The Norfolk: Memories of the ‘old school’ Peterborough pub that poured its last pint in 2001 - how we’d love for it to return in 2026

It’s no secret that the UK’s pub trade has struggled over recent years.

According to the British Pub and Beer Association (BBPA), a staggering 336 pubs across the UK closed their doors in 2025.

The fact that two pubs a day closed in the first quarter of 2026 is perhaps even more alarming.

Soaring energy costs, cheaper supermarket competition and changing social habits have all contributed to some testing years for the pub trade.

Peterborough’s boozers are, sadly, no exception to the rule.

Since the turn of the century, Peterborough has lost dozens of pubs, including a few that were always part of a Friday or Saturday night back in the day.

These pubs may have closed their doors some years ago, but the memories created inside them will live on for many years to come.

Many would agree that The Norfolk fell firmly into that category.

For decades, the Lincoln Road boozer was a main player in Peterborough’s pub scene, becoming well known for its live music offering.

The pub was also popular among the city’s biker groups, particularly in the 1970s and ‘80s.

Sadly, the pub closed its doors in 2001 after decades of happy memories.

Earlier this month we asked readers on our Facebook page to share their own memories of The Norfolk.

After receiving more than 300 comments, it’s fair to say that the pub’s legacy has stood the test of time.

Below we’ve picked out some of the best ones.

Memories of The Norfolk

“I met my husband-to-be in October 1974 on his 22nd birthday!” - Gillian

“My first alcoholic drink and I bought it as a 14 yr old (different times). Also my introduction into live music, I remember seeing Five Card Trick and Joshua Tree many many years ago.” - Helen

“Lunch time drinking in August 1982 with lots of school friends after collecting our A Level results from Kings. We went to the town park when we got chucked out to play football, somewhat tipsy! Happy memories” - Caroline

“I went to The Norfolk with my dad the night before I flew out to Australia. It was a tradition before I went travelling. This time the tequila got brought out. Needless to say I very nearly missed my flight. Great night. Great memories.” - Clare

“Me and the wife - now of 30 years - had our first date there. She didn't know it was a date, but I did. We’ve been together ever since.” - Lenny

“Used to be my local. I had my hen night there 52 years ago. Brilliant night from what I remember.” - Elizabeth

“Best pub in Peterborough at the time. All my memories with all our musicians brilliant never been a pub like it since. Such a shame!” - Sian

“All the best bands from the area such as Hooker and Stray Cats and many more. Rosie on karaoke, too. Fabulous times.” - Kym

“Oh boy, I loved The Norfolk. A regular spot for us sixth formers from Deacons leading up to the summer of 1990. Great days.” - Al