Norwich Beer Festival

This was a first for me. Today I took a trip to Norwich by train to go to the 47th Norwich Beer Festival.

Here are a few photos.

I had time to spare before the Beer Festival opened so had a walk along the river to Pull's Ferry and into the city centre past the cathedral.

It was held in The Halls. There were two queues - one for people like me who had tickets already, and one for those who didn't. we got to go in first.

I hadn't been before and as all the seats at tables were taken in St. Andrews Hall, I took a chair at the edge of the stage, not realising there were more tables in Balckfriars Hall and the marquee in the cloisters.

Behind me was the discovery bar. I took my glass of Ampersand Runner (nitro) and visited. Here John gave me a taste of the same beer from a wood cask - I preferred the latter.

He also got me to try two ciders - one a bit sweet and the other bone dry and then got me to mix them. Interesting. Blending different ciders is not something that happens in the cider-making industry. I had about a 50/50 mix. I think something 70/30 dry/sweet would have been best.

Blackfriars Hall.

The marquee with the world beers.

I finished my beer card and didn't buy another so I was out before the session closed at 3pm and had a bit of a wander through the city centre in the lovely autumn sunshine before getting my train home.

High Points band are good. I've seen them play outside Marks & Spencer in Bury St. Edmunds too.

A lovely day out.

As for the beers, here are some notes on a few I tried.

• Ampersand Runner (4.1%) - Session Porter. I had it from keg (but then a taste from cask later - see above). I liked it when I had it the quiz in the brewery a couple of weeks ago and liked it again today.
• Brew York Frankenspice (4.9%) -  Pumpkin Spiced ale. Thumbs down from me. 1/3 pint was quite enough.
• Chevalier Niksun Pale (4%) - Session Pale. My first one. Hoppy and refreshing.
• Elephant School Practically Magic (4%) - Red Ale. Brewed for the beer festival. "Like a potion of autumn leaves", says the programme. I liked it.
• Fat Cat Marmalade Cat (5.5%) - Premium Bitter. My second one. A classic and Norfolk Beer of the Year 2025.
• Fat Cat Wild Cat (6.0%) - Premium Golden pale ale. My last one and favourite.
• Harvey's Old Ale (4.3%) - Unaged Old Ale - Great winter drinking and not too strong. A reminder of our visit to Lewes last April (see here). 
• Revolution Ninkasi (5.5%) - New World IPA. A nice example of a New World IPA. Very tasty.
• Woodforde's One Bittern (4%) - A seasonal Session Bitter. A great session beer. I would drink more of that.