St. Andrews Tavern

GreenCard

Oregon

3.39/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 2.5 | selection: 3.5

There are two pubs near me that would qualify as "my local". This is one of them and I tend to favor it even though it is a bit farther away (two blocks instead of one) because they have a wider selection of cask ales.

It is at the intersection of Duke St and St. Andrews. The exterior is yellowish-tan brick with blue trim. Looks a bit run down. Outside flies a banner stating that they have "up to" 15 real ales.

The interior is welcoming and reasonably clean. Typical dark wood and amberish walls. It is sectioned into three areas: two of them with tables, chairs and benches, and one with bar stools along the wall (this is where the bar is situated). There is also an outdoor seating area in the back, but only usable when the weather permits, of course (not often in Norwich). The ambience is warm and somewhat low-key. Locals seem to use it as a meeting point, before going elsewhere. There is lots of old beer memorabilia on the walls (most of it from Adnams). The music is never loud and usually classic rock and "adult contemporary".

Service is basic, but friendly enough. They do seem to have pretty good cellar practices and treat their kegs well. I did have a pint there once that seemed to have just gone over the edge of it's shelf life, but that only happened once. Though they say "up to 15 real ales", I've only seen between 8 & 10 at a given time. They are sponsored by Adnams, so a lot of their beers come from this brewery. Good thing Adnams makes some great beer. They also have ales from other regional breweries like Woodforde's and Chalk Hill. Of course, to keep the masses happy, they have the standard cold-tap stuff (Fosters, Guinness, a couple of ciders), bottled alcopops and even Hoegaarden on draft.

All in all, a pretty good pub and I'm happy to have it nearby because I can usually get something interesting on cask. Haven't tried their food yet, but I will at some point I'm sure.

10-01-2004 21:16:19 | More by GreenCard