A community local with eight real ales, conveniently situated just to the south of Sewell Park, the pub has three separate areas: the original front and rear bars plus a newly-refurbished area leading to a covered and heated terraced patio which is very popular, and is used for summer barbecues.
The pub holds an annual beer festival in July and supports three cricket teams as well as a golf society. Wine and beer tasting evenings are held occasionally.
Bar snacks including locally-sourced pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls are available daily, plus freshly-made coffee, hot chocolate and tea.
One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest
Listed status: Not listed
The Whalebone is included primarily for its splendid original and rare bar back It advertises 'Bullard & Son','Ales' and'Stout' in narrow mirrored panels along the top and also has four narrow vertical mirror panels. Other original features are the bar counter (but with a new top) and the red and black diamond quarry-tiled floor in the entrance area. The small room to the right of the bar is also part of the original 1878-80 building.
Built 1878-80. The Whalebone is included for its public bar and in particular the splendid original and rare bar back advertising "Bullard & Son", "Ales', "& Stout" in narrow mirrored panels along the top and with also four narrow vertical mirror panels. The bar counter is also the original one but with a new top as is the red and black diamond quarry tiled floor. The off sales was situated opposite the side door. Another small room to the right of the bar is also an original one. The pub has been much extended and refurbished but this does not impact on the old parts. The licensee also has an old Bullards metal sign depicting the stubby men, which is situated in his office. In Norwich city centre, the Walnut Tree Shades, Old Post Office Court near the Arcade also has a very old bar back with top panels of "Brandies" and "Cigars".
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 6 regular beers.
Whalebone, Norwich
Source: National