Publican Local Focus: Norwich - testing times
The small city of Norwich in Norfolk has long been known as a pub lover's dream.
From the bargain booze watering holes on the Prince of Wales Road to the colourful freehouses surrounding the picturesque Tombland square, it is a Mecca for the thirsty punter.
But there are signs this tradition is on the wane in a city once famed for having a pub for virtually every day of the year. In 1905, there were 363 pubs in Norwich but this has dwindled to 140.
The situation is deemed so grim local paper the Norwich Evening News has launched a "Love Your Local" campaign to try and encourage people to frequent pubs.
But Mike Coulson, licensee of the Plasterers Arms in Cowgate, believes that in a city with a population of 132,000, it is a simple case of supply outstripping demand.
"From where I am standing, I can go to six other pubs in two minutes," he said.
"There is not enough trade to go around because people's drinking habits have changed in the last 10 years. There is not the same amount of young people visiting pubs."Promotions
This intense competition has led to a spate of cut price drink promotions to lure customers through the door. The Prince of Wales has a crunch-blasting offer of steak and chips for £2.99 along with a happy hour every week day between 5pm and 8pm which sees lagers available for £1.55.
Meanwhile, Mojos, Rocco's and Mercy are awash with gaudy posters promoting nights where all drinks are £1.50.
But there are some licensees who believe that offering quality is the way forward.
Jon Smith, licensee of the Kings Head, a freehouse renowned for its specialist ales, said: "I don't believe in two-for-one promotions.
Part of the reason there are so many problems nowadays is that people can get drunk for next to nothing. In my pub, if people want quality, they pay for it."
Credit Crunch
Meanwhile, licensees seem divided on the potential outcomes of the recession.
Sally Cooke from the Blueberry, a Horizon Inns leasehold known for its live music believes it is the vulnerable that will suffer if the city's pubs fail to find a way to tackle the rising tide of closures.
"A lot of older people come in here because the pub has a great community feel. We have some of their phone numbers and if we have not seen them for a while, we will give them a call to see if they are ok. What are they going to do if pubs like this go?"
But others take a more pragmatic view. "It is rubbish going on about how there used to be a pub for every day of the week in Norwich. That is far too many and there are still too many. This recession will sort the weak from the strong," said Jon.
However, Tony Castle, licensee of the Ribs of Beef which has seen a 25 per cent rise in trade since the launch of a new menu is more optimistic.
"I think the pub trade here will pick up because there is an inbuilt tradition in Britain of people going to pubs."
But he added licensees in Norwich need to become more united rather than resorting to under cutting their competitors.
"I do think pubs need to gel together and help each other more in order to get through this."
• Next stop…Brighton. If you would like us to visit your pub email us at news@thepublican.com
Views from the pub
Jon Smith is licensee of the Kings Head, a freehouse which won the Norfolk Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year in 2006
How much will a drink cost me?
Norfolk Kingsley Farm Cider is £2.70 and Elmtree Bitter £2.40. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc is £2.95.
Do you do food?
We do traditional beer spongers such as rolls and pork pies which cost £2. There is no gastro pub nonsense here, just a traditional British boozer.
Who are your customers?
Locally, we have a good solid regular base of people who appreciate quality ales. People outside Norwich also take the trouble to travel here because of our reputation.
What attracts customers?
We are unique in Norwich because we specialise in real ales, with no lager on offer. The CAMRA award also helped to put us on the map. Here, customers are happy to pay for quality. There is a good atmosphere because there are no jukeboxes or TV's, just proper conversation.
What is the biggest thing affecting trade in Norwich?
The biggest thing is the government's prohibitive beer tax, which obviously affects us because of the nature of the pub.
Sally Cooke is licensee of the Blueberry, a music pub owned by Horizon Inns
How much will a drink cost me?
Premium lagers are £3.40, a pint of Fosters Lager is £2.80, a pint of Heineken is £3.10.
Do you do food?
Not at the moment. We have put most of our energy towards promoting the pub as a music venue. But we are thinking of putting in a kitchen in the future to provide some basic pub grub.
Who are your customers?
We attract all ages from people in their early twenties to those in their seventies. Plus, we get a lot of musicians in here as well.
What attracts customers?
The music is a big draw. We hold live music sessions ranging from modern rock, indie, soul, reggae, blues and R 'n' B on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. On Mondays we have jazz jam. It is a friendly local and a place where everyone knows everyone else.
What are the big issues affecting trade in Norwich?
It is really hard trying to constantly come up with new ideas to get people through the door. The smoking ban hit us in winter because people are buying drinks from the supermarkets so they can stay at home and smoke rather than having to go outside. The recession of course is also keeping people away.
Chris Arnold is deputy general manager in The Prince of Wales, a Spirit Group leasehold
How much will a drink cost me?
A pint of Stella Artois is £3.50 and other lagers are £2.80. Happy hour is from 5pm to 8pm on week nights when lagers and a pint of John Smith's Bitter are £1.55. A can of Pepsi is £1.65.
Do you do food?
Yes we serve food between 11am and 3pm and 5pm and 7pm. We offer two meals for £7 and we also have a 6oz steak and chips or fish and chips on offer for £2.99. A chicken baguette is £3.25.
Who are your customers?
We are popular with students and office workers nearby. We find that local builders tend to come in the evenings because of our happy hour.
What attracts customers?
Since we have started serving food between 5pm and 7pm, our food sales have doubled. Student nights on Thursday are pretty popular because students can pay £1.50 in and get a free drink.
What are the biggest issues affecting trade in Norwich?
The recession has hit pubs badly. It was pretty quiet in January but it has picked up again. There were three offices nearby where people were made redundant and we have noticed a drop off in trade as a result.
Mike Coulson is lessee at Scottish & Newcastle UK pub the Plasterers Arms.
How much will a drink cost me?
Ordinary strength beer is £2.60 and the premium bitter is £2.80. Spirits are all £2.20
Do you do food?
No, we have stopped because there is so much food available. There are three cafes in the shopping centre and numerous pubs which do food in the area. There is not room for another food outlet so we are basically an old-fashioned traditional back street boozer.
What is the typical customer?
It is right across
