by Ewan Turney
The Fat Cat in Norwich has been crowned Campaign for Real Ale's National Pub of the Year for a record second time.
The Fat Cat, described as an "ale drinkers' paradise", is the only pub in the 17-year history of the competition to win the prestigious award twice. Owner Colin Keately said he was "overwhelmed" to receive the honour again. His pub serves up more than 25 guest beers, 30 Belgian bottled beers plus six on tap and attracts a host of customers ranging from locals to students.
Camra pubs director and one of the judging panel, Bob Stukins, 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."
The award could not have come at a better time for Keately, who is currently preparing to open a new pub, the Shed, in Norwich. He said: "To be voted the 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."
The award was presented to Keately on Wednesday as part of the build-up to National Pubs Week, due to get under way on Saturday. Press manager Tony Jerome urged licensees to use the week to follow the example of the Fat Cat and organise events and try out new marketing strategies.
"If pubs are to survive in today's competitive leisure industry, then it is important they become more marketing focused," he said. "Licensees need to find out what their locals want, organise events and promote them accordingly."