Regulars at two Norwich pubs are today raising a celebratory glass after both received awards from the Norfolk branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Norfolk members of CAMRA have selected The Kings Head, in Magdalen Street, Norwich, as their 2017 Norfolk Pub of the Year while The White Lion in Oak Street, Norwich, was voted Cider Pub of the Year – for the sixth time.
Stephen and Lesley George, landlords of the Kings Head, which was also named City Pub of the Year by CAMRA, took over in 2013 and are also owners of the Humpty Dumpty brewery at Reedham.
They said: 'We're delighted the King's Head has been named Norfolk's Pub of the Year and Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA branch pub of the year for the third time.
'The King's Head is a special place – a showcase for Norfolk's many microbreweries, wonderful regulars who are keen to try the wide range of beers in a historic pub setting in the middle of Norwich's antique and vintage shopping area. It's a place where people engage in the old art of conversation.
'The award reflects the hard work and passion of Alison, Charlie and the whole team, who are all about serving up great real ales in a lovely old pub. We couldn't be more proud.'
Ian Stamp, Norwich and Norfolk CAMRA branch chairman, said: 'Stephen and Lesley, Ali and Charlie can be justly proud of the pub and the quality and range of beer they serve, which is obviously much appreciated by CAMRA members and all their regulars.'
The pub now goes forward to the East Anglian regional awards, before potentially entering the Super Regional finals and the national stage of the competition.
Meanwhile Alex Waters, landlord of the White Lion was thrilled to have been presented with the CAMRA branches Cider Pub of the Year certificate.
He said: 'We're delighted to win this award again and would like to thank our customers and dedicated staff.'
Mr Stamp said: 'I would like to congratulate The White Lion for winning the branch's Cider Pub of the Year for the sixth time. This is an incredible achievement and their dedication to promote real cider and perry from Norfolk and across Britain gives inspiration to other pubs.'
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