I had heard many good things about this pub before finally walking through the door one Sunday evening for a pint. The first thing that struck me was the amazing range of beverages displayed on the board above the bar - how can one choose? The crowd this particular evening was about 60 strong, the atmosphere was jovial - unoccupied seats were nonexistent. I manoeuvred through the heaving mass and into the small gap between two punters to place my order at the bar - a gypsy-like barmaid appeared to take my order. Sullen faced and visibly disinterested she grunted in my direction, I took this as my cue to request my desired frothy. "A pint of La Chouffe please" I asked. The response I got back from her was drenched in a thick Norfolk accent, unintelligible to anyone other than her ilk. After twice excusing myself and asking her to repeat her response I gathered that she was telling me that the La Chouffe was off. I went for the Budvar instead, it was served in a straight non branded pint (as was every other drink being drank in the bar). The Budvar was refreshingly cold and tasted brewery fresh. I looked in vain for a free seat inside, but after getting a nostril full of the vomit-like smell at the back of the pub near the toilets I was happy to venture outside and perch at one of the tables. Due to living in close proximity I have been back a few more times sampling many of the stouts on gravity which seem to change quite frequently. The range of beers continue to impress, but the staff continue to disappoint. If they could put some focus on to improving their customer service for anyone who isn't a known customer and also liberally apply some Febreze to the floors this place could live up to its reputation. There is a sense that the owner/staff are resting on their laurels. Watch out, the competition is surely coming. read more

You know it has to be good pub to thrive outside the centre of town, off the main street on a relatively quiet road. This is a generally a busy, noisy placein fact I want to break out the adjective raucous to describe this one. Yet at the same time we were able to find a seat in a quieter room over to the right. I had a couple of their quality beers, namely the Hell Cat and the Marmalade Cat. I was also very pleased to see them selling rolls on the bar. They were at such a reasonable price that we bought some to take with us for later in the day! read more

A real back street pub that is the Brewery tap for the Fat Cat Brewery . Have a good range of guest ales though was dissapointed to see Banks's Mild ( thought they would have better taste :( ) . Very much worth a visit . read more

Fat Cat - Bostin little pub - Pubs Near Me - Norwich, NFK

The Fat Cat's pretty much an institution in Norwich, it has won awards aplenty from CAMRA and stocks an amazing range of beers from around the world, as well as from around the corner. It's quite big inside, but getting a seat is often less likely than getting a Fosters down most of the clientele ;D I like it as a place to try new beers, but I prefer other pubs for meeting friends who don't care so much about ale. Well worth a look if you fancy trying something unusual! read more

The best pub in the city. It's just off Dereham road. By foot you head down St. Benedicts street and head straight and go over the crossing. You then walk on past all the fast food outlets such as KFC and Planet Wok. You keep heading on until you see the laundrette to your right. It's just down this street here. There's such a wide selection of various local ales and the crowd makes for a great atmosphere. You're lucky if his is your local, it's a bit of a walk outside of the city if you're not living in the area. There's a sister pub located just further outside Magadalen road which offers similar treat in a different area so you don't feel left out. read more

The Fat Cat is just on the outskirts of Norwcih City Centre (its about 20 mins to an hour walk depending on the amount of ale you have drunk!). Voted best Real Ale pub in Britain at lease once! The Fat Cat is a real drinkers pub with an awesome collection of ales/ciders. You can't beat a pint of Norfolk Nog with a pack of Tyrells crisps..Gets very busy at the weekend so get your seat early. Very friendly staff and dogs are welcome! Recommended for real drinkers..Not Lager louts read more

I'm not a regular but have been to the Fat Cat on the odd occasion and felt the needed to comment as i felt Hamish A's comments are somewhat similar to whats left in a barrel after all the good stuff has been consumed, utter drudge! The only thing that could go wrong with the pub is to listen to views like this and turn it into something other than what it is, and going by the fact it is one of only a few successful pubs in Norwich i'd say they have got it just right. The Fat Cat not only offers a great variety of ales but it has that wonderful atmosphere pubs used to have before the non smoking, non visiting sandal wearers did all they could to spoil peoples fun. Keep up the good work and keep to the staff of your choice! read more

Believe the hype. The Fat Cat has won all sorts of 'Britain's Best Pub' awards down the years, and for good reason. The ale choice is nonpareil, the atmosphere relentlessly English (in a heartwarming way), it's always full to the rafters, and you can buy a 1/3 pint. What's not to love? The food is disgustingly cheap, also. read more

Stunningly good pub. Exactly what a beer pub should be like. World class. Very large selection of well-kept beers. Well worth the effort to get there. read more

A locals pub with an outstanding range of ales on both handpump and gravity. Some house beers, good guests. Fair value. Friendly bar staff. Beery drinking vessels hanging from the ceiling. No music - it's all about the beer and banter. Plenty of beer ephemera on the walls. Mostly old blokes chatting and drinking ales. A proper beer drinkers pub. World class. read more

There is no reason that you'd happen to be passing this place so, if like me, you make a conscious decision to venture ou into the rear-end of Norwich, you will be amazed and delighted by this place. A traditional back-street boozer, serving a huge variety of wonderful ales. Cheese baps on the bar, heaving with regulars it's like travelling back through time. I could wax lyrical about this place for ages but, to save yourself the trouble of having to read all that, come here. Soon. read more

Went for the first time the other day and loved it. Amazing selection, including Austrian and German beers!

Great real ale pub. Great atmosphere. Fantastic selection of beers. Often very crowded.

I visited the Fat Cat last week on a visit to Norwich, all I can say is that it's one of the best Real Ale pubs that I've ever visited. It must be like a mini beer festival every night with about 30 Real Ales on offer. If you like Real Ale it a must visit if your in Norwich. read more

One of the nicest pubs ive found, loads of interesting beers and cool locals. A bit of a walk from the town centre but well worth a stroll. You can also visit the cider shed north of the city where fat cat brewery is sited. They even had 10+ beers on gravity. read more

One of Norwich's finest pubs. The Fat Cat caters to the dwindling crowd of drinkers who want a wide selection of real ales in a relaxed environment at reasonable prices. No top 40 music, no rows of pool tables or fruit machines, just a great place to spend an evening with friends. Best during the summer as you can escape the sometimes overpacked interior. read more

BEER! MMMMM! This has got to be the best ale / beer pub in the country bar none. And ive tried a few. Its half hour walk for me but still worth a weekly trip. its not all wooly jumpers and beards, though nothing wrong with that, but its got a whole cross section of the Norwich community with one thing in common they love this pub. Theres always new faces and old friends and its never anywhere near empty even on sunday, monday nights. Theres no live music, in fact no music at all,no game machines or big screen tv, little food, and ive never seen any trouble there even though its quite easy to drink yourself stupid . there are plenty of places for those in the area and they are as dead as the pint of john smiths springwater they all serve. If you introduce a visitor to norwich show them this place along with the castle and cathedral and with as much pride that we support it as we do. The prices are good. Excellent bar staff, always know whos turn it is even when its packed and pour perfect pints, and thats all i want from bar staff. Surprising how many other places employ rude monkees then put them as the front of house for there business - but thats another story - read more

This pub has one more awards than you can shake a stick at and you'll see why if you pay a visit. They have a mind boggling array of beers and ciders to choose from and they turnover so much that it's invariably in good condition. It can get very busy and noisy on a Friday and Saturday night so best avoided on those days if you don't like packed pubs. Sunday evening is nice as it's chilled and quiet and you'll get a seat no problem. This pub attracts people from all walks of life so everyone will feel comfortable in there. The staff are all friendly apart from one guy, you'll know if you get him as he is barely civil and will almost throw you're change at you. Shame as if he serves you it's a bit of a downer! Cash only here as they don't take cards and not much in the way of food - pork pies or sandwiches on the bar. read more

This is a great pub! I recommend the house ales (all of them). They are all great and cost between £2-3. After you've had them, there's a wide variety of other beers and ciders to try. read more

Great pub,wonderful selection of ales and lagers,after 2-3pm it gets very busy.

Ended here on a pub crawl, as so many pub crawls do. Really don't get the fuss. This pub is clearly popular with the locals. But most of the beer is green King or adnams and it's not in that good condition. Not very interesting and whilst it's nice they have lots of beer on, I don't think much of it is that good, so don't go out of your way. read more

What a pub! 30 odd ales, consistently good quality. Ale and conversation are what this is all about. No blaring jukeboxes with boy/girl bands. I could die happily in here. Has to be one of the best real ale pubs nationally. Deserves its 5 star rating. Incredible. read more

This is perennially considered the best pub in Norwich, and with good reason. The pub keeps it simple and is perfect for anyone just interested in drinking and conversation. (+) At least several dozen house and guest ales on tap; lots of bottled/imported ones; excellent imported fruit beers and ciders on tap, some lagers/pils; very helpful staff in choosing from its great beer selection and keeping glasses affordably full. Cheerful historical and beer company decor. The clientele is decent and lively. It is often very busy, esp Fridays and Saturday nights. Not really a football TV pub -- only one room has a telly, and it's modestly sized and never on full volume. There are snacks of standard motley kinds (a little overpriced) and no kitchen; some very good pork pies. Some outside streetside seating, street parking, and staff will allow food from outside (they appreciate it if you ask first). (-) The only downside is that it's a little out of the city centre (east) and a ways from the rail station (10-15 min taxi). Still, definitely a must visit, if in Norwich. read more