Simon ParkinWHERE IS IT? Large street corner pub on Leopold Road, which runs parallel to the inner ring road between Unthank Road and Newmarket Road, in Norwich.Simon Parkin

WHERE IS IT?

Large street corner pub on Leopold Road, which runs parallel to the inner ring road between Unthank Road and Newmarket Road, in Norwich. It's a stone's throw from the Newmarket Road roundabout.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Though its no great shakes as a building, this is a top notch traditional pub that boasts a friendly relaxed atmosphere. It has three separate bars - a wood panelled public bar, an open plan snug and a cosy lounge with leather sofas for that more intimate tipple. There is also a pool room and a small, but adequate beer garden with covered area and patio, on which they hold regular barbecues.

THE DRINK

Where do you start? It's another of those Norwich pubs that are a beer-lovers paradise. Six hand pulled real ales, plus numerous guest ales that change on an almost daily basis. Mostly are drawn from east of England breweries ranging from Crouch Vale in Chelmsford to Oakham in Peterborough, and many from Norfolk and Suffolk. Their fourth annual beer festival runs from July 1-4. Last year they featured more than 20 cask ales, conditioned real ales and ciders, many from local breweries including Wolf, Waveney, Tipples and Elmtree.

THE FOOD

Very good home-cooked lunch menu that features favourites like sausage and mash and ham, egg and chips. The ploughman's, which seems to have disappeared from many pub menus, is still popular as are a selection of filled baguettes.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

They couldn't do more to try to draw people in. The pub has three darts teams, a pool league, korfball and is even home to a running team. There is a keenly contested three-round pub quiz every Wednesday at 9pm, which attracts a dozen or so regular teams. The Edith Cavell Lodge also meet here every week. The pub has free wi-fi too.

THE REGULARS

So many of this type of suburban pub have fallen into lazy decay or have gone bust, that it's a credit to them that they are still not just going but going from strength to strength. It attracts a strong band of locals, real ale lovers and people from farther afield too.

t The Beehive, 30 Leopold Road, Eaton, 01603 451628, www.beehivepubnorwich.co.uk