The Norfolk Tap @ Norfolk Arms Hotel, Arundel

To the left of the coaching entrance of this handsome Georgian redbrick hotel,the Norfolk Tap serves as a coffee shop and showcase for Arundel Brewery. The hotel itself occupies the right hand side, but was unexplored on my brief Sunday afternoon visit. Inside, comfy sofas and high tables and chairs,and some impressive coffee and craft paraphenalia. The cheery barman talked me through the 'beer menu'-also displayed on some digital gizmo on the wall-with beers from Arundel and Abyss, together with ciders and a couple of cask beers.I haven't really "got" the craft keg concept,but I found my glass of Uptown NEIPA enjoyable,if over carbonated, and a snip at £3.30 for a half. That aside,I found the Tap convivial and intriguing.

Official site of The Norfolk Tap (Norfolk Arms Hotel) - norfolktap.com

Official site of The Norfolk Tap (Norfolk Arms Hotel) - norfolktap.com

Clearly an historic coaching inn which has two main rooms either side of a cobbled lane leading to a rear courtyard. I initially entered The Castle Room, this is the plusher area and where the accommodation is booked and managed. They had a proper fire roaring despite it being a warm sunny day and I found the room conditions untenable. A locked separate snug was off here. I moved across to the Town Bar, this has cheap looking laminate flooring and cheaper still wall panelling. The ceiling however is ornate and a series of framed cricket bats and cricketer photos provide interest. A stone fireplace containing logs was thankfully unlit in here. Beers from the local Arundel Brewery, Sussex IPA plus Castle. Meals served, around £8-£12. It is a nice old building with clearly lots of history however the current corporate feel distracts from this and for me, spoiled the experience a bit. Plus, light a fire when it is cold, not just because of the calendar.