Four venues in Norfolk win CAMRA pub of the year awards

CAMRA, which represents beer drinkers and pub-goers across the UK, announced five awards for branch, city, district, club and cider pub of the year.

Two Norwich pubs received awards, The White Lion and The Fat Cat, alongside the Aylsham Social Club and Beeston Ploughshare.

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Jonathan Hooton, the pub detective, outside his favourite Norwich pub, the White Lion in Oak Street (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The White Lion in Oak Street, which describes itself as "a village pub in the city", has been voted the Norwich City Pub and overall Branch Pub of the Year, after scooping the same two accolades in 2023.

Oscar Gerdes, of the White Lion, commented: "We are thrilled to be recognised once again by CAMRA as City Pub of the Year, with so many great pubs in Norwich, it’s a fantastic achievement!"

Beeston Ploughshare that has been brought back to life with a huge effort by the community and supporters. Terry Stork, right of Pub is the Hub pictured with chairman Henry Dennett (Image: Steve Adams)

A community-owned pub rescued from redevelopment in 2019, The Ploughshare in Beeston has been voted District Pub of the Year. Its alehouse dates back to 1585.

Gemma Drew, manager of the Ploughshare, said: "To receive recognition from Norwich & District CAMRA is a real privilege and makes all the hard work worthwhile!"

Landlord Colin Keatley serving behind the bar at The Fat Cat Pub (Image: The Fat Cat Pub)

The Fat Cat in Norwich won the award for Cider Pub of the Year, renowned for its ales and selection of ciders which were recognised by the CAMRA voters.

Will Keatley, general manager of the Fat Cat in West End Street, said: "It's a real pleasure to win this award for the first time, being predominantly known for our selection of real ales, it's a welcome surprise to be recognised for our cider range too."

READ MORE: The Plough Inn in Marsham gets £120,000 refurbishment 

Aylsham Social Club won Club of the Year award for 2024 (Image: Google Street View)

Winning the Club of the Year award for 2024, Aylsham Social Club is host to a variety of sports, social and hobby clubs.

Dan Brown, bar manager of the club, commented: "We are both surprised and delighted to have won the award. For more than a year we have been expanding and promoting our range of real ales, and to see our hard work pay off is a great feeling."

In the next round of awards, The White Lion will run for Norfolk Pub of the Year and the Fat Cat will run for Norfolk Cider Pub of the Year, to be announced in May.