The Community
The King’s Arms is Norfolk’s first community‑owned pub, saved by the determination of Shouldham’s residents after it closed in 2012. Villagers came together, raised over £150,000 in community shares, and brought the pub back to life as a place run for the benefit of everyone. Today it stands as the social heart of the village, hosting live music, quiz nights, charity fundraisers, and the everyday moments that keep people connected. We also work closely with other communities across the county who are fighting to save or support their own local pubs, sharing our experience, advice, and lessons learned to help them succeed in keeping their pubs at the centre of village life.
The Setting
Set in one of West Norfolk’s most picturesque spots, The King’s Arms overlooks Shouldham’s beautiful village green. From the pub you can see the classic red phone box, the original village water pump, and the gentle rise toward the historic church on the hill. In 2020, during the lockdowns, we built a large timber pergola in the beer garden — a project designed both to support local tradespeople and to create a sheltered, all‑year‑round space for outdoor dining and entertainment. It’s now one of the pub’s most loved features, adding to the charm of this idyllic setting and giving the community a place to gather whatever the weather.
Our History
The King’s Arms has been part of Shouldham life since at least 1794, when John Holman is recorded as its earliest known licensee. Over the centuries, it has passed through many hands — including long‑standing local families and several regional breweries — evolving from a simple beerhouse into a fully licensed inn. Despite closures, changes of ownership, and the challenges of modern times, the building has remained a constant presence on the green, serving generations of villagers and travellers for more than two hundred years, right up to the present day as an award-winning community pub.
Beer Festival
Launched in 2014 as a fundraiser to help save the pub, the King’s Arms Beer Festival has grown into Shouldham’s biggest annual celebration. The three‑day event brings together live music, great food, and more than 40 ales from local breweries, all served straight from the cask. What began as a community effort to secure the pub’s future is now a much‑loved tradition — a lively, joyful weekend that draws crowds from across Norfolk and celebrates everything that makes the pub special.