Blackfriars Tavern, Great Yarmouth

Steve of N21 left this review about Blackfriars Tavern

Having spotted that this pub had not only been included in the recent GBG’s but was also awarded runner up POTY and Cider pub of the year by the local CAMRA branch we de idea to take the walk to search it our.
Tucked away down some uninspiring back streets to the north of town the pub itself is also not the most inviting from the outside, but have faith as it’s a bit of a gem on the inside. Two traditional rooms around the smallish central servery the first, with its assorted wooden tables and chairs houses a complete cornucopia of pub and board games, both on the tables and on shelves around the room. Then you go through an arch by the side of the bar to the second room that houses an impressive bottle collection and a bar billiards table. The decor is very much old school ale house and the only thing that slightly spoilt it for me was the large electronic display in the front room showing the ales and ciders that were available. However I guess when you have eight ale pumps on the bar and up to 16 ciders from poly pins in a room behind the bar, then you have to display them somehow.
For our visit seven ales were on, all local from Norfolk, and an excellent mix of styles including standard bitter, pale ale, Red ale, IPA, stouts and a mild. There were three from Mr Winters and two from Barsham. I went for the Barsham Stout Robin and others went for the Drenchfoot Brewery Stupid Boy and all beers sampled were in excellent condition.
Weekly cribbage and darts nights are advertised as is a monthly quiz night and as mentioned, outside of these you are not short for an alternative board game or two.
One small word of warning, best not to ask the landlord how he did in the annual awards. He is certainly not best pleased that he came runner up in both main categories, but as I believe he was an active member of the Great Yarmouth CAMRA branch before taking the pub over I’m guessing the local branch hierarchy didn’t want to be accused of favouritism. Apparently the Tombstone Tap room beat this one to the POTY, but it must have been a close run thing.

On 9^th April 2024 - rating: 9
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