Identified in Kelly's 1879 directory.

At a meeting of the Watch Committee, March 1880, attention was called to the annoyance caused by the public house used as a dancing house and music saloon, the John Barleycorn in Howard Street. The superintendent was ordered to take the necessary steps to suppress the nuisance.

Licence renewal refused at the Brewster Sessions August 1881.

On 19th October 1881 an appeal for licence renewal was heard at the Norfolk Quarter Sessions. The magistrates had refused to renew the licence on four grounds, one of which was the house being improperly conducted.
About 1879, the firm put Mr. De Nant into the house as tenant. He had proceeded to establish a "free and easy" where ladies and gentlemen went in, smoked their pipes, make as much noise as they please and enjoy themselves to their heart's content. Soon it was the haunt of prostitutes and drunken people causing respectable neighbours to complain.
A green hand-bill was produced in evidence, which proclaimed " Miss Mary Walker, the renowned and never-to-be-forgotten female barman. This celebrated lady's career has been one of the most remarkable on record, having always dressed in male attire, and filled, various occupations, such as grocer, cheesemonger, engine cleaner, railway porter, sailor, &c. As a barman she is unexcelled, and should be seen by all. Her moral character is sans reproché. Music mirth and jollity, at the John Barleycorn." It was said that she proved a great attraction and crowds of people assembled, leading to fights and disturbances nightly. Women had been seen brought out helplessly drunk. Language at these times was of a very bad character.
After due deliberation, the Court unanimously agreed that the refusal of licence should stand.

On Tuesday 22nd August 1882, Messrs. Steward, Patteson, Finch & Co. applied for a licence for the John Barleycorn, a house that they held a lease on for a number of years. The licence renewal had been refused at the last annual licensing meeting owing to strong opposition from local tradesmen. The refusal had been confirmed at appeal and in consequence the house had been closed for a year. The brewers said that they regretted taking on Mr. Dennant as tenant since his conduct had caused the problem.
In spite of continued opposition from adjoining tradesmen, Mr. Mason, ironmonger and Mr. Sacret, boot and shoemaker, the committee granted the application and the brewers representative proposed that the house no longer be named the John Barleycorn, but the FLEUR De LIS.