National Beer Day: Where to find the best pint in Norwich

Keziah Flackon 15 June 2018
selection of beers

It's National Beer Day today so get your glasses at the ready and bring on the beer!

What’s this? The days have been getting longer and it’s almost a decent enough temperature to brave leaving your flat for more than the duration of one taxi ride to the club. It’s - dare I say it - summer time. A mysterious season that only truly seems to grace Britain with its presence every two years or so. This is especially the case in Norwich, Norfolk, where the majority of weather blows in from the Arctic North Sea.

However, even here in Norwich we are sometimes hit with a glorious wave of sunshine. As British folk, the appearance of summer means one definite thing to us all: the pub garden. As the first rays hit, men, women and children alike manifest into existence in every space a pub has to offer. But where is the best place to crack open a cold one with the proverbial boys here in the exotic far east of England?

1. The Lamb Inn

This is a gorgeous pub tucked (and I mean that in the literal sense) into the folding streets of Norwich city centre. Here you can grab a classic roast dinner to wash down the wide drinks menu on offer, including some low alcohol content beers for those just beginning their day drinking journey.

The Lamb Inn, Norwich

Source: Visit Norwich

2. The Belgian Monk

This is a beautiful building clad in Tudor beams, famous for its beer and fresh mussels. The menu is full of beer pairings for almost every item of food offered, giving this pub one of the widest selections of beers in the whole of Norwich. A hearty shout-out is also deserved for their vegetarian and vegan menu which is an area many other pubs are lacking in.

The Belgian Monk, Norwich

Source: Wikimedia

3. Sir Toby’s Beers

This one is a little different as technically it’s not a pub. In the centre of Norwich is the iconic marketplace. This is a brightly coloured grid system of beach huts that serve as permanent homes to some of the greatest food and drink in Norwich. Nestled at the end of a row, at stall 182 is Sir Toby’s Beers. Here you can buy craft beers and ales from all over the UK as well as local wines, beers and spirits.

market in Norwich

Source: Wikipedia

4. The Murderers

Now don’t be perturbed by the name; this pub, dating back to 1530, provides beer that's almost as exciting as its history. Officially named The Gardener’s Arms, the Murderers got its nickname after the gruesome murder of the landlady’s daughter in 1895, killed by her husband after supposedly being spotted at the pub with another gentleman. If only they’d had Jeremy Kyle back then.

The Murderers Pub, Norwich

Source: The Murderers

5. The Georgian Townhouse

This charming, stately building holds an alternative option, should beer or ale not be your forte. Currently offering around 30 different options, the Georgian Townhouse knows its Gin as well as you’re supposed to know your course. Come for the gorgeous Pinterest aesthetic, stay because you forgot Gin is strong and now your legs don’t work.

The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich

Source: The Georgian Townhouse

6. The Norwich Playhouse

For those with an artistic flair, the Norwich Playhouse Bar provides a colourful scene with plenty of German lagers and a vinyl playlist to wet the most hipster of appetites. Once the beer has been drained, head out to see a show or stay for one of the many events the Playhouse puts on, be it an art exhibition, showcase, or something more alternative.

Source: Norwich Playhouse

7. Wetherspoons

Norwich hosts not one but three Spoons all within an easy walking distance of each other. A staple favourite of the student pint, Spoons offers cheap alcohol and no judgement. Spoons will treat you right.

Wetherspoons

Source: JD Wetherspoon

Not satisfied with this list? That’s okay, Norwich boasts plenty more pubs of different shapes and sizes so you can be sure to find one that takes your fancy. Just take a look for yourself here.

Prospective student? We want to hear from you! Join the Student Hut Forum and earn £s by taking surveys.

Keziah Flackon 15 June 2018