King’s Head on Magdalen Street in Norwich named Camra branch Pub of the Year

The King's Head team celebrating Norwich and Norfolk Camra Pub of the Year award. Picture: King's Head (Image: Archant)

Owned since 2013 by Stephen and Lesley George, also owners of the Humpty Dumpty Brewery, the pub on Magdalen Street has been named 2017 City Pub of the Year and the branch overall Pub of the Year.

Previously owned for nine years by Jon Smith and Roland Coomber, it was converted from a bikers' pub into the real-ale pub it remains today.

The pub, which dates back to the 18th century, has gone from 'strength to strength' according to organisers.

Mr George said they were 'delighted' with the award, adding the pub is a 'special place'.

'The King's Head is a showcase for Norfolk's many microbreweries, with wonderful regulars who are keen to try the ever-changing range of beers in a historic pub setting in the middle of Norwich's antique and vintage shopping area,' he said. 'It's a place where people engage in the old art of conversation.

'The award reflects the hard work and passion of Alison, Charlie and the whole team, who are all about serving up great real ales in a lovely old pub. We couldn't be more proud.'

The runner up for the City Pub of the Year and the overall Pub of the Year 2017 has been won by the Fat Cat Brewery Tap, another real ale pub very popular with CAMRA members and is owned by Colin Keatley and managed by Mark and Laura White.

Ian Stamp, chairman of Norwich and Norfolk Camra, said: 'It is a great pub which concentrates on two things - the community and the beer.

'Since it was revived in 2004, it has gone from strength to strength.

'There were about a dozen pubs that were up there in contention, and we are really pleased there are so many good pubs in Norwich.'

The Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA 2017 Rural Pub of the Year has also been announced and has been won by The Star Inn in Lessingham and the Cider Pub of the Year went to the White Lion of Oak Street, Norwich.