In mid-1998 a re-furbishment took place, in line with
the new(ish) pub name. This was effected in an
Edwardian theatre-land manner.

A less(?) dramatic re-furbishment occurred between
August and October 2008, when the pub became vacant.
The pub name was shortened, but is now almost
meaningless.

Nevertheless, the re-vamped pub is very attractive
[Jan. 2009]
Although the upper portion - considerably higher than
the rest - is probably not an original feature, it has
been there for as long as anyone can remember.
It has a very big bay-window facing Park Lane.

The tiny lounge (almost a "snug") at the other end of the
building has been tastefully furnished and re-decorated,
retaining the Victorian fireplace.

Altogether, this one-bar pub is quite small; but the
external decking, which has been there for some years,
goes a long way to solving the space problem -
if only in good weather.
Happily the (inside) floor is not carpeted,
but has been well 'sealed'.

Continued . . .

The pub now serves a range of foods,
and specialises in wine.
The downside is the brewery-tie to Greene King;
which has been 'disguised' by the removal of any
traces of the logo, inside or out.

Even the infamous IPA has been relegated to a keg-tap,
and the tiny label re-designed with simple anonimity.
There was only one hand-pump, serving
Old Speckled Hen, allegedly brewed by Morland;
but, in fact, with the usual distasteful GK palette -
at 2 pounds 90 a pint.

The young ladies in charge were efficient,
cheerful and helpful.

The brewery 'disguise' mentioned may have been
explained by the publicity given (November 2009)
to the new owner, whose second Norwich venture
this was - i.e. a year earlier - namely
Ms. Sarah-Jane Roberts of Indulging Gastros Ltd.

The long-standing hotel, directly opposite the pub,
has also been acquired and re-named Langtry Rooms
- at 82 Unthank Road.
The hotel reception is sited within the pub.

A photographic record c. 1910 can be found in :
STOREY, Neil R. :
Around Norwich, page 30. Also to be found in -
STANDLEY, Philip :
Norwich - Then and Now (part 1), page 30
and (1914) in STANDLEY, Philip :
Norwich - in old postcards, Volume 1, page 19.

In June 2003 Adrian Hennessy noted the bare
floorboards and large windows. He also found some
comfortable chairs by the fireplace.
There is a pool table to one side of the bar;
and an access ramp in front of the building.

Visit on 21st August 2008 :-
Despite rumours that a landlord would leave the
pub (in mid-August), in limbo, it is still running;
with a temporary landlord, who nips out for smoke.

This building has an amazing amount of light, from
windows on all four sides of the horseshoe-shaped
bar; particularly from the two giant glazed bays.
It must be expensive to keep the pub warm in Winter.

Adnam's Regatta was on sale at 3 pounds 20p.

Publicity in November 2009 points to the takeover,
some time earlier, by Ms. Sarah Jane Roberts, who
controlled the nearby Langtry pub from October 2008.

Manager Laura Whitehead took over the re-named
Mulberry in early June 2010.
The official opening date was 12th.

Continued . . .

The Eastern Evening News comments that it has become
a gastro-pub despite assurances - when it was taken over
in 2008 - that it would remain a 'good community local boozer'.

Sarah Jane Roberts, managing director of Indulge Ltd.,
defended the decision to turn it into a gastro-pub,
and said it was still a "community venue".
We would not have been as busy as we have been since
we opened last week if it was not what the community
wanted. The pub had to evolve and we had to think
about everyone in the area.
Some of the old locals are still coming back anyway.

Danny Banthorpe, Indulge's promotions manager, said:
The Mulberry will offer a stylish neighbourhood
gastro-pub/venue and a charismatic space to meet,
eat and drink, at anytime throughout the day and
into the evening.
Head chef Lee Havers will boast a new British menu
designed to meet all culinary tastes, and the garden is
a quirky urban oasis that will play host to alfresco
cocktails and dining and the odd tea party too,
starting with the opening day.

The pub is holding a 'Mad Hatters' tea and garden party
for its official opening on 12th June 2010.