This week's Great Norfolk Pub Guide features a place dubbed by its Manager Richard Alderson as a 'traditional, working class pub', and that's exactly howI like my watering holes described!
Tucked away on Spencer Street, the beautiful Victorian building stands proud within a warren of residential streets and houses, and as soon as you walk in the can feel the friendly atmosphere of the place.
The décor's traditional, with bench seats and beautiful old metal signs adorning the walls, another of which is covered with team photos from The Marlborough Arms' history of successful Sunday league teams. The pub also has darts and pool teams, which goes to show that there's a real community spirit enjoyed by its legion of regulars. For a 'proper old boozer', the pub still manages to be light and bright with a great selection of drinks, having expanded their wine list and recently making the move opening up a kitchen. And The Marlborough Arms team certainly don't do things by halves, offering food seven days a week with each day hosting a different offer of a meal with a drink included and a good traditional roast dinner on a Sunday.
As far as I'm concerned there's a couple of pointers to let you know if a pub is truly decent; is there a pool table? Is it dog friendly, with a water bowl by the bar for our canine companions? And do the staff occasionally dance on the bar?
Well, to my sheer delight, The Marlborough Arms ticked all those boxes… and the pool table's free!
Every Monday they have a quiz, and every fortnight they have the best in local music, having recently had band Hemingway perform for a sunny Sunday
afternoon, and I'm assured that everyone in the pub gets involved with a bit of a knees-up! It must be a fun place to hang out, as the staff stay at the pub after a shift as everyone's on a first name basis and enjoy socialising. Far from being an exclusive members club though, The Marlborough Arms couldn't be more welcoming, always looking to add to the band of friends they've made from their patrons. I'll definitely be visiting again. And I'll definitely be dancing on the bar.
Six of the best with Manager Richard Alderson:
1. When's the BEST time to visit your pub?
Sundays always have a great atmosphere. Live music, and a good roast.
2. What's the BEST memory you have of your pub?
Our Christmas carol service, when the whole pub has a sing-off, girls vs boys!
3. What's the BEST pint you serve?
They're all good!
4. What's the BEST dish on the menu?
Our roast in great, but all of our food offers throughout the week are good.
5.What's the BEST hangover cure known to man?
A full English… and another pint.
6. And finally, what's the BEST pub in Norfolk (apart from yours)?
The Belle Vue
Need to know.
Kitchen open 7 days a week: Monday to Thursday 5pm – 8pm, Friday 3pm – 8pm, Saturday 12pm – 8pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm.
•Watch The Great Norfolk Pub Guide in association with Lacons on The Mustard Show this Friday (6:00pm on Mustard TV: Freeview Ch7 or Virgin Ch159).
•Catch up on the whole series by searching 'Great Norfolk Pub Guide' on the Norfolk Now YouTube channel.
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