The Queen of Iceni (Lloyds No 1), Norwich

A large Lloyd's No 1 in a complex surrounded by several bars and clubs. On two levels and it seems to be aimed at the younger set. Although there was a fair selection of ales on I did not like the sterile surroundings of this pub.

I got here in the late afternoon on a Saturday and although there was nothing on at the nearby stadium it was pretty packed. It looks like it's a new purpose built pub in the middle of a riverside complex just a short way from the station. It's a large room with the bar to the rear and an upstairs area that I didn't visit. It seemed to have a younger than normal clientele who all seemed to be shouting at each other. The beer choice was abysmal, there are five hand pumps but I did spot three metal plates where a set had clearly been removed. The choice was Doom Bore or Woodforde's Wherry & Bure Gold doubled up. I went for the Bure Gold (£2.80) which is expensive for a JDW outside Central London and I'm not sure how they arrived at the price as the menu said that the standard guest ale price was £2.75. My second pint was the keg Banks's Devils Backbone wich was only 19p dearer. I took my pint outside onto the very pleasant riverside terrace, wiped a seat dry after recent rain and felt a huge relief at getting away from all those shouty types inside. I'm fairly confident that this is still a Lloyds, they renamed a lot of their outlets that were just called Lloyds No. 1 probably to avoid putting off the daytime food (and to a lesser extent drink) trade. This one has all the hallmarks of a Lloyds. I really didn't like it at all but the riverside terrace saves it from the Score Of Shame.