Landlords, staff and customers at a popular live music pub in Norwich are celebrating after it was named the best in the country at an awards ceremony.
The Brickmakers, in Sprowston Road, won the 'Best Live Music Pub' in The Great British Pub Awards 2011, four years after first winning it in 2007. And in a great night for city pubs, the Murderers in Timberhill also came second in the 'Best Sports Pub' category.
The Brickmakers is run by mother and daughter team Pam and Charley South, and manager Emma Teasdale, who received their award from comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner at the awards dinner at London's Park Lane Hilton Hotel yesterday.
The pub had already won the East Anglia regional title and competed against five other regional winners for the overall title. Pam South said the award recognised eight years of hard work and commitment to the local music scene. She said: 'The event was wonderful. It's very prestigious and we were proud to be nominated, and winning it was just a dream come true.'
When they arrived back at the pub at about 3am today, many of the customers were waiting for them to celebrate with party poppers and balloons. The awards, organised by pub industry magazine, the Publican's Morning Advertiser, are recognised as the Oscars of the pub world. The judges praised the Brickmakers for providing a rich and diverse music programme, featuring up to 120 different acts each month. The pub has two music venues under one roof. The main stage is used for experienced and better-known bands, while another smaller stage in an adjoining room allows up-and-coming musicians to perform in a less intimidating atmosphere.
Phil Cutter, landlord at the Murderers, said it was a great night for city pubs. He said: 'It's a great honour to be nominated, let alone to come second. And with the Brickmakers winning, it's fantastic news for Norwich.' The Evening News has been urging people to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign.
To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.
Has your local pub recently won an award? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.
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