The Norfolk Explorer

Did you know, there was once a pub for every day of the year in Norwich? Pretty cool, right! Whilst that isn’t the case anymore, there are still plenty of them to choose from, each with their own special charm.

Here are some of my favourites:

1. The Brewery Tap

Let’s kick off with a pub with a big presence, right in the heart of NR3.

NR3 is a postcode area of Norwich, just north of the city centre, that over the last 10 years has been turned into a more desirable area to live whilst still keeping the community spirit alive.

And that is what I feel when I go to The Brewery Tap – such a buzz of people (and dogs), a bloody great selection of beer (it is called the Brewery Tap for a reason) and some tasty chips and sides from Motherchips.

Seriously, Motherchips are amazing. Sit inside for classic pub vibes, out the back for the heaters if it’s a bit nippy or on the benches out front and watch the cars drive past wishing they were sat where you are ha.

2. The Plough

This is situated in the heart of The Lanes (the independent shopping/eating area) on St Benedicts and makes for a great place to stop in amongst shopping, or for the start of an epic city pub crawl.

The Plough has a very generous back garden, so it’s a wonderful place to sit and soak in the atmosphere with a beer in hand – of which there is a great selection. You can also experience DJ nights here, with some brilliant sound playing from a variety of genres!

3. The Stanley

This is probably my favourite pub, also situated in NR3.

The Stanley is not only a striking pub from the outside (hello beautiful green colour), but also keeps that inside with more gorgeous green and other snazzy interiors. The vibe is great, dogs are welcome and there’s TACOS.

Yes, currently at The Stanley is Fuego Tacos serving, you named it, epic tacos and delicious fries. Before that was Yard who do absolutely brilliant pasta dishes. They don’t rotate often, Yard was there for a couple of years, but it’s always worth keeping an eye on! You just know whatever will be there will be great!

4. Adam & Eve

The location of this pub makes it somewhat of a hidden gem. From the Tombland area of the city, you head as if you are going to the Magistrates and Crown courts, just past here there’s signs for a carpark, and right there is the Adam & Eve.

You might think that a pub that is attached to a pay and display is a bit of a random spot, but not when you consider how old it is. the Adam & Eve is said to be the oldest pub in Norwich, dating from the 1200’s – no car parks then!

It is set on the site of an old monastery, it was a brewhouse used to serve the workmen building the nearby cathedral. Today it very much still serves the people of the city, and is a great place to pop after visiting the stunning cathedral.

It’s also said to be haunted. Ooh.

5. The Red Lion

Another pub that is conveniently located near the cathedral, and could make for your next stop after the Adam & Eve on a pub crawl, is the Red Lion.

A perk of the Red Lion is that it also sits on the river, so you can perch up outside and get some lovely views of the Wensum. Next to it is also a place you can hire canoes and paddleboards, so you can enjoy people watching as a bonus.

They serve some classic pub grub and tasty cocktails too.

6. The Garnet

Another one of my absolute faves, and it is truly a ‘city central’ pub!

The Garnet is right in the middle of the city, just next to the market and Gentlemen’s Walk. The pub has been serving the fine customers of Norwich since 1861, step inside and up the creaking staircase to the top floor and you get a cracking view of the city and market.

But there’s something super awesome about The Garnet – as long as you buy a drink in the pub, you can eat anything you purchase from the market inside or on the benches outside! Super convenient! There’s TONNES to choose from from the market, and also Brick Pizza just next door.

Dog friendly, exceptional beers, super convenient and a fab vibe – what more can you want!

7. Micawbers

I have to give this pub a special mention because it serves some ridiculously tasty food.

Micawbers pub is also a bit of a hidden gem. From St Benedicts, you head up Ten Bells Lane and towards essentially houses and offices, and you’ll find it on the corner of Pottergate and Cow Hill.

A quirky pub with a great selection of drinks and food from Bun X – super tasty big plates of burgers, fries and sides – truly some of the best burgers in Norwich.

You won’t be disappointed!

8. The Black Horse

My final pick of the pubs in Norwich is The Black Horse, which makes my list for many reasons.

This is just outside of the city on Earlham Road, in a pretty prime location. Not only is it still walkable form the city, but it’s neighbours are the hugely popular and beautiful Plantation Gardens, and the stunning second cathedral Norwich has.

For a great start to a Sunday in the city, I’d recommend stopping by the cathedral to take in the beautiful inside, then head on down to the Plantation Gardens for a stroll and a sit down and then head on over to The Black Horse for food.

Why Sunday – well, they have probably one of the BEST roasts in the city. Just go, trust me.

A very cost pub, huge beer garden, dog friendly and great atmosphere.