The Ferry House, Norwich

An early eighteenth century brick built pub on the bank of the River Yare, downstream of Norwich. On the edge of Broadland,Surlingham was the home of the celebrated nature writer E A Ellis, whose nature reserve, together with the RSPB’s is nearby. The pub is approached down a track from the hamlet of Surlingham Ferry,through some atmospheric reedbeds, and indeed operated a ferry until the second world war. Entering via a few steps,the L shaped bar which wraps round the serving area is found to one’s left:tables and chairs, a large chimney breast with woodburner and assorted impedimenta. We visited on a damp Sunday lunchtime in early November in somewhat of a bad move, having been led, by satnav, to the opposite bank of the river.Entering, we found a pleasant Sunday buzz,drinkers at the bar, and groups sat at tables,drinking and eating ,waiting for a folk music event later in the afternoon . On the bar,three handpumps offering Humpty Dumpty’s Little Sharpie, a golden reedy session beer,alongside Adnam’s Broadside and Woodforde’s Wherry. At the end of the bar, under a makeshift cooling array,sat a firkin of Adnam’s wonderful Ghost Ship Pale ale.I love beer from gravity dispense, but experience tells me that its quality can be dubious.Despite my misgivings, this beer was in tiptop condition,though few regulars seemed to be drinking it-too strong they said… Being a Sunday,roast was the order of the day:at least some of us enjoying the full mixed works.Plenty of meat, plenty of veg, served with great good humour.A grand community local, with mooring facilities for those of a nautical persuasion.