In February 2005 Adrian Hennessy found
no real ales on offer.

This is probably as a result of the pub, in recent times,
catering very much for the 20+ y.o. pre-Night Club
crowd (in the evenings); and the hand-pumps had
accordingly disappeared.

There is a cash machine inside the building.

The pub continues to claim Free House status, despite
ownership by Mill House Inns, latterly Spirit Group
and, in turn, Punch Taverns.

Food is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
and from 5 to 7 p.m.

This is a large cafe bar on at least two levels;
incorporating a nightclub (originally) called
Liquid, which opened in January 2000.
In August 2004 Adrian Hennessy reported regular
live music, mainly featuring tribute-style bands.

By mid-2009 the name of the nightclub had changed,
but the format of this venue (part of a national
chain) continues.
That is to say : two rather different businesses in one,
which then operate for most hours of the day/night.

Earlier parts of the day are marketed as a restaurant/cafe
first, and bar second : commonly the case these days.
Most evenings free entrance is to part of the complex,
but fees are charged for access to the designated
nightclub areas.

On Friday and Saturday nights a fee applies to
both areas - each of which is (confusingly?)
described as a club.
Fees are on an ascending scale
which penalises late-comers.

Continued . . .

Overall, the premises contain 5 rooms and 8 bars,
aside from the restaurant and combined smoking area.
Of these, 3 rooms are set aside for the nightclub proper.
The nightclub boasts the 'best club terrace in Norwich'.
The smoking terrace is advertised as 'brand new'.

An official statement gives a capacity of 800 on
two floors with 3 bars, including the new cocktail bar.
A 'fully functional' restaurant caters for parties from
4 to 100; with reserved (all night) booth seating and
table drink service when requested.

A review of the nightclub by a pioneer customer
described it, in April 2009, as tired, and in need
of a major re-vamp.

See Research for major changes, including ownership,
from February 2010. These seem to have left the café
and its ties to Chicago Rock (nationally) unaffected.

On a visit in February 2005, Adrian Hennessy
found no real ales on offer.

The hotel was still advertised as such,
although only 9 rooms are available.

The emphasis on nightclub activity, by September 2009,
does not seem to have affected the operation of the pub
or hotel; although the latter must be at some risk[1]
from noise !!

The immense changes to the front of the premises
give exactly the opposite impression to that of a club.
The fascia is now almost entirely of glass,
and the (new?) public bar is fully on display.

Nightclub hours, esp. at weekends, do not seem
related to opening times - which may be unchanged.

[1] The club is situated in the basement,
      not the upper floors.

Continued . . .

The General Manager, Burim Zeqiri, is proud of
the "massive facelift" for his long-established
"sound alternative to the mainstream club rivals"

He claims comfortable seating areas and
plenty of space to dance.
There are also big screens, a new VIP Section at
street level; and special new seating booths in
the club and smoking area.

It is not clear where the smoking area is situated.

There is a new "door policy" - whatever that means,
and a new dress-code at weekends.

A major refurbishment of the Hotel Belmonte has
resulted in modern and chic rooms, with excellent
value rates.

The website makes it visually clear that the enterprise
regards the bar and restaurant as two quite separate
areas and functions.

Their own descripton is of A Chic & Elegant Venue,
offering its customers the perfect opportunity
to relax, unwind and dine in style

The same applies to the Bar
i.e. . . . .and socialise in style.

Sadly, customer reports (as late as Sept. 2009)
while praising the food, were appalled at the
high price of drinks.

The business is allied to, and a spin-off from,
the Mercy nightclub next door.
The same owners are about to open
other facilities across the street.
(Nov. 2009)

William Livock was the first licensee and also
the owner for a couple of years.

In October 1869 he was succeeded as licensee by
Thomas Titus Robinson, of No. 1 - the Robinson Hotel.
Robinson lasted for three years, after which
the pub became tied (October 1872).

William High became landlord in April 1878.
He was followed by his widow Emma in February 1884,
who - by September of that year - had handed over
to (son?) Emmanuel William.

Another relative of the Highs, George Harding High,
stabilised the situation in September of the same year,
and presided until May 1912.

It seems bizarre that it was Johnson (or was it really
George?) who changed the name of the pub.

As  Fatso's it was primarily listed as a
Restaurant USA-style.

Alhough the new(?) owners are Sprowston-based
Anglia Restaurants, surprisingly, the Essence
replacement does not mention food in its
adverts*; except for pizzas on 'student nights' -
Monday & Thursday.

Free entry Monday to Thursday implies
a charge on Fridays and Saturdays.

The motto is : spirit, heart and soul.
* but see the website.

The prodigiously long drinks menu (mainly
cocktails etc.) does not list any Real Ales.
The usual keg range is offered.

Continued . . .

Owners mentioned at the Town Planning meetings are
Arthur and Michelle Williams (Anglia Restaurants)
Planning permission was granted by 3rd December 2010
to open a nightclub at the rear of the premises;
taking in an empty warehouse and office-block.

Although the development would almost double the
internal floorspace, the nightclub access would
still be the main entrance on Prince of Wales Road.
Unless a Rose Lane entrance is required
for fire safety reasons.

Use will also me made of the existing garden/smoking
area i.e. courtyard - already controlled under the
premises licence.