Six of the best for food and real ale

The best of the local pubs

Six of the best for food and real ale

The Eagle at Norwich33 Newmarket Road, Norwich, NR2 2HN, 01603 624173, www.theeaglepub.co.uk

Reasons to visit: This striking, Georgian-style pub boasts a popular fine dining menu and four real ales – with house bitter Eagle’s Nest and Greene King IPA always on tap. Enjoy in the restaurants, spacious garden or terrace with seasonal delights like oven-roasted sea bass, sauteed ox liver, couscous-stuffed field mushrooms and a Sunday lunch menu of roasted local meat and all the trimmings, Cromer Crab or butternut squash risotto. Signature dishes: Roast belly of pork with mash and wholegrain mustard sauce. Open: 11am to 11pm (Mon to Thurs, Sun); 11am to 11.30pm (Fri to Sat).Cost: Starters from �4.75; mains from �9.95; desserts all �4.95.

The Feathers Inn13 Town Green, Wymondham, NR18 0PN,01953 605675.

Reasons to visit: Visit this historic inn and you will find reasonably priced food and real ales aplenty. A specials board of traditional pub grub like scampi, cod or gammon with chips, lasagne, and steak and kidney and fisherman’s pies whets the appetite, while regular ales Adnams, Abbot, London Pride and Feather’s Tickler (a hoppy flavoured ale produced specially by Elgood’s of Wisbech) quenches the thirst.Signature dishes: The Adnams sausage, sage and onion pie.Open: 11am to 2.30pm (daily); 7pm to 11pm (Mon to Thurs, Sun); 6pm to 12am (Fri); 7pm to 11.30pm (Sat).Cost: Starters from �2; mains from �4; desserts from �2.50.

The Fox and Hounds22 Station Road, Heacham, PE31 7EZ,01485 570345,www.foxandhoundsheacham.co.uk

Reasons to visit: West Norfolk CAMRA Pub of the Year winners and thrice-yearly beer festival hosts, The Fox and Hounds serves nine real ales from its attached brewery. Traditional stalwarts like steak and ale pie and haddock in beer batter, ingredients brought in by regulars can be bartered in exchange for Fox beer. Enjoy game specialities, locally sourced meat and sweet and stodgy home-made puddings.Signature dishes: The Fox Burger made with a secret blend of spices and Fox ale!Open: Food served daily 12pm to 2pm, 6pm to 9pm.Cost: Starters from �4.50; mains from �7.50; desserts around �4.50.

The Fur and Feathers InnSlad Lane, Woodbastwick, NR13 6HQ, 01603 720003, www.thefurandfeatherinn.co.uk

Reasons to visit: The Fur and Feathers serves the award-winning Woodforde’s Mardlers, Wherry, Sundew, Nelson’s Revenge, Norfolk Nog and Admiral’s Reserve – best enjoyed with a dish from the traditional British menu. Choose from locally sourced fish, meat and veggie options, a selection of sides and an indulgent home-made dessert to finish. Signature dishes: The classic Noggin Yorkie, with Norfolk Nog braised steak, served in a giant Yorkshire pudding.Open: 11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm (Mon to Sat); 12pm to 10.30pm (Sun). Cost: Starters from �4.50; mains from �9; desserts all �5.25.

The Lord Nelson42 East Street, Southwold, IP18 6EJ,01502 722079,www.thelordnelsonsouthwold.co.uk

Reasons to visit: The Lord Nelson offers a full range of Adnams’ finest. The award-winning ales on offer vary from the ever-popular Bitter, to Broadside, Explorer and Old Ale. You’ll even find the beer in the ingredients of several menu options, alongside traditional favourites like freshly made soups, roasts, pies, steaks, seasonal mussels and plenty of fish dishes – bought fresh from Lowestoft. Signature dishes: Fish and chips, using Adnams-battered cod, haddock or plaice.Open: 10.30am to 11pm (Mon to Sat); 12pm to 10.30pm (Sun). Cost: Starters from �3.95; mains around �8.75; desserts all �4.50.

The Windmill InnWater End, Great Cressingham, Thetford, IP25 6NN, 01760 756232, www.oldewindmillinn.co.uk

Reasons to visit: This hostelry prides itself on serving an extensive menu, plus six real ales and 12 draughts. The Old Bar, Shooting Room and Cellar Bar are ideal for enjoying Adnams, Greene King and Windy Miller, complemented by a barbecue charcoal grill, home-made pie, pasta dish, connoisseur classic, veggie special or light bite. Signature dishes: Sunday roast with trimmings, apple pie and coffee for �8.Open: 11am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm (Mon to Fri); 12pm to 2pm, 5.30pm to 10pm (Sat); 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm (Sun). Cost: Starters from �3.75; mains from �6.95; desserts from �3.25.