NORFOLK NIPS | Pub News
PUB NEWS OPENINGS, CLOSINGS AND HAPPENINGS NORWICH AND DISTRICT As you are well aware, the last 15 months have been extremely hard for pubs, with many only able to open for 4 months, between July and October last year. While significant government support was provided during this time, it did not come close to covering the losses suffered by pubs, in beer poured down the drain, rent, mortgage and loan repayments, and staff NI and pension contributions not covered by furlough, to mention just a few items. Pub staff, in common with many other workers, have been living on at best 80% of their normal wage, and with the constant worry that their job and their pub might not be there at the end of this crisis. Hopefully by the time you read this, the majority of pubs which closed in December will have reopened, with restrictions still in place until at least 21 June. But many will not. On behalf of Norwich and District CAMRA members, we extend our sympathy to all those publicans and staff who have lost jobs and income over the last year, and to urge CAMRA members, and everyone reading this, to do all you possibly can to support the pubs you love, now, and in the future. Drinking at home may be cheaper, but you can’t beat a good fresh pint of real ale in good company! If you haven’t already seen it publicised elsewhere, Norwich and District Branch’s Pub Festival 2021 is a great opportunity to support local pubs, with over 60 taking part in the month of July - more information on page 25 or search Norwich Pub Festival. During the pandemic, pubs have had to adapt significantly in order to survive, opening new outside areas and offering new services. CAMRA members have done their best to keep WhatPub.com up to date with changes to hours and facilities, but with around 500
pubs in the area it has been a mammoth task! So please, check the WhatPub entries for your local pubs, and send any updates using the embedded feedback links, or by email to whatpub@norwichcamra.org.uk. Nationally, the biggest news in pub ownership happened just before the first lockdown, in March last year, with the acquisition of EI Group, the notorious successor to Enterprise Inns (owner of around 4,000 leased pubs) by Stonegate (owner of around 1,000 pubs) mostly managed in chains such as Slug & Lettuce, Yates’s and Walkabout. The deal, which affects about 35 pubs in our branch area, makes Stonegate the biggest pub owner in the country. Whether it will improve the lot of the publicans tied to the company and paying excessive prices for their beer remains to be seen. Turning to Norwich, we have several changes to report over the last year. Number 12, on Farmers Avenue, previously Le/ La Rouen, originally the Plough & Horses and dating back to at least 1822, has had conversion to a ‘boutique’ hotel approved, and was for sale Summer 2021 | 7
