The Crown and Mitre, King's Lynn

A great pub to visit in Kings Lynn, with some good real ales on offer, and when we saw the chunky bread a diner had with her soup we were tempted to have some too. Beer was in great condition and we had Old Cannon Best Bitter and Milestone Cromwell bitter. Pub well described below and it was interesting to wander round. There are ship type steps and a fork lift type lift to a upper gallery that had a bar which must open when busy, and a lower drinking space outside by the river. A real fire where the diners sat and landlord said he didn't mind me taking my photos as long as I popped some money in the charity barrel on the bar which I was happy to do. The sign for the Anchor brewery was still there with opening soon. Landlord says it is waiting for him to get the funds together so if he achieves his dream this will be a big asset for the pub.

Situated on the quay just a short stagger from Tuesday Market you may need to dodge the police vans and bodies outside the nearby Globe Hotel before you get there but it is certainly worth the effort. The front door leads into a small lobby containing a large anchor and dozens of beer pump clips which is a pretty good introduction on what to expect. The pub is simply a museum of nautical trinkets with every shelf, wall and ledge containing a selection of model boats, ropes, oars, tide tables, maps, charts, intruments, photos, anchors and even a cannon that threatens to wipe out the bar should anyone try to use it in anger. The corridor to the loos contatins an old lathe and yet more bits and bobs and even the footrail of the bar is made from an old ship's chain. Mixed in with all the paraphernalia are pump clips by the hundred, clear evidence of the pub's reputation as the No. 1 Ale choice in King's Lynn (and probably for miles around). A separate room had a roaring fireplace and appeared to be more for dining. I was hoping to eat here but the veggie choice wasn't to Mrs B's taste so we gave it a miss. Outside is a partly glazed, decked verandah with picturesque views across the river where you can watch the wading birds picking at the crabs as the tide goes out. This was probably not a good place to be in 1953 according to the flood level marker situated high on a beam in the main bar. Whilst you sit and contemplate on who does all the dusting, there are 6 hand pumps to work your way through. Actually there were only 5 available my visit; Tydd Steam Piston Bob, Keltek Golden Lance, Tom Woods Best, Littlestone Will Scarlet and Humpty Dumpty Little Sharpie with the 6th pump (Tom Wood Shepherds Delight) not ready. Service was top rate to the extent that our pints were even topped up despite the immediate measure looking perfectly acceptable. Unfortunately, Roger, the local legend of a landlord, was not in the best of health and whilst I could have happily sat there all night, his condition deteriorated to the point that he was beginning to resemble an extra from Night of the Living Dead and was forced to shut the pub doors at 9.30pm when we were still 3 ales short! Sadly, especially for a Saturday night, there were only a dozen or so punters in at the time which suggests that most of the town's drinkers either have poor taste or have been subjected to Roger's no nonsense approach and all been banned. I understand that the intention is to attach a micro brewery to the pub and there is a sign outside proclaiming the Anchor Brewery but when it becomes operational I am not sure (and Roger wasn't in any condition to ask!). When and if it becomes a reality, a great pub will be even better. Kings Lynn certainly isn't the best place for pubs but it does have some interesting spots for a day trip and the Crown & Mitre should be central to any visit. Having been forced out early I will certainly need to return to complete my unfinished business!