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The Elm Tavern was situated at 118 Magdalen Road, closing in 2008. Demolished in 2009.

My Great Grandfather William Waters was licensee of this pub from 1898 to 1943 (some sort of record??!!) His tenure survived a lot of bombing, however it was rebuilt shortly after the war - bearing in mind he was there throughout the 1st World War too. He was about 39yrs old when he moved in, therefore about 84yrs when he moved out. His wife's name was Lydia and they had 4 children. I hope this is of interest to you. I would love a pre war photo of the pub, I wondered if you could help me source one, (especially one including the Landlord !! )

Elizabeth Broadley (nee Eggleston)

I was just trying to find a picture of this pub that my Uncle and Aunt used to run and came across your site. Their names were Peg and Stan Kyle and ran it for many years I believe. (I was just a young boy at the time so I have no idea as to the length of their tenure.) Prior to this, they ran The Jolly Maltsters, just up the road from City's football ground, Carrow Road. Anyway , I have many fond memories of this pub as a child and stayed there many times during the school hols. I lived in Lowestoft then and would be brought here by Mum (who was also in the trade (The Carlton Hotel, London Road South, Lowestoft) and would have a great week helping out my uncle re-stock the shelves with brown bottles of beer. That's all they were for me, I had no idea what they contained. The passage of time has corrected that though! I seem to remember there was a racing pigeon club based around the back somewhere near the car park. Not sure why though, as neither my aunt or uncle demonstrated any interest in pigeons as far as I can recall. Anybody who used to frequent the pub then will surely remember my aunt's love of Golden Labradors, she always had one by her side, although I think I'm right in saying, they were not allowed 'pub-side' only in the private quarters. Regulars will also surely know of the gold charm bracelet my aunt used to wear all the time. You could hear her before you saw her, as this bracelet was so full of charms bought over the years, it would make a very familiar 'clink clank' noise as she busied herself behind the bar. I don't remember when my aunt and uncle left that pub, (it was their last) but they ended their days in a bungalow on Boniface Close Norwich (behind 'The Maid Marion', Ipswich Road)

Mark Williamson (April 2013)

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