Compleat Angler, Norwich

I found myself to be the only customer when I walked into the Compleat Angler at around 11:30 on a recent Friday morning. The televisions throughout had muted Sky Sports on and the background music was very loud for the time of day. The split-level L-shaped interior has a central L-shaped bar counter that supports five hand pumps down one side and another four across the other. This is a Grene King pub so Abbot Ale and IPA were available in addition to a more interesting selection of St Austell’s Tribute and Moon Gazer’s Racer and Pintail. Premium and craft keg were also available alongside Carling. My pint of Racer was good, but it was a short measure. I wasn’t so keen on the citrusy Pintail, but at least the measure was correct. There is a downstairs terrace with advertised dartboard and large screen, but this was closed off. Outside is a lean-to extension and seating that runs along the terrace overlooking the River Wensum. The location near the station dictates that I may visit this pub again, but I’ll not be going out of my way.

I agree with the others that despite being a Green King pub this one has a few positives. Firstly it’s in a handy location, being one of the closest to the train station and within a short stroll of bus stops enabling you to get to other parts of the city. Secondly it has a river side location and sports a fine riverside terrace, the majority of which is undercover. And thirdly, despite being GK owned there was a decent ale range on and the usual GK IPA and Abbot were complemented by St Austell Tribute and two from the Norfolk Brewhouse Stargazer range in the shape of Pintail and Racer Pale Ales. I went for the gluten free Pintail option and it was pleasant and well kept. For me what wasn’t so positive was actually the internal space. Two rooms, both of which are a bit corporate and sterile, both of which are dominated by large TV screens which at 12 noon on a Friday were showing football highlights that nobody was interested in. They were however muted, but primarily because a loud soundtrack was being pumped out of the speakers, to a largely empty pub. It can accommodate a large amount of bodies, both inside and outside, so it’s no surprise it is a popular pub on match days, especially given its proximity to Carrow Road, but given the sheer volume of pubs with character this city has to offer I cannot see myself returning to this one on a return trip to Norwich

The closest pub to the station, this is a somewhat modernised Greene King outlet; I didn’t buy a drink; I try not to in a GK house, the hour having barely passed midday. If you want a final stop before getting the train, this is probably your best bet.

A large riverside pub, a short walk from the station, and with a terrace beside the river that can get busy in fine weather and closes at dusk. Internally the pub still has identifiable rooms but has been opened out to some extent. It is nicely presented, with an attractive bar counter featuring five hand pumps. Greene King IPA and Abbot are joined by St Austell Tribute and two local beers. At the time of my visit these were Green Jack Golden Best and Moon Gazer Ten Candles, a birthday special. I went for the last named and it was in very good condition. Service was friendly and helpful, with the offer of a taster followed by a discussion of beer flavours (why we like sweet or bitter, and so on). Obviously I caught the pub at a quiet time, as I have been past here when the football is on at Carrow Road and it's been full to bursting. I enjoyed my visit here - I was pleasantly surprised. Date of visit: 21st March 2022