Notes ..
An order was granted in 1884 for provisional removal of the
licence to new premises about to be constructed on adjoining land.
Order declared final 16th June 1885.
A photograph of the original pub is on page 120 of
CLUER & SHAW : Former Norwich.
The pub was replaced in a road-widening scheme.
Landlord William Mayes (from March 1881) 'survived'
the re-building and presided until October 1897.
Notes ..
Notes ..
Food is served all day.
Notes ..
The final landlord took over in 1861.
The pub was probably closed by 1865.
Notes ..
Adrian Hennessy noted that this national pub chain
opened in Norwich with very little publicity. The staid-looking
former solicitors' office was given absolutely minimal signing.
The interior had a very simple, modern style; with light-painted
walls and plain furniture. This made a refreshing change
compared with some other large chains.
By November 2006 food was being served from Midday to 10 p.m.
on weekdays; but only one real ale (Courage Directors) was on sale.
The pub "moved" into the re-vamped premises formerly called
Yates' Wine Lodge by 2nd May 2008; Slug & Lettuce Group
having been taken over by Yates, or vice versa, etc. etc. [1]
The amendments to the Queen Street premises
(which are, in fact, next door !) took about 3 weeks.
[1] Actually now
Bay Restaurant Group, formerly
Laurel Pub Group. And so things go on....
By September 2009 this property - rather surprisingly - re-opened
as a licensed house. The current fashion for lower-case names
now stretches to : beluga eaterie and bar.
It is arguable if 'eaterie' is an older, but still current, term.
However the relegation of 'bar' to second place is all too common.
See the later publicity for the new owner, Ms. Sarah Jane Roberts.
Notes ..
Notes ..
Notes ..
In January 2006 Adrian Hennessy described the interior of
the former Norwich Union Branch-office as stylish and elegant.
Originally owned by Wizard Inns, the pub changed name
and owner by January 2006; following the takeover by
Pathfinder Pubs (Wolverhampton & Dudley Brewery).
A further name change, in force by April 2007, followed
the sale to Admiral Taverns in the Autumn of 2006.
A check in September 2008 revealed no weekday opening before
7.00 p.m. This would seem to make a mockery of the most recent
name : Office (i.e. no lunchtime or after-work refreshments).
The nightclub, Optic at 50 Prince of Wales Road,
came first (late-2003) and the former Pitcher and Piano
was bought by the same owners, to serve as a prelude
for customers moving the short distance to the Club.
The self-described 'cocktail bar' opens at 7.00 and closes
at 11.30, except for Friday (midnight) and Saturday 1.00 a.m.
(The nightclub does not open until 10.00 p.m.)
The owners modestly state that the cafe bar (or whatever),
...with a little tender loving care and a few adjustments
here and there, has been transformed into what is
widely regarded as the best all-round bar in Norwich.
Located on Upper King Street, just on the fringe of the
Tombland area, Office is only a minute's walk from
Optic, making it an ideal pre-club venue, especially
with the Pub-to-club promotions on offer.
[Note the use of the term 'Pub']
Office is intimate enough that it welcomes the typical
Tombland business types whilst being spacious enough
to accommodate less conservative drinkers, especially
with the carefully engineered drinks menu which is
geared around value for money offers on an extensive
cocktail and shooter menu.
Even more effusive is the write-up for the nightclub :-
Optic opened its doors in Norwich late in 2003 after
taking over the building that used to be Concept Nightclub.
After an extensive overhaul and refit costing nearly
two million pounds, Optic presented itself to the
Norwich and Norfolk scene with immediate effect;
finally the clean cut, educated and presentable
party goers had a venue to accommodate them.
Optic originally launched with three club nights on a
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These original club nights
have evolved - welcoming on board further midweek events
which currently sees Optic open its doors no less than
five times a week. This is substantially more than any club
in Norwich and comfortably above the national average.
Much of Optic's success can be attributed to
the diversity of its events. Optic has successfully
segmented its schedule to be able to offer five different
club nights to five conversely different groups of people,
what with its student night on Mondays, its urban night
on Wednesdays, the live music night on Thursdays,
Ladies night on Fridays and the ever popular
commercial party night on Saturdays.
The future looks bright for Optic as it continues to
grow and develop against all current economic trends.
Optic and its entire management team strive to remain
at the pinnacle of its industry so crave your feedback and
criticism about all areas of the business, whether good or bad.