Fat Cat is national pub of the year

February 16, 2005: The Fat Cat, Norwich, has been named national pub of the year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for the second time since the competition was inaugurated in 1988.

It goes without saying that it serves fantastic beer - up to 25 at a time from all over the country - but the award is also judged on criteria such as the welcome customers get, service standards, value for money and decor.

Colin Keatley, owner of the Fat Cat said: "I am overwhelmed at winning the national pub of the year award for the second time. I am just about to open a new pub in Norwich so this news could not have come at a better time!

"To be voted best pub in Britain for the first time in 1998 was some achievement, but to run and own the only pub in Britain that has won this award twice is just unbelievable."

Mr Keatley plans to open a new pub called the Shed, in Lawson Road, Norwich, in April. There will be a small brewery adjoining the pub, called the Fat Cat Brewery Company, that will brew beer to sell at the two pubs.

Bob Stukins, CAMRA’s pubs director and one of the final judges, said: "The Fat Cat is a great example of what can be done when thought and effort, combined with the knowledgeable skill of staff, all come together in the surroundings of a well-planned pub.

"But as with most pubs, the customers have to be made to feel part of the whole equation. The overall experience made me wish I lived much nearer to Norwich than I do!"