Brick Kilns pub landlord in Norwich celebrates 50 years

Paul Anderson-Cowles re-opened The Brick Kilns pub in Norwich Road on December 18, 1972, after it had been left derelict for four years.

Paul initially started by renting the venue from Steward & Patteson Brewery before he had an opportunity to buy the freehold lease 20 years ago.

Now, half a century later, the 75-year-old is still pouring pints alongside his wife Mandy.

Paul, who lives in the house next to the pub, said: "When I was a kid my parents had a regular pub they used to visit and I would play outside with the landlord's children.

"So I've always been around and liked pubs.

"In 1972 my ex-partner was in the pub business and introduced me to the boss of Norwich Brewery.

"He told me to go have a look at The Brick Kilns - which was owned by another brewery - and when I had a look around I was basically sold on the idea of running it there and then."

After renovating and rebuilding the venue back to its former glory, Paul began making his own tweaks to the pub.

This included extending the bar and expanding the seating area.

In his time he has also served a range of customers - including a donkey named Sophie in the 80s. 

The animal lived nearby and would "knock on the back door" before wandering in to meet customers. 

Paul added his goal was never to close - even for a short period of time - adding: "I just put up false walls or install temporary port-a-loos in order to keep serving customers while renovating.

"But when you walk in it still feels like a proper pub with the bar, stalls, and three real fire places."

And Paul has no plans of stopping anytime soon, adding: "As far as I'm concerned the pub is a huge part of my life.

"So I'm going to keep running it with my wife until I can't anymore.

"It's always been a good and successful business.

"I was a young chap when I bought the pub and it's been such an enjoyable ride ever since."