Whether you know it as “East Anglia”, “The Plump Peninsula”, “Home of the Broads”, “Albion’s Hind Quarters”, or quite simply “The Wales of the East”, Norfolk is a terrific spot for a pint. With a long history of brewing, the city was once home to several well-established brewers. These days however there are only microbreweries left, but don’t let this put you off. There are a host of top notch drinking spots to enjoy around Norwich.
No matter if you are for the pedestrianisation of Norwich City Centre, or dead against it, there is a pub for all occasions. So, whether you are visiting for the medieval architecture or taking in a game at Carrow Road, home of Norwich City FC, you will be able to find the best options below.
Coach and Horses
The Coach and Horses, 82 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1BA
The Coach and Horses dates back to 1813 and is renowned for its ales due to having its own micro-brewery on-site. A selection of home-cooked meals, an indoor fire place, and a choice of alcohol gives the pub a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all – including dogs, children, and even football supporters! Whether you are a home or away fan, you’ll be welcomed here. There’s even TVs indoors and outdoors showing both Sky Sports and BT Sports, so this is a must visit for those wanting to catch an early or late kick-off. The pub is nicely located between Norwich train station and Carrow Road.
Compleat Angler
120 Prince Of Wales Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1NS
In the heart of the city, just across the river from Norwich train station, is a Greene King pub called the Compleat Angler. As you’d expect from this chain pub, there is a selection of food and booze including cask ales. Just a 10 minute walk from Carrow Road, the Compleat Angler welcomes away fans who can make the most of good weather by sitting on a riverside terrace to enjoy their pints.
Queen of the Iceni
Unit 6, Riverside Development, Norwich, NR1 1ED
Similar to the preview pub, the Queen of the Iceni is another chain pub offering all the basics that any pub-goer needs. This Wetherspoons offers food, booze, and outdoor seating on the river. While the pub is named after the ancient queen Boudica who led an uprising against the Romans, you are unlikely to receive any royal treatment here, but as with any Spoons you know what you are in for.
The Waterfront
The Waterfront, 139-141 King St, Norwich NR1 1QH
While not strictly a pub, a great choice for away supporters to enjoy a pre-game pint is The Waterfront. Just an 8 minute walk from Carrow Road, this riverside location is a beer garden dedicated to away football fans only. The site is usually a club and live music venue operated by The Union of UEA Students, however it opens on matchdays to host away supporters. Food vans are brought in to join a fully stocked bar to create a one-stop shop for your pre-game activities. This spot is known for its raucous atmospheres, so if that sounds like your kind of party, enjoy your pints here.
Adam and Eve
17 Bishopgate, Norwich NR3 1RZ
A little outside the city centre, you can find Norwich’s oldest alehouse set in a former monastery brewhouse. According to its website, the pub dates back to 1229 and is located next to Norwich cathedral. The small and quaint pub has a seasonal garden, making it a serene location to enjoy a tipple.
Wig & Pen
Wig And Pen, 6 St Martin At Palace Plain, Norwich, NR3 1RN
Another pub outside the city centre is the traditional Wig & Pen. It offers great food, wine, and a selection of guest ales. An outdoor seating area makes it another top spot for those wanting to spend a warm summer evening sipping on their favourite beer.
The Rose Pub & Deli
235 Queens Road, Norwich, NR1 3AE
Moving back towards Carrow Road, The Rose Pub & Deli label themselves as craft beer and pizza specialists. It has a friendly atmosphere and offers a great range of food and drink, including a changing range of beer from brewers near and far. The deli sells a range of local treats including cheese, chutney, chocolate and more. The pub also has a bar billiards table.
The Gardeners Arms and Murderers Café Bar
Murderers, 2-8 Timber Hill, Norwich, NR1 3LB
While it may not sound the most welcoming on institutions, The Murderers is an award-winning real ale and sports bar. The pub actually has a relaxed and casual atmosphere with a range of food and drink options available, including local real ales. Several TVs showing live sport are dotted around the pub making it a good choice for those heading over to Carrow Road after a few pints.
Fat Cat & Canary
101 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1TR
The equally well named Fat Cat & Canary is located just along the street from Carrow Road making it a top choice for Norwich City supporters on a Saturday. Real ales, TVs showing live sport, pub grub, and live music make this an obvious choice on a matchday.
St Andrews Brewhouse
39 – 41 St Andrews Street, Norwich, NR2 4TP
Back in the city centre, St Andrews Brew House offers its own range of beer and cider from its microbrewery. Watch the world go by from this ground floor bar and restaurant while enjoying a local pint, or dine out and enjoy some great food.
The Wildman
29 Bedford Street, Norwich, NR2 1AG
The Wildman is a cozy, relaxed pub serving up craft beers, wine, and a selection of cocktails. This forest/botanical themed pub is a nice retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The Lamb Inn
The Lamb Inn, Haymarket, Norwich, NR2 1QD
Another traditional pub serving ales and food is The Lamb Inn. Despite being haunted by at least three ghosts (supposedly), you won’t be in for fright when popping in for a pint. The spacious pub has a huge beer garden where you can enjoy your favourite drinks and some pub grub.
