18 Aug Norris English Pub, Nestled In Tiny Liberty, A True Destination Brewery
On Saturday, August 15th I was in Connersville, Indiana. My fiancé’s family lives there and a bridal shower was being thrown for her. (Am I the only one that gets agitated that there are no groom showers? And I’m not talking about the couple’s showers. That just seems like a pity invite.) Anyway, my parents also drove up from Southern Indiana so my mom could attend.
That left “the boys” to adventure out on their own. So with me behind the wheel, my soon to be father-in-law riding shotgun, and my own father nestled in the back seat, I drove the backroads of Fayette County east a few miles into Union County and the town of Liberty, Indiana.
Liberty and I have a history. More specifically, the tiny restaurant on the edge of town, the Liberty Bell, and I have a history. However, that story is for another time and place.
Back to the topic at hand.
The three amigos pulled into Norris English Pub right as the doors opened at 3. My future father-in-law, Rich, actually reminisced back when the pub was an old garage.
Owners Wayne and Kathy Norris invited us right in and we bellied up to the bar as Wayne explained the beer menu where 8 beers are currently on tap with more in the works. They sell bombers and growlers, plus are eager for feedback from customers on what beers they’d like to see brewed.
My own dad reveled in how cool the place was and wished we had something similar in the southern part of the state. Meanwhile, Rich asked numerous questions about the pubs “reinvention” and about Wayne Norris’ background as a pilot.
Wayne put a dvd on the large screen TV that hangs in the right hand corner of the bar. The dvd was a picture by picture documentation of the renovation of the pub. He and his wife took on the construction themselves and did a remarkable job.
Seriously. The place is beautiful.
I ordered a Hop Momma IPA and a cottage pie. Craft beer and traditional English pub fare? Umm, yes please. Both beer and grub were phenomenal. The pie was rib sticking good and left me full and happy. The IPA was smooth with a bitterness upfront that never became overpowering. Of course I ordered a second.
My dad ordered bangers and mash with a citrus wheat ale. When the food came, I didn’t hear him speak for a good ten minutes. I tried his beer and it was as good an interpretation of a craft radler as I’ve had. If I lived closer to Liberty, that Citrus wheat would be my go to during the summer months, especially with Brookville Lake so close.
Rich went with traditional fish and chips (sliced-in-house chips) and a Bombshell Blonde. Both stellar. The blonde was a hazy, light, easy drinking beer. He even bought a growler to take back to his daughter (my fiancé) who also happens to be a bombshell blonde. (I’m assuming we bonded enough on this adventure for me to call her that. If not, you may never hear from me again.)
If you should find yourself in Liberty the next morning due to the atmospheric excellence of the Norris English Pub, I can tell you first hand that the Liberty Bell Restaurant down the street makes a damn fine omelet. Just don’t pass out in a booth.
Until next time, this is where I leave you.
David Huddleston
Posted at 08:42h, 18 AugustGreat write up. I’m originally from Connersville but live in Liberty. Norris English Pub is an awesome place. Stop in quite often and have tried everything they have. Fish and chips and Double Decker are my favorites. But I mix it up now and then. It’s all good.
Shawn Huffman
Posted at 08:49h, 18 AugustWhat an awesome written article. Hats off to to Cory Huffman. Not sure we are related. lol
Cory
Posted at 13:49h, 18 AugustThese guys deserve all the good publicity they can get! Awesome spot!
Karen Kahl
Posted at 09:01h, 19 AugustWhat a great article. I am the director of Union County public library and also love the Pub. The food & drinks are the best! I have lived in Liberty for 43 years & love it. Thank you for sharing your experience you sound like an awesome young man.
Cory
Posted at 00:04h, 20 AugustKaren,
Thank you for your kind words and support! Liberty is a great town and Norris epitomizes the essence of that great community and its residents.