The number of Norwich pubs signed up to City of Ale 2015 has now reached 44. From back-street boozers to corner locals, cosy bars to historic city-centre inns, they form an impressive range showcasing the best that Norwich has to offer to real ale lovers the world over.

“There’s a wonderful selection this year, with the emphasis very much on quality local real ales, and an additional focus on pub food and locally sourced home-cooking.” said Dawn Leeder, Co-Chair of City of Ale. “The pubs provide a fantastic showcase for Norwich and really reinforce its reputation as the UK City of Ale.”

Publicans are gearing up for the event. “Getting excited about @CityofAle this year!” tweeted Sir Garnet. “It’s a real opportunity for me to put my pub forward!” said Bob Utting, landlord of the Leopard. “Really looking forward to @CityofAle!” tweeted the Kings Head. “It’s a great event for us,” said Ben Thompson, landlord of the Plasterers, “we always get lots of people coming in.”

Norwich City of Ale has been given national recognition by CAMRA and is being endorsed by them as a role model for other cities to follow. The pubs are linked by walkable ale trails compiled by the local CAMRA branch. There will be six or seven pubs in each trail making for a very pleasant stroll through the fine city, fortified with a few fine ales on the way.

This year sees City of Ale’s fifth anniversary and five breweries are collaborating to brew a charity beer in support of The Hamlet Centre Trust. The brewers are: Grain, Golden Triangle, Humpty Dumpty, Panther and S&P. The beer will be a hoppy and flavoursome pale ale (abv 4%) made with five hops. 80 firkins will be brewed at Grain brewery and The Hamlet Centre Trust will receive a donation of 50p for each pint sold. Crisp Malt has donated the malt for the brew free of charge and the brewers are donating all the profits to this very good cause.

There is a competition to name the new beer. The winner, who will be selected by a panel from City of Ale and the Hamlet Centre, will win two VIP tickets to the official Launch Party on 21 May where they will be presented with a demi-pin of the ale. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by the closing date of Friday 17 April.

The City of Ale festival runs from 21 – 31 May 2015 in 44 pubs and other venues throughout the city. For more information see: cityofale.org.uk