NorfolkNog

Thanks for letting us know Steve. Sad news indeed. I met Roy a couple of times, a more genuine person you couldn't wish to meet. Table 22 in the Maltsters - a true legend RIP

Serious question - is it possible to fish at night?

We were out in May both North and South and I would say it was fairly average. The price jumps up around 50 percent in June so that may explain why it's quieter. It does seem that the 'high end' boats are more popular too although the lower priced ones will no doubt be out in force when the price hikes up for the school holidays.

Indeed JM - common sense! Favourite fishing spots are around blind corners, boatyards (preferably at the entrance) 24 hour moorings (particularly like Rockland where there are few anyway) Yet look at Oulton Dyke for instance or the Bure near Upton Dyke. There are fishing platforms on a straight wide stretch of river where fishermen and boaters could easily see each other and take avoiding action accordingly. I can't say I've ever seen a fishermen smile either, particularly the ones gathered around Herbert Woods entrance

In the right hands that would make a lot of sense. Rural pubs can benefit greatly from diversification and many have done so very successfully. I fear the current operator doesn't appear to have the appetite or ability to run such a venture which includes the pub so hence it just decays. I agree, short sighted to the extreme.

Yes it does, just the Berney has the permissive rights of way involving several landowners I believe.

Hi Carole no, pretty sure Hollocks still owns it. He tried to get planning for holiday lets but was knocked back. He claimed it was unviavble as a pub although John and Tracy did a great job only frustrated by the level of rent demanded (allegedly) Access is only by permission and difficult to the extreme. Pie in the sky. So sad that 2 pubs which could do well in the right hands are being run down in the hope of holiday homes. It's not going to happen (hopefully)

.........sorry drifting off topic again!

Yes, Alan's right. Hollocks had the lease of the Ferry and sub let it which was illegal. I think Derek and Sue? leased from him before Sonia. It was a dreadful mess. He also has the Berney and Beauchamp and allegedly an interest in a yard in Loddon and the ill fated Golden Galleon (very allegedly) As I say, dogs and mangers. Rather let something deteriorate rather than giving someone a chance to make a go of it.

I can well image that's the aforementioned gentleman's plan. Try to make out it's unviable. Could be a good pub in the right hands. Dogs and mangers spring to mind.

Hollocks

Exactly.

Certainly not the Mermaid now, I seem to recall it's not got a very obvious Chippy name, that looks like the one though, no doubt JM will confirm

sorry JM, no I meant the fish and chip shop, if its the one near the junction with the main road just past the old Spar on the same side? Is it called family chip shop or something similar??? Painted red? memory a bit vague (no change there then)

Last but not least the superb Locks at Geldeston. Again featuring the ubiquitous Tolly Cobbold ales. This was before the new extensions were built on either side and when it could truly be described as an unspoilt rural gem! It would probably be when Walter Coe was landlord. As an aside I see that Colin Smith had been at the pub for 14 years, such a shame.

That would be on the way to OB North station presumably JM? What is the name of the Chinese please as I seem to think there are several takeaways down there. Would that be the one on the corner as you head towards the Flying Dutchman? A bit further on from the old Spar shop on the same side?

I suppose running a hire fleet takes a fraction of the infasructure that boatbuilding does. Less staff too. And they could be disposed of easily and (relatively) quickly. Yet can still call themselves a Boatyard. I'm perhaps being cynical!

Spot on, property developers eh? Further info suggests club house/leisure complex which fits in with what Mouldy has said.

Being a tight Yorkshireman that equates to a couple of pints but it's the only way to find for sure who owns it. Ian, you are right about the menu but a sad loss I agree. The White Horse went many moons ago, to leave Brundall with one pub would be very sad. It does indeed flood which would be a major factor for any planning application.

Does it say who the owner is though? Just had a quick look and it looks as if you have to pay to get the full information. Brooms could quite possibly own the freehold and have leased it for 40 years. As I say its just conjecture at the moment. Hopefully more will be forthcoming. It will have to if someone applies for planning approval.

....if anyone fancies checking the Land Registry that would provide the definitive answer. Its been a pub for over 100 years.

Watneys sold the pub in 1970 but I suppose the key is, who bought it. They may possibly have just leased it. I think Brooms sold out recently, maybe things had ticked along nicely for 40 years but now all change. Be interesting to see what happens but the loss of a pub in that location would be sad indeed. What will JF do???

Don't know any detail I'm afraid but Brooms do seem to changing direction. I can't really see housing down there so possibly some form of commercial development?

you should indeed, I wouldn't recommend it. We set off from Coltishall in May at silly o'clock in the morning and as everyone was clearly in bed I pushed off before starting the engine. The river is quiet there so no real risk, I certainly wouldn't advocate doing at Reedham!

Been hearing some whispering from the rhond that the Yare will be closing at the end of the year as Brooms own the site and want it for development.