Features 9
Concrete, Wednesday, October 15, 1997 ~--~--------------------------------------------------~~
riverside pub crawl is perhaps a dangerous undertaking due to the likelihood of somebody so drunk that they end up so drunk that they fall about and end up wet. However the Riverside Walk is conveniently signposted, making it easy to keep to a straight path. The route from pub to pub leads partly through the City and where possible it meanders along the river itself, giving you that feeling of harmony whilst knowing that you are heading for the next watering hole. You won't need a pair of green wellies or a machete to fight your way through the undergrowth and there are pubs, wine bars and restaurants to suit all tastes along the waters' edge. The trip for us began at the Compleat Angler which is at the end of Prince of Wales Road and opposite the Railway Station. The pub is a lot bigger inside than it first appears and there's plenty of seating space hidden away. This pub has a with a huge range of lagers, bitters, stouts and guest ales. The Theakston's is particularly good and it's really worth trying something from the guest ales list. The prices are student friendly,
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with most drinks below £2- John Smith's is £1 .74 and Best £1.78. A Gillespie will set you back a reasonable £2.02, while the guest ales range from £1.75 to £2.28, and are up to 9% vol. On Thursdays and Saturdays there are regular quiz.zes with cash prizes if you're willing to try your luck and they have live Blues bands playing most weekends as well. The Compleat Angler has a new downstairs. bar which is now open for the first time in four years. lt offers more seats and drinks, as well as a new patio onto the river. Sheltered from the nearby traffic, this place can only be described as a beer drinker's utopia! There is a large terrace overlooking the river from which you can get onto the footpath and begin your walk. Follow the river north, and if you want a bit of culture then look out for the Cow Tower along the
way. lt was built in 1378 and represents part of medieval Norwich's city defenses. Try to avoid being attacked by the swans or mobbed by the many rabbits which litter your path as you wander through the beautiful countryside. If you need a rest as the beer is already getting to your head (or you're just plain unfit) take a few gulps of unpolluted oxygen and sit on one of the many park benches along the way. Exactly opposite the Cow Tower is Zaks Restaurant and Bar which specialises in everything American - so it isn't quite a stereotypical riverside pub. They play US rock and country music which may not be to everybody's liking, but the food here is great. although a little on the expensive side. The beers are mostly of the US bottled variety, costing about £2.20, while spirits will set you back between £1.50 and £3. They have plenty of steaks and seafood, but you won't be able to buy much for less than ten big ones, and since a short walk along the river brings you to the Red Lion which offers cheap and tasty food, it's probably better to put up with your hunger pains until you get there. Situated next to Bishop Bridge The Red Lion has a splendid view - - - - - - - . and relaxed atmosphere that is family, student and dog friendly. The helpful barstaff and '::""...,.~...:1 candlelit tables give the place a particularly inviting feel which will make it quite difficult to drag yourself away. If it's not too cold take your pint out onto the terrace, and if you can't take the pace you could try one of their cappuccinos. All in all The Red Lion has a brilliant view, cheap meals, a mellow atmosphere and is well worth a visit. Right by the river between Tombland and Magdalen Street you can spot the famous Mischief. Well known by the hippest party animals in Norwich it is a great place to meet your friends and get really boozed up. This is a pretty safe bet if you're looking for a good old fashioned English pub. it's also perfectly positioned so that as the level of alcohol in your blood increases, everything your heart desires is within staggering distance. If you make this the last pub on the route then, with Ikon, Boswells, and Hys just around the corner you could head on to a club if you have any energy left after all that walking. If you want to carry on pubbing, then just across the road is The Ribs of Beef which stands
to the side of Fye Bridge. Once inside you are made to feel welcome by the friendly bar staff in true Beefeater atmosphere. There's an excellent range of beers to chose from, such as Fosters, Stella, Heineken, Pedigree, London Pride, and Kilkenny ... the list is endless! They have Happy Hour running most afternoons when John Smiths, Labbatts and several more go for £1 , but otherwise this pub may stretch the purse strings a little. For those of you who fancy something a little different, then why not try one of a number of speciality vodkas from their 'vodka frenzy' menu? They have every type of vodka you've ever heard of (and more!) including Strawberry, Chilli, Ginger and Pepper flavours. And we're told there's more to come. In short The Ribs of Beef is an excellent pub, where you are assured of a good, if expensive pint. We continued our journey to The Anchor Quay, where we relaxed in this little wine bar-comerestaurant, which is just a short trip from Mary Chapman Court. Pictures of Humphrey Bogart and Kim Basinger decorate the candle-lii ground floor, and somehow fail to produce the classy look they're aiming for. There's a spiral staircase
leading up to the restaurant, which does give an air of style and originality. A glass of wine will cost you about £1.80, and while beer comes at £1 .90 for a pint of John Smiths and £2.30 for a Kronenbourg, ifs very different from the other pubs along the river. Although this pub may be a bit too stylish for the drunken end of a pub crawl it's might be a good place to take your parents for a sedate glass of wine. So get the weeks exercise and the nights alcohol by spending an evening wandering along the river!
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SASSAF CHEAPEST LUNCH Otl.C Open Monday to Friday, . 12pm-2pm upstairs in Union House. Serving a range of fresh rolls, crisps, drinks and chocolate.
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