Software expert completes challenge to drink in 190 city pubs in one year

And now Ryan Heaphy, 30, from Manor Park in Sprowston, is saying cheers after enjoying a drink in nearly 190 pubs, bars and restaurants in and around the city in the past year.

Ryan Heaphy with his wife Roseanne at St Giles House Hotel where he ended his year-long challenge to drink in all 190 pubs in Norwich (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

Mr Heaphy, who works as head of partnerships for city-based software firm Epos Now, finished his challenge with a pint of local beer at St Giles House Hotel in St Giles Street on Saturday, March 26.

He said: "I thought it would be nice to end up somewhere upmarket. I went with my wife, Roseanne, and it was lovely and sunny day. It couldn't have ended up in a better way. I think I'll give my liver a rest now though."

As well as visiting various venues with his wife, he sampled drinks with friends and averaged about three-and-a-half pubs a week, although some days he managed around seven on nights out.

He said: "I thought about doing the challenge because we were coming out of lockdown and I felt we had missed out on 18 months to two years. I could also give back to the hospitality industry that had struggled.

"People were surprising interested in what I was doing. A lot of people were congratulating me which at times felt a bit silly for something that was fun.

"There is such a different level of places in Norwich from high-end to local old man-style pubs. Norwich is very diverse. I think there is something for everyone."

Ryan Heaphy, from Sprowston, who completed his own challenge to drink in 190 pubs in and around Norwich in one year. He was inspired by the poster in the picture (Image: Brittany Woodman)

Mr Heaphy, who moved to Norwich from King's Lynn eight years ago, added: "I have always enjoyed coming to Norwich since I was young. It is a good place to have an adventure.

"Good hospitality venues create a good vibe and people appreciate a good atmosphere and friendly vibe."

Ryan Heaphy at the final drinking spot, St Giles House Hotel, for his year-long challenge to visit 190 pubs around Norwich (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Archant)

As well as discovering a few drinking venues he did not know existed a few on the London Underground-style poster had closed down because of the Covid pandemic.

Mr Heaphy ventured to towns and villages including Drayton, Trowse and Thorpe St Andrew and said his best overall pub was the Fat Cat Brewery Tap.