Pub battle puts Greene King on hot seat

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The Norwich Beer Festival might ban brewing giant Greene King from an upcoming UK festival because organizers are concerned if Greene King is committed to maintaining the traditional city center pub or turning it into a wine bar.

Bosses at the Norwich Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) say they fear the Ferry Boat pub, on King Street, once a thriving live music venue which has stood empty since May last year, could be reopened as a “chic wine bar.”

A spokesman for Greene King said: “The pub is in consultation with the local authority and has plans in to develop a big family pub/ dining experience.”

CAMRA members remain skeptical.

Norwich pub historian Derek McDonald said: “It’s one of the last pubs in King Street and it would be a shame if it doesn’t open up again as a pub. I’m not sure a wine bar would really fit in on King Street.”