Following on from a previous thread where people started talking about old drinking haunts in the city, I thought it might be fun to have a proper thread to mardle about those wonderful places. Some obvious places such as the Samson & Hurcules spring to mind, but did anyone go the Federal Club, later Melody Rooms in Oak Street? Also can anyone remember the Post Office Tavern, bikers only as I remember it!
Great stuff! Yes Samson & Hercules, Gala Ballroom, loved Whites, especially the cosy little cellar bar! I first went to the club in Oak Street aged 15 - it was known as the Industrial Club then, and we had a little red membership card, don't remember it as the Federal Club, but I'd guess we are talking about the same place. Ips**ch Tavern, Orford Cellar, Boars Head, so many great haunts, no wonder I have so few brain cells left!
Early 2000's we used to go out on a Sunday night as you didn't get the arseholes about then. Start off down Riverside then when that all shut up you'd all head off to the only place open late.... The Loft Had some great times in there never any trouble and yes I know what the place was/is(?) famous for but it was always a great atmosphere. All ruined since the new drinking laws though. Mind you I can't drink anymore so those days are long behind me (
Friday night was Industrial Club in Oak Street when I was younger. Then it was Saturday at the Gala, Monday was the Samson. Pubs were apart from your local, in my case Farmhouse, University Arms and later the Loaf, but for city drinking Orford Arms, Trowel and Hammer, Champion.
Bloody hell, Ipsquit Tavern, I used to be mates with the guy who ran it, he was a massive 'Doors' fan, so there was always decent music playing. Yeah I remember it as the Federal club as well, can you remember the topless dancers in cages hanging from the ceiling?
Back in the day (80's) when I was a biker, Gundry White's on Queen Street was our haunt. We later moved on to the Trumpet at the top of St Stephen's when it closed, happy days please log in to view this image please log in to view this image My bike
A favourite in the early 90s was the Garden House, having moved away from Norwich, not sure if it still open or if so, what type of pub it has become.
The Raven, Lower Goat Lane or that area, never remember being in there when there wasn't a fight, real rough house pub.
One of the best pubs in Norwich was off the beaten track in the area where I grew up, and that was the 'Belle Vue' on the corner of St Philips Road and Stafford Street. I haven't been in there for years now, but I'm led to believe it's still a good pub. Also, a bit further down Stafford Street, The Alexandra Tavern where incidently Mrs KIO and I had our wedding reception. The 'Alex' had a great reputation and was always heaving
A favourite in the early 90s was the Garden House, having moved away from Norwich, not sure if it still open or if so, what type of pub it has become.
I moved away from Norfolk for many years, only returning in 1989. I do recall having a pint in the 'Fruiterers Arms' which stood on White Lion st, where the side entrance to W H Smiths is. Thursday day times and it got mobbed - by people who had just collected and cashed their girocheques
The Fruiterers was the market pub and you could get an early pint on Wednesdays and one of the few places you could get Worthy White Shield.
Is the 'Walnut Tree Shades' still trading ? My Grandmother , God rest her soul, worked there circa 1910 !!
Check out this website to see Norwich's rich pub history http://www.norwich-pubs-breweries.co.uk/index.asp
A lot has been made of so many pub closures in recent years. Many blame the smoking ban but the real reason IMO is the incredible cost, people simply cannot afford to go out and drink like they used to. When it's the best part of £4 for a pint and in some places even more, you're looking at thirty quid to even get a bit merry !
Friday night would kick off in the Prince of Wales, then wander down to the Silver Dollar, then off to the Samson for a bit of late night dog walking!
Tudor Hall, or 'the cattle market' as we used to call it Other night clubs we used to frequent were; Samson & Hercules, Penny's, Rick's Place, Ebeneezers and sometimes (believe it or not), the Norwood Rooms On Friday's and Saturday's we all used to meet at the 'Hog in Armour' then hit the City pubs before finishing up at one of the above. Then we would invariably get a burger at the 'King Beefy' van opposite 'The Bell' (another frequent watering hole). Then of course, when you would eventually get to bed, the room would start to spin and the only thing that would stop that was a 'groan down the white telephione' , happy days
