Something's brewing in the city
By Phil Mellows
Delayed two years by the pandemic, the 10th Norwich City of Ale festival finally kicks off this Thursday (May 26).
The first event, back in 2011, marked an early recognition that a growing number of breweries and beer styles, and a growing interest in beer, could drive drinkers to a destination, and sustain their visit for as long as a week.
Other cities, such as Bristol, Sheffield and Brighton, were to follow Norwich’s lead by launching their own beer weeks But that didn’t detract from one of the most important events in the drinking calendar, which, after its enforced pause, returns even bigger, extended to a whole month.
That will give more people more time to explore the seven pub trails and taste new creations and collaborations from the Norfolk brewing scene. Moongazer Ales brewer David Holliday, who for the first time is co-chairing the event with co-founder Philip Cutter of The Gardeners Arms (better known as The Murderers), has, for instance, conjured up something with the Hof ten Dormaal brewery in Tildonk, Belgium.
The trails are as much about exploring the city as discovering the beer. This year they’re themed on the different tokens produced by the city’s traders to make up for the lack of small change in the 17th Century. Each trail takes its name from a trade and its logo from the respective token. So you’re learning about the city’s commercial history as you go along.
And the team at British Beer Breaks will be adding an eighth self-guided trail titled, Between the Pubs, which will encourage visitors to uncover some of the quirkier features of hidden Norwich while they’re on their way to the next pint. Visit this blog on Thursday to find out more.
You can also book a Historic Pubs of Norwich tour, guided by local historian Paul Dickson, and an Ale and Cheese Tour during which beer sommelier Cheryl Cade matches five beers to five cheeses at five different pubs.
Individual pubs will also be hosting their own special events. Among them, the Kings Arms has a Jubilee Beer Festival with live music from June 1 to June 5 (apparently something else is going on around then) and The Beehive closes the month of celebrations with its Summer Beer Festival.
And, of course, the Waterfront venue, overlooking the River Wensum, is again home to the Official Launch Party on Thursday evening, promising 50 award-winning beers on cask and keg plus a special delivery from Belgium arriving by boat. There will also be live music, pizzas and morris dancers – but don’t let that put you off.
See you there!