A chance for Norwich punters to experience local beers is just around the corner. 

This year's City of Ale marks its 12th festival with new pubs on the roster of 52 alongside returning favourites between May 23 and June 23.

Phil Cutter, landlord of The Murderers, is a co-founder of the event. He said: “Norwich has a great variety of brilliant pubs and we have over 30 brewers that produce an array of great beers from amazing local produce.”

Fewer people have been going to pubs amid the cost of living crisis but Phil feels that events like City of Ale encourage more people back into the city's popular boozers.

He added: “People need a reason to get back into our pubs and the City of Ale is the perfect opportunity to go into pubs that you’ve never been in before.”

New to the festival is The Beer Hatch, in Wensum Street. The bottle shop opened last October to expand from its previous location in a former phonebox in Tombland. 

Norwich Evening News: Saul Press outside The Beer Hatch, in Wensum StreetSaul Press outside The Beer Hatch, in Wensum Street (Image: Sonya Duncan/Newsquest)

Saul Press, owner of The Beer Hatch, said: “I'm really excited to be a part of City of Ale this year.

“It gets people going to venues they probably haven’t tried before.

READ MORE: Decision made over Norwich Beer Festival 2024 amid Halls refurb

“I’m looking forward to people discovering us.”

Norwich Evening News: Glasses raised at the at the City of Ale 2023 festival launch at the WaterfrontGlasses raised at the at the City of Ale 2023 festival launch at the Waterfront (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest 2023)

Sir Toby’s Beers, on Norwich Market, remains on the roster this year.

Stall manager Luke Stott said: “The City of Ale benefits the whole of Norwich, but specifically here.”

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The festival takes on added prominence this year too due to the traditional Norwich Beer Festival being unable to run due to work at The Halls.

Norwich Evening News: The 2023 design of the City of Ale festival glassThe 2023 design of the City of Ale festival glass (Image: Newsquest/Denise Bradley)

The Norwich and District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) intends for the 46th edition of the festival to be held in October 2025.

To see all of the pubs and breweries taking part in this year's event, head to cityofale.org.uk.