Lamb Inn, Norwich

Apparently an old pub hiding off the main streets near the market place and castle. There’s a nice set of gates at one side and an alley with nouveau lettering at the other. I fear the charm ends there, inside is a relatively bland place, more pubco money extraction machine than pub. Long counter ahead as you enter, five pulls but only a average Oakham Inferno available, reversed were delights like London Pride. I ordered fish and chips which was generally pretty good, not sure why half a lemon was hidden under the fish. I think I’ll be glad not to darken its doorstep again.

A classic old Georgian building in its own courtyard, surrounded by the backs of retail premises, which could be a veritable oasis. However the courtyard is wedged full of tables and the interior has been far too modernised, not unpleasantly but totally lacking in any character. Separate areas to either side of the central bar hold sports TVs, so not too intrusive, while an upstairs area was in use for a private function so I don't know what goes on up there. The ales were ok but had some room for improvement, being Nethergate Suffolk County, Grain Best, Ghost Ship and Doom Bar. Adequate, but there are better pubs close by.

It's hard to know how much of this pub is actually old, as WhatPub describes it as "a large modern pub on an ancient site". It can be accessed from either Haymarket or Orford Place, but it would be quite easy to walk past without spotting it. The courtyard before the pub is filled with tables, some of them covered, which suggests that quite a few people do in fact find their way here even in bad weather. At the time of my visit it was fairly quiet, as it was not yet midday and I was just here for a swift half before catching my train. There were five hand pumps (see photo) with four Norfolk breweries represented, of which I went for Lacons Affinity. This beer was in very good condition, and I would certainly recommend this pub as being within reasonable walking distance of the station if, like me, in need of a swift half, or even for a longer session. Date of visit: 23rd March 2022