The Brewery Tap, Norwich Travel Guide

Nestled on Lawson Road just outside Norwich city centre, The Brewery Tap stands as a cornerstone of the local beer scene. Originally built in the 1970s as The Wherry, it was transformed in 2005 into this vibrant free house, now owned by long-term landlords Mark and Laura White since 2020. Adjacent to the renowned Fat Cat Brewery, it draws enthusiasts with its commitment to showcasing the newest independent brews from across the UK and beyond.

At the heart of the pub are 33 rotating draught lines, blending hand-pulled cask ales from firkins, gravity-poured options, and 20 keg lines featuring bitters, pales, IPAs, alcohol-free beers, fruit varieties, stouts, porters, milds, wheat beers, and lagers. Fat Cat beers dominate alongside guests from breweries like Green Jack, Burton Bridge, Dark Star, and Oakham. Real ciders and a selection of gins complement the taps, ensuring something for every palate in this ever-evolving beer lineup.

The large, airy main bar boasts a solid oak top, ample seating, and a small stage hosting regular live music events. Walls adorned with vintage brewery ads, beer memorabilia, and quirky features like working traffic lights add character. The vibe is lively yet relaxed, attracting a mixed crowd from solo sippers reading the paper to groups enjoying the buzz. It's a place to de-stress, chat, or catch events via their socials.

Motherchip's resident kitchen serves delicious loaded chips, smash burgers, saucy wings, and naughty snacks from Wednesday to Sunday. Cheese boards and simple rolls like cheese and onion are available with advance notice. Wraparound gardens include a sunny front lawn open to the road and a rear covered patio for year-round outdoor enjoyment, complete with heat lamps and cycle parking.

Open daily from noon, with later hours on weekends, the pub offers free parking, dog-friendly policies, and wheelchair-accessible spaces. It's a community hub for beer lovers, hosting tap takeovers, festivals, and garden parties, embodying Norwich's craft beer passion in a quirky, inclusive setting.