7 small but mighty Norfolk pubs that are worth visiting

The Hop Inn in North Walsham Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Archant)

1. The Hop In, North Walsham

Where: 2 Market Street, NR28 9BZ

This pub is one of the smallest in the country and since opening in 2017 it has won several Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) awards. 

Expect a rotating range of ales, with most sourced from local breweries, alongside bottled beers and fruity ciders. 

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The Thirsty Crow Taproom in Gorleston Picture: Eddie Crowe (Image: Eddie Crowe)

2. The Thirsty Crow Taproom, Gorleston

Where: 6 Lowestoft Road, NR31 6LY

Husband-and-wife team Eddie and Annabelle Crowe opened The Thirsty Crow Taproom in April 2023 and it has been a hit with locals.

It offers a selection of real ales, craft beers and cocktails and regularly hosts live music nights. 

The Malt and Mardle micropub in Magdalen Street, Norwich (Image: Archant)

3. The Malt and Mardle, Norwich

Where: 163 Magdalen Street, NR3 1NF

Emily Bridges, Elliot Dransfield and Johnny Durrant opened The Malt and Mardle in Magdalen Street in the city's vibrant NR3 postcode in July 2021.

The cosy micropub offers a range of real ales and craft beers, including varieties you won't see anywhere else in Norwich, alongside ciders, wines and artisan spirits. 

READ MORE: City cafe with pay-it-forward meals reopens after revamp

Co-owner Elliot Dransfield outside the new Porters Arms pub in Aylsham Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

4. The Porters Arms, Aylsham

Where: 27 Red Lion Street, NR11 6ER

Due to the success of The Malt and Mardle, the owners expanded with another micropub in December 2023 - this time in Aylsham. 

The Porters Arms, in a former telescope shop, features a 10-tap bar and a fridge full of craft beer cans with different styles, from pale ales to sour varieties, to have in or takeaway. 

Inside the new Hop Rocket pub and bottle shop in Unthank Road, Norwich Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Newsquest)

5. Hop Rocket, Norwich 

Where: 152a Unthank Road, NR2 2RS

Couple Laura Hedley-White and Mark White have run The Brewery Tap in Norwich for 13 years and they recently opened a "micro-version" in the Golden Triangle. 

There are 20 rotating tap lines on a huge purpose-built Victorian-style bar and the fridge, nicknamed 'Hazy Swayze', is packed with bottles and cans. 

READ MORE: Three-day seafood festival with live music coming to Norfolk

Nip & Growler Ale House in King's Lynn Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

6. Nip & Growler Ale House, King's Lynn 

Where: 68 High Street, PE30 1AY

Expect local ales and ciders direct from small brewers at this drinking spot in west Norfolk, which opened in a former Jessops store in 2017.

It also holds quiz nights and uses its front window to showcase work from local artists. 

The Gangway coffee shop and bar in Sheringham (Image: Supplied)

7. The Gangway, Sheringham 

Where: 2-6 Station Approach, NR26 8RA

This café bar in the heart of Sheringham, located opposite the North Norfolk Railway, is the perfect place for a pitstop.

The Gangway portfolio also includes a Cromer bar, offering more than 50 craft beers, and despite beginning small in 2019 it has since expanded into the neighbouring unit due to its success.