please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
28 beers on gravity or hand pump plus a few fizzy ones too.
Losing a bit of imagination, i think. Marston's, Greene King, Tomothy Taylors, Fullers - all rather mainstream and predictable.
There were a number of their own brews on and the Norwich Bitter was very good.
I do wish that they would get rid of the smell that hits you when you first walk in. Whilst it may just be stale beer from the tap room, it really does smell like a toilet!
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It is great to report that it seems the management of this excellent pub have taken heed of comments. 28 beers on today and whilst I could not start to list them all, there were at least 5 FIVE traditional bitters, not citrus, available. 2 were national standards, Adnams bitter and TT landlord, but the other 3 all of which were in top condition, were fab. Old school detention, Lacons legacy, Colchester no. 1. Well worth a visit, even more so now!
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The Fat Cat has to be one of the best pubs in the world let alone in the UK. As more than one reviewer has mentioned, it is astonishing that its rating is only 7.6 - which just goes to show how reliable these ratings are (note to self: Always take internet user ratings with a pinch of salt and don't let it deter me from giving a pub/hotel/b and b/restaurant etc a go to make up my own mind. This pub has a fabulous range of beers only surpassed by large CAMRA beer festivals, and it is friendly and welcoming as well. My rating is 9 out of 10 (I never give maximum marks to anything).
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Gosh this place is unbelievable. So many beers on, 30 I think and at £3 a pint. Friends and us tried a lot and all were spot on. One of THE must visit places for beer in the whole country. I don't remember giving a place a 10 before.
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Essential pub for real ale enthusiasts. Good beer, including a choice of traditional bitters. It was packed on a Friday evening.
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Possibly the best pub I've ever been to. Superb variety of ales including dark and strong ones.
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One of the countries top pubs, as recognised by CAMRAs top award, BUT why, with 30 beers available do the staff have to scratch around for a traditional English copper coloured, non citrus bitter? Take out the nationally available Wherry and TT Landlord, only 2 of the rest fits the bill. Now, the beers were all in tip top condition and the pub leads by example, SO please lead the rest by carrying a decent range of traditional (CAMRA was set up for these) bitters. With 30 available, at least 10 should fit the bill. Rating reflects the lack of variety.
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Wonderful back street boozer. No frills, great beer in terms of both choice (30 when I was there last week) and quality, and very friendly staff and clientele. Average price £3.30 which some will moan about, but they can always drink the Fat Cat bitter at £2.50! Well worth a visit, and should definitely have an average rating better than 7.5.
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The good news first, excellent range of beers and cider, friendly, normal locals, exceptionally clean and that includes the outside areas frequented by smokers. Bad news £7 for a pint of stout and G&T served by a cocky barman and the table cleared by a bloke in shorts. Sorry to say it , but it's too expensive for a back street Norwich pub. However, the good side outweighs the bad. Meaning I'll mark it up to 8.
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Excellent pub, and it is clear to see why it has been named CAMRA poty on more than one occasion. 28 beers on pump and gravity and it is aMonday! Good selection of ciders too and a large range of continental beers in bottle and pump. Rolls still only 60p - although only 1 meaty one left, not now!! Agree that this must rate higher than 7.5, having visited a number of pubs around the country on the back of GBG and BITE recommendation and I will only go to those rated 7 or better, then in comparison to many of those, this has to be at least a 9.
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Excellent pub, and it is clear to see why it has been named CAMRA poty on more than one occasion. 28 beers on pump and gravity and it is aMonday! Good selection of ciders too and a large range of continental beers in bottle and pump. Rolls still only 60p - although only 1 meaty one left, not now!! Agree that this must rate higher than 7.5, having visited a number of pubs around the country on the back of GBG and BITE recommendation and I will only go to those rated 7 or better, then in comparison to many of those, this has to be at least a 9.
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Visited for the first time yesterday afternoon (prior to going to see Charlton do a job on Norwich) and it's quite possibly the best pub I've ever been to. Superb collection of beers, cider and perries, both on hand-pump and gravity. The pork pie was pretty good as well. If you are in Norwich, this place is a must.
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How does this fabulous pub have a user rating of only 7.5? What more can people want beyond: an astonishing range of superbly kept beers; brilliant service; interesting surroundings; and friendly locals? Only down side for a visitor is that it's a bit out of the way but it's well worth the walk. One of the best pubs in the country.
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For beer choice this pub cannot be beaten, 31 or draught & gravity as well as a great number of ciders (I'm not a cider drinker myself but good on them for taking it so seriously) likewise the quality which I've never found to be less than excellent. It can be hard to get a seat unless you turn up really early but no real ale or cider lover can afford to miss this gem of a pub
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in here on fri 6th dec 13,part of the marzipan haters tour, elgoods north brink porter,followed by marmalade cat, both astonishing, set up for a good day after that. still a terrific, friendly pub with great beer.
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Traditional ale house, worth a visit if you're in the area. Plenty of ales both on handpump and gravity.
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Traditional ale house, worth a visit if you're in the area. Plenty of ales both on handpump and gravity.
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It's been 3 years since my last visit here and I broke my promise that I'd come back here next time I was in Norwich. I have been back to Norwich twice without paying a visit. Nevertheless, I returned yesterday to find little has changed. This is still a 10/10 pub for me, 1 of only 3 I currently have with top marks. I think you could quite easily argue that this is the best pub in the country. It is certainly the best pub I have been to in the East. Yesterday was a fleeting visit for me.... just enough time to note down the beers and ciders for this review! The choice was Phoenix Arizona & Wobbly Bob, Elgoods Black Dog, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Adnams Bitter & Broadside, Dark Star Hophead, Hylder Blonde & American Pale Ale, Fakir Easy Old Fakir, Green Jack Summer Dream, Peach Wheat & Jack Mahseer, Oakham Inferno & Green Devil, Crouch Vale Yakima Gold, XT1, Fat Cat Hell Cat, Marmalade, Wild Cat & Bitter, Greene King Abbot, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Opa Hay Ale De Cologne, Fullers ESB, St Peters IPA & Cream Stout, Fox IPA, RCH Old Slug Porter & Burton Bridge Damson Porter. The cider and perry choice was Gwynt y Ddraig Haymaker, Autumn Magic & Black Dragon, Orchard Pig Naval Gazer & Explorer, Hecks Dunkerton's Late & Blakeney Red Perry, Millwhites Whisky Cask, Blackberry Blush & Strawberry Cider, Broadoak Moonshine & Perry, Westons Old Rosie & Traditional Scrumpy, Oakham Oaple & Farmer Jims Dry, Medium, Sweet & Mixed Fruits. Another fabulous selection, with some handpulls at the bar, some ales dispensed by gravity from the back. Ciders are also collected from the cellar. This pub is better than most beer festivals. Note to myself - get back here more regularly and stay longer next time!
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What more can you say - this has to be one of the best pubs in the country. The beer range is fantastic (including their own brews) the staff are great they do 60p rolls there is tons of bric-a-brac around the bar it is friendly to both local community and "out-of-town" drinkers;there are buses near by; you can sit outside and watch the coming and goings from the cafe and bike shop across the road to the local residents out with their dogs etc. No blaring music no pool cues in your back just a great atmosphere. Top dog!!
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Came in 2003 and it had 27 beers on - nothing much has changed other than it has it's own brews. Probably the best pub in the country - the cheapest beer was £2.40/pint, the Fat Cat bitter. Tried most of their other brews at the 2 other Fat Cats. The Fat Cat IPA was 6.4% but only something like £3.20/pint. Tried the Old Slug Porter as well. Complete paradise.
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Excellent beer - the Oakham Green Devil was fantastic, as was their own Stout Cat. Great choice of beer on sale and a good relaxed atmosphere.
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We visited Norwich whilst in the area attending the Peterborough Beer Festival. The idea was to do a few pubs in the city. We never made it out of the Fat Cat! that says it all....
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As ever well up to standard. Have had the Fat cat Bitter (�2.30) last couple of times I have been in and it's really quite a reasonable pint. And of course there circa 20+ others to choose from. All those we sampled - and we did sample a few - were in excellent nick. An absolute must.
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As ever, a really good experience with a fine ambience and plenty of like-minded ale drinkers both local and from around the country to discuss the finer things in life and learn of new developments in the beer and pub world. The Fat Cat bitter, at �2.30 a pint, is as fine a pint of good old-fashioned bitter as I've tasted in years. So many possible choices, though! Although I'm not complaining and will be back soon.
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Called here on Saturday before the match, lived up to all my expectations, beer was excellent, barstaff were extremely helpful, even the dog in the corner was smiling. One of the best pubs I've been to, will definitely be back next season.
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By far, one of my favourite pubs of all time. Ales are fantastic. Atmosphere is amazing. Only down point is that you can never get a seat!
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Revisited on another Norwich crawl last month. As on my only other visit, the vast selection of beers were not in the best condition and even with so many, there seemed to be a lack of anything really interesting. All in all, a disappointment.
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sadly let down by bad cleaning. such a large selection of ales should make this a ten out of ten pub but the smell at lunchtime was awful. a regular told us that it always smells bad early in the day!!
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I am sat in the pub at the time of writing thanks to the Fat cats own free wi-fi (with the most complicated sign in you can get!). Without doubt one of the best pubs in the country, all the ales I've had so far have been excellent and, I assume, the rest I am going to consume will be as good. it's like an all year beer festival.
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Great pub, great staff and a superb selection of beers. Who could want anything more?
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Spoilt for choice, alewise!
Well kept beers in excellent condition, a haven for beer lovers. It can get very crowded, but the atmosphere is good.
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We were a bit surprised to find this was a back-street pub, quite a walk from the city centre. Luckily for us on a Norwich crawl a few weeks ago, it turned out to be just round the corner from our B&B.
The pub is legendary among beer-lovers throughout Britain whether or not they've ever been there! It was the last pub we visited inNorwich and we were not disappointed. Seemed to have 12 ales on handpump and another 17 on gravity! (Possibly some of them were not on, but still a huge selection.) Reasonable prices. Very busy (on a Sunday evening).
What more could one ask of a pub? Well, it did seem that some of the beers were not in tip-top condition; I do suspect that even with their high turnover, there are just too many beers on the go at the same time. However, none of them were really bad, and it's definitely a "must visit" for ale drinkers in Norwich.
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This is the temple of beer and the template design for every back street pub that says its struggling. My only slight moan is that its a little too bright at night but otherwise wow!
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the perfect pub!!! I spent 5 years in norwich and this is the only plce i will miss. Amazing pub. Love you fat cat xxxxx
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I go to this pub at least once a month, what a fantastic place.
It's all been said, nothing to add to other posters comments, enjoy......
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25 beers, everything we tried was absolutely excellent, quite busy but service was excellent, rolls for 60p, honey beer superb, two stouts, great choice of beers, lovely people... In brief, the perfect pub!
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Really good pub, phenomenal range of ale. I agree it can get ridiculously busy, which can be a tad irritating, but I suppose that only demonstrates that the quality of beer and standards of service are really good. Always try to visit when we're in Norwich.
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Fat Cat does have immense selection of ales all in top form, but the selection is fairly regular and usually find only a handful that are new to me. Also have never seen this place short of rammed and often have trouble getting a seat. The staff is extremely efficient and polite, but don't really have a chance to interact with customers. More like a busy beer bar than a pub.
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We made a special effort to get out to this pub as we had heard so much about it - and we were not disappointed. What a fantistic place,loads of beers on including their own brews; fabulous old breweriana everywhere and rolls at 60p ! We had no problem getting a seat but it does get very packed around the bar especially where it is narrow, but we never waited long to be served. This must now rate among my all-time favourites - absolutely brilliant. Beer on handpump and straight from the cask and even the lager selection was out of the ordinary. Just shows what can be done when so many pubs are closing down - this one is not exactly on the tourist route either!
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Fantastic proper pub... with all those ales!
halfa - 27 Jan 2011 18:42 |
Simply what a pub should be!
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This is an absolutely fantastic pub and with the fine selection of ales it's no wonder that every known and again you might have to wait a few minutes to get served!
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i know every one likes this pub but i find the staff slow and the pub packed.
prefer the alex across derenham rd.
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Absolutely superb range of beers over the Bank Holiday weekend. Cannot fault the place.
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There is little more I can add to the previous comments. Top notch, full of interest, always great to visit, this was my 4th time. We always seem to get chatting to someone. Great place.
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The Cathedral of Real Ale, Norwich. So much choice and from the ales I tried, all excellent. This pub is always busy and it amazes me that some towns (such as Ashford in Kent) don't have similar establishments. The pub itself is full of interesting memrobilia from a bygone age and has a unique character of its own. As others before me have said: a real must for real ale fans!
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Yesterday was my first ever visit to the Fat Cat in Norwich, and I have to say that I could not fault it. I have only previously rated 3 pubs around the country with a 10/10. This one will now be the fourth. 26 real ales were available yesterday lunchtime - 13 on handpull and 13 on gravity. On handpull were Woodfordes Wherry, Taylor Landlord, Darkstar Espresso, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Fat Cat Top Cat, Wild Cat, Honey Ale and Bitter, Elgoods Black Dog, Outlaw Wild Mule, Phoenix Arizona and Oakham Inferno. The 13 gravity beers were Hopback Summer Lightning, Kelham Island Pale Rider, Fullers ESB, Greene King Abbot Ale, Adnams Bitter, Fat Cat Marmalade, Crouch Vale Amarillo, Darkstar American Pale Ale & Festival, St Peters Grapefruit, Potbelly Welland Truly, Thornbridge Jaipur IPA, Humpty Dumpty Golden Goose and Burton Bridge Coventry Climax. If this wasn't enough, there are a good range of foreign beers and 4 real ciders - Broadoak Moonshine, Perry & Bristol Port and Burnards Rum Cask during our visit. The atmosphere is ripe for conversation with no music and no TVs. The walls are lined with breweryiana and other interesting artefacts. The barman was knowledgeable and patient, as we ordered copious halves. Pork pies and baps supplement the beers well. This was truly an excellent pub and one I will return to next time I am in Norwich.
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Visited Norwich at the weekend and made two trips to this amazing pub. The Fat Cat bitter and Golden Delicious are what we both had but really we were spoilt for choice.
A proper pub, local people, no TV, no music, no fruit machine, just conversation. The beer was well kept and the staff were very good, missing it already and my local is The White Horse on Parsons Green!
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Last comment is pretty close to it..... a proper alehouse is this. Had a pint of their own bitter which went down well. Back room out of the way for sports, only grouse is the number of locals who let their small brats wander around the place.
anonymous - 25 Jul 2010 00:38 |
As near to perfect as you can expect a pub to be.
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It might sound a bit churlish to criticise a pub that has 20-30 real ales on all the time, but the selection is geting seriously stale - at least a dozen are big name regionals - Fullers (3), Grrene King, Adnams (2), Bombardier, Courage Best(!) - or ever-presents - Brewer's Gold, Pale Rider, Landlord, Fat Cats (3), Bl;ack Dog. The remaining few seem to be either from Green Jack, or unheard of beers from small breweries - nothing wrong with that neccessarily, but where are the great and intersting beers from brewers like York, Orkney, Otley, Dark Star, Brewdog, Thornbridge, Old Chimneys, Atlas, Moorhouses, etc etc?
We used to go to the Cat with a sense of excitment that only increased when we saw the boards, unfortunately not so often now!
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A truly remarkable pub with excellent selection of ales and lagers and manay other types of beer - a must visit when in Norwich.
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First visit here yesterday. Ale selection was brilliant, nice atmosphere, packed mid afternoon and it deserved to be.
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The usual annual visit still found the Fat Cat in great health. Loads of different beers, a packed bar and excellent atmosphere still keep this as the best in Norwich against some veryy stiff competition. try the Fat Cat Marmalade!
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I was back in the Fat Cat for the first time in six months last week. The beer was excellent. I was accompanied by my father. He thought he had died and gone to Beer Heaven.
Is there a better pint in Norwich than Fat Cat Best? �2 a pint of pure beer delightfulness.
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Why add a comment at all cos other posters have it covered. Ale Heaven.
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The Fat Cat is holding up well, although in my opinion it has a close rival for excellence in all things beer in Norwich now, the lovely King's Head on Magdalen Street. If you love beer and good conversation in a cosy boozer, you could do worse than to walk out of the city on Dereham Road, then turn right into Nelson Street and the after a few more steps you will find the home of real ale. You know it makes sense!
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Superb beers, excellent service. But spoiled by one or two locals who cannot complete a sentence without using the F word. Disappointing.
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Another enjoyable visit on 08 August, as good as ever. Only time for one beer and a very good mild was enjoyed by our group.
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Outstanding. Used to live just over the road form this place!!! What a delight!!! Beer second to none. Very nice mid afternoon, when it is a bit quieter and you can really appreciate the ale and the pork and pickle pies. But equally as good when it is busy. A real ale drinker's paradise.
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All been said already but this here is probably one of the finest examples of a British pub with real ale you will EVER see. Fat Cat, we salute you!
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arf. should my previous comment sound as some tourist swill, let it stand that i was living in norfolk years before i was a student in the city.
anyway, not only do they do carry-outs, but brew-your-own kits and plentiful advice on the subject.
pique - 25 May 2009 11:09 |
I used to live a block away from this place, no accident. The sheer variety of ales and novelty beers made it quite attractive for humanities students, yet the Fat Cat remained quite local in flavour. No sports bar this, the Fat Cat was the venue of choice for an in-depth discussion requiring high-quality lubrication. The only contender in my book would be the Wild Man in the downtown area, which while losing out on terms of drinks offered, provided board games of surprisingly intact nature. My only complaint? Not near enough capacity.
pique - 25 May 2009 11:00 |
I cannot recommend this pub enough. 12 handpumps, with a further 20 ales on gravity. 16 other taps provide peach beer, cherry beer, summer fruits beer...
A previous poster mentioned a smell of bleach - there was the faintest whiff of it when we went in, but in a 'freshly cleaned' way. Handpumps were gleaming (as was the copper pipes in the gents!) Staff were very friendly and professional - offering tasters of anything. I tried around 10 ales throughout the afternoon, all in very good nick. Containers for take-aways (2pint milk cartons and larger plastic jugs), no music, friendly locals, beers ranging from �2 a pint to �2.80 (although I think I saw one at �1.60 a half). Grapefruit ale was interesting as well. O, and a taxi to the bus station is just over �5. Full marks
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After looking at all the other reviews for the place, what can you say that hasn't already been said?
One of the best pubs that we've ever been in? Check.
Great beers at good prices? Check.
Good staff? Check.
Atmosphere? Check.
My wife and I went to Norwich for the first time recently - ostensibly to go here after all that we've heard about the place - and we were not disappointed. Very much recommended.
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Still maintains its excellent standard of beer quality and selection; 28 available on hand pump and gravity, as well as an awesome bottled beer selection. A must visit when in Norwich
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Is This The Best Pub In Britain?
I was in the Fat Cat on my thrice-yearly pilgrimage on Tuesday evening. Being of sound mind, solvent, and solo, I decided to try to be as objective as possible about my favourite pub.
I drank Fat Cat Best, Epping Best and Wherry. All were excellent. The Wherry in particular was good. There were twelve hand-pump and sixteen gravity beers available, which is quite amazing.
The staff were pleasant and knowledgeable on the beers available.
The little extras that make pubs special were all in place: clean bar, polite staff, prompt service, an array of foreign beers for interest, plenty of beery snacks, decent toilets, pleasant fellow drinkers.
I needed to get back home before ten o�clock, and to top off a perfect evening I was allowed to buy some Fat Cat Best to take away. They do two-pint carry-outs in what looks like a milk carton. Excellent for surreptitious spiriting into the house.
What else can I say?
You�ll have to go a long way to find a better pub than this for a Real Ale drinker. It�s the best pub I have been to in Great Britain.
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The John Bonser roadshow inaugural pub tour of Norwich ( in town for the SWFC game the following day ) could only start at one place if all the hype and reputation ( and earlier postings here !) are to be believed, so on an early Friday evening - 3 April 2009 - my initial pilgrimage to this pub took place.
It's a bit of a trek from the City Centre - 15/20 minutes for the average speed walker and thirsty drinker, crossing the Norwich ring road on the way.
It's twice been CAMRA National Pub of the year - most recently in 2004.
Inside, the pub is quite compact, with a number of different seating areas, but it quickly filled up. There's also limited seating space on the pavement outside.
As well as the pubs own range of Fat Cat beers ( brewed in a side street nearby ), there's an excellent selection of other real ales and continental beers.
Both the Woodforde's Wherry and the Fat Cat Best, the latter at only � 2 per pint were on good form.
What really made the visit for me was the splendid collection of brewery posters and enamel signs, particularly featuring old Norfolk breweries such as Bullards, Steward and Patteson and Morgans. Note also the large Watneys Red Barrel sign hanging down from the ceiling and an old enamel sign proudly proclaiming "Watneys Sparkling Ales - London's Finest" ( hmm....? )
This is a classic example of how a backstreet pub in a normal otherwise quiet and unremarkable quiet street doesn't necessarily have to end up being turned into either a curry house or a Chinese takeaway.
I must try and get to the sister pubs in Ipswich and Colchester, if they're even only half as good as this.
Perhaps tellingly, a people - carrier taxi was dropping off half a dozen or so CAMRA types outside the pub's front door as I eventually made my departure.
30-odd pubs a week are closing, so we're told, but this certainly isn't going to be one of them.
A must visit pub, undoubtedly
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Still the best pub I have ever visited! Caters for all drinking tastes do not know how he keeps track on his ordering running 2 pubs and a brewery? If you are anywhere near this pub you must go and see for yourself.
lotus - 30 Mar 2009 14:04 |
Having visited nigh on 3000 pubs over the last thirty years, it's not often these days that I walk into a pub and after five minutes start to think "this is quite possibly one of the best pubs I have ever been in". A superb range of well kept beer at sensible prices and a great atmosphere. A must for any visitor to Norwich - and well worth the 10 /15 minute walk fron the city centre.
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1st visit here .... beer heaven ... superb and varied range with something for everyone (or everything for someone!).
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If any Landlord/Manager is struggling for trade they could do worse than spend a couple of hours in The Fat Cat just to see how it's done. An amazing selection of Ales plus as plentiful supply of filled rolls in case your peckish. It's easy to see how the pub wins so many awards.
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Yeah, well, perhaps I had an off day - me and the pub. Was back there this week during one of my trips up to Norwich. Had a marvellous evening. Started with the Wherry just to settle in (best Wherry in Norwich this week) then on to the beer menu. The Oakham Bishop's Farewell - on the blackboard for everyone to enjoy - was in superb condition; but I just had to try the Rooster Cream (memories of a trip up to Harrogate a while ago). What a beer. It was superb and could not have tasted fresher or more delicious. Where else can you find quality and choice like that? Fairs fair, the Cat is a wonderful pub that we should all recognise and appreciate.
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Firstly, I work here, I am biased!
I wanted to reply to GrahamH and edchambers.
Graham felt the urge to post after a below-par evening after 15 years use - need I say more? If so, Oakham beer is popular, so not advertised, and supply is limited. Graham need only ask for Oakham and it is usually available. Sorry if that seems elitist, but we have a certain responsibility to our regular customers to keep their favourite ales available. Local brewers (Iceni, Green Jack, Humpty Dumpty & Winter's, to name a few) are usually available, however, weekends usually see a number of beers run out and be replaced, so we occasionally run out - I'm sure you appreciate that it's not like putting a new keg beer on. Lastly, for Graham, offering unusual beers, like Honey & Grapefruit (St. Peter's & local!) is part of our ethos and we will always exchange a pint, if you consider it tired - your opinion, not ours, is what counts!
Ed's comments are, perhaps, stranger. The beers he lists have been part of our 'regular' list for years - our local customers expect to find them available and they are the people who keep this pub running day-to-day. I'm sorry that the smell of a freshly cleaned bar was offensive, but hygiene is an important part of maintaining beer quality and I would rather smell bleach than fag smoke any day. We do rinse the floors after cleaning, but the smell can sometimes take a while to clear. I can only add that my eyes have coped admirably over the past 13 years.
I hope neither poster takes offense at my comments, but I felt they merited a response. Chris.
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For real ale this pub is summed up in one word. CLASS.
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Have to agree with GrahamH that the Fat Cat has gone slightly downhill. I visit approx 3 times a year- whenever I am in Norwich- and on the last couple of visits have noticed the range of beers on offer have been very familiar- the 5 Fat Cat beers, Batemans XXXB, Fullers ESB, Taylors Landlord etc with 'local' beers represented by the very predictable Woodfordes Wherry and Adnams Broadside- nothing on offer from smaller local or regional brewers. Perhaps worse than this was that on my visit early this afternoon the place stank of bleach/chlorine. I've noticed this in other pubs since the smoking ban (the Lord Nelson in Ipswich for one), preumably the smell was always there but was previously masked by the smell of cigarette smoke. However in the Fat Cat today it was particularly bad, a bit like having a pint beside an indoor swimming pool. I'm not a particularly sensitive soul but my eyes were smarting after 20 minutes in here, and obviously my enjoyment of the beer I was drinking was diminished.
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Always more than 24 real ales on at a time when I've visited...and their beers of the world selection is great for non-beardies. Given they know how to serve ale you know that the pint in your hand has been given the best chance to shine that it is going to get outside its natural home!! Always been able to strike up an interesting converrsation in here too (so that is why the missus loves it!). So...Good Beer, Good service, Good Conversation - make this a must see on your next trip to "Norwich - A Fine City"
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It does seem churlish to complain but having been a frequent visitor to this pub for the past 15 years - every time I visit Norwich in fact, on the basis of last Sat's experience I believe this place has become a little tired. For a genuine free house the guests are surprisingly limit. There are some micros that never feature and last Sat there were no other Norwich area brews expect, of course, 5 beers from the Fat Cat range (which I don't like). No Oakham beers at all which is a break with tradition and loads of "honey ale" or "grapefruit beer" etc. And the Kelham Island which I used to drool over was flat and tired, like most of the selections I made. The pub was not remotely busy yet it's term time for UEA. I begin to think that the competition from other Norwich pubs is affecting this place as several others have a smaller but more interesting range. The Kings Arms in Hall St for example or the Whalebone in Magdalen St. This is still a worthy pub but not a National Champion like wot is once was.
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Agree with all previous comments (well except for bobotinks - why come to a pub like this and drink Stella?)
This is a fine pub. Has an excellent range of drink - there's the Fat Cat's own brews (of which I sampled the Top Cat and the Stout - both very good) numerous real ales, eight belgian beers on tap (oh if only I had time to sample these!) ciders and bottled beers.
Great olde world style pub, and very well kept. Just out of the city centre, so no townies. Friendly staff are the icing on this alcoholic cake.
Very recommended!
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Wicked pub!! There like 40 beer on tap!!.....Still choose stella though ;O)
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The original and best of the Keatley owned Fat Cat pubs. 12 Hand pumps and 13 beers on offer from the tap room. 8 popular belgium beers are also available on draught which are sold by the half pint. I had the own brewed Fat Cat Stout and the Orkney Dark Island. Fat Cat local Honey was available to buy for �3.00. One of my mates brought it for a gift for a friend who loves the Fat Cat Honey beer.
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The is my favourite pub in the whole world.
Brilliant real ale, massive selection, excellent quality, vast range of other drinks.
I visit family in Norwich as often as possible so that I can sneak in here and chug down a few pints.
Unmatched anywhere I have been.
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I made a specific effort to find the Cat whilst on a recent trip to Norwich to see if the place can live up to some of the hyperbolic comments and I must say I was far from disappointed. The beer selection is an Ale drinkers paradise with more pumps (12 I think) than an evening can entertain and further barrels piled up in a cellar room behind the bar (visible through a bottle laden window at the side). Add in a mass of continental draught beers and bottles, ciders and perries and it is not hard to see the place has such a reputation. A helpful �menu� guides you through all that is on offer and even the most novice Ale drinker will easily find something to suit their taste. I tried at least 5 different beers (I only had 2 hours) including 3 of the in house brews and the quality was second to none. And since some people are never satisfied, they do Carlsberg as well!
As for the pub itself, the interior is a rambling mixture of rooms with brick, wood and tiled flooring and a cornucopia of old adverts, pub pictures, brewery tools, jugs, bottles, barrels, brewery mirrors and pub signs presumably rescued from local hostelries and lovingly restored into the treasured works of art they are. There are several, snugs, recesses and screened off areas and even when busy (I was here on a Friday evening) there seems to be a corner somewhere to find some seating. A separate TV room keeps the sport fans happy whilst the rest can enjoy their pints in relative peace.
I am so glad this is not my local. I would never leave.
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Pub heaven. Not been yet? Why not!!
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What else can you say about this Pub? Friendly relaxed atmos, superb choice of beers. The only downside is that it is too crowded, but that shows just how good it is.
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What a great place - tucked away in an outer Norwich side street, but a 'must' for any real ale drinker visiting the area. Fantastic choice of beer on handpump and direct from the barrels in the back room. Nice friendly atmosphere too.
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Best pub in Norwich, best selection of beers. Friendly staff and clientele, more should take note
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Just a great place - can get busy, but worth getting in early, getting a seat, downing a few pints & not budging 'til closing time - aaaah, perfection! (The Alex nearby is v good too, though)
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One of the country's finest pubs, with a huge range of beers on draught and in bottles. Not to be missed if you're anywhere nearby.
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Return visit mae today. Top notch as normal with well over 20 real ales on. I was also informed that they are planning to expand their bottled beer menu to eighty beers in the next few weeks. another excellent reason for another return visit!!
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Great range of ales and a good atmosphere. Visited on a crawl of Norwich with some hardened real ale fanatics. This was my favourite on the day and comes highly recommended.
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This is a lovely pub with a good selection of ales both from hand pump and by gravity, and the list of beers available was very impressive. I chose one of Fat Cat Brewery beers, and was a bit put off to see that I was getting my beer served from a pint glass standing on the drip tray. When I queried why, I was told it had just been pulled and was OK. Watching that drip tray, I saw beer go from the glass into someones pint, then later another part filled pint glass appeared on the tray. Landlord said it had been wrongly pulled then that it was his beer. I was told that it was not their practice to serve beer this way, but I found it disturbing in a pub with a good reputation.
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a great place which could be why it gets voted the best pub. staff great, beer choose is great, its a city pub as they should be. this this a pub i go to a lot and you should too!
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normally about 20 ales and 20 foreign beers here. small tele in a side room
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nice boozer considering it is in norwich
anonymous - 1 Oct 2007 17:54 |
People wax lyrical about this pub and with good reason. This is the standard by which all other pubs should be judged, it doesn't get much better than this. A couple of weeks ago I was on holiday in Norfolk and fulfilled a long standing ambition by visting The Fat Cat pub for the first time. It was everything I had hoped for and more. I only wish I lived in Norwich so I could go there every week.
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We visited this pub in January but forgot to post a review. As it is now number 1 in the Top 40 we thought we had better confirm that indeed this is a TOP PUB.
Everything about this pub is brilliant. It sits unpretentiously on a street corner, tucked away, in the middle of Victorian housing, about a mile from the city center. It has a "Tardis" feel about it when you walk in. There's a huge range of beer in great condition.
The place was heaving when we went there but the service was excellent. Everyone appear to be having one hell of a good time. No need bloody bouncers on the door!
Why can't more English pubs be like this. You have to give it 10/10.
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Has to be one of THE best pubs in the country. Obviously great range of beers. Staff very friendly and the locals are pretty decent too.
10 out a 10
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went to norwich just to go to this pub but couldnt find it.
stopped to ask a local but didnt due to he looked like the inbreading had gone a bit to far.
got pissed up while looking for it tho. lots of women about.
next morning had huge hang over and an itch some where i wont say.
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In response to Naarge's comment, only three Fat Cats are related, the Sheffield Fat Cat is completely separate (though may have served as the inspiration, I don't know).
But the two Norwich pubs (Fat Cat and Cider Shed), the Ipswich Fat Cat and the Colchester Fat Cat are all connected with the same family.
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I like it a lot, couldn't spend a whole evening there though, too busy, plus, the seats are uncomfortable and the t.v. always seems to be on. There I've said it...
Champion pork pies though (buy one if you get the chance)! Oh yeah, mustn't forget the extensive range of ale and beer that's alway ready for you to purchase.
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If there's a God up in heaven he may well drive a siver thunderbird, but I'll bet he goes to the Fat cat for a pint. This is heaven...
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Probably the best pub in the world, and I'm so proud it's in my home city!
Had my last indoor cigar there on June 30th, and tried the Fat Cat Mild which was excellent. About 10 regular beers, plus masses of guests from all over the place.
Of the five Fat Cats listed in BITE, four are related. Sheffield is the original, owned by Kelham Island brewery (possibly why Pale Rider is a house beer!). Ipswich and Colchester are owned by members of the same family, but are completely independent (e.g. Colchester does far more food)
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The best pub I have ever been in! I try to visit at least once a year. Others (Watermill Inn, Ings and Wellington, Brum) come close, but this one does it for me. Keep up the amazing work.
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This is just a great place. It's got the most amazing beer selection but there's more to it than that. It's got really friendly staff and a huge mix of ages and types of customer. Worth hunting out, and if its your first time you'll probably get lost trying. Worth it when you arrive though - fab.
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After years of managing to visit Norwich without finding this pub, finally succeeded last weekend. Excellent all round and well worthy of its good name. Friendly clientele and staff, wish I could have stayed longer. The Batemans Victory was outstanding on my visit, but countless other beers to choose from.
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This has got to be one of the best pubs in Britain.Friendly staff and choice of beers has to be seen to be believed.
anonymous - 11 Jun 2007 11:59 |
Great to see such a wonderful pub in the national top 40 (with my rating it moved up from 15 to 14, and with an average of 7.3 spread over 95 ratings that's got to be good!), as it truly deserves it. Fabulous choice of ales that is hard to beat, and with character and charm oozing from every orifice; you haven't been drinking in Norwich if you haven't been to The Fat Cat. Their sister pub (and brewery) The Cider Shed is cool too. We did want to visit their other pub in Colchester when we went down there for the footy, but we didn't have enough time - it's on the 'to do' list...
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A brilliant haunt for real ale with all manner of weird and wonderful brews, and yet, possessing a bohemian feel that pleases on every level - despite being situated in a far flung housing estate. Bravo.
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As a fan of real ale this is one of my favourite pubs, there is always something new to try and it is always in great condition.
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I'm the man who's not into real ale but I guess I have to say it is a shit hot pub and all the stuff people say is true. Wish, to my taste, there was some music but what the heck, the guy has got winning formula that works.
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Visited on the 6th of April. Bit difficult to find,wandered through some pretty depressing areas to get to it. Wow what a great pub,too much choice! Wish I'd had longer.
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All I can do is add to the already glowing praise for this fantastic boozer. Was blown away by the selection and quality of the beers. I shall return, and hopefully soon.
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I was a student in Norwich some 12 years ago and loved this place. I am so glad that it is loved still and holds up a declining tradition of good pubs in this country. Next time I'm in Norwich I will have to go in for a pint now.
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This pub had 12 hand pump &16 gravity (dispensed from cool back room)real ales when I visited ,also its filled Rolls sell in copious quantities at 60p each landlord say price unchanged in 12 years at the pub
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Without doubt the best pub in Norwich for real ale. They usually have something like 26 ales available, either on handpump or straight from the cask, at all times. The pub also has a pleasant, friendly relaxed atmosphere about it and I have never had the misfortune to see any yobboes in here on my frequent visits. A real ale paradise!
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What can I say about this gem that has not already been said? Superbly kept, large selection of Ales and continentals beers on draught and by the bottle. always seems to be busy, but this merely emphasises how good the Pub itself is. No food, but what you see is what you get.
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I have been to this pub every year for 6 years and never had a bad pint. Agree can get crowded but no wonder! Again no food loses it 1 point. AAAA1
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Tis heaven on Earth
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If it is real ale you want, this place is unbeatable. I counted 33 draft beers. Cheers!
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We had read about this pub and were not disappointed when we made a pilgrimage from Norway to The Fat Cat in Norwich. We spent half of the day here sampling ales and some bottled beers. The pub was a beer festival in itself. An attentive, smiling and helpful barmaid made us feel welcome. We were very pleased with our visit.
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Huge selection of real ales on pump and gravity, with a good mix of old favourites and new faces, plus belgian beers and fruit wines. This pub's only downside it its own popularity, although atmosphere is never lacking (but it can be quicker to get to the loo by going out of one door and in the other one, rather than alongside the bar). Also it can get very smoky, and with no food besides pork pies and cheese rolls, that's probably not going to change.
(PS - "Mark 2" is the Cider Shed, used to be the Wherry, to the north of the city.)
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Where's Mark 2 going to be, TWG?
Is there to be another in Norfolk, or were you meaning the Colchester one, which opened last month and, I understand, is being run by the son of the Ipswich Fat Cat landlord (who is the brother of the Norwich landlord)?
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I've only been able to visit once to date, but like any ale-lover was blown away by the sheer breadth and depth of the range, and equally the very volume of the real stuff that was being shifted as opposed to the tasteless triumvirate of British pseudo-continental lager, fake spew-flow bitter and over-carbonated keg/bottled cider which usually gushes forth most prominently in most pubs. The fact that they can sell all they do and maintain it in such excellent condition is most encouraging. The Fat Cat is a deserving winner of its numerous awards national and local, having created a virtual beer-fest every day, and a characterful, unpretentious environment in which to enjoy it. Good luck to the landlord in his Fat Cat Mark 2 venture.
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During my first ever trip to England I checked out this pub after doing a little research with CAMRA and the BITE site...glad I did. Good selection of great beers, good 'vibe' to the place and fair prices. A great pub any way you look at it. Didn't get a "10" only because the staff thought I was 'Northern Irish'...a little off, straight off the plane from Toronto Canada.
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Twicw CAMRA National Pub of the Year tells you all you need to know about the standard of drink, service and atmosphere. Real ale is king here, 15 pumps of it. Enjoy!
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Too many beards, pretentious beer bores -
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I love this pub there is always a new beer to try.
It's all good.
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A fantastic pub for anyone who enjoys real ale - not to be missed
By the way, "DWI" is "Driving Whilst Intoxicated" - mostly American usage I believe
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[serious DWI hassle]
What's that? Google brings up Drinking Water Inspectorate, shirley not?
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This is most definitely my favourite pub in Norwich and I've yet to find anything better in the U.K. The beer selection is always plentiful and tasty.
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Highbury - Gales is now being brewed by Fullers in Chiswick as a seasonal - it is just as good as ever.
anonymous - 12 Jul 2006 22:50 |
Don't understand how this isn't a 10/10 from everyone! Paradise. Had an excellent pint of Gales Festival Mild (probably my last due to it's closure). Probably the greatest range of ales, bottled beers (inc. Belgian) in the country?
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Excellent place to drink decent beer on a wet day in Norwich.
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- unequivocal 10 of 10
- probably the best pub in the U.K.
- BEWARE the Norwich cops! serious DWI hassle
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marks don't go high enough. Staff friendly, served promptly even when busy which is nearly all the time
Clean crisp beer no machines or music nice to be able to talk for a change
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Beer paradise.
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Another excellent pub. Went there on Saturday night after travelling up to watch the Cup Tie. All the beers were in good condition - hardly the pub's fault if you pick one you don't like and you should always ask for a taste. Both Hopback Summer Lightning and Kelham Island Pale Rider are regulars in this pub and I love pale beers, also Oakham Bishop's Farewell. Delicious Tyrrell's crisps, friendly and speedy service, not even too smoky for an asthmatic like me. Loads of choice, on Hand pump and in casks. Something for everyone. Not at all cliquey as far as I could tell and I'm usually sensitive to these things ... thanks everyone for a great evening.
anonymous - 9 Jan 2006 17:15 |
not a good pub if you are not a real ale boffin
its a bit to cleekie for me
anonymous - 29 Nov 2005 22:13 |
Allow ten minutes just to look at the beer menu. It really is mini beer festival every day. Beware it can be heaving sometimes.
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Can't fault it, more beer than you can point a stick at, excellent ham or cheese rolls or pork pies for lunch, top marks
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When I visited here.The pub looked great,good atmosphere,lots of different beers....But I tried 3 and they were all rank....Theres a big difference between choice(excellent) & taste(horrible).
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I was in this pub yesterday & they had 27 real ales on handpump or gravity, would give this pub a 10 apart from they didn't do food & i was starving
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I'm new to this game but how did 29 people average 6.6 out of 10? I won't give a 10 to anything, but agree with previous judges, this must be near. Interesting that they're not afraid to recommend brilliant competitors nearby, too (eg Alexandra). Won't bore you with all the detail you already know from above; just want to say staff interest and knowledge in the beers was exemplary.
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brilliant range of beers well kept
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Une belle taverne et chacun est si amicale. Pourquoi emb�tement avec un rampement de taverne ?
Cidre Merveilleux De M�tier Disponible Ici. Chat Sup�rieur
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Quite simply the best pub in Norfolk for real ale. A stunning choice (always) with lots of "out of area" beer to try. A must for anyone in the Norwich area.
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Though it gets very packed quickly, this is one of the top 5 pubs I've every been in. Especially for Real Ale. CAMRA are right to award it the regions best Real Ale Pub Again this year.
Just get there EARLY if you want any chance of sitting down!
Dale - 12 Nov 2004 08:32 |
Who needs a pub crawl in Norwich?
This is a proper pub not a GASTROPUB which serves one beer in poor nick and then makes its money with tarted around food.
20 + beers always, and I say that advisedly, in excellent form.
See you all on 31 October after Norwich Festival.
It deserves and gets a 10.
Slainte
Tim
Tim (not the one below) - 22 Oct 2004 19:54 |
This pub is probably the best in East Anglia if not the world, how anyone can rate it lower than 9 is a mystery. The ONLY problem is that everyone else thinks it's the best pub in the world and therefore it's packed out, hence i rate it 9.
Tim - 29 Sep 2004 11:20 |
If you only have the chance to visit one pub in Norwich, then make sure it's this one!
A comprhensive range of around 30 real ales, mostly on gravity; a wide selection of Belgian beers, including 6 on draught; plus real cider etc. Check out the delicious pork pies and rolls for just 60p! Enjoy your refreshments al fresco in the summer sunshine or chat to the locals in intimate decor within.
A real gem!
Bram - 25 Jul 2004 15:04 |
Fantastic pub. I went there about 10 years ago and then again last weekend, and if anything it has improved. Wonderful range of beers served perfectly in a place with a great atmosphere.
Andy - 1 Jun 2004 15:13 |
A super pub, worth seeking out. Always at least 20 and up to 30 real ales on. You will not be disappointed.
Alan - 14 May 2004 12:37 |
Spoilt for choice! There's a really good tiled Green Man down the bottom end (I think).
palmwinedrinkard - 7 Apr 2004 16:53 |
This is an awsome pub - well run by Colin - fantastic beers - millions of interesting ales - great atmosphere. Simply the best pub in England - if you haven't been its worth the cost of a train fare to Norwich just sample a pint here (but you'll stay for at least four)
classic
tom - 23 Mar 2004 10:37 |
The best real ale pub in Norwich or Norfolk and possibly all of England!
Peter Scaife - 13 Mar 2004 11:06 |
Great pub, only pub in norwich where I can get real ales always in perfect condition, my favourite- woodfords wherry
Thanks from derek colman
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This is possibly the best pub in Great Britain and iot is only number 5!
A proper pub, decent beer, wine, staff, customers, conversation... Only let down is they do have a TV.
Come on let's get this to number 1 and show te Londoners something! At least it is ahead of the Sloaney Pony (White Horse - Parsons Green).
Tim - 20 Jan 2004 11:26 |
Quite possibly the best pub in Norwich - always a pleasure.
Johnny P - 9 Dec 2003 23:49 |
Fat Cat is a Free Mouse, check out all sides of the signage. Beers always in excellent nick, not cheap but you do get what you pay for. There are several belgian bottles as well as draught. Bus route is nearby. Get to it it is well worth the top ten
TC at Saint Andrews Hall - 16 Oct 2003 19:05 |
Typical old English Norfolk pub. Sells real ales (CAMRA), Belgian beer, home produced wines and more.
Fantastic atmosphere.
An excellent place to visit.
Shelly - 14 Oct 2003 14:46 |
It's a longish walk out, but well worth it. It's great to have such choice outside of a beer festival.An all round brilliant pub.
Unless it's changed recently I think they only do filled rolls and no cooked meals.
I'd give the place 9.9 out of 10 !
www.ale-fan.co.uk - 2 Oct 2003 11:45 |
Although this is a real ale pub - usually 20 beers available on tap, it also appeals to women, as it sells fruit beers on draught as well as a range of fruit wines. Papers provided - not at all 'blokey'! Well worth a trip out of the centre, but take a cab - it would be a waste to visit this pub if you are driving. sister pub in Ipswich
Liz Connor - 21 Sep 2003 09:19 |
Unbeatable range of Real Ale. Usually at least 10 straight from the barrel. Quality always excellent.
John - 5 Sep 2003 13:37 |
I'm amazed you dont already have it.
If you appreciate a real pub with a challenging and diverse ale menu all year round, look no further.
Jeremy Graham - 10 Jun 2003 13:44 |
