Earle Arms, Norwich

I was interested in seeing this interesting pub in a photogenic village, but my only map was on my phone and when I lost signal while taking a photo of the nearby Dukes Head I despaired of ever reaching it. A little improvisation brought me round in almost a complete circle - certainly I entered Heydon from the opposite of my anticipated direction. Was it worth it? Well, yes in that it is an interesting pub, and the beer I had was very good (Moon Gazer Jumper - NBSS 3.5), but the place seems to depend on diners, as is often the case with isolated country pubs, so I felt awkward about having a look around (some interesting horse racing photos and paintings) and there were quite a few dogs too. Having said that, there were some stools at the bar, which is made of brick and some interesting carved wood at the edges (I said it was interesting didn't I), and perhaps the pub takes on a different character at non-eating times. As well as the Jumper there was another Moon Gazer beer, and I saw signs advertising "scrumpy from the barrel" but they all seemed to be with added fruit such as pineapple, so I'm not sure they would be "real cider" by Camra's recent definition. I'm glad I made it, and my beer was fine; not sure it would merit a revisit though.

Official site of Earle Arms - www.theearlearms.com

Official site of Earle Arms - www.theearlearms.com

A colourwashed brick pub with distinctive gables in a remote privately owned village. Two rooms: a dining room to the right of the entrance, a bar to the left. On our visit (a damp November Sunday lunchtime), a large and jolly birthday party was taking place throughout the pub. We squeezed into the bar, in front of the woodstove, where we enjoyed generous helpings. Most people were eating, with one or two groups of drinkers. I’m pretty sure that this pub featured in one of the early Good Beer Guides:in any case, the only other time I’ve been here was in the mid 1970’s, when the décor was more rustic.Then, as now, Adnams beers featured, now partnered by Woodfordes: their ubiquitous Wherry joined by Once Bittern, a richer and more resinous best bitter. Being fairly remote, opening hours are traditional:afternoon closure being observed. A cracking , quiet pub in my opinion, in an unusual village-the Park of the Big House is open to walkers. Lovers of the Turf would find much that intrigues about the pub.