The pub began, at No. 8, as a free house; but a couple
of years later (Oct. 1872) Thomas Titus Robinson
became owner and licensee.

He changed the name to Robinson Hotel, also
boasting of Wine & Spirit Vaults.

Thomas appears to have died in May 1878, and his
widow Maria took over. Just before she left
(August 1891) she had ceded ownership to
Morgan's Brewery (1890).

There appears to have been a Prince of Wales Yard
off Tombland, which backed onto the pub.
If so, it is more likely to have been off
St. Faith's Lane.

A photographic record c. 1937 can be found in :
STANDLEY, Philip : Norwich - in old postcards,
Volume 2, page 29.

Volume 1 has an old photo of Snellings,
tobacconist at No. 10, on page 58.
It was some years after WWI that it was incorporated
into the pub; which now occupies nos. 8 - 12.

It seems that Luminar Leisure controlled both the café
and the nightclub at the outset. The firm itself was
replaced by "3D Entertainments" some time later;
although Luminar still had a 49% stake in 3D. 
Luminar claim that the two firms have
'operated independently' since 2007.

3D had 'gone bust' by 26th February 2010, but the
new owners (of both parts of the property) are
Atmosphere Bars and Clubs.

The effect upon the Chicago Rock side of the venue
seems simply to have secured its future; although the
jobs of 21 people (overall?) have been saved.
The café probably continued - and continues -
in business, as normal.

Continued . . .

On the other hand the nightclub has been revolutionised.
Although all the details are irrelevant, as regards
pubs, the history is briefly as follows.

Originally Liquid, its name changed to love2love
in 2009, which may indicate a positive response
to several adverse comments by customers about
the "club" facilities; as recently as April 2009.

A further name-change from 27th November 2009, to
Fuel seems to have been fairly pointless as regards
3D's prospects; and the place must have closed
soon after February 2010.

A re-opening took place on 20th August, after a
6-figure re-vamp. The latest new name is Pure.

It was unclear, from the beginning, whether
this 'lounge' or 'bar' was ever more than just
another Prince of Wales Road nightclub.
[Dec. 2008]
S*h*o*o*s*h is the new boutique bar concept aimed at
a late 20's and upwards customer; bringing a slice
of London chic to Norwich and the surrounding counties.

Lounge - Late Night - DJ's - it will be an unrivalled
experience offering the finest cocktails and music selection.
There is nothing quite like it in Norwich and
it is the first bar of its kind in the area.

With a completely white interior the bar
sells itself on its unique interior design.

Shoosh gives you another reason to stay in bed...
featuring 2 exclusive beds where you can sip
champagne, pick from one of our specially catered
platters, eat chocolates while relaxing and
catching up with friends.

Continued . . .

S*h*o*o*s*h - Norwich's Best Kept Secret.
Preview Night - Wednesday Dec. 17th (invite only)
Opening Night - Thursday December 18th

The enterprise lasted, in that form, only
a little over two years.

The new owners - incredibly - may not intend to
carry on beyond April 2012  (i.e. 100 nights!)
This seems to co-incide with the University
calendar, whose members are clearly their
target customers, starting (early) in August.