please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Firstly, I work here, I am biased!
I wanted to reply to GrahamH and edchambers.
Graham felt the urge to post after a below-par evening after 15 years use - need I say more? If so, Oakham beer is popular, so not advertised, and supply is limited. Graham need only ask for Oakham and it is usually available. Sorry if that seems elitist, but we have a certain responsibility to our regular customers to keep their favourite ales available. Local brewers (Iceni, Green Jack, Humpty Dumpty & Winter's, to name a few) are usually available, however, weekends usually see a number of beers run out and be replaced, so we occasionally run out - I'm sure you appreciate that it's not like putting a new keg beer on. Lastly, for Graham, offering unusual beers, like Honey & Grapefruit (St. Peter's & local!) is part of our ethos and we will always exchange a pint, if you consider it tired - your opinion, not ours, is what counts!
Ed's comments are, perhaps, stranger. The beers he lists have been part of our 'regular' list for years - our local customers expect to find them available and they are the people who keep this pub running day-to-day. I'm sorry that the smell of a freshly cleaned bar was offensive, but hygiene is an important part of maintaining beer quality and I would rather smell bleach than fag smoke any day. We do rinse the floors after cleaning, but the smell can sometimes take a while to clear. I can only add that my eyes have coped admirably over the past 13 years.
I hope neither poster takes offense at my comments, but I felt they merited a response. Chris.
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For real ale this pub is summed up in one word. CLASS.
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Have to agree with GrahamH that the Fat Cat has gone slightly downhill. I visit approx 3 times a year- whenever I am in Norwich- and on the last couple of visits have noticed the range of beers on offer have been very familiar- the 5 Fat Cat beers, Batemans XXXB, Fullers ESB, Taylors Landlord etc with 'local' beers represented by the very predictable Woodfordes Wherry and Adnams Broadside- nothing on offer from smaller local or regional brewers. Perhaps worse than this was that on my visit early this afternoon the place stank of bleach/chlorine. I've noticed this in other pubs since the smoking ban (the Lord Nelson in Ipswich for one), preumably the smell was always there but was previously masked by the smell of cigarette smoke. However in the Fat Cat today it was particularly bad, a bit like having a pint beside an indoor swimming pool. I'm not a particularly sensitive soul but my eyes were smarting after 20 minutes in here, and obviously my enjoyment of the beer I was drinking was diminished.
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Always more than 24 real ales on at a time when I've visited...and their beers of the world selection is great for non-beardies. Given they know how to serve ale you know that the pint in your hand has been given the best chance to shine that it is going to get outside its natural home!! Always been able to strike up an interesting converrsation in here too (so that is why the missus loves it!). So...Good Beer, Good service, Good Conversation - make this a must see on your next trip to "Norwich - A Fine City"
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It does seem churlish to complain but having been a frequent visitor to this pub for the past 15 years - every time I visit Norwich in fact, on the basis of last Sat's experience I believe this place has become a little tired. For a genuine free house the guests are surprisingly limit. There are some micros that never feature and last Sat there were no other Norwich area brews expect, of course, 5 beers from the Fat Cat range (which I don't like). No Oakham beers at all which is a break with tradition and loads of "honey ale" or "grapefruit beer" etc. And the Kelham Island which I used to drool over was flat and tired, like most of the selections I made. The pub was not remotely busy yet it's term time for UEA. I begin to think that the competition from other Norwich pubs is affecting this place as several others have a smaller but more interesting range. The Kings Arms in Hall St for example or the Whalebone in Magdalen St. This is still a worthy pub but not a National Champion like wot is once was.
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Agree with all previous comments (well except for bobotinks - why come to a pub like this and drink Stella?)
This is a fine pub. Has an excellent range of drink - there's the Fat Cat's own brews (of which I sampled the Top Cat and the Stout - both very good) numerous real ales, eight belgian beers on tap (oh if only I had time to sample these!) ciders and bottled beers.
Great olde world style pub, and very well kept. Just out of the city centre, so no townies. Friendly staff are the icing on this alcoholic cake.
Very recommended!
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Wicked pub!! There like 40 beer on tap!!.....Still choose stella though ;O)
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The original and best of the Keatley owned Fat Cat pubs. 12 Hand pumps and 13 beers on offer from the tap room. 8 popular belgium beers are also available on draught which are sold by the half pint. I had the own brewed Fat Cat Stout and the Orkney Dark Island. Fat Cat local Honey was available to buy for £3.00. One of my mates brought it for a gift for a friend who loves the Fat Cat Honey beer.
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The is my favourite pub in the whole world.
Brilliant real ale, massive selection, excellent quality, vast range of other drinks.
I visit family in Norwich as often as possible so that I can sneak in here and chug down a few pints.
Unmatched anywhere I have been.
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I made a specific effort to find the Cat whilst on a recent trip to Norwich to see if the place can live up to some of the hyperbolic comments and I must say I was far from disappointed. The beer selection is an Ale drinkers paradise with more pumps (12 I think) than an evening can entertain and further barrels piled up in a cellar room behind the bar (visible through a bottle laden window at the side). Add in a mass of continental draught beers and bottles, ciders and perries and it is not hard to see the place has such a reputation. A helpful “menu” guides you through all that is on offer and even the most novice Ale drinker will easily find something to suit their taste. I tried at least 5 different beers (I only had 2 hours) including 3 of the in house brews and the quality was second to none. And since some people are never satisfied, they do Carlsberg as well!
As for the pub itself, the interior is a rambling mixture of rooms with brick, wood and tiled flooring and a cornucopia of old adverts, pub pictures, brewery tools, jugs, bottles, barrels, brewery mirrors and pub signs presumably rescued from local hostelries and lovingly restored into the treasured works of art they are. There are several, snugs, recesses and screened off areas and even when busy (I was here on a Friday evening) there seems to be a corner somewhere to find some seating. A separate TV room keeps the sport fans happy whilst the rest can enjoy their pints in relative peace.
I am so glad this is not my local. I would never leave.
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Pub heaven. Not been yet? Why not!!
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What else can you say about this Pub? Friendly relaxed atmos, superb choice of beers. The only downside is that it is too crowded, but that shows just how good it is.
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What a great place - tucked away in an outer Norwich side street, but a 'must' for any real ale drinker visiting the area. Fantastic choice of beer on handpump and direct from the barrels in the back room. Nice friendly atmosphere too.
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Best pub in Norwich, best selection of beers. Friendly staff and clientele, more should take note
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Just a great place - can get busy, but worth getting in early, getting a seat, downing a few pints & not budging 'til closing time - aaaah, perfection! (The Alex nearby is v good too, though)
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One of the country's finest pubs, with a huge range of beers on draught and in bottles. Not to be missed if you're anywhere nearby.
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Return visit mae today. Top notch as normal with well over 20 real ales on. I was also informed that they are planning to expand their bottled beer menu to eighty beers in the next few weeks. another excellent reason for another return visit!!
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Great range of ales and a good atmosphere. Visited on a crawl of Norwich with some hardened real ale fanatics. This was my favourite on the day and comes highly recommended.
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This is a lovely pub with a good selection of ales both from hand pump and by gravity, and the list of beers available was very impressive. I chose one of Fat Cat Brewery beers, and was a bit put off to see that I was getting my beer served from a pint glass standing on the drip tray. When I queried why, I was told it had just been pulled and was OK. Watching that drip tray, I saw beer go from the glass into someones pint, then later another part filled pint glass appeared on the tray. Landlord said it had been wrongly pulled then that it was his beer. I was told that it was not their practice to serve beer this way, but I found it disturbing in a pub with a good reputation.
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a great place which could be why it gets voted the best pub. staff great, beer choose is great, its a city pub as they should be. this this a pub i go to a lot and you should too!
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normally about 20 ales and 20 foreign beers here. small tele in a side room
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nice boozer considering it is in norwich
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People wax lyrical about this pub and with good reason. This is the standard by which all other pubs should be judged, it doesn't get much better than this. A couple of weeks ago I was on holiday in Norfolk and fulfilled a long standing ambition by visting The Fat Cat pub for the first time. It was everything I had hoped for and more. I only wish I lived in Norwich so I could go there every week.
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We visited this pub in January but forgot to post a review. As it is now number 1 in the Top 40 we thought we had better confirm that indeed this is a TOP PUB.
Everything about this pub is brilliant. It sits unpretentiously on a street corner, tucked away, in the middle of Victorian housing, about a mile from the city center. It has a "Tardis" feel about it when you walk in. There's a huge range of beer in great condition.
The place was heaving when we went there but the service was excellent. Everyone appear to be having one hell of a good time. No need bloody bouncers on the door!
Why can't more English pubs be like this. You have to give it 10/10.
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Has to be one of THE best pubs in the country. Obviously great range of beers. Staff very friendly and the locals are pretty decent too.
10 out a 10
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went to norwich just to go to this pub but couldnt find it.
stopped to ask a local but didnt due to he looked like the inbreading had gone a bit to far.
got pissed up while looking for it tho. lots of women about.
next morning had huge hang over and an itch some where i wont say.
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In response to Naarge's comment, only three Fat Cats are related, the Sheffield Fat Cat is completely separate (though may have served as the inspiration, I don't know).
But the two Norwich pubs (Fat Cat and Cider Shed), the Ipswich Fat Cat and the Colchester Fat Cat are all connected with the same family.
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I like it a lot, couldn't spend a whole evening there though, too busy, plus, the seats are uncomfortable and the t.v. always seems to be on. There I've said it...
Champion pork pies though (buy one if you get the chance)! Oh yeah, mustn't forget the extensive range of ale and beer that's alway ready for you to purchase.
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If there's a God up in heaven he may well drive a siver thunderbird, but I'll bet he goes to the Fat cat for a pint. This is heaven...
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Probably the best pub in the world, and I'm so proud it's in my home city!
Had my last indoor cigar there on June 30th, and tried the Fat Cat Mild which was excellent. About 10 regular beers, plus masses of guests from all over the place.
Of the five Fat Cats listed in BITE, four are related. Sheffield is the original, owned by Kelham Island brewery (possibly why Pale Rider is a house beer!). Ipswich and Colchester are owned by members of the same family, but are completely independent (e.g. Colchester does far more food)
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The best pub I have ever been in! I try to visit at least once a year. Others (Watermill Inn, Ings and Wellington, Brum) come close, but this one does it for me. Keep up the amazing work.
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This is just a great place. It's got the most amazing beer selection but there's more to it than that. It's got really friendly staff and a huge mix of ages and types of customer. Worth hunting out, and if its your first time you'll probably get lost trying. Worth it when you arrive though - fab.
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After years of managing to visit Norwich without finding this pub, finally succeeded last weekend. Excellent all round and well worthy of its good name. Friendly clientele and staff, wish I could have stayed longer. The Batemans Victory was outstanding on my visit, but countless other beers to choose from.
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This has got to be one of the best pubs in Britain.Friendly staff and choice of beers has to be seen to be believed.
anonymous - 11 Jun 2007 11:59 |
Great to see such a wonderful pub in the national top 40 (with my rating it moved up from 15 to 14, and with an average of 7.3 spread over 95 ratings that's got to be good!), as it truly deserves it. Fabulous choice of ales that is hard to beat, and with character and charm oozing from every orifice; you haven't been drinking in Norwich if you haven't been to The Fat Cat. Their sister pub (and brewery) The Cider Shed is cool too. We did want to visit their other pub in Colchester when we went down there for the footy, but we didn't have enough time - it's on the 'to do' list...
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A brilliant haunt for real ale with all manner of weird and wonderful brews, and yet, possessing a bohemian feel that pleases on every level - despite being situated in a far flung housing estate. Bravo.
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As a fan of real ale this is one of my favourite pubs, there is always something new to try and it is always in great condition.
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I'm the man who's not into real ale but I guess I have to say it is a shit hot pub and all the stuff people say is true. Wish, to my taste, there was some music but what the heck, the guy has got winning formula that works.
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Visited on the 6th of April. Bit difficult to find,wandered through some pretty depressing areas to get to it. Wow what a great pub,too much choice! Wish I'd had longer.
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All I can do is add to the already glowing praise for this fantastic boozer. Was blown away by the selection and quality of the beers. I shall return, and hopefully soon.
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I was a student in Norwich some 12 years ago and loved this place. I am so glad that it is loved still and holds up a declining tradition of good pubs in this country. Next time I'm in Norwich I will have to go in for a pint now.
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This pub had 12 hand pump &16 gravity (dispensed from cool back room)real ales when I visited ,also its filled Rolls sell in copious quantities at 60p each landlord say price unchanged in 12 years at the pub
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Without doubt the best pub in Norwich for real ale. They usually have something like 26 ales available, either on handpump or straight from the cask, at all times. The pub also has a pleasant, friendly relaxed atmosphere about it and I have never had the misfortune to see any yobboes in here on my frequent visits. A real ale paradise!
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What can I say about this gem that has not already been said? Superbly kept, large selection of Ales and continentals beers on draught and by the bottle. always seems to be busy, but this merely emphasises how good the Pub itself is. No food, but what you see is what you get.
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I have been to this pub every year for 6 years and never had a bad pint. Agree can get crowded but no wonder! Again no food loses it 1 point. AAAA1
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Tis heaven on Earth
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If it is real ale you want, this place is unbeatable. I counted 33 draft beers. Cheers!
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We had read about this pub and were not disappointed when we made a pilgrimage from Norway to The Fat Cat in Norwich. We spent half of the day here sampling ales and some bottled beers. The pub was a beer festival in itself. An attentive, smiling and helpful barmaid made us feel welcome. We were very pleased with our visit.
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Huge selection of real ales on pump and gravity, with a good mix of old favourites and new faces, plus belgian beers and fruit wines. This pub's only downside it its own popularity, although atmosphere is never lacking (but it can be quicker to get to the loo by going out of one door and in the other one, rather than alongside the bar). Also it can get very smoky, and with no food besides pork pies and cheese rolls, that's probably not going to change.
(PS - "Mark 2" is the Cider Shed, used to be the Wherry, to the north of the city.)
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Where's Mark 2 going to be, TWG?
Is there to be another in Norfolk, or were you meaning the Colchester one, which opened last month and, I understand, is being run by the son of the Ipswich Fat Cat landlord (who is the brother of the Norwich landlord)?
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I've only been able to visit once to date, but like any ale-lover was blown away by the sheer breadth and depth of the range, and equally the very volume of the real stuff that was being shifted as opposed to the tasteless triumvirate of British pseudo-continental lager, fake spew-flow bitter and over-carbonated keg/bottled cider which usually gushes forth most prominently in most pubs. The fact that they can sell all they do and maintain it in such excellent condition is most encouraging. The Fat Cat is a deserving winner of its numerous awards national and local, having created a virtual beer-fest every day, and a characterful, unpretentious environment in which to enjoy it. Good luck to the landlord in his Fat Cat Mark 2 venture.
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During my first ever trip to England I checked out this pub after doing a little research with CAMRA and the BITE site...glad I did. Good selection of great beers, good 'vibe' to the place and fair prices. A great pub any way you look at it. Didn't get a "10" only because the staff thought I was 'Northern Irish'...a little off, straight off the plane from Toronto Canada.
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Twicw CAMRA National Pub of the Year tells you all you need to know about the standard of drink, service and atmosphere. Real ale is king here, 15 pumps of it. Enjoy!
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Too many beards, pretentious beer bores -
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I love this pub there is always a new beer to try.
It's all good.
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A fantastic pub for anyone who enjoys real ale - not to be missed
By the way, "DWI" is "Driving Whilst Intoxicated" - mostly American usage I believe
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[serious DWI hassle]
What's that? Google brings up Drinking Water Inspectorate, shirley not?
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This is most definitely my favourite pub in Norwich and I've yet to find anything better in the U.K. The beer selection is always plentiful and tasty.
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Highbury - Gales is now being brewed by Fullers in Chiswick as a seasonal - it is just as good as ever.
anonymous - 12 Jul 2006 22:50 |
Don't understand how this isn't a 10/10 from everyone! Paradise. Had an excellent pint of Gales Festival Mild (probably my last due to it's closure). Probably the greatest range of ales, bottled beers (inc. Belgian) in the country?
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Excellent place to drink decent beer on a wet day in Norwich.
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- unequivocal 10 of 10
- probably the best pub in the U.K.
- BEWARE the Norwich cops! serious DWI hassle
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marks don't go high enough. Staff friendly, served promptly even when busy which is nearly all the time
Clean crisp beer no machines or music nice to be able to talk for a change
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Beer paradise.
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Another excellent pub. Went there on Saturday night after travelling up to watch the Cup Tie. All the beers were in good condition - hardly the pub's fault if you pick one you don't like and you should always ask for a taste. Both Hopback Summer Lightning and Kelham Island Pale Rider are regulars in this pub and I love pale beers, also Oakham Bishop's Farewell. Delicious Tyrrell's crisps, friendly and speedy service, not even too smoky for an asthmatic like me. Loads of choice, on Hand pump and in casks. Something for everyone. Not at all cliquey as far as I could tell and I'm usually sensitive to these things ... thanks everyone for a great evening.
anonymous - 9 Jan 2006 17:15 |
not a good pub if you are not a real ale boffin
its a bit to cleekie for me
anonymous - 29 Nov 2005 22:13 |
Allow ten minutes just to look at the beer menu. It really is mini beer festival every day. Beware it can be heaving sometimes.
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Can't fault it, more beer than you can point a stick at, excellent ham or cheese rolls or pork pies for lunch, top marks
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When I visited here.The pub looked great,good atmosphere,lots of different beers....But I tried 3 and they were all rank....Theres a big difference between choice(excellent) & taste(horrible).
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what about the Bell in Aldworth - that's won it twice. From camra's website http://www.camra.org.uk/SHWebClass.ASP?WCI=ShowDoc&DocID=633&LangID=1
Listed in the Good Beer Guide: a former CAMRA National Pub of the Year winner in 1990, 1998 and runner-up 2002.
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As the only put to have ever won CAMRA's pub of the year contest twice this has to be the best beer pub in the entire country.
http://www.camra.org.uk/SHWebClass.ASP?WCI=ShowDoc&DocID=10608
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I was in this pub yesterday & they had 27 real ales on handpump or gravity, would give this pub a 10 apart from they didn't do food & i was starving
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I'm new to this game but how did 29 people average 6.6 out of 10? I won't give a 10 to anything, but agree with previous judges, this must be near. Interesting that they're not afraid to recommend brilliant competitors nearby, too (eg Alexandra). Won't bore you with all the detail you already know from above; just want to say staff interest and knowledge in the beers was exemplary.
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brilliant range of beers well kept
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Une belle taverne et chacun est si amicale. Pourquoi embêtement avec un rampement de taverne ?
Cidre Merveilleux De Métier Disponible Ici. Chat Supérieur
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Quite simply the best pub in Norfolk for real ale. A stunning choice (always) with lots of "out of area" beer to try. A must for anyone in the Norwich area.
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Though it gets very packed quickly, this is one of the top 5 pubs I've every been in. Especially for Real Ale. CAMRA are right to award it the regions best Real Ale Pub Again this year.
Just get there EARLY if you want any chance of sitting down!
Dale - 12 Nov 2004 08:32 |
Who needs a pub crawl in Norwich?
This is a proper pub not a GASTROPUB which serves one beer in poor nick and then makes its money with tarted around food.
20 + beers always, and I say that advisedly, in excellent form.
See you all on 31 October after Norwich Festival.
It deserves and gets a 10.
Slainte
Tim
Tim (not the one below) - 22 Oct 2004 19:54 |
This pub is probably the best in East Anglia if not the world, how anyone can rate it lower than 9 is a mystery. The ONLY problem is that everyone else thinks it's the best pub in the world and therefore it's packed out, hence i rate it 9.
Tim - 29 Sep 2004 11:20 |
If you only have the chance to visit one pub in Norwich, then make sure it's this one!
A comprhensive range of around 30 real ales, mostly on gravity; a wide selection of Belgian beers, including 6 on draught; plus real cider etc. Check out the delicious pork pies and rolls for just 60p! Enjoy your refreshments al fresco in the summer sunshine or chat to the locals in intimate decor within.
A real gem!
Bram - 25 Jul 2004 15:04 |
Fantastic pub. I went there about 10 years ago and then again last weekend, and if anything it has improved. Wonderful range of beers served perfectly in a place with a great atmosphere.
Andy - 1 Jun 2004 15:13 |
A super pub, worth seeking out. Always at least 20 and up to 30 real ales on. You will not be disappointed.
Alan - 14 May 2004 12:37 |
Spoilt for choice! There's a really good tiled Green Man down the bottom end (I think).
palmwinedrinkard - 7 Apr 2004 16:53 |
This is an awsome pub - well run by Colin - fantastic beers - millions of interesting ales - great atmosphere. Simply the best pub in England - if you haven't been its worth the cost of a train fare to Norwich just sample a pint here (but you'll stay for at least four)
classic
tom - 23 Mar 2004 10:37 |
The best real ale pub in Norwich or Norfolk and possibly all of England!
Peter Scaife - 13 Mar 2004 11:06 |
Great pub, only pub in norwich where I can get real ales always in perfect condition, my favourite- woodfords wherry
Thanks from derek colman
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This is possibly the best pub in Great Britain and iot is only number 5!
A proper pub, decent beer, wine, staff, customers, conversation... Only let down is they do have a TV.
Come on let's get this to number 1 and show te Londoners something! At least it is ahead of the Sloaney Pony (White Horse - Parsons Green).
Tim - 20 Jan 2004 11:26 |
Quite possibly the best pub in Norwich - always a pleasure.
Johnny P - 9 Dec 2003 23:49 |
Fat Cat is a Free Mouse, check out all sides of the signage. Beers always in excellent nick, not cheap but you do get what you pay for. There are several belgian bottles as well as draught. Bus route is nearby. Get to it it is well worth the top ten
TC at Saint Andrews Hall - 16 Oct 2003 19:05 |
Typical old English Norfolk pub. Sells real ales (CAMRA), Belgian beer, home produced wines and more.
Fantastic atmosphere.
An excellent place to visit.
Shelly - 14 Oct 2003 14:46 |
It's a longish walk out, but well worth it. It's great to have such choice outside of a beer festival.An all round brilliant pub.
Unless it's changed recently I think they only do filled rolls and no cooked meals.
I'd give the place 9.9 out of 10 !
www.ale-fan.co.uk - 2 Oct 2003 11:45 |
Although this is a real ale pub - usually 20 beers available on tap, it also appeals to women, as it sells fruit beers on draught as well as a range of fruit wines. Papers provided - not at all 'blokey'! Well worth a trip out of the centre, but take a cab - it would be a waste to visit this pub if you are driving. sister pub in Ipswich
Liz Connor - 21 Sep 2003 09:19 |
Unbeatable range of Real Ale. Usually at least 10 straight from the barrel. Quality always excellent.
John - 5 Sep 2003 13:37 |
I'm amazed you dont already have it.
If you appreciate a real pub with a challenging and diverse ale menu all year round, look no further.
Jeremy Graham - 10 Jun 2003 13:44 |
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