The Whalebone Pub in Norwich

The Whalebone, 144 Magdalen Rd, Norwich NR3 4BA

About This Pub

Ah, The Whalebone—it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem in Norwich, you know? From what I've gathered from the reviews, it's got this warm, welcoming atmosphere with staff who are dead attentive and make you feel right at home; I love how they pour a perfect pint and even top it up without a fuss. The selection of local ales is spot on, giving that authentic taste of the area, and if you're up for some entertainment, the live bands on Saturday nights really bring the place to life. Plus, there's loads of outside seating for when you fancy a breather or a chat in the fresh air, and that function room is handy for a small do with mates. On the flip side, it's a shame they don't do food in-house, so you might have to sort out a delivery if hunger strikes, which could put a dampener on things. And honestly, the bar area can get a bit squished when it's busy, thanks to the quirky building layout, so it might not be the best for a relaxed evening if you're avoiding the hustle. All in all, it's a solid choice for a good night out, especially if you're after good drinks and a lively crowd, but I'd say pop in prepared for the pros and cons—it's got that charm that keeps folks coming back.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The staff are incredibly helpful and go the extra mile, like topping up your pint without you even asking—always makes you feel looked after.
They've got a fantastic selection of local Norfolk ales that are just spot on for a proper pub experience.
There's plenty of outside seating, which is perfect for a sunny day or when things get a bit lively inside.
Live music on Saturday nights adds a real buzz, making it a fun spot for a night out.
The function room is a great little space for small gatherings or parties, and it's well set up for that.

Cons

They don't serve food on site, so you might end up ordering from Deliveroo, which isn't ideal if you're after a full meal out.
The bar can get pretty crowded and feels a tad cramped due to the building's design, especially during busy times.
It might not suit everyone if you're looking for a quiet spot, as the atmosphere can ramp up with events and music.

Contact Information

The Whalebone, 144 Magdalen Rd, Norwich NR3 4BA

+441603491923

Pub

Open Now

Opening Hours

Monday	14:00 - 22:00
Tuesday (Today)	14:00 - 22:00
Wednesday	14:00 - 22:00
Thursday	14:00 - 22:00
Friday	13:00 - 23:30
Saturday	12:00 - 23:30
Sunday	12:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Dropped in for a drink and meal on a Saturday night. Unfortunately they don't serve food, so they encouraged us to order from 'deliveroo'. The Bar was very crowded, but there was ample empty tables outside, which was actually probably the better option. Saturday night they had a live band playing outside who were quite good, and created a lively atmosphere. Overall, it was a good night, the beer was good, band/atmosphere was good. The need to order food online was not an inconvenience, although I must admit, it's the first time I've done that at a PUB but, if it works, why not.

Bob Burch

Have been to this popular & busy city pub many times usually have a good experience, this time no exception, it has an event room,outside seating & tables although the bar proper can be cramped,because of the building's unusual design & location ,corner of at least 3 streets it can cater for bigger groups of people, don't know about food , never tried

Mark Pearce

Hired the back room. What a great little space for a small party. Really helpful staff. Excellent 👍

gary Thompson

Had some great local Norfolk ale here, nice pub. Top service - more than once the staff ensured my pint was topped up after the initial pour without any prompting. Also there was a pizza van (with a proper pizza oven), which we didn't sample but think is a great idea.

Tom Dainty

Fantastic pub great service lovely decor bar is brilliant also great function room lovely ales,brilliant outdoor area

Chris Taylor