Dining pubs in Norfolk

A relaxed meal with friends in a gastro pub is perfect to catch up or celebrate. Norfolk has lots of dining pubs serving creative dishes and here are some of our top places

King’s Arms, Fleggburgh

The kitchen at The King’s Arms in the pretty village of Fleggburgh is masterfully run by head chef Mark Dixon, a runner up Chef of the Year at the EDP Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2016. Creating dishes with an exceptional eye for detail, you are bound to find something to tempt you on the menu. Although seasonally changing, you can expect creations such as belly and fillet of Dingley Dell pork with fondant potato, black pudding, kohlrabi, lovage, apple puree and a rich cider jus.

Don’t miss: The three course Sunday lunch with roast Norfolk beef, seasonal veg, duck fat roasted potatoes and Yorkshire puddings. What better way to spend the end of the week?

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The Wildebeest, Stoke Holy Cross

Tastefully decorated with off white walls, dark wood flooring and rustic wooden tables, The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross is dedicated to selecting the best seasonal fruit and vegetables from their own land at The Tacons farm in Rollesby. Meat, fish, cheese and other produce is sourced in Norfolk and supports local suppliers. Seasonally changing dishes are served on fashionable, asymmetric plates featuring meals such as pan roast monkfish tail with charred pickled potato, feta, garlic infused cherry tomatoes, buttered kale, black olive tapenade and tarragon cream.

Don’t miss: The meticulously selected wine menu aims to complement the seasonal dishes available and features local breweries too.

The Crown, Banningham

The Crown in the sleepy village of Banningham is housed in a gorgeous 17th century building surrounded by greenery and sits opposite the historic St Botolph’s Church and the village green. Seasonally changing and locally sourced ingredients are used to make comforting dishes such as home made lasagne with garlic bread, steak and kidney pudding, steak and Abbot ale pie and more. Desserts are equally tantalising with creations such as salted caramel cheesecake or pavlova with winter berries and Chantilly cream. The Crown supports local suppliers such as Parravani’s who supply the creamy ice cream.

Don’t miss: Check the news and events section on the website for exciting events.

The Fox at Lyng

Pub of the Year at the EDP Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2016, The Fox Country Pub & Restaurant in Lyng is a 17th century eatery that has retained much of its period features while still being a contemporary establishment. The menu changes on a weekly basis and features dishes such as slow cooked pork belly with spinach dauphinoise, cauliflower cheese puree, roasted apple, kale and a cider jus and plenty for vegetarians to tuck into including vegetable curry with basmati rice, mango chutney and naan bread or a wild mushroom risotto with Manchego cheese crisp and a rocket salad.

Don’t miss: Afternoon teas at The Fox offer the chance to relax with loved ones and indulge in some conversation over tea, cakes, scones and finger sandwiches.

The Swan at Loddon

With starters such as halloumi and roasted red pepper salad; mains of smoked mackerel risotto with spinach and parmesan; and desserts including coffee and dark chocolate mousse with hazelnut brittle, it’s not suprising that The Swan at Loddon is a popular choice for locals and visitors looking for something to satisfy their hunger. The 18th century former coaching house is now a bustling country pub with a cosy and welcoming ambiance. Food is locally sourced, fresh and reflects seasonal availability for dishes with a Norfolk twist.

Don’t miss: There are plenty of events happening throughout the year at The Swan including augmented seasonal menus, Easter Sunday lunch and of course every Sunday there is a raved-about roast on the table. Keep an eye out on social media and the website for event details and updates.

The Orange Tree, Thornham

Step into the chic interior of The Orange Tree in Thornham and taste some award winning Norfolk food from the dedicated and creative chefs. The ever-changing menu is tweaked all the time to fit in with seasonal ingredients. With past delicacies including crispy Gressingham duck leg with bamboo steamed pancakes, hoi sin and plum sauces and an Asian salad; or a seafood spaghetti of cockles, squid, tiger prawns, crab, grana padano cheese, chilli lemon oil and a sprig of parsley, there is bound to be something to entice or surprise you. Having been awarded the Good Pub Guide Norfolk Dining Pub of the Year for 2017, you will have an exciting experience at The Orange Tree.

Don’t miss: Keep checking specials boards for new additions.

The Bird in Hand, Wreningham

Making the most of local Norfolk suppliers, The Bird in Hand in the village of Wreningham is an idyllic spot for a country pub meal with loved ones. Main courses such as Lancashire lamb hotpot or home-made rump steak burger served on a toasted bun with red onion marmalade, cheddar cheese, pickle, coleslaw and salad with steak-cut chips are reported to give you that cosy pub feeling and leave you with a full belly!

Don’t miss: Those that like their British desserts can enjoy bread and butter pudding with sultanas and apricots with vanilla custard and apricot coulis or sticky toffee pudding with a rich toffee sauce and ice cream.

The Green Dragon, Wymondham

With striking historic features that evoke old England, The Green Dragon in Wymondham dates way back to the 14th century and serves unpretentious food to hungry patrons. Take a step back in time and soak in the historic interiors as you feast on traditional pub grub including beer battered (and sustainably sourced) fish with chunky chips, salad and peas; or local sausages and mashed potato with a red wine gravy and beer battered onion rings and vegetables on the side. Perfection.

Don’t miss: Real ale, cider and music festivals at The Green Dragon! Twice a year, there will be over 50 types of real ales and ciders flowing and musical accompaniments in the form of local bands.

The Reindeer, Norwich

With 22 craft beers at the bar, beer heads love The Reindeer Pub & Kitchen on Dereham Road in Norwich. A trendy and popular pub, foodies will be pleasantly surprised with the menu which includes inventive creations such as pan seared calf’s liver with a sweet onion rosti, bacon crisp and rainbow chard or butternut squash and spicy chickpea ratatouille with spinach and chard for the vegetarians. The roast dinners on a Sunday often book up quickly so make sure you’re the first to call!

Don’t miss: Beer recommendations to accompany any dish you order will be provided happily so, as the saying goes, “eat, drink and be merry” at The Reindeer. There are also events such as an outdoor cinema experience so check the website for details.

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