Green Dragon - Wymondham

Green Dragon, Wymondham

After visiting one CAMRA National Inventory-listed pub the previous weekend, I hardly expected to visit another NI pub the following one. However, as luck would have it, I found myself calling in at the half-timbered Green Dragon in the picturesque Norfolk market town of Wymondham.

As I explained in the previous post, I was on my way to visit my ailing parents, and after a lengthy drive up the M11motorway and A11 trunk road, I was in need of what the Americans would call a “comfort stop”. I was also feeling a trifle peckish. I had taken the precaution of a quick peek at the Good Beer Guide before I left, and had marked either Wymondham or nearby Hethersett as suitable lunchtime stopping places. Both were within reasonable driving distance of my final destination, yet far enough away to make stopping worthwhile.

  

In the end I found myself driving into Wymondham after turning off the busy A11, having missed the junction for Hethersett. I made my way into the town centre, found a space in one of the municipal car parks and that all important “comfort station”.

Green Dragon

Suitably relieved I continued on foot into the main shopping street of this attractive market town, and soon found my way to Church Street and the attractive, Tudor-fronted Green Dragon. This wasn’t my first visit to Wymondham, as my eldest sister had lived in the town prior to her emigrating to America; but this was the first time I had been into the town centre and to the renowned Green Dragon.

The pub dates back to late 15th century although much of its exterior is Tudor and half-timbered with a dormer window. It was lucky to have survived only superficial damage in the great fire of 1615 and there are still scorch marks on external timbers. The interior retains some of the old features such as beams and mantelpiece. Today the Green Dragon pub has a bar and a little snug with wooden pew type furniture and a small dining area on one side. A much more detailed description of the pub, together with some professionally shot photos of the interior, can be found on the CAMRA National Inventory site.

The tiny & cosy snug

The pub was busy when I entered, with the right hand dining room completely full and the main bar likewise, but on enquiring at the bar, I was told there were still a couple of tables spare in the tiny snug. This was situated off a corridor, leading off to the left of the bar. Before disappearing to grab one of these tables I ordered myself a pint. Horizon from Lincolnshire brewers, Newby Wyke fitted the bill, after I ruled out Robinson’s Trooper and Moon Gazer Dark Mild, as at just 4.1% it was a beer I could enjoy without having to worry about my driving licence. I also ordered my lunch of battered cod and chips.

I like old pubs, especially ones like the Green Dragon which have been serving thirsty customers for hundreds of years. The snug was simply decorated and simply furnished with a timeless feel to it, but one thing bang up to date was the free Wi-Fi; an important feature which more and more pubs are now providing. Being on my own, and with the people sitting at the other tables all engrossed in their own conversations, a spot of web surfing helped pass the time until my food arrived.

"Moby & chips"

My lunch turned out to be a real “Moby and chips”, with the plate piled high. It was tasty, well-cooked and enjoyable and certainly sufficient set me up for the day. I only stayed for the one pint as I was keen to completer my journey following my lunchtime stop, but I am very pleased that I turned off the A11 and made the effort to find the historic and unspoilt Green Dragon.