Blog Tracker
04-04-2023, 22:33
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/kings-head-wins-second-time-around.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RKa94hzDLPTkioYkDhe0hRiqHot4wTLsnrXPUKcaHO_Y8iCnHB MuHCM4qmiv1zvWpkKcO9b0qr7VjYtgyVZYag-o3mh7z49ZbmMYJyTfZmP1Uj6BWvpWq95NE8Cl_bAT9yfN0lPBT 40kgDaVaFWqC9GBfQyqWvkHi6HPwAdIjJ6v2rL7ZZIv44E2/w225-h400/IMG_20230329_171314.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RKa94hzDLPTkioYkDhe0hRiqHot4wTLsnrXPUKcaHO_Y8iCnHB MuHCM4qmiv1zvWpkKcO9b0qr7VjYtgyVZYag-o3mh7z49ZbmMYJyTfZmP1Uj6BWvpWq95NE8Cl_bAT9yfN0lPBT 40kgDaVaFWqC9GBfQyqWvkHi6HPwAdIjJ6v2rL7ZZIv44E2/s4000/IMG_20230329_171314.jpg)
My last post (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/st-andrews-excels-with-beer-and-food.html)mentioned moving on to what would be the final Norwich pub of the day, and thatwas going to be the classic King’s Head. Situated a short distance across theriver Wensum from the castle, cathedral, and main shopping areas, this wasgoing to be my second visit to the pub, the first having been a decade earlier.That was in April 2013, when I was in Norwich for a long weekend, in order toattend that year’s CAMRA Member’s Weekend and AGM.I wrote at thetime, and it was good then to get to know the place properly, and toexplore and enjoy the delights of its many pubs, particularly as that visit represented my firstproper trip to Norwich, despite having made several fleeting visits to the cityin the past. The King’s Head (http://www.kingsheadnorwich.com/) was high on my list of pubs tovisit, primarily due to the extensive range oflocally brewed, cask ales it stocked, along with its self-proclaimed status as a“keg-free zone.”
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BiGs2dX4hYd-0OHpyXLAa6t-5e1x1JmRvNAd_DvDgt8idy1eqvg2RCDFJgjeRJxOFBRjh50fxn Uc4qYs2xCweG1JQUp7tFlbHtbtjzM4ESf_BzeSMm2EUvAqcfnp mnxDGo-aAAjPQ5qmAjFn7SmYMYIH_t95xcB-UxDhDx7ZY8A2EDV8nAveqX3J/w400-h243/Kings%20Head%20Ext.%201.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BiGs2dX4hYd-0OHpyXLAa6t-5e1x1JmRvNAd_DvDgt8idy1eqvg2RCDFJgjeRJxOFBRjh50fxn Uc4qYs2xCweG1JQUp7tFlbHtbtjzM4ESf_BzeSMm2EUvAqcfnp mnxDGo-aAAjPQ5qmAjFn7SmYMYIH_t95xcB-UxDhDx7ZY8A2EDV8nAveqX3J/s3563/Kings%20Head%20Ext.%201.jpg)
Looking back at that first visit, it was late in the afternoon of my first day in thecity, after having already visited several other pubs beforehand. I wrote at the timethat the King’s Head was slightly different from what I’d been expecting, butapart from describing the place as “impressive,” I didn’t elaborate further. I basedmyself in the fairly basic, front bar enjoying a few of the extensive range ofbeers which the pub had on sale, chatted with a couple of locals about football(a subject which I know very little) and beer and pubs, (a subject I know quitea bit more about), with a local CAMRA member.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4cTy3X73dIKHfaaKFJMyTOSNky7ESwqJCnXKit9PYw v-6IIhnU9SDmnk4JygwUrhlpa0zrFSWzBozakwpfwoPudiluyxVs 8jfC9TN81XsadIVOafLDc075DHK5hHBhadBT2yfaTPbuy5kAj1 3aqGMZiawuC8xA2aSdlMVslBHBgNUw0tQOp7s2MX/w400-h225/Kings%20Head%20Bar.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4cTy3X73dIKHfaaKFJMyTOSNky7ESwqJCnXKit9PYw v-6IIhnU9SDmnk4JygwUrhlpa0zrFSWzBozakwpfwoPudiluyxVs 8jfC9TN81XsadIVOafLDc075DHK5hHBhadBT2yfaTPbuy5kAj1 3aqGMZiawuC8xA2aSdlMVslBHBgNUw0tQOp7s2MX/s4000/Kings%20Head%20Bar.jpg)
I mentioned the larger bar to the rear and, from what Ifound last Wednesday, this seems where the real diehard locals meet andcongregate. The King's Head has been licensed to serve beer for over 300 yearsbut by the start of the new century had become a rather run-down biker's pub indesperate need of a change in direction. Two new owners set about restoring thehistoric building to its former glory and the current licensee picked up wherehis predecessors left off, when he took on the King's Head in 2013.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZZQsetNugRam44-FzwKNzyqRgtTN3jRr_H9dBlAfuxRV8tUvbCjqS9S4Ic9daCA26 avN3AafrzDu6E4eYIY50I6Yf72GOCF6LyPctG-fZITnUCyu3j5W2gjKdSrQaM-9hj9NVLolEgKP2J-Csf-dHXq6E6M0V1rr1MK3RoT4Uw7mbgUX8hu1nVss/w400-h225/Kings%20Head%20beers.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZZQsetNugRam44-FzwKNzyqRgtTN3jRr_H9dBlAfuxRV8tUvbCjqS9S4Ic9daCA26 avN3AafrzDu6E4eYIY50I6Yf72GOCF6LyPctG-fZITnUCyu3j5W2gjKdSrQaM-9hj9NVLolEgKP2J-Csf-dHXq6E6M0V1rr1MK3RoT4Uw7mbgUX8hu1nVss/s4000/Kings%20Head%20beers.jpg)
Today, some of the best beers and breweries in East Angliaare showcased at the King's Head, and the ever-changing offerings keep even themost discerning cask ale aficionado intrigued. With no hot food, no electronicmusic, no TV, no fruit machines, and not even any gas to get the beers to thebar from the cellar, the pub thrives as a keg-free zone that is mercifully freeof the fancy food, flashing lights and televised sport that so many of itscompetitors rely on.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6YIkCypDK3h7RlYvKRF0-Q4aDjQUyNCL5h4uJ1Jp85kC5zSuM_kg8Eb_ZYpER9XVG-9IPBsPvMYzkArSewleC75HsPY1mxHTeCNqssRrSf6iCQJj-a2rAV0Yb49tFGXiiAPAO8jqyirLsSORfKb2_SglYRodz8FaeR2 yRJdnO_SBOLBaYjCr5poM/w400-h225/Bullards%20sign.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6YIkCypDK3h7RlYvKRF0-Q4aDjQUyNCL5h4uJ1Jp85kC5zSuM_kg8Eb_ZYpER9XVG-9IPBsPvMYzkArSewleC75HsPY1mxHTeCNqssRrSf6iCQJj-a2rAV0Yb49tFGXiiAPAO8jqyirLsSORfKb2_SglYRodz8FaeR2 yRJdnO_SBOLBaYjCr5poM/s4000/Bullards%20sign.jpg)
This then, was how I found the King’s Head, when I walked inthrough the doors last Wednesday afternoon. I was greeted with the question,“What would you like, young man,” a term of address that certainly brought a smile to my face. There were six ales on tap, all cask-conditioned, ofcourse, along with a selection of European, bottled beers. I spotted beers fromthe likes of Schlenkerla and Kloster Andechs on the blackboard, but stuck withthe cask, kicking off with Little Green Men from Lowestoft-based Green Jack Brewery. (http://www.green-jack.com/) I have friends back in Tonbridge, who are huge fans of this brewery,and I’m sure they will be jealous, when I describe this American Pale Ale asthe beer find of the trip.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYOpcMRpE0jMTdIft_evnT7fmguDLLrjNi7t3uJm1aj lfS7Tr7HIMgMhWLYL7vKp8rlqMLlio3evbOyG0A7cXRbzeX-J22sie8wSg5MCT3LLzfgM4XIiX8q8T1wX9jpeNOvt-ofAoRG4PBPtC1wTOtvxNue2ZMbV_4as39FktFFmIXUJDD4Ylr4 UC/w400-h236/Kings%20Head%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYOpcMRpE0jMTdIft_evnT7fmguDLLrjNi7t3uJm1aj lfS7Tr7HIMgMhWLYL7vKp8rlqMLlio3evbOyG0A7cXRbzeX-J22sie8wSg5MCT3LLzfgM4XIiX8q8T1wX9jpeNOvt-ofAoRG4PBPtC1wTOtvxNue2ZMbV_4as39FktFFmIXUJDD4Ylr4 UC/s3710/Kings%20Head%20Ext.jpg)
Later on, I switched to a dark beer, in the form of MrWinters Vanilla Latte, a milk stout, from this Norwich-based, micro-brewery.Another fine beer, and here was some good conversation too in the cosy andconvivial atmosphere e of that front bar. During the odd lull in theconversation, I flicked through the pages of the latest Norfolk Nips, themagazine of the county's CAMRA branches. The basic, simple, town-alehouse formula,certainly seemed to be working its magic, and meanwhile, in the back bar themore serious drinking, and banter seemed to be taking place. In addition, bar billiards anddarts can be played here.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh6kCSEnMvHB-7aYYLht8N2vJMgkEfMBAkvDGTEnnYxR5irMj7naNbqpjNsxb4l Nyx4sYG6JHsS30VBXl4-n1QkVlQzLsYUzGoXlshT2i36Jg5BK-h8-iwWPA9ZdCKUNN7eb3MTY7K8Slcezs6DnEQPsEGGqmPVNB8LQRt rOWIjGk3jWJ3Ce18mlc/w225-h400/LGM%20Clip.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh6kCSEnMvHB-7aYYLht8N2vJMgkEfMBAkvDGTEnnYxR5irMj7naNbqpjNsxb4l Nyx4sYG6JHsS30VBXl4-n1QkVlQzLsYUzGoXlshT2i36Jg5BK-h8-iwWPA9ZdCKUNN7eb3MTY7K8Slcezs6DnEQPsEGGqmPVNB8LQRt rOWIjGk3jWJ3Ce18mlc/s4000/LGM%20Clip.jpg)
According to the photos on my phone, I departed the King’sHead just before 5.15pm. It had been a long-overdue visit, and I was please to renew my acquaintance with this classic, community-focused pub, with its excellent ale,and convivial atmosphere. I made my way back to Norwich station, via Tomblands.the cathedral precincts, and Prince of Wales Road. The latter was looking quitequiet and respectable, although that was likely to change later in the evening.At the station, there was time for coffee and cake, before boardingthe 19:00 London-bound train. Like the outward train, it wasn’t exactly crowded,and as we headed southwards into the gloom of the gathering dusk. I’d walked mysocks off that day and had seen a side of Norwich had isn’t always visible tothe casual visitor. By making the King’s Head my final stop, I had definitely savedthe best until last, and this time around I felt I had finally understood its specialappeal to lovers of old, town pubs.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/kings-head-wins-second-time-around.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RKa94hzDLPTkioYkDhe0hRiqHot4wTLsnrXPUKcaHO_Y8iCnHB MuHCM4qmiv1zvWpkKcO9b0qr7VjYtgyVZYag-o3mh7z49ZbmMYJyTfZmP1Uj6BWvpWq95NE8Cl_bAT9yfN0lPBT 40kgDaVaFWqC9GBfQyqWvkHi6HPwAdIjJ6v2rL7ZZIv44E2/w225-h400/IMG_20230329_171314.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RKa94hzDLPTkioYkDhe0hRiqHot4wTLsnrXPUKcaHO_Y8iCnHB MuHCM4qmiv1zvWpkKcO9b0qr7VjYtgyVZYag-o3mh7z49ZbmMYJyTfZmP1Uj6BWvpWq95NE8Cl_bAT9yfN0lPBT 40kgDaVaFWqC9GBfQyqWvkHi6HPwAdIjJ6v2rL7ZZIv44E2/s4000/IMG_20230329_171314.jpg)
My last post (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/st-andrews-excels-with-beer-and-food.html)mentioned moving on to what would be the final Norwich pub of the day, and thatwas going to be the classic King’s Head. Situated a short distance across theriver Wensum from the castle, cathedral, and main shopping areas, this wasgoing to be my second visit to the pub, the first having been a decade earlier.That was in April 2013, when I was in Norwich for a long weekend, in order toattend that year’s CAMRA Member’s Weekend and AGM.I wrote at thetime, and it was good then to get to know the place properly, and toexplore and enjoy the delights of its many pubs, particularly as that visit represented my firstproper trip to Norwich, despite having made several fleeting visits to the cityin the past. The King’s Head (http://www.kingsheadnorwich.com/) was high on my list of pubs tovisit, primarily due to the extensive range oflocally brewed, cask ales it stocked, along with its self-proclaimed status as a“keg-free zone.”
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BiGs2dX4hYd-0OHpyXLAa6t-5e1x1JmRvNAd_DvDgt8idy1eqvg2RCDFJgjeRJxOFBRjh50fxn Uc4qYs2xCweG1JQUp7tFlbHtbtjzM4ESf_BzeSMm2EUvAqcfnp mnxDGo-aAAjPQ5qmAjFn7SmYMYIH_t95xcB-UxDhDx7ZY8A2EDV8nAveqX3J/w400-h243/Kings%20Head%20Ext.%201.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BiGs2dX4hYd-0OHpyXLAa6t-5e1x1JmRvNAd_DvDgt8idy1eqvg2RCDFJgjeRJxOFBRjh50fxn Uc4qYs2xCweG1JQUp7tFlbHtbtjzM4ESf_BzeSMm2EUvAqcfnp mnxDGo-aAAjPQ5qmAjFn7SmYMYIH_t95xcB-UxDhDx7ZY8A2EDV8nAveqX3J/s3563/Kings%20Head%20Ext.%201.jpg)
Looking back at that first visit, it was late in the afternoon of my first day in thecity, after having already visited several other pubs beforehand. I wrote at the timethat the King’s Head was slightly different from what I’d been expecting, butapart from describing the place as “impressive,” I didn’t elaborate further. I basedmyself in the fairly basic, front bar enjoying a few of the extensive range ofbeers which the pub had on sale, chatted with a couple of locals about football(a subject which I know very little) and beer and pubs, (a subject I know quitea bit more about), with a local CAMRA member.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4cTy3X73dIKHfaaKFJMyTOSNky7ESwqJCnXKit9PYw v-6IIhnU9SDmnk4JygwUrhlpa0zrFSWzBozakwpfwoPudiluyxVs 8jfC9TN81XsadIVOafLDc075DHK5hHBhadBT2yfaTPbuy5kAj1 3aqGMZiawuC8xA2aSdlMVslBHBgNUw0tQOp7s2MX/w400-h225/Kings%20Head%20Bar.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4cTy3X73dIKHfaaKFJMyTOSNky7ESwqJCnXKit9PYw v-6IIhnU9SDmnk4JygwUrhlpa0zrFSWzBozakwpfwoPudiluyxVs 8jfC9TN81XsadIVOafLDc075DHK5hHBhadBT2yfaTPbuy5kAj1 3aqGMZiawuC8xA2aSdlMVslBHBgNUw0tQOp7s2MX/s4000/Kings%20Head%20Bar.jpg)
I mentioned the larger bar to the rear and, from what Ifound last Wednesday, this seems where the real diehard locals meet andcongregate. The King's Head has been licensed to serve beer for over 300 yearsbut by the start of the new century had become a rather run-down biker's pub indesperate need of a change in direction. Two new owners set about restoring thehistoric building to its former glory and the current licensee picked up wherehis predecessors left off, when he took on the King's Head in 2013.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZZQsetNugRam44-FzwKNzyqRgtTN3jRr_H9dBlAfuxRV8tUvbCjqS9S4Ic9daCA26 avN3AafrzDu6E4eYIY50I6Yf72GOCF6LyPctG-fZITnUCyu3j5W2gjKdSrQaM-9hj9NVLolEgKP2J-Csf-dHXq6E6M0V1rr1MK3RoT4Uw7mbgUX8hu1nVss/w400-h225/Kings%20Head%20beers.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZZQsetNugRam44-FzwKNzyqRgtTN3jRr_H9dBlAfuxRV8tUvbCjqS9S4Ic9daCA26 avN3AafrzDu6E4eYIY50I6Yf72GOCF6LyPctG-fZITnUCyu3j5W2gjKdSrQaM-9hj9NVLolEgKP2J-Csf-dHXq6E6M0V1rr1MK3RoT4Uw7mbgUX8hu1nVss/s4000/Kings%20Head%20beers.jpg)
Today, some of the best beers and breweries in East Angliaare showcased at the King's Head, and the ever-changing offerings keep even themost discerning cask ale aficionado intrigued. With no hot food, no electronicmusic, no TV, no fruit machines, and not even any gas to get the beers to thebar from the cellar, the pub thrives as a keg-free zone that is mercifully freeof the fancy food, flashing lights and televised sport that so many of itscompetitors rely on.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6YIkCypDK3h7RlYvKRF0-Q4aDjQUyNCL5h4uJ1Jp85kC5zSuM_kg8Eb_ZYpER9XVG-9IPBsPvMYzkArSewleC75HsPY1mxHTeCNqssRrSf6iCQJj-a2rAV0Yb49tFGXiiAPAO8jqyirLsSORfKb2_SglYRodz8FaeR2 yRJdnO_SBOLBaYjCr5poM/w400-h225/Bullards%20sign.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6YIkCypDK3h7RlYvKRF0-Q4aDjQUyNCL5h4uJ1Jp85kC5zSuM_kg8Eb_ZYpER9XVG-9IPBsPvMYzkArSewleC75HsPY1mxHTeCNqssRrSf6iCQJj-a2rAV0Yb49tFGXiiAPAO8jqyirLsSORfKb2_SglYRodz8FaeR2 yRJdnO_SBOLBaYjCr5poM/s4000/Bullards%20sign.jpg)
This then, was how I found the King’s Head, when I walked inthrough the doors last Wednesday afternoon. I was greeted with the question,“What would you like, young man,” a term of address that certainly brought a smile to my face. There were six ales on tap, all cask-conditioned, ofcourse, along with a selection of European, bottled beers. I spotted beers fromthe likes of Schlenkerla and Kloster Andechs on the blackboard, but stuck withthe cask, kicking off with Little Green Men from Lowestoft-based Green Jack Brewery. (http://www.green-jack.com/) I have friends back in Tonbridge, who are huge fans of this brewery,and I’m sure they will be jealous, when I describe this American Pale Ale asthe beer find of the trip.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYOpcMRpE0jMTdIft_evnT7fmguDLLrjNi7t3uJm1aj lfS7Tr7HIMgMhWLYL7vKp8rlqMLlio3evbOyG0A7cXRbzeX-J22sie8wSg5MCT3LLzfgM4XIiX8q8T1wX9jpeNOvt-ofAoRG4PBPtC1wTOtvxNue2ZMbV_4as39FktFFmIXUJDD4Ylr4 UC/w400-h236/Kings%20Head%20Ext.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYOpcMRpE0jMTdIft_evnT7fmguDLLrjNi7t3uJm1aj lfS7Tr7HIMgMhWLYL7vKp8rlqMLlio3evbOyG0A7cXRbzeX-J22sie8wSg5MCT3LLzfgM4XIiX8q8T1wX9jpeNOvt-ofAoRG4PBPtC1wTOtvxNue2ZMbV_4as39FktFFmIXUJDD4Ylr4 UC/s3710/Kings%20Head%20Ext.jpg)
Later on, I switched to a dark beer, in the form of MrWinters Vanilla Latte, a milk stout, from this Norwich-based, micro-brewery.Another fine beer, and here was some good conversation too in the cosy andconvivial atmosphere e of that front bar. During the odd lull in theconversation, I flicked through the pages of the latest Norfolk Nips, themagazine of the county's CAMRA branches. The basic, simple, town-alehouse formula,certainly seemed to be working its magic, and meanwhile, in the back bar themore serious drinking, and banter seemed to be taking place. In addition, bar billiards anddarts can be played here.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh6kCSEnMvHB-7aYYLht8N2vJMgkEfMBAkvDGTEnnYxR5irMj7naNbqpjNsxb4l Nyx4sYG6JHsS30VBXl4-n1QkVlQzLsYUzGoXlshT2i36Jg5BK-h8-iwWPA9ZdCKUNN7eb3MTY7K8Slcezs6DnEQPsEGGqmPVNB8LQRt rOWIjGk3jWJ3Ce18mlc/w225-h400/LGM%20Clip.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYh6kCSEnMvHB-7aYYLht8N2vJMgkEfMBAkvDGTEnnYxR5irMj7naNbqpjNsxb4l Nyx4sYG6JHsS30VBXl4-n1QkVlQzLsYUzGoXlshT2i36Jg5BK-h8-iwWPA9ZdCKUNN7eb3MTY7K8Slcezs6DnEQPsEGGqmPVNB8LQRt rOWIjGk3jWJ3Ce18mlc/s4000/LGM%20Clip.jpg)
According to the photos on my phone, I departed the King’sHead just before 5.15pm. It had been a long-overdue visit, and I was please to renew my acquaintance with this classic, community-focused pub, with its excellent ale,and convivial atmosphere. I made my way back to Norwich station, via Tomblands.the cathedral precincts, and Prince of Wales Road. The latter was looking quitequiet and respectable, although that was likely to change later in the evening.At the station, there was time for coffee and cake, before boardingthe 19:00 London-bound train. Like the outward train, it wasn’t exactly crowded,and as we headed southwards into the gloom of the gathering dusk. I’d walked mysocks off that day and had seen a side of Norwich had isn’t always visible tothe casual visitor. By making the King’s Head my final stop, I had definitely savedthe best until last, and this time around I felt I had finally understood its specialappeal to lovers of old, town pubs.
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More... (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/kings-head-wins-second-time-around.html)