A sparrowhawk that had flown in to Blackfriars' Hall at the start of the Norwich Beer Festival was still avoiding capture last night.The bird of prey appeared quite settled in the ancient rafters above hoards of real ale drinkers, despite repeated attempts to set it free all day Monday and yesterday .

A sparrowhawk that had flown in to Blackfriars' Hall at the start of the Norwich Beer Festival was still avoiding capture last night.

The bird of prey appeared quite settled in the ancient rafters above hoards of real ale drinkers, despite repeated attempts to set it free all day Monday and yesterday .

It flew in to the hall on Monday morning while volunteers were setting up. Surprisingly it did not get distressed when drinkers arrived in their droves.

Had it appeared alarmed, half of the festival would have become out of bounds.

Last night, Martin Ward of the Norfolk and Norwich Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said a falconer was satisfied the sparrowhawk was “quite happy”.

“We've tried to get it out, and it nearly went this morning but had second thoughts,” he said. “I think the next step is to call in the RSPCA.”

Maybe it has got a taste for two of the festival's aptly named real ales, Buzzard Dark and Tawny Owl.