LW.Your DetailsTitleSurnameForename(s)Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)AddressPostcodeEmail addressTel No(s)Partner’s Details (if Joint Membership)TitleSurnameForename(s)Date of Birth (dd/mm/yyyy)Direct Debit Non DDSingle Membership £20 £22(UK & EU)Joint Membership £25 £27(Partner at the same address)For Young Member and concessionary rates please visitwww.camra.org.uk or call 01727 867201.I wish to join the Campaign for Real Ale, and agree toabide by the Memorandum and Articles of AssociationI enclose a cheque forSignedDateApplications will be processed within 21 days12/10Campaigning for Pub Goers& Beer DrinkersEnjoying Real Ale& PubsJoin CAMRA today – www.camra.org.uk/joinusInstruction to your Bank orBuilding Society to pay by Direct DebitPlease fill in the whole form using a ball point pen and send to:Campaign for Real Ale Ltd. 230 Hatfield Road, St.Albans, Herts AL1 4LWName and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Service User NumberTo the ManagerAddressPostcodeName(s) of Account HolderBranch Sort CodeBank or Building Society Account NumberReferenceBank or Building SocietyFOR CAMRA OFFICIAL USE ONLYThis is not part of the instruction to your Bank or Building SocietyMembership NumberNamePostcodeInstructions to your Bank or Building SocietyPlease pay Campaign For Real Ale Limited Direct Debits from the accountdetailed on this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct DebitGuarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Campaign For RealAle Limited and, if so will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.Signature(s)Date9 2 6 1 2 9This Guarantee should be detachedand retained by the payer.The Direct DebitGuaranteeThis Guarantee is offered by all banks and buildingsocieties that accept instructions to pay by DirectDebits.If there are any changes to the amount, date orfrequency of your Direct Debit The Campaign forReal Ale Ltd will notify you 10 working days in advanceof your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.If you request The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd to collecta payment, confirmation of the amount and date willbe given to you at the time of the requestIf an error is made in the payment of your DirectDebit by The Campaign for Real Ale Ltd or your bankor building society, you are entitled to a full andimmediate refund of the amount paid from your bankor building society- If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, youmust pay it back when The Campaign For Real Ale Ltdasks you toYou can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simplycontacting your bank or building society.Writtenconfirmation may be required. Please also notify us.Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit Instructions for some types of account.

Award WinningReal Ale PubWe Don’t Have a Big Screen TV, Food Or a Juke BoxWe do have 17 handpumps, with Real Ale from far and wide,2 Real Ciders and 2 Real Ales From gravity, a large car park, large beergarden With heated smoking shelter, darts, pool, quizzes And crib.We now serve morning coffee from 11am, children are welcome.The Royal Oak lies at the heart of the community and newcustomers are always welcome. Come along and get a realwelcome from a real pub selling real ale!!!!!!Nick, Delia And The Team would love to see you soon.Beer Festival 28 - 31st OctoberLive Music:Fri night Stuart MorrisonSat night - Tosh & NickThe Old FavouritesA dream of a pub situated in the village ofPoringland on the B1332 road to Bungay.The main bus route from Norwich stops right outside.Norwich And NorfolkPub Of The Year 2007Norfolk Pub OfThe Year 200713 years in theGood Beer Guide!44 The Street, Poringland, Norwich, Norfolk NR14 7JTwww.poringlandroyaloak.co.ukTel: 01508 493734