PuG crawl to Norwich - Friday 14th April 2023

[Bucking Fastard]

Very much looking forward to this crawl,it's now not too far away. I've never been to Norwich so have no idea about the must visit pubs.The 2023 GBG has 31 entries which would have defeated even Mr Winfield,but I suspect several of these are in outlying areas.I think the original idea was to tackle the city centre based pubs .

For once I've decided to stay overnight so it would be helpful to get some idea of which pubs are to be visited on Friday April 14th so that I can plan my method of attack on those not included on the main crawl.

Anyone pretty familiar with the City Centre pubs ?

[Gann]

Yes also making a weekend of it as I haven’t been in the centre of Norwich since my 20’s.
The official Norwich Cityofale web site has the city handily divided up into 7 trails organised by historical trades and handy google map for them and although includes several on the outer reaches will give some indication of those that fall into the city centre. I guess one key consideration is whether we are going to attempt on the day either (or both) of the Fat Cats, as they are a fair walk out of the centre and on opposite sides of the City..

[Quinno]

Yes also making a weekend of it as I haven’t been in the centre of Norwich since my 20’s.
The official Norwich Cityofale web site has the city handily divided up into 7 trails organised by historical trades and handy google map for them and although includes several on the outer reaches will give some indication of those that fall into the city centre. I guess one key consideration is whether we are going to attempt on the day either (or both) of the Fat Cats, as they are a fair walk out of the centre and on opposite sides of the City..

Having done Norwich not too long ago, I would strongly advise that you do Fat Cat HQ. It really is Norrch's standout pub.

It'd be like going to Swindon and not doing the Glue Pot.

[trainman]

Having done Norwich not too long ago, I would strongly advise that you do Fat Cat HQ. It really is Norrch's standout pub.

It'd be like going to Swindon and not doing the Glue Pot.

I concur, it would be a scandal to visit Norwich and not go to the Fat Cat. On my last visit I had a plusbus but, not knowing the services I ended up walking the whole day, including Fat Cat (played a couple of jokers) and Fat Cat and Canary, the latter, I admit, was a little further the other side of station than I remembered. 2.3 miles between the two pubs.

ps, Quinno, is there a reason other than Glue Pot to go to Swindon? I've never been but recall having that on an old target list for ages...

[Mobyduck]

ps, Quinno, is there a reason other than Glue Pot to go to Swindon? I've never been but recall having that on an old target list for ages...

I went for the first and only time so far just over a year ago, wasn't expecting much but thoroughly enjoyed the following.
Glue Pot
Beehive
Hop Inn
Little Hop

A couple of other half decent pubs and one stinker on the day.

[Quinno]

I concur, it would be a scandal to visit Norwich and not go to the Fat Cat. On my last visit I had a plusbus but, not knowing the services I ended up walking the whole day, including Fat Cat (played a couple of jokers) and Fat Cat and Canary, the latter, I admit, was a little further the other side of station than I remembered. 2.3 miles between the two pubs.

ps, Quinno, is there a reason other than Glue Pot to go to Swindon? I've never been but recall having that on an old target list for ages...

I was in Swindon last Saturday and did the GBG'23 pubs. The Glue Pot was the only one doing a combination of GBG beer in good surroundings. The others were either like drinking in a squat or were serving flabby sub-standard beer (or in the case of the Beehive, on the turn). The GP is nearest the station and is the only reason to get off the train IMHO.

[Tris39]

ps, Quinno, is there a reason other than Glue Pot to go to Swindon?

The GP is nearest the station and is the only reason to get off the train IMHO.

There's always this.

[Gann]

Was in Great Yarmouth last weekend and whilst there managed to pick up the winter edition of Norfolk Nips whilst hiding from the bracing sea chill in the towns excellent Mariners Arms.
For Norwich obviously the Fat Cat(s) feature prominently. But also the Eaton Cottage, also to the west of town, the Trafford Arms, the Kings Arms on Hall Road, the Leopard on Bull Close Road, the Vine on Dove Street, the Kings Head on Magdalen Street ( made it into the top 4 for 2022 National Pub of the year)
and the Duke of Wellington and the Brewery Tap to the North of town all feature as worth visiting for their real ale selections.
Also it notes that the Steam Packet in the centre of town is now freehold and totally refurbished with a couple of ales on, so probably not warranting a stop on the day, those staying in town may want to pop in and take a look for research purposes.

[Gann]

And a bit of Google work would indicate that the Ribs of Beef, The Murderers, St Andrew’s Brew House, the Rose pub and Deli and the Plasterers Arms are worthy
And for those who like micropubs and bottle shops, Sir Toby’s Beers and the Malt and Mardle stand out. Hope those with a better knowledge of current Norwich can confirm which of these should be included.

[Gann]

I have been looking into this a bit more and trying to put a crawl together and now fully appreciate why the Norwich City of Ale organisation divides the city up into 7 Real Ale Trails. Yes the City has some heavyweight pubs, but a lot are spread in the outskirts and miles from each other, and no way to do all in a day unless you have a designated driver or a jet pack.
Now taking Quinno's advice that you cannot go to Norwich and not go to the Fat Cat (handily one of the destination pubs furthest away on the other side of the city to the train station), my cunning plan would be to bus it out here early and then have a more leisurely stroll back to the train station.
Therefore my proposal would be meet in the City Centre and, for nothing more than my personal historical connections, i propose The Murderers.
Then stop BG on Rampant Horse Street is just around the corner and busses 21, 23 or 24 will take us to stop ID on Adelaide Street.
Its a short walk to the The Alexandra Tavern from here and then 5 minutes back across the road to The Fat Cat.
Afterwards I have plotted a route across the north of the city back to the train station and, after the initial 15 minute walk to The White Lion, every other pub is under a ten minute walk.
Kings Head
The Plasterers Arms
The Leopard
Adam & Eve
The Red Lion on Bishopsgate
Coach & Horses
and then 5 minutes back to the station.

I appreciate most of these have already been visited by those that have been to Norwich but this northerly route does afford plenty of Wild Card options as well for those that dont want to visit these again.

If people think this is a dooable proposal then I'll work out the route and also to squeeze a couple more in as this is currently 10 pubs..