retiredmartin

October 2024. Wymondham.

Two GBG pubs in Wymondham’s small but beautifully formed town, and an ancient classic that might be back in the Guide soon.

I couldn’t remember ticking the Feathers, which was even more reason to make Mrs RM run from the Club to beat last orders at 6pm, but she had to stop at every photo opp, didn’t she ?

so I raced ahead to get her beer in,

pausing only to admire the window display and search out the 2005 GBG edition.

I find a display of old Guide stickers is a solid indicator of “beer pub”, and sure enough it’s packed with the town’s drinkers, none of whom seem aware the pub is closing at 6pm.

Untappd promises Adnams Old, and here it is, cool and tasty and close to a 3.5 but a half is always a mistake.

The most startling thing is the price; four quid any of your cask in posh Norfolk.

Mrs RM is trying to remember a pub with a similar vibe to the Feathers from a few years ago. “It was in a town not a city, lots of beer, you met that bloke from the local CAMRA, they were all pissed ?“.

After 10 minutes of forensic questioning I narrowed it down to the Dove in Bury St Edmunds, which is a good comparison; the barman/Guvnor running a joyous little local.

“How’s the old Bailey’s working out for ya ?” he asks the non-cask drinker at the bar.

Very well, it seems.

“I can’t remember giving you 50mil but I’m sure you’d have pulled me up if I hadn’t“.

It’s nearly six. There’s no sign of anyone leaving.

But then, suddenly, they all drink up, and head home, the barman saying “Bye” to them all.

It’s gone six on a Sunday in Norfolk. What else can the night bring ?