what we do

Beer!.....Good Beer!....Lots of Good Beer! That's a promising start.... But there's more; Cider, Wine, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Craft Ale. Mix it in a pot (not literally!) Add a splash of traditional brewerianna (y'know, all the pub signs & beer jugs hanging on walls). A pinch of welcoming efficient service (Not too much - it'll spoil the broth!) Simmer for 30 years or so.... Serve to a bunch of lovely, interesting, eclectic, (THIRSTY), customers in a warm, friendly, clean environment and, voila.....The Fat Cat. Pretty simple really.

a brief history

After years of running pubs in London, Colin & Marjie moved (back) to Norfolk in 1978. After a brief spell operating a sandwich shop near Prince of Wales road the opportunity to get back behind the bar came calling in the form of The White Lion, Oak Street, in 1980. It was at The White Lion that they became a part of the newly emerging Norwich real ale scene. If you were in Norwich during the 1980s it's more than likely you were lucky enough to experience the 'Real Ale Revolution' that happened at that time. With Colin and Marjie at the helm, The White Lion went from strength to strength until the couple decided to sell in 1988.

In 1991 Colin and Marjie bought The New Inn, West End Street. A rough, run-down dive (Colin's words, not mine) in need of some TLC and a rebrand. On December 2nd 1991 the newly renamed Fat Cat Pub was opened. Serving a range of real ales in a traditional, no-nonsense setting. An instant hit. Within 7 years The Fat Cat was crowned CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) National Pub of the Year for the first time (1998). In the years that followed, the Fat Cat was again named CAMRA National Pub of the Year (2004), as well as winning The Good Pub Guide - Beer Pub of the Year 11 times (1998, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021). More recently CAMRA have awarded The Fat Cat with a Gold Award as part of their 50th Anniversary honours list.

We intend to document many interesting stories from our past in our brand new blog in the 'News' section of this website. In the mean time if you really want to know more (including all the stories I'm not permitted to publish online), feel free to pop in and I'm sure Colin will be more than happy to indulge you. Obviously you'll have to buy him a pint or two first. Just to loosen his tongue...