Norwich Trip 2008

On 9^th July 2005, Keith Satterly arranged a day trip to Norwich. There are so many excellent pubs there, it is almost impossible to visit all of them in a day, as they are spread out right across the city.  It was for this reason that Keith promised to return and we did so on Saturday 8^th November.

We set off at 9.07 from Humberstone Gate, slightly late, which was somewhat unusual for Mr S. We stopped off in Uppingham to pick up Members from our newly-formed Rutland Sub-Branch. We had a full bus by then and with a dull day on the weather front, we hoped it would brighten up before drinking commenced.

On arrival in Norwich, we were given the choice of a drop-off on Dereham Road or the Railway Station on the other side of town. I decided to accompany the Members from Rutland Sub-Branch in a crawl on the opposite side of Norwich to that of our last visit so we alighted on Dereham Road.

We kicked off in The Alexandra Tavern, one of the only two Chalk Hill Brewery pubs in Norwich. With a full range of Chalk Hill beers to choose from and a warm welcome from the Licensee, we got our session started. We then crossed the old A47 to find The Fat Cat.  This is one not to be missed if visiting Norwich. It has won CAMRA’s National Pub Of The Year Award twice, the last time being in 2004. There were over 20 beers available, many from local Micro’s and including their own brew, which I will mention later. This pub was packed, to say the least.

Just down the road from here is The Nelson. With only a handful of beers on, most of us were curious to try Hampshire Brewery’s Bonfire Bitter. An acquired smokey taste, which you either loved or hated. A couple of us left it, including me! 

L-R Duke of Wellington, Kings Head, Red Barrel, Ribs of Beef, Whalebone

From here it was a bit of a hike across Wensum Park to The Duke Of Wellington. The Landlord here regularly visits Rutland. We had a choice of a dozen or so beers here, including the brew much publicised on the TV recently, Morrissey Fox Blonde. Most of us tried it and were pleasantly surprised.  

Just up the road from here is The Whalebone. Recently refurbished to tastefully include the old yard into the pub, without spoiling its character. Only a handful of beers here. Our next port of call was what can only be described as an eyesore, to look at as a pub,The Cidershed. Once inside, it gave the feel of a true country pub, with lots of artefacts adorning the walls and ceiling. This is the home of The Fat Cat Brewery, as mentioned earlier. There were half a dozen beers or so, on here, half of which were Fat Cat brews. As in The Fat Cat, reasonably-priced quality cobs were on sale, a rarity in pubs these days.  

From here it was quite a walk back towards the town, to visit another basic but excellent pub, The Kings Head. No frills here, just two rooms and a good selection of beers kept well, including locally-brewed Winters Beers.

Just along the road from here is The Ribs of Beef, next to the river. A more up-market feel once inside, however, an excellent range of beers. At this stage, it had started to get dark and getting closer to the departure point for the bus, this meant a visit to The Coach & Horses. We ended our visit on the same beer as we started, Chalk Hill. The Alexandra and this one are the only two pubs they have. This pub is quite large with a bare wooden floor and the brewery is out the back.  

By 5.20 we left to board the bus as football fans were arriving in droves. Although the bus was only a few yards away, by the railway station, we took about half an hour to cross-town to pick-up at Dereham Road as the traffic was horrendous. Leaving Norwich by 6.30 we set off for our stop en-route home, Peterborough.

On arrival in Peterborough, we stopped by the river bridge where many of our party called in to Charters. We decided to take a five-minute walk to The Palmerston Arms. This former free-house is now owned by Batemans Brewery and has been converted from a two-roomed pub into a one-roomed bar with no hand pumps, just a row of pump clips displayed across the bar; a cellar to it’s rear with a glass front, where one can view the beers, which are all served on gravity. Although now tied, a varied range of beers was available, along with the three Batemans Beers that were on. We all agreed that we preferred it how it was, but it was still a pleasant boozer.

As we left, it had started to rain heavily but we made for the bus and left Peterborough on time. Everyone had enjoyed revisiting Norwich. You see, the trouble with Norwich is wherever you are dropped off, the question is where do I start? and where do I finish? Norwich has been transformed over the years. When CAMRA was formed in 1971 you would have asked, “Where do I get a decent pint here?” as it was part of the Watney’s Beer desert. The Fat Cat itself was a Watneys keg pub known then as The West End Inn. It has a reminder of those dull, dreary, bad old days hanging from the ceiling, A Watney’s Red Barrel! 

Arriving back in Leicester, we dropped folk off in various locations. We must close, as always, by thanking Keith Satterly for arranging another excellent day out and Dennis our driver, for a safe and pleasant journey.

Keith Williams

Eastern Promise

As well as the contingent exploring the Inns and ‘outs’ of Norwich (and dodging the odd, indigenous Canary supporter), a small group ‘the Three Weiss Men’ (Keith S., Phil W. and myself), set forth to the Far East – well, in fact, Lowestoft - their quest, to seek the treasures of the Triangle and the Green Jack therein.

After a short train ride and a brisk trot up the hill, we came upon the pub, with the brewery tucked away at the back. Once inside, we encountered a very hospitable greeting, simple wooden floor bar area, a good open fire, friendly staff and more importantly a great range of beers – mostly from the in-house Green Jack range, plus a couple of Fat Cat guests.

Between us, we sampled Canary, Grasshopper, Orange Wheat Beer, Gone Fishing, Mahseer, Lurcher and, courtesy of a complimentary bottle from the boss, Tim Dunford, the ‘pièce de résistance’ Ripper. What a marvellous collection, all very different in character and all in superb condition.

As with all ‘delights’ in life, however, soon it was time to return to reality – well, Norwich and the bus – but I suspect that all who sampled these treasures will experience strong yearnings to venture eastwards again …… soon!  

Kelvyn ‘With a Y’ Martin

This page last updated: December 13, 2008

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