The Lamb Inn

Located right in Norwich city centre, the Lamb Inn (formerly Henry's), has a prime position. There is a huge amount of passing trade and a great amount of space to work with.

The general ambience is pretty good, usually lively, fun and active. Since its recent change in management, the pub has seen a slight makeover take place and it is looking modern and trendy. Everything is clean and tidy and inside it feels like an Essex girl's living room.

When it comes to the beer, the Lamb usually has 3-4 ales on, regularly Adnams or Woodfordes and it seems to be kept reasonably well. On a recent visit there was a 2 for 1 offer on which was most welcome!

If you are looking for a real ale drinking pub, this place is probably not it. There are usually couples dining and work gangs having their post work drinks. Upstairs is pretty much a restaurant or an area for private hire and sometimes the music can be loud and 'clubby'.

The drinks are quite expensive and unnecessarily flashy, things like Grey Goose Vodka and Sky Vodka push the prices up but a nice touch is the inclusion of some less recognised lagers, Modelo for example.

It does have an element of gastro pub about it but its location means it is very handy for a whistle wetting. I would recommend but not for someone looking for a great ale. Food looks reasonable, not great, and staff are usually quite helpful.

No complaints but nothing special.

Maid Marion

I don't like to be negative about our pubs but sometimes you are given no option.
Over the last few years the Maid Marion has seen turbulent times with changes in management and difficulty attracting punters.
Today I found out why.
After being in the pub for only a few minutes the session started to go downhill. A terrible selection of ale coupled with a poor layout that doesn't allow for everyone to view the 1 tv screen.
I was in the pub on a Saturday, with a Norwich game being played through a foreign stream, and I have to say it was one of the poorest showings of any pub.
The glasses were all filthy, most with lipstick marks and dirty water marks, the drinks were expensive, the bar is too small and the staff are less than friendly.
Of course, they are friendly with their 'mates', who it seems are a collection of locals, equally as unwelcoming.
What made the day worse was the change situation. Every time I ordered and was served I was short changed, and not just by a little, always by at least £3 which is just unacceptable and makes you think that this pub is trying to rip you off.
Unfortunately I was not the only one to have these experiences, I heard others talking about bring short changed, adding to my suspicion.

It is a real shame that this place has nothing to offer as it is in a perfect location, has ample parking and is decent in size, all of these things could be a real draw.
I'm told the food isn't bad but I'm afraid after my experience today, I will not be going back to try it out. The beehive, the Eagle or the Trafford Arms are all in walking distance and would all make for a much better time.