Breweries, Micro-Breweries & Distilleries

In the whole of Norfolk, there are over 1,000 pubs, with many in north Norfolk. For centuries, world-renowned malt was produced from Norfolk maltings and the area was home to hundreds of brewers taking advantage of the idea climate and conditions in the region. The light, sandy soil over chalk; mild winters and summer sea frets (mist) mellowing the crop which create unique delicate flavours.

The second world war brought with it a huge consolidation of brewers, when the continental influence of lager arrived. By the 1980s, Woodforde’s Brewery in Woodbastwick was the only Norfolk brewer with the charming Fur & Feather pub right beside it. Since then, there has been a sharp rise in micro-brewers producing a great variety of ales and with that, a diversity of flavours. There are now over 50 micro-brewers in the county and also some fantastic distilleries. See some of the highlights below.

Barsham Brewery, Fakenham. Barsham Brewery has been brewing craft beers and ales on its West Barsham Estate in north Norfolk since 2012, where it grows some of the best malting barley in the world. The top-quality agricultural soil, coupled with the Norfolk sea air and unique micro-climate creates the ideal environment to grow the famous Maris Otter barley, which Barsham Brewery uses as the base malt for of its award-winning Norfolk beers. The malt is blended with beautifully pure water from the estate's own bore hole and hop varieties from around the world to brew a collection of craft beers which can be purchased from the onsite shop.

Poppyland Brewery, Cromer. Poppyland Brewery in Cromer was founded in 2012 by Martin Warren. The award-winning brewery is known for its distinctive brews frequently using local foraged plants, to give you a real taste of north Norfolk. Several years on, the brewery has gained a reputation for doing different. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery. 

Whin Hill Norfolk Cider, Wells-next-the-Sea. Whin Hill Norfolk Cider has the whole package with the small farm-to-table company at Wells-next-the-Sea producing cider, perry and apple juice from its own orchards at Stanhoe, using traditional methods. The ciderworks and shop are on the main car park at Wells-next-the-Sea and the site is in a secluded courtyard with plenty of seating to sample a glass or two.

Wildcraft Brewery, Smallburgh. Foraging takes centre stage at Wildcraft Brewery, as well as supporting the local area. Wildcraft launched its first brew in November 2016. Since then, additional brews have been created, including various ‘wild’ ales and craft spirits, including ‘Bathtub Gin’. Wildcraft organises its own events each year and brewery tours and tasting dates are available. 

Panther Brewery, Reepham. This award-winning microbrewery based in Reepham and is named after the larger panther-like creature is claimed to stalk the local countryside. Traditional brewing techniques to create a range of real ales. Established in late 2010, the microbrewery uses locally grown barley and ingredients. Norfolk Brewhouse, Hindringham. Started by Rachel and David Holliday, Norfolk Brewhouse is situated within an old barn, on an arable farm in north Norfolk. The rural setting enables the brewers to make the most of all that is around them. The names of the beers – Moon Gazer Ale and StubbleStag premium lager – were inspired by the surrounding wildlife.

Yetman’s Brewery, Holt. The brewery is situated in a 200 year-old barn, just outside Holt, overlooking barley fields and livestock. The brewer only uses Maris Otter malted barley and whole hop flowers, which provide more intense, clean flavours. The beer can be bought from many outlets in north Norfolk, plus a few in Norwich and East Anglia. Brancaster Brewery, Brancaster. Brancaster Brewery is a brewery producing small batches of high-quality real ale using local ingredients. It takes its name from the village Brancaster Staithe, which is steeped in brewing history dating back to Roman towns. The demand for barley was great and the country's largest malthouse was built in Brancaster Staithe in 1797. While the Malthouse no longer stands, Brancaster Brewery is keeping a brewing tradition alive by producing quality ales from the finest regional produce at The Jolly Sailors pub.