Tuesday 24 March 2009

Branch Pub Of The Year

The Norwich and Norfolk Campaign For Real Ale is proud to announce that their branch pub of the year is the Artichoke at Broome.

The Artichoke is situated in the Waveney valley, a stone's throw from the Suffolk border, in the small village of Broome.

Originally home to the long gone Crowfoot brewery, the Artichoke is now run by John and Nikki Craft who are no strangers in the licensed trade, having run the St. Andrews Tavern and King's Arms in Norwich.

John and Nikki were flabbergasted on hearing that they had won: "In these difficult times, it's nice to see a country pub has been given the award. We are very pleased, especially with the current economic climate, that CAMRA has recognised the hard work that goes into running this pub".

Warren Wordsworth, Branch Pubs Officer, stated that the Artichoke was a fantastic example of a rural pub, that offered good hospitality, superb beer and a quality atmosphere.

The pub has flagstone and wood floors, wooden settles and a real fire, which enhances the rural ambience of a pint from a choice of up to eight predominately local ales. Home cooked food is also served in a separate dining area.

The pub is open from 12-11 (not Mon), and is situated just off the A143 on the old Yarmouth road that runs through the village.

Des O'Brien, Branch Chairman, commented that a pub that offers so much deserved to win: " A community local, that is well patronised, well run, and serves a cracking pint. It is a good example of old fashioned values that pay a dividend in the long run".

The pub will now go on to the county competition, where it will be judged against the winner of West Norfolk CAMRA's Pub of the Year.