They say familiarity breeds contempt, but familiarity often breeds contentment too.
A comfy pair of slippers. A big bite out of a bacon butty. That first sip of a pint after work on a Friday… it's reassuring to know that some things in life are satisfyingly the same, time after time.
For me, that principle can be applied to pubs. It's great when dazzling new places to eat and drink spring up, but it's comforting to know that anchored in among all the changing names and places are some bastions of familiarity that are still surviving and thriving after hundreds of years.
The Wig & Pen is one such success story. It started licensed life as The White Lion back in 1760. Its name changed in 1985 to reflect its proximity to the Magistrates' Courts, but particularly since current owner Craig McLaren took over in 1993, this pub has become a mainstay of the Norwich pub circuit – for locals and tourists alike.
Craig's recipe for success includes innovation and a constant desire to improve, but it's the age-old principles all good pubs should aspire to that stand out here: Good hot food? Tick. Lovely warm welcome? Tick. Great range of ales? Tick. Fantastic spaces to enjoy - inside and out? Tick and tick.
Whether the starting point for a night out, a quick stop-off on the way home or anything in between, The Wig & Pen's geography - and history - will always ensure it appeals to some. That it always appeals to so many can only be down to how well this pub is run.
Craig has been a constant and reassuring presence at 'The Wig' for more than 20 years. His manager, Alex Martin, has been there for eight years too. Between them they provide a stability and continuity that most pubs (and some football clubs!) can only dream of. The contentment that familiarity has bred speaks for itself, whenever this pub is open.
Need to know:
Opening times: Monday-Thursday: 11.30am-11pm; Friday: 11.30am-11.59pm; Saturday: 11am-11.59pm; Sunday: 11.30am-6pm
Food: The Wig & Pen's sizeable menu changes monthly. It covers the pub grub classics well (burgers, fish 'n' chips, chilli, nachos etc) and is supplemented by many a tasty chef's special that feels altogether more gastro.
The Wig & Pen is also well-known for its Doorstep Sandwiches – thick, hand-cut sarnies that come with a range of different fillings and seasonal salad garnishes – all for £6 or under.
Accommodation: If you want to make a night, or even a weekend of it at The Wig & Pen, you could maybe book the attractive two-bedroom apartment they have for hire on St Martin's Palace Plain...
Six of the best with Alex Martin, Manager, The Wig & Pen.
1. When's the best time to visit your pub?
Any time the sun is shining.
2. What's the best memory you have of your pub?
The party here to celebrate our 21st birthday under the current owners.
3. What's the best pint you serve?
Lacon's Encore.
4. What's the best dish on the menu?
Our steak and ale pie, made with Woodforde's Bure Gold
5. What's the best hangover cure known to Man?
A full English breakfast. And then another pint.
6. And finally, what's the best pub in Norfolk (apart from yours)?
It has to be The Maltsters in Ranworth, out on The Broads.
Watch The Great Norfolk Pub Guide in association with Lacons on The Mustard Show this Friday (6.30pm 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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