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Norton Plumbers' Arms
Norton Plumbers' Arms
also traded as Tickled Trout
North, 52.25455,0.86596
Closed: about 1996
opened 1960s
Woolpit Rd, IP31 3LU
grid reference TL 957 656
It's shown here (though not named) on this old OS map from about the end of the 19th century. interactive map
The original Plumber's Arms was a 300 year old coaching inn. It was demolished in August 1959 along with the adjacent hall which had also served as a village dance hall.
A new purpose-built replacement pub was built where the hall had been and was ready to open as soon as the old pub was closed. It was built for Bullard's at a cost of £9,000.
The new building also traded as the Plumbers Arms and was in later years owned by Watney's and Grand Met. Its name was only changed to the Tickled Trout for a couple of years before its closure in 1999. It has since been demolished, with new housing having been built upon the site.
Planning permission for conversion to residential use was granted in August 1996.
Owner/operator: Phoenix Inns
1960s pub with large beer garden and live music Sun. eve.
Beers: Adnams Extra, Broadside; ScotCo Webster's Bitter; guest beer (independents).CAMRA's 1997 Suffolk Real Ale Guide
Gallery
Historical interest
When the new build Plumbers arms opened in 1959 Mr C Bull of 'The Glen', Norton was served the first pint in the new building by Mrs Smith, the landlord's wife.
The local paper reported the move from the old to new pub as follows : As time marches on old English pubs become too old and obsolete, although small rooms and low ceilings provide cosy surroundings for social events they provide no room for necessary amenities. On July 29th 1959 Tom played his accordion and the regulars sang farewell to the old place before the landlord Mr Albert Smith called the very last "time gentlemen please". They were nostalgic but not down hearted as the very next day the new Plumbers Arms was opened on the adjoining site. …
Landlords
(Most pub, location & historic details collated by Nigel, Tony or Keith - original sources are credited)
(some old PO directory information courtesy of londonpublichouse.com)
Old OS map reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.