Wow, what a difference a refurb makes. Now, where there was slightly stale paint and a neat, if a little bedraggled bohemian ambiance, is a fresh looking and smart pub/bar. They still serve real ale, but now the major major draw for me is their frankly astonishing range of whisky, whiskey and bourbon. We're talking a two page menu of offerings, ranging from your run-of-the-mill bargain blends (2-3 quid a pop) to some expensive but go on you deserve it, just this one time, it's your birthday single malts. They have a blackboard with recommendations based on flavours (I was tempted by the vanilla and oranges of a bourbon, I wasn't disappointed) and their bar staff are enthusiastic about what they sell. The food menu includes small bar snacks up to impressive sounding turkish pizza (I've yet to try it, but given my past love affair with Lahmacun in Green Lanes, I can be a good judge).
I think the refurb was well judged, it fits in well with St. Benedicts and The Lanes vibe, but isn't trying to just emulate The Plough. I've been wishing for a neat bar experience in Norwich, harking back to my teenage years in Leeds, so it's good to see someone brave enough to try this in Norwich. I hope it's a great success, I'll certainly be going back to try some more of their range. Especially if it's my birthday :D read more