Norwich – Hop Rocket (Two Julians)

Starting with an apology that Julian and I visited the Hop Rocket in February, so it’s both taken me time to write about this visit and it also means that the photos were taken in the dying days of my last phone so the quality is sub-optimal. Anyway, the Hop Rocket is relatively new in this building on Unthank Road which was previously briefly Oliver’s Cocktails, before that it was the Amnesty Bookshop and going back further it was a bakery and cafe so it’s been a little of a chameleon of a venue. I’ve also got nothing against trendy and expensive food venues, although I’m unlikely to visit them, but it’s a delight to see this becoming a pub and indeed something of a decent one.

When we were in the York, Tom had mentioned that the venue was holding its first birthday party, so it seemed an opportune time to visit as I know what Julian is like when there’s free cake.

The beer choice was solid, a pretty even mix of cask and keg, with a number of local breweries and some national delights. It was a well curated beer list with numerous tempting options, all feeling rather on-trend, but there is also plenty of additional choice in the beer fridges.

Behind the bar and there was an upbeat vibe to the venue, although it likely helped that they were celebrating their birthday. It was busy, but the service was efficient and polite, with the team member being knowledgeable about the beer range. The interior is cosy and there’s also a small outside drinking area.

I went for the 11th Birthday Cake Celebration (Mango, Pineapple, Coconut & Lime Ice Cream Cake with Vanilla Pastry Sour) from Amundsen Brewery, which was a beautiful little number. Lime and coconut elements, this was smooth, decadent and juicy, although Amundsen does frequently surprise and delight me.

And we did leave clutching our birthday goodie bags.

I’m not sure that the venue refers to itself as a micropub, not least as it’s not a small venue, but it does have that sort of ambience. It’s well reviewed on-line (although there’s a bizarre review from a customer who let their dog urinate in the pub twice and seems perplexed that this wasn’t considered ideal, but my two loyal blog readers can read the full version on Google Reviews) and attracts a varied crowd, but it has a strong contingent of younger drinkers (as in early 20s, not a load of 12 year olds). They don’t do food beyond basic bar snacks, but they do let customers bring their own in and they’re pet friendly. I very much liked this venue, it’s a bit of a hike for me to get there, but I’m sure that I’ll meander again there soon. All really rather lovely and this feels like the independent pub, which I think is owned by the same people as run the Brewery Tap, that I hope lots of people support.