Welcome to The Whalebone

The Whalebone Freehouse is situated just a couple of miles north of Norwich City centre and nestles amongst the many Georgian chimney pots in NR3, affectionately known as the Platinum Triangle.

The Whalebone built circa 1830 is an independent, privately owned Pub and was purchased by the current owner Mike Lorenz in 1993. Since then the Whalebone has undergone many tasteful restorations and additions and has been run by General Manager Steve Fiske since 1994

Described by many when visiting for the first time as a tardis, the space and varied facilities behind the small front entrance are deceiving and our claim to be where Traditional Pub meets Modern Wine Bar have been endorsed by customers comparing the Whalebone to that of “ A hidden gem “.

In addition to an exciting selection of Lagers and Ciders, eight Cask Ales are always on tap from Regional and Local Breweries and with Cask Marque accreditation quality is assured. To complement this some great Wines supplied by Peter Graham Wines are available from our cellar.

More About Us

Facilities at the Whalebone include a front locals bar, which features an original back fitting and counter, fitted by Bullard's, a notable brewery from Norwich's historic brewing tradition. Also a modern, newly refurbished mid lounge and servery which leads into a Conservatory Bar, plus a converted malt house, which comfortably seats up to forty people. The fully air-conditioned Malthouse Room is available for private hire and ideal for Business Meetings, Small Parties, Club Events, Wakes etc. and if required we can offer an excellent choice of buffets to suit all occasions. We also offer wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities.

Additionally a Mediterranean style terrace area which, in a first for the Norwich Pub Scene, is covered by an electrically retractable roof with ambient lighting and heaters so that customers, including smokers, can sit outside and enjoy these fabulous surroundings at most times throughout the year.

Street food is available through our collaboration with the very popular Baker Boys Pizzas, with other “Pop Ups” making regular guest appearances to add to the variety of culinary delights which we can offer to complement your experience when you visit the Whalebone.

For sports enthusiasts most events are selectively shown on big screens and furthermore the Whalebone is the spiritual home for The Whalebone Itinerant Golf Society (TWIGS) and has also many years close association with Old Catton Cricket Club.

Take a Peek

Opening

Times

Mon & Tues: 2PM - 10PM

Weds & Thur: 2pm - 11pm

Fri: 1pm - 11pm

Sat: 12pm - 11pm

Sun: 12pm - 9pm

Following each terminal hour a 1/2 hour “drinking up time”

will be allowed for you to finish your drinks before vacating the premises

Where Traditional Pub Meets Modern Wine Bar

Testimonials

Great local.

Great beer and ales and absolutely amazing pizza. Head up on s Friday or Saturday for a proper authentic Italian pizza.
If you want a good local with great friendly people the whalebone is where you head. Always a place to feel welcome and Steve and the rest of the staff make this place a home from home.
Can't recommend enough. Food and drink great. Head down on a weekend for either a lively weekend or finding a quiet nook it's all here.

Mark

Excellent local, great ale

A lovely example of a proper street comer local. Great ales, welcoming staff, cosy and interesting building.

Nice one! Will be back!

ManInBlack

If only all pubs were as good as this

Lots of beer , good selection of real ale.
After your first pint the staff serve you at your table, great service with a smile , brilliant as you can drink even more beer. Very clean gents loo, overall a top class pub. Well worth a visit.

John - Suffolk

Perfectly situated on the way home from work

The Whalebone is always a welcoming pub with great beers available and the best pork scratchings IN THE WORLD...

...All in all one of my favourite Places to meet my partner as we both HAVE to go passed it on the way home. Two or theee pints in the sun or by the fire over winter. Lovely old job.

Charlotte

Great little local pub and dog friendly

I went to this pub for the first time over the Easter weekend. We had the steak sandwich with salad. The steak was so tender and delicious and really reasonable. This is a really lovely friendly pub with great food.

Penny

Always a great night at The Whalebone!

The Whalebone is a proper pub, rooted in the community and welcoming to all. Well managed, with great service and a clever balance of traditional pub and modern bar, catering to beer drinkers and wine drinkers alike. Excellent covered and heated garden with table service. Best pub in the area.

WORMPLE

Proper

Excellent pub really great lovely ales on offer bar staff really friendly and helpful the bar it's self is excellent and the pub is quite large inside plenty of room and very comfortable.There is also a heated terrace which is brilliant and a private function room which can be hired (I was attending a friends party here) all in all a great pub with a proper traditional feel

Tuppy

Function room hire and place to enjoy drink or two

The function room, the pub itself are beyond very good. Staff and the owners are amazing. Nothing is a trouble or a problem. The place is friendly , full of laughter and great atmosphere . Whalebone hosted my daughter christening party. If you and your guests want to have a wonderful time choose them. You want regret it!!

Joanna Green