Three West Norfolk pubs and social clubs are celebrating after scooping some awards for the second year in a row.
The Angel Inn at Larling, The Live and Let Live in Lynn and Lynn’s Ferry Lane Social Club all came out on top as winners of the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) 2024 Branch Pub and Club of the Year competition.
Tracy Chapman, manager of Ferry Lane, which was named Branch Club of the Year, said it meant a lot to the team, particularly as it came after the loss of someone who was “instrumental” in saving the club several years ago.
She said: “This means so much to us, particularly as last year we lost Mr Piggott, who was instrumental in saving the club in 2017.”
The club offers a range of real ales and cider, with views of the river from the balcony.
One of the real ciders the venue offers is locally produced by Sandringham Cider. Various interest groups hold regular events at the club.
The Angel Inn at Larling won the Branch Pub of the Year. When asked how he felt, landlord Andrew Stammers said he was “overwhelmed and so pleased”.
“It’s an honour to win the award again,” he added.
The Angel Inn, a 17th century former coaching inn, continues to serve an interesting range of real ales.
Staff have supported real ale for many years, and one of their regular events is a beer festival, with the 29th installment being held last year.
The Live and Let Live, a busy traditional backstreet local which has now won Branch Cider Pub for the second year, has two bars as well as a range of ciders for visitors to enjoy.
Regular tasting sessions also take place at the pub, as well as live music sessions to entertain guests.
Rozi Woods, landlady of the pub, said: “We are delighted to have won awards in the West Norfolk competitions this year. I’d like to thank our staff, customers and suppliers.”
The Live and Let Live was close to taking home two victories as it was a runner-up in the Branch Pub of the Year competition, along with the Black Horse in Thetford and White Hart at Ashill.
Andrea Briers, chair of the West Norfolk CAMRA branch, said: “Congratulations to our branch winners, all of whom provide a vital service for the community and the various charities they support.”
Presentations to all three winners are being arranged and dates will be announced in due course.
By Lola Jackson