As the Evening News’ Love your Local reporter, I have visited dozens of pubs in the last few years, but MIcawber’s Tavern must be the friendliest yet.
No sooner had I entered than some of the regulars were greeting me, asking me how I was, and urging me to sit down for a chat.

Some of the customers live several miles away, but still come back for the atmosphere and to meet up with old friends.

One of the regulars, Michael Martin always bring his dog, Ruby, to the pub, and the animal was stretched out on the floor lying on her own bed, with her own bowl besides her.

Customers were making a huge fuss of Ruby, and landlady Angie Marris positively oozes friendliness.

She was calling me ‘darling’ from the off, and it was not just a throway term of enderament, but a phrase that you could tell she was using to make me feel at all.

She has been in charge at the pub for about two years and her dad Chris Reilly has owned the pub for about four years.

Her sister Gill Leech and her husband Paul Leech used to be managers at the pub before her.

Being part of the family business is important to her, and the whole pub feels like an extended family.

She said: “I have known about the pub for years. When my sister had it, I used to come in a lot, and a couple of years ago I decided to run it.

“I like the idea of being involved in a family business. I had achieved everything I wanted to as a catering manager, and I love it.

“We get some really nice people in as customers. They are not just customers, as they have become friends. I like being part of the whole business. I feel that we have got a ‘local’ atmosphere in the city.”

In the next few months she plans to build up the food operation at the pub.

Regulars will be in a for a treat next year, as Mr Reilly has bought a package that will enable the pub to show all Norwich City’s home and away games in the Premiership.

The Evening News has been urging customers to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign.

To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

Next week’s Pub of the Week will spotlight the Maids Head in Old Catton.

Do you think that your pub has the history, character and regulars to make it as our Pub of the Week? Call Evening News reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.