The Angel, Norwich

Edge of village local, tastefully modernised but retainjng a good homely feel with lots of woodwork. The main bar has a strangely segregated dartboard, with a stooled shelf either side that could be a little hazardous to sit at. Behind the bar is a sort of parlour room with a piano, while to the other side is a little snug with a library feel. Shovehapenny and various puzzles were also evident. It has a changing range of ales judging from the pump clips on display, with active brews Mr Winters Molecular Level IPA, Moongazer Nibbler, Elm Tree Golden Pale and Broadside - condition excellent. a good pub.

Two room village pub that was my first stop on a tour of Norfolk pubs. I chose the room to the left-hand side where the landlady was accompanied by 3 locals. Things went a bit quiet when I entered, but things started warming up a little when the landlady engaged me in conversation. The pub only sources Norfolk & Suffolk ales, ciders and other products such as coffee and wines. They claim to have stocked 170 different beers in 2024. At the bar, each beer has a jar in front of the handpull, to let you see what you are ordering. The 5 cask ales were Bruha Meraki Stout, Moon Gazer Jumper, Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie, Mr Winter's Citrus Kiss & Barsham BOB. When I enquired about ciders, I was shown a list with what was still available - Crones Special Reserve & User Friendly, Giggler Dry Orchard & Sweet Caroline, Village Green Sweet Country Cider & Classic Dry Cider & Whin Hill Dabinett, Norfolk Growler, Perry & Norfolk Brandy Perry. Cocktails were also promoted, as were olives and other snacks. There was a jar of rabbit jerky on the bar. The room to the left has a wood burner, a dartboard and various board games on a shelf behind the bar. Seating is by way of stools around the bar, along the windowsill or a high table alongside the dartboard. There are a few pumpclips on the walls and beams. The bar itself is stone with a wooden top. A raised area to the left has mixed furniture with artwork on the walls, whilst a room down a couple of steps to the rear has a piano and a barrel for a table, as well as a bar billiard table. The gents can be found off this room are are very well appointed. Whilst I didn't venture into the room on the right-hand side, I could hear a TV with the Cheltenham Festival horse racing on. An outdoor patio to the rear was in the process of being re-developed. With a couple of ciders I'd never seen before on offer, I stayed for two and engaged in conversation with both the landlord and landlady. You could tell that they had a real dedication to their pub and business. The pub feels a little on the posh side, but the quality and range of the beers and ciders on offer and the passion shown by the owners make this a real gem worth seeking out. I've visited a fair few pubs around the country, but I've have no hesitation putting this one in my top 100.

Official site of The Angel - www.theangelinnloddon.co.uk

Official site of The Angel - www.theangelinnloddon.co.uk