The Whalebone, Norwich

Two-bar corner pub, with the more traditional front part having a further raised seating area at one end, and the rear section looking more modern. Four real ales on handpump: Encore (£2.15, half) and Legacy from Lacons, Adnams Mosaic and a Caribbean Pineapple IPA from Wild Craft.

A pub of two halves, with one side being a traditionally-furnished locals' bar, still with the splendid Bullard's barback, while the other is a bit more modern/upmarket/characterless, extended into a covered yard area. There is also a patio outside. The four ales on were Adnams Mosaic, Wild Craft Wild Caribbean IPA, and Lacons Blonde and Encore, the latter being very pleasant. Respectable enough but not as good as some in the area.

Not in the latest GBG but popped in for the previous good reviews and the historic bar back. Enter to the main bar (and back – which is very pretty), the rear part is an old alley to the toilets converted via a conservatory roof. Four ales on, my Barsham’s Norfolk Topper was an NBSS 3. Solid old skool guv’nor behind the bar. It’s a decent place but I didn’t warm to it as much as some others. Visited early August.