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From Timber Beams to Riverside Pints: A Day Exploring King’s Lynn & Ely
I started my day in King’s Lynn, calling into a great mix of places, from the historic Lattice House with its old beams and cosy corners, to the riverside Crown & Mitre and Marriott’s Warehouse. WhataHoot added something different with its small distillery feel, while Ferry Lane Social Club and The Live & Let Live felt friendly and familiar. I also stopped at Bank House and Wenns before heading to Ely, where 3At3 and the Drayman’s Son brought a more modern touch, and the Cutter Inn rounded things off by the river. It was a really enjoyable day with great drinks, warm welcomes, and plenty to take in.
King’s Lynn and Ely both have long, rich histories shaped by water and trade. King’s Lynn grew as a busy medieval port, with ships bringing goods from across Europe, leaving behind a town full of merchants’ houses and old inns. Ely, built on higher ground in the fens, became known for its stunning cathedral and its quieter, rural charm. Life in both places has always been closely tied to the rivers, which brought work, people, and change over the years. Today, they still carry that history proudly, blending old buildings and stories with everyday life in a relaxed, welcoming way.
Kings Lynn
The Lattice House
I started off the day in Kings Lynn with my first visit being to The Lattice House Bar & Grill. The Lattice House in King’s Lynn began life around 1480 as a timber-framed merchant’s house, likely with shops below and living space above. By 1714 it had become an inn, taking the name “Lattice,” possibly from its trellised windows. It traded for many years as Ye Olde Lattice Inn before losing its licence in 1919. After decades of other uses, it was carefully restored and reopened as a pub in 1982. Today, it remains a striking historic building, full of character and one of the town’s best-preserved medieval survivors.
Inside the sense of history stands out straight away, with a striking timber frame and high vaulted ceilings lined with dark wooden beams. The main room feels open yet comfortable, with booth seating beneath the structure and a large brick fireplace adding character. A mezzanine level and further rooms upstairs provide quieter spots, where lower ceilings, exposed timbers and softer lighting create a more intimate feel. Downstairs, the space is more open, with a mix of seating and smaller areas. The contrast between airy main rooms and cosier upstairs spaces makes it easy to settle in, all tied together by the building’s age and character.
A great warm welcome from Toni when I arrived and it was fantastic chatting to you. On the bar 2 cask ales were available on my visit, along with a range of keg options. I went for Hop Cross Bunny by The Mighty Oak Brewing Company Ltd, a golden ale with gentle floral hops and a bright, fresh finish.
The Crown & Mitre
Next was to The Crown & Mitre. The Crown & Mitre is a historic pub in King’s Lynn, with records suggesting it was established in the 18th century. Its name reflects traditional British symbols of monarchy and authority, common for inns of that period. Over the years, it has served locals, travellers, and port workers, thanks to the town’s busy maritime trade. The building has been altered and updated, but it still keeps its traditional pub character. Today, it remains a familiar spot in the town, offering a link to King’s Lynn’s long history as a working port and community hub.
Inside feels relaxed and traditional, with a characterful layout centred around a cosy bar area and low, beamed ceilings. The décor leans heavily into maritime history, with ship fittings, tools and memorabilia covering the walls and ceiling, giving it a distinctive, slightly eclectic feel. There’s a mix of simple wooden tables and more modern dining areas around a brick fireplace, while the conservatory offers a brighter space with riverside views. Outside, a beer garden sits right by the water, with picnic benches overlooking the river, making it an easy place to settle in with a pint.
On the bar a great line up of 4 cask ales, alongside a range of keg options to choose from. I went for Silver Fox by Wolf Brewery, a golden ale with light malt sweetness and a clean, lively finish.
WhataHoot
WhataHoot was my next visit in Kings Lynn. WhataHoot in King’s Lynn is a small, independent distillery that started back in 2018, when a local couple began making their own gin. It grew quickly from those early days, and they later opened their bar and distillery space in town, giving people a place to try their spirits properly. Today, it’s as much about the experience as the drinks, with gin-making sessions, tastings and relaxed evenings in the bar. It still feels friendly and personal, with everything centred around what they produce on site, making it an easy place to drop in, have a drink and try something a bit different.
Inside feels modern but relaxed, with exposed brick, warm lighting and simple wooden floors giving it an easy, comfortable feel. Upstairs is where you’ll find the bar and seating, with a mix of tables, sofas and soft chairs, plus a clean, welcoming setup with shelves of spirits on display. Downstairs, it shifts into more of a working space, where the distillery sits alongside a small shop area stocked with bottles and gifts. It all comes together nicely, blending a proper distillery with a laid-back place to sit and enjoy a drink.
A great warm welcome from Paul and the team when I arrived and it was fantastic to hear about the range you produce and try a few samples of the Gins which were delicious. On the bar a choice of 2 keg options to choose from, along with a back bar well stocked with spirits. I went for Stackyard Hazy IPA by Barsham Brewery, a hazy IPA packed with juicy tropical fruit and a soft, rounded finish.
The Bank House
A short walk brought me onto Bank House Hotel. Bank House on King’s Staithe Square began in the early 18th century as a grand merchant’s home, standing close to the busy riverside trade of King’s Lynn. Its vaulted cellars once held imported wines brought in through the port. In the 1780s, Joseph Gurney opened his first bank here, a business that would later become part of Barclays. The bank moved away in 1869, and the building went on to serve as offices before finding new life as today’s hotel, bar and restaurant, where hints of its banking past still quietly remain.
Inside feels warm and full of character, with dark wooden floors, high ceilings and large sash windows that let in plenty of light. The rooms are a mix of cosy and open, with simple wooden tables, soft seating and touches like fireplaces, exposed brick and deep-coloured walls adding to the atmosphere. It feels smart but still relaxed, with a natural blend of old features and modern finishes. Outside, there’s a beer garden overlooking the river, with tables set along a raised terrace, making it a great spot to sit out and take in the view on a clear day.
A single cask ale was available on the bar along with a wide variety of keg options to choose from. I went for Jumper by Moon Gazer – Norfolk Brewhouse, a pale ale with light citrus notes and a smooth, easy finish.
Marriott’s Warehouse
A short walk brought me to Marriott’s Warehouse. Marriott’s Warehouse on South Quay was built around 1580 as a busy riverside store, holding goods like grain, salt and wine brought into King’s Lynn by ship. Sitting right beside the River Great Ouse, it played an important part in the town’s trading life for centuries. It later took its name from the Marriott family, who used it for storing grain in the 1800s. After a period of decline, the building was carefully restored and brought back into use. Today, it’s a relaxed bar and restaurant, where the old beams and riverside setting still tell its story.
Inside feels warm and full of history, spread across three distinct floors that each have their own feel. The bottom level is home to the bar and seating, with thick wooden beams, low ceilings and a slightly tucked-away atmosphere. Head up to the middle floor and it opens out into a brighter dining space, with well-spaced tables, soft lighting and large windows looking out towards the river. At the top, the space is used by the Marriott’s Warehouse Trust, where detailed models of historic King’s Lynn buildings are displayed, adding another layer to the story. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and lets the building quietly speak for itself.
It was brilliant meeting and talking to Kirsty from Marriott’s Warehouse Trust when I visited. On the bar a selection of 2 cask ales to choose from, along with a variety of keg choices. I went for Pintail by Moon Gazer – Norfolk Brewhouse, a golden ale with gentle fruit notes and a bright, clean finish.
Ferry Lane Social Club
An extra call into Ferry Lane Social Club. Ferry Lane Social Club in King’s Lynn—known locally as “The Ouse Booze”—has long been a friendly spot where people come together to relax, chat, and enjoy a pint. Its roots go back to earlier riverside buildings, including the old Ferry Boat Inn and later the Ouse Amateur Sailing Club, before becoming the social club it is today. Tucked beside the river, it’s always been tied to the water and local life. Over time, it’s hosted music, quizzes, and everyday get-togethers, staying a simple, welcoming place built on familiar faces and a strong sense of community.
Inside, Ferry Lane Social Club has a cosy, lived-in feel, with wooden tables and chairs set out across a carpeted room. A brick fireplace with a small stove gives it a warm centre, while bunting and framed pictures add a friendly, homely touch. There’s a fruit machine off to one side and bits of club life dotted around. Light comes in through large windows and a door leading straight out to the riverside seating area. Outside, a wooden deck with tables and chairs sits right by the Ouse, a quiet place to watch the water roll past.
A lovely warm welcome from Tracy and the team as soon as I arrived. On the bar a fantastic choice of 5 cask ales, a variety of ciders and a range of keg options. I went for Hale Pale by Steam-Shed Brewing, a pale ale with soft citrus notes and a clean, easy finish.
The Wenns Chop & Ale House
Another extra visit, this time to The Wenns Chop & Ale House. Wenn’s Chop & Ale House in King’s Lynn dates back to the 17th century, when the building was first used as a merchant’s house during the town’s busy trading years. Over time, it became part of the social life around the market square, evolving into a place for food and drink. In more recent years it was known as Goldings before returning to the Wenn’s name, reflecting its longer history. The building has remained a familiar fixture in the town, with each change adding another small chapter to its story.
Inside has a bright, relaxed feel, with plenty of natural light pouring in through large windows overlooking the market square. Inside, it’s welcoming and unfussy—wooden tables and chairs, dark floorboards, and soft cream panelled walls. There are touches of character throughout, from exposed brickwork and old beams to small details like model ships and lantern-style lights. Deep red doors and pillars add warmth, while striped blinds and neatly laid tables keep things tidy. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in and feel at ease.
A selection of 2 cask ales to choose from on the bar, along with a variety of keg choices. I went for Wherry by Woodforde’s Brewery, a smooth amber ale with gentle malt flavour and a clean, balanced finish.
The Live & Let Live
My final visit in Kings Lynn was to The Live & Let Live. The Live & Let Live has been part of King’s Lynn since at least the early 1800s, making it one of the town’s long-standing pubs. Over the years, it has been run by different landlords and has served generations of locals, becoming a familiar and trusted spot. Tucked away on a quieter street, it has always had the feel of a proper backstreet pub. While it has changed hands over time, it has never lost its place in the town, quietly carrying on as a simple, well-known local with a steady link to King’s Lynn’s past.
Inside has a warm, traditional feel with a cosy, well-used layout made up of smaller seating areas. There’s a mix of wooden tables, chairs, and bench seating, along with snug corners centred around open fireplaces and stoves. Wood panelling lines the walls, which are filled with framed photos, local scenes, and bits of pub memorabilia, giving it a strong sense of character. Old clocks, ornaments, and quirky details sit on shelves and mantels, while soft lighting keeps everything feeling relaxed. It’s tidy but comfortably lived-in, with a welcoming, familiar atmosphere that suits the building’s age.
A selection of 4 cask ales to choose between on the bar, along with a variety of ciders and keg options. I went for Blackwater Mild by Crouch Vale, a dark mild with roasted malt notes and a soft, mellow finish.
Nip & Growler Ale House
I didnt get chance to visit due to time constraints but including to make sure you dont miss this. The Nip & Growler is a modern micropub in King’s Lynn that opened in 2017, bringing the building back into use as a pub after many years. Before that, it was best known locally as a camera shop and had also been used for other retail purposes over time. The site has historic links to an earlier tavern known as The Bull, which served the busy riverside area in the town’s trading years. Over the centuries, the building has changed use several times, reflecting the town’s shifting character, before returning to its current role as a pub in the heart of King’s Lynn.
Inside the Nip & Growler feels small, cosy, and easy to settle into. It’s a single-room space with simple wooden tables, a compact bar, and a few stools where people can sit and chat. The décor is clean and unfussy, with light walls, bits of local character, and a touch of charm from the building’s age. It’s not crowded with clutter, which gives it a calm, relaxed feel. You’re close to everything, so it feels friendly and informal, like a proper little local where conversations come naturally and everyone fits in comfortably.
Ely
3at3
I headed from Kings Lynn to Ely, my first visit being to 3At3. 3At3 is a modern addition to Ely’s pub scene, opening in the mid-2010s as a real ale and craft beer café rather than a traditional pub. It was set up in a small unit along Three Cups Walk, a narrow passage just off the main streets near the cathedral. From the start, it combined a bar with a bottle shop, reflecting a newer style of drinking venue. Unlike older pubs in Ely, it doesn’t have centuries of history, but instead shows how the town has adapted, with newer spaces bringing fresh life into its historic centre.
Inside feels beautifully compact and tucked away, but there’s more space than first appears. The main bar area is small and characterful, with wood panelling, exposed brick, and shelves of bottled and canned beers adding colour and interest. Upstairs, a separate seating area offers bench seating, stools, and small tables beneath low, beamed ceilings, with deep red walls and soft lighting creating a warm, relaxed feel. There’s also an outdoor terrace to the rear, a sheltered courtyard that catches the sun well, making it a real suntrap in better weather and giving you the option to sit outside.
A huge Thankyou for opening up so I was able to visit, it is much appreciated- thanks Becky! It was fantastic chatting to you and Toby. On the bar a choice of 5 keg options with even more choices in the shelves and fridges packed full of bottles and cans with lots of styles. I went for Four Cats by Secret Project Brewing, a pale ale with fresh citrus and light tropical notes and a smooth finish.
The Drayman’s Son
Next up in Ely was to The Drayman’s Son. The Drayman’s Son began life in 2013 as Ely’s first micropub, originally opening under the name Liberty Belle in a former shop. This marked a change from retail use to a small, independent pub with traditional roots. In 2015, it was renamed the Drayman’s Son, reflecting a link to local brewing heritage. A few years later, it was taken on by the Three Blind Mice Brewery, who carried out further improvements. Though fairly recent, its story shows how older town buildings can be brought back into use while keeping a connection to the area’s past.
Inside feels compact but lively, centred around a single room with a small bar tucked to one side and seating stretching towards the front windows. Wooden tables, stools, and bench seating are arranged closely together, with a mix of chairs and barrel-style seats adding character. The décor leans into a slightly retro, pub-inspired look, with enamel signs, dark wood, and chalkboard menus lining the walls. Warm hanging bulbs and the light from the front windows keep it bright while still feeling inviting, and the layout makes it easy to take in everything at a glance while settling in with a drink.
A huge selection of cask, keg, ciders, meads, bottles and more to choose from. You won’t be stuck for choice. I went for Double Trouble by Three Blind Mice Brewery, a golden ale with lively citrus notes and a bright, refreshing finish.
The Cutter Inn
My final visit in Ely on Thursday was to The Cutter Inn. The Cutter Inn has roots going back to the early 1800s, when the site was first used for brewing and selling beer. By the 1820s, a former barn had been converted into a place where beer was sold, and it soon developed into a proper inn. Over the 19th century, it grew alongside Ely’s riverside trade, serving bargemen and workers using the River Great Ouse. The pub passed through different owners and brewers over time and was updated in the 20th century, but it has remained a familiar riverside spot, closely tied to Ely’s working past.
Inside it feels open but still cosy, with low ceilings, exposed beams and wooden floors giving it a proper pub feel. There’s a mix of sturdy tables, cushioned chairs and bench seating across a few connected spaces, so you can pick what suits. Big windows look straight out onto the river and let in plenty of light, while softer lighting keeps things relaxed elsewhere. It strikes a nice balance between traditional and slightly updated, with a brighter lounge-style area alongside the older features. Outside, there’s seating at the front right by the river, plus a rear beer garden with picnic benches that’s great for groups.
On the bar a line up of 4 cask ales to choose from, along with a wide selection of keg beers. I went for Bigwig’s Brew by Nethergate Brewery, a golden ale with gentle hop bitterness and a rounded, satisfying finish.
Micropub Adventures 