Beer lovers across Norwich and the surrounding district are spoilt for choice, according to a pub survey carried out by the Norwich and District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Moon Gazer’s Pintail and Cheeky Jack appeared most popular of the smaller breweries
A record-breaking 63 volunteers visited more than 430 pubs in just one day — covering nearly the entire branch area — for the first time in the annual survey’s history.
This year’s survey uncovered 389 different real ales on sale across the branch area, including 265 in Norwich alone. The growing diversity of beer choice is clear, with fewer pubs tied to just a handful of big brands, compared to previous years.
Drinkers are paying slightly more for their pints. The average price of a pint of real ale in Norwich is now £4.68, up 6% from last year and 24% from 2019, which is unsurprising given increased costs in production, distribution, and other pub costs. Across the wider region, the average pint costs £4.73.
“Despite rising prices, real ale remains excellent value compared to other drinks, and we’re delighted to see an expansion in choice, despite escalating costs and new challenges facing the industry,” said Norwich CAMRA chair Ian Stamp.
Whilst the big brand names came out on top, including those from local brewers, such as Adnams, Lacon’s, and Woodforde’s, the presence of beers from smaller breweries has grown significantly over the years. They often now appear in multiple pubs across the region, showing an increase in popularity for lesser-known microbreweries.
Moon Gazer’s Pintail and Cheeky Jack appeared most popular of the smaller breweries within the Norwich and District branch. These were followed by Wolf’s Golden Jackal, Barsham Oaks, Grain’s 316, Oakham’s Citra, Thornbridge’s Jaipur, Green Jack’s Trawlerboys, Moon Gazer’s Amber, Wolf’s Edith Cavell, Lontra by Mr Winter’s and All Day Brewing, Little Sharpie and Idaho Heaven by Humpty Dumpty, Fat Cat’s Norwich Bitter and Marmalade Cat, Barsham’s Eastern Gold and Norfolk Topper, Morland’s Old Session Hen, Oakham’s JHB, Moon Gazer’s Ruby, Wychwood’s Hobgoblin Gold, Green Jack’s Golden Best, Mr Winter’s Peach Tea plus their Twin Parellel and Lets Cask, Hop Back’s Summer Lightning, Beeston’s Worth the Wait, Black Sheep’s Best Bitter, and Wolf’s Lupus Lupus.
Ian added: “The rise in popularity of beers from smaller, local breweries might be attributable to the rise in numbers of these breweries, the quality across local microbreweries, and also their appeal to those seeking greater choice and new beers of different types, strength, and flavour.”
In the wider branch area, Woodforde’s Wherry emerged as the most widely available ale, spotted in 55 county pubs and 62 venues in total. Local breweries shone brightly throughout the region, with Lacons, Moon Gazer, Barsham, Wolf, and Grain all making strong appearances, alongside regional giants Greene King and Adnams.
Craig Harmer, survey organiser, praised the dedication of the volunteers. “We’re incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who gave up their time to help us complete this enormous survey. Visiting over 430 pubs in a single day is no small feat.
“These results show not only the fantastic range of beers on offer in our region, but also the crucial role that local pubs and breweries continue to play in our communities.”
The figures
In total, 142 different breweries were represented across the pubs surveyed. Of these, Greene King stood out with 125 appearances of their beer. Next was Adnams with 99, Woodforde’s with 98, Lacon’s 79, Moon Gazer 74, Wolf 48, Timothy Taylor 38, Barshams and Sharps both with 32, Mr Winter’s 31, Fat Cat and Oakham 29, Green Jack 28, Grain 27, Humpty Dumpty 18, Fuller’s 18, Wildcraft 12, Mr Winter’s and All Day 12, Thornbridge and Tindalls 10.
Breweries with between six and nine beers in play, on the day, across the branch region were Black Sheep, Woodforde’s, Marston’s, Morland, Wychwood, Batemans, St Austell, Mighty Oak, Wells & Young’s, All Day, Nene Valley, Shortts, Beeston, Rudgate, and Three Blind Mice.
Having four to five beers readily available on the day were Chalk Hill, Elmtree, Ruddles, Hop Back, Stancill Brewery, Crouch Vale, Rooster’s, Wadworth, Laine, Settle, Redwell, Three Brothers, Harveys, Pell Co, Bruha, St Andrew’s Brewhouse, Nethergate, Yorkshire Heart, and Ampersand. The remaining 87 breweries were each represented by between and three beers each.
Volunteers visited more than 400 local pubs on Saturday, 14th June, to support and raise the profile of local pubs and beer offerings, while also gaining a deeper understanding of local trends.
If you’re a local CAMRA member interested in taking part in next year’s survey, please contact Craig Harmer, Norwich Beer Festival and pub survey organiser, with your preferred area of coverage. Email organiser@norwich.CAMRA.org.uk.
