NorfolkNog

Ha, ha, yes I had seen that Alan But knowing you are a Sheffield boy I would be much too diplomatic to state a preference. Sheffield does have some cracking pubs including the original Fat Cat and the Kelham Island Tavern to name but two. York also has some superb pubs and beer, as does Nottingham and Derby. So I'll sit on the fence and just be very grateful that we have such a wealth of good beer these days. Far cry from the seventies. I do have a soft spot for Norwich though

I can think of one or two current candidates...... However for truly terrible beer Brew Ten from Bass took some beating. I think we are all fairly agreed on the nasty kegs from the seventies. But the key is, which a couple of members have spotted, is much of it is down to how the beer is kept. Bullards and Steward and Patteson didn’t brew bad beer. It suffered from bad cellermanship and low turnover. That’s why Red Barrel took hold so quickly. It wasn’t good beer by any stretch of the imagination but it was consistent and sadly a pint of keg is going to be more preferably to an off pint of real ale. That was the reason keg grew in the late sixties and seventies. Peter mentioned Bullards. I suspect the problem there was not so much the beer as low turnover. Mild was in decline in those days and turnover was slow. Mild is also weaker so doesn’t have a long shelf life which all tended to exacerbate the problem I suspect. Fortunately the tide has turned and most pubs now sell real ale and even the keg, the so called craft beers, are a huge improvement on the old style keg products. To be honest, if you get a bad pint on the Broads (or anywhere else) these days it’s almost certainly down to poor cellar standards and lack of staff training. Pubs such as the Bridge Inn, Locks and both White Horses (to name but a few) show how it can, and should, be done. Don’t forget to support your Broads pubs and if you do get served a pint which is clearly sub standard don’t be afraid to take it back! A polite but firm request usually yields results in my experience.

They did indeed. I used to frequent the Loaves and Fishes too as it was something of an oasis back in the day. Greene King and Adnams as I recall, the Greene King seemed to taste better then somehow.......

You're right there Robin. Funnily enough I popped into the Gardeners this afternoon (just passing) and yes, it hasn't changed that much at all! Beer was Ok though.

That's the boy Robin, thought you had been in there It was an oasis for quality Tetleys back in the day.

Agree, the Locks is a must. Superb pub. I've heard a great deal about the Cantley Cock (all good) but a bit far for me on foot sadly. A car job I think. I believe the pub has been in the same hands for a good while and built up an enviable reputation.

Nail on the head there Robin, fully agree. If memory serves did you once venture into the Wellington in my Manor?

The way threads drift on here i would think a minor deviation should be in order 

Hi Paul, agree very much, the Rat and Ratchet is one of the finest pubs in the universe (well outside Norfolk anyway) Ossett and Rat, all superb IMHO Iain, yes, my sis brought me a bottle of the Isle of Arran from her holiday recently and it's top notch stuff

I checked my lottery ticket this morning. First 2 numbers came up, 2 and 14 starting to get excited. Missed the third but still ended up with 4 numbers so should be in for 104 quid hopefully. I think shares in the Rat Brewery could be on the up I've sent Carol a couple of quid too. Which leads me on nicely, please don't forget Broadland Memories if you have the price of a pint to spare! A fantastic resource and all done by Carol at her own expense

The best solution of course is go to the pub!

It is a shame that Alphacraft have folded, another smaller yard gone

This is the boy. I bought my copy from Brian Wards. Not sure if they still have any. Fascinating read but as others have said it really gives an insight into running a small yard. Dealing with the odd not so nice customer. Owners of the big yards don't have these kind of worries as they have staff to do all of that. But yes, Robins book is essential reading if you can find a copy.

Not quite Broads related I know but this should be worth a look if you are in reach of Bury St Edmunds. Also be good to see some decent beer in the town too! Open today until Saturday, free to CAMRA members, three quid to non members. Grub available too.

Best bet might be to enquire 'on the ground', possibly speaking directly to yards or those in the trade.

Hmmmmmm, I must admit until this was raised I had never really looked for the sign as I (don't say it ) hopefully know what to do. But yes, a bigger sign would not go amiss, certainly.

Done a quick Google, yes it's a lager produced by Guiness so will be keg. (remember Harp? Thar was Guiness) it's also distributed by Greene King so I'm wondering if Wayford Bridge is tied to GK they were a few years back. I belive Adnams produce a dry hopped lager although I've never tried it. Well spotted Geoff

This is a slightly better picture. Its still a bit hard to read it all but I think it says no turning and to go through the bridge.

Hi Iain Best I can do at the moment. The shot of the no turning sign is from a distance but you can also see the back of the sign which says OK to turn after here. Sorry cant find better, will keep looking.

I'm slipping up here! Been a CAMRA member for yonks but never noticed that. Having said that we always dealt with Swancraft direct and don't have a car! Not much good for Herby Woods though.

They've arguably got one of the best reputations on the Broads, so any new owner would have a head start certainly. The fleet is immaculate. And yes, the BA may not give planning permission for flats (hopefully) Go and see the bank manager

I think you've hit the nail on the head there Dan. I don't think you would get a return, certainly not enough for current expectations. My guess (sadly) is that the fleet will end up with Richardsons and the land will become yet more executive apartments. Very sad.

End of an era indeed. Vey sad,. Quality yard in every respect. Swancraft, now Royalls, not to mention Alphacraft. Looks like the days of the small boatyard with personal service are rapidly disappearing. How long tiil we are left with the Big Four? Or three heaven forbid. I just hope Bridgecraft don't get any ideas.

As has been said, otters can crop up in many places, its just a case of keeping an eye out for them. The Recruiting Sergeant is well known for its food and the beer is usually good too with quite a good range kept. Another option if you don't fancy going up to the Lock is to moor at Coltishall Common and walk or get a cab. I can walk to the RS in about 15 - 20 minutes quite easily although its not a walk for anyone with limited mobility. If going after dark a torch is useful particularly for the stretch between the moorings (Kings Head) and the Red Lion.