Black Lion Hotel Restaurant in North Norfolk

We stayed for two nights to visit nearby Thursford, where we were booked to see the Christmas show. Initial impressions weren’t great. The room was monastic, with only the bed, a rickety cupboard and two hard chairs doubling as bedside tables. The curtains looked like they had been made of monks’ habits. This might be a deliberate design vibe chosen by the hotel, given its proximity to the shrine. The bathroom was very small and a bit tired. Having said that, everything was clean and functional and the bed was comfortable. We had a very nice meal in the restaurant. The staff and locals were friendly. Breakfast was good, included in the price. We went out for the day and left our key at reception. We returned after the show at about 22.10 to find the place closed and no one on duty. We were locked out. Our key on the hook behind reception or our belongings in the room hadn’t suggested that someone ought to wait for all registered guests to be accounted for. We called an out of hours number and the manager did return to let us in. She said they ‘didn’t take any notice of the keys’ which seems like a cavalier attitude to residents’ comfort or wellbeing. I was also surprised and a bit shocked that there was no staff on site overnight in case of emergency. However, the manageress was friendly and didn’t seem to mind having been called out. Maybe it happens quite a lot. When we returned to our room we found it had not been made up for us. The tea tray had not been replenished so we couldn’t make ourselves a hot drink. We paid £225 for our two night stay, so it wasn’t a ‘budget’ price, but I feel we got budget treatment.

One night stay in room4. Large cracks in the ceiling, dampness under window, stains on carpet, mould spots in shower cubicle and needed a good clean. Food and service in restaurant first class

This pub is really unassuming from the outside but when you get in it’s quite charming. Great selection of dishes on menu with plenty of specials and local ingredients. I had the beef shin and mushroom risotto on the specials which was absolutely delicious. My son and husband really enjoyed their meals too. Nice service, but they need to add option to tip when paying by card as we didn’t have any cash. The roasts look lovely and they do them every day not just Sundays.

Dinner with family, done the job. Very good service, friendly and attentive staff. A step above normal pub food and the specials were very good. Wide range of drinks too.

Very disappointing food. Artificial flavours spoilt the meal completely. The sardines on sourdough were nice but the bread was horrible. The pork ribs were covered in a highly flavoured sauce which spoilt them and even the side salad tasted like it had a bottled dressing. The risotto sounded great but again did not taste freshly made. Not a good experience.

Lovely pub near the centre of Walsingham. There is parking outside the pub in the square but can be a bit hit and miss. We got the last space when we visited. Food was lovely and huge portions. The ham hock croquettes was Devine and the walsingham rarebit. Main courses were huge the gammon egg and chips was lovely and a nice pickled apple slaw with it. Didn’t have room for puddling. Good service

Great food & service. Was staying nearby for a short break and was very impressed with both the food & service. It's so good we visited twice. Set in the heart of a beautiful village. Would definitely recommend and will definitely visit again.

Stopped in for lunch on a sunny Saturday. The food was excellent, especially the risotto, whilst the service was swift and friendly. Highly recommended.

We had a five night b and b stay at the Black Lion in July. We thoroughly recommend this charming friendly quintessentially English pub The rooms were spacious and comfortable with lovely white cotton bed linen and fluffy white towels The proprietor is also the chef. So the breakfast and dinners were varied and of good quality. The pub is in the centre of this historic interesting village of Pilgrimage Although no private parking , we parked nearby each night with no difficulty. Judith and George

All three of us had the full English breakfast and all three left feeling very happy! The ingredients used are excellent and very well cooked - two of our party wanted their bacon cooked very well done and the chef obliged! Really friendly service too

Someone in that kitchen can cook! Fresh herby fishcakes, fries and salad, then strawberry pavlova. Friendly service and all in the beautiful setting of Walsingham. Perfect for my birthday celebrations!

This is our third visit to the Black Lion for breakfast, and it never disappoints! The ingredients for breakfast are super quality and local. The new additions to the breakfast menu are a great idea, although you can't beat the full English

Not good poor staff let’s it down Looking at other reviews we obviously got it wrong a bad day. But we got surely staff and attitude. We only came in for drinks hardly anyone about but all it takes is a smile guys No manager to be seen but guess early sorry but not good. I was recommended by a friend to come here but it let us down and didn’t deliver and I hope the people that run the business may need to work on staff training on how to greet a guest. I doubt I’ll return i’m Sure my review will be ignored as they will go on their great reputation. I wish them all the luck for the future. venue and location top marks. Just staff need to be addressed. I’m sorry but not great not even good.

The Black Lion never disappoints. We've eaten here recently for dinner and last weekend for Sunday lunch and both times were excellent. There's an interesting menu with small sharing plates which are delicious together with traditional favourites and specials ... something for everyone and you can have a sharing plate (or 2!) as a starter. Staff are great and work really hard. Its a popular place so you will need to book if you can. They also do daily breakfasts which we've yet to try but have heard that they're amazing too. What a success story.

Good pint of beer and impressive range of local tasty gin. Our food was good and nicely presented. This establishment is well run all area’s being very clean and tidy. Would certainly return when in the area.

I went here for a works staff dinner on Friday evening. I've not been in here for many years since the running of the pub had changed hands. The food was very good and the service was alright. Can't really compare it to my previous visits as it wouldn't be fair as it was prior to 2019 that I think I last stepped through the doors! Based on the food I was served, I would recommend "foodies" giving it a visit.

Very good roast Sunday lunch with gluten free options. Staff friendly and helpful. Would highly recommended this pub. Will be returning. They also have a fun quiz night every couple of weeks .

Lovely pub with friendly staff. We ordered the Gammon with pineapple - while it was tasty, it was a bit on the salty side, the salmon was delicious, the scampi was crispy and the burgers were delicious but the halloumi was a bit over done. Overall we had good service and it was a pleasant atmosphere.

A place full of old world charm and character. Friendly staff and excellent food. We would definitely return here .

very good food, very good service and very clean. however , we were promised a bathroom with a bath but they had double booked it. the bathroom we had was very poor, the heater did not work at all and it was lees than the value expected by a long way

What a transformation. The Black Lion is back to its old self. Good food, relaxed atmosphere and a lively bar. What’s not to like!

Much improved since our last visit ! Obviously a change of owner. Welcome back Black Lion. So good to see a jolly and busy bar before sitting down to eat. Good food and friendly efficient service from a charming waitress. We’ll be back.

Nice homely atmospheric pub with well priced food and drink and friendly staff. Our lunch (chicken pie) was fresh and nicely presented

Really welcoming staff and delicious food. Lovely ambience with a mix of locals and visitors. Every village should have a pub like this!

Happened upon this gem of a place. Lovely coffee and curry for lunch. Relaxed vibe. Good wine selection, definitely will return when we are back in Norfolk.

Food was below average and a bit weird. The devilled whitebait was lacking any sort of crisp coating or devilment. it was just soggy small fish. Maybe the devil is not allowed in Walsingham? The main was one of those courses you see on Masterchef where John Torode says "I'm not sure about that combination". Well I'm not sure about a chicken schnitzel with a fried egg on top and, what I think was, a cranberry sauce. Chicken schnitzel with fried egg? - fine. Chicken schnitzel with cranberry suace? - passable. But schnitzel, egg AND cranbery sauce? - no no no no no no. Who has a fried egg with cranberry sauce? Anyway, the beer was good and the waitress was very nice. However the chef needs a bit more practice, although the more common items like burgers looked pretty good as they went past my table, while I was herding cranberries to the side of my plate.

Outstanding. Great to have a nice reasturant and local pub back in Walsingham. Food Outstanding Service Outstanding And the owner Outstanding Thank you much. We will be back in October swill definitely book a table. John

Stayed for 3 nights early September 2023. Food very good and breakfast was exceptional, cooked fresh to order and a lot of it also as much tea or coffee as needed. Would return for another visit. They are certainly trying very hard to build a good reputation which they will achieve.

A short walk from our accommodation the Black Lion is a very welcoming and friendly pub, menu is quite small but there is also specials boards. Restaurant is spotlessly clean and well laid out with lovely decor, service is quick and efficient and food is well presented and tasty.

Having been regular visitors to Walsingham for 40 years we have seen many pubs in the area change hands and reinvent themselves and knowing how fabulous the Carpenters Arms is, had high expectations for a similar experience. What a shame that our first meal back at the Black Lion for some time was so underwhelming and nothing like its successful sibling. Food was basic, simply constructed and left us wanting to settle up and move on after our main course. Will stay close to future reviews in case this was down to teething troubles post-launch but will revert to the Carpenters Arms for the foreseeable.

I was visiting Walsingham with a friend. We had a very pleasant meal here, and a few beers. Reasonable price too. Well worth a visit.

Visited under previous owners and was ok. Newly refurbished - great staff, good menu, great value. Really recommended. There’s a host of other good places nearby so they have to work hard to impress. They’ve hit the mark.

Family outing to Walsingham and stumbled upon this little gem. Recently reopened under new management we were told. A vibrant buzzy atmosphere, great service, great food and helpful friendly staff. We couldn't have been looked after any better. We shall be returning and staying next time as the bedrooms look delightful.

The Black Lion has been through a few ups and downs over the past year but is now definitely on the up. Having been taken over by the same people who run the excellent Carpenters Arms in Wighton, the Black Lion reopened a couple of weeks ago and now seems to have overcome the usual opening jitters and is really getting into its stride. My wife and I ate there this evening and can firmly recommend the cheese souffle, the burgers, the Mrs Temple's cheese board, and the white chocolate pudding. The staff all seem lovely and extremely welcoming. We will certainly be back!

So lovely to see the Lion reopened very recently as it’s a great atmospheric Pub . Visited last week during the New Dawn and it was very busy, but got a late table and had the Burger and the Chicken Leg, both excellent. Nice wine list and my husband said the beer was good too. Lots of locals and pilgrims in the bar and outside. Will definitely be back soon.

First visit to the Black Lion. Absolutely delicious food - didn’t want it to stop! We were welcomed as soon as we walked in with friendly smile and shown to a table. We loved the atmosphere and decoration. We were spoilt for choice on delicious mains but plumped for the lamb and the cod. We weren’t disappointed. Rounded off with an amazing baked custard dessert. Loved it, we’ll be back!

Lovely welcome, excellent service and food. Really can’t fault anything. Go visit. You won’t be disappointed.

Great food and service was lovely. Would 10/10 recommend, will definitely be coming back again soon!!

This used to be such an amazing pub, then it was taken over and completely ruined and inevitably ended up closed again, so we were delighted to see it open again under new management. We stepped over a scattering of food on the pavement to...

The standard of service was abysmal. The Staff were totally untrained and had no idea about customer service and manners. The food was much below average and the wine was unbelievably expensive for something that was no better than ‘plonk’. I had great expectations as...

This used to be such a great pub, great atmosphere and good food but then a new team took it on, changed everything and ruined it - banned kids and dogs which in North Norfolk is complete madness so inevitably it closed. Now its back,...

This pub has now CLOSED - There is a real opportunity here for Walsingham to at last get a decent pub - not an expensive gastric pub or a pub which plays loud dance music 24/7 like the The Bull but a really good old...

We turned up yesterday for our pre-booked overnight stay to find the place closed. Having left a message on the phone (answering machine ‘all our lines are busy’), emailed and knocked on the door, we concluded sadly that all was not well. The website is...

Food was excellent and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Lovely atmosphere. Well worth the money and would highly recommend.

Stayed at The Black Lion recently and on the whole the experience was good. Bedrooms warm and clean. Shower rooms tired and in need of a deep clean. Ate on 2 evenings and food was fine, veges perfect. However, bistro pricing could’ve done with some...

This was our first visit to this restaurant and we were not disappointed. The food was very nice and the service exceptional. My wife has a requirement for gluten-free food and this was fully understood and helpful suggestions made as to how things could be...

This was an ok experience but I would like to point out three ares that can be improved on. Firstly we ordered a bottle of white wine, it arrived open and was placed on table without us being given the chance to taste it or...

We e been going to the Black lion over the years and whilst it was never brilliant food the delightful atmosphere and cosy pub decor made up for it. The refurbished pub is awful peacock blue with plastic tables ( chairs are comfy ) but...

Probably the worst meal I have ever had.Hopeless untrained staff. Poor menu. Cold stale bread rolls. Soggy cold battered squid. Weird tasteless oyster mushroom main course. Second bottle of white wine not chilled. The Black Lion was once a very nice village pub with a...

We were worried by recent v poor reviews so felt obliged to put it straight. We are pleased to say it's a lovely warm modern restaurant, with friendly attentive staff, great food and is very well priced, Really tasty food, well cooked and presented.

Had high expectations given they have a new chef with aspirations for AA rosette. Based on the quality of food experienced on Saturday night, this aspiration is just as illusory as the TripAdvisor Excellence Award they claim they have on their website. Woefully limited menu...

We ate at The Black Lion restaurant last night. It’s been our ‘local’ for the last 9 years and we have witnessed its various transformations. The aim now, as I understand it, is to create a fine dining experience and there’s been much publicity recently...

Staff attentive and good at their job...but...deluxe room had a shower that barely worked, and absalotuely no money spent on the bathroom! Sink and toilet worse than public convienience and grubby! Bedroom decor lovely but no milk in the bedroom for tea and coffee and...

My wife and I booked a table for Valentines Night and enjoyed one of the best meals we have had for ages. We have a selection of allergies all of which were catered for without ado. In fact, the superb chef - Leroy - created...

Having eaten here twice before, we booked for Friday night dinner whilst we were spending more time on the area. Having the benefit of being within walking distance , we braved Storm Eunice and arrive to a warm welcome from both the staff and the...

Would have been a 5 star, but nothing vegetarian or vegan on the menu, despite the menus available on the website having these options. However, the staff member we had was super helpful and courteous, and I ended up with an very delicious halloumi salad.

Looked promising, but not very good. Told when booking, that only one table left. On arrival, tables less than half occupancy, but half hour wait for food to arrive. Fish and chips presentation was good, but both batter and chips, overlooked and hard, and poor...

I booked for a group of four adults to stay at the BLH on Friday 27th August 2021. We were on a cycle tour of Norfolk; all arranged via Booking.com When we arrived at BLH, we were told our booking had been cancelled by Booking.com....

My wife and I with 2 friends stayed over last weekend at the Black Lion, Walsingham. The Double Room was spacious, clean and warm. The Breakfast was fulsome, with plenty to eat & the Service was exemplary. We also enjoyed a very fine dinner with...

Was expecting so much more… came with high expectations but just didn’t deliver on so many levels Sorry won’t be returning or recommending! Such a shame .

We dined in the Black Lion a couple of years ago and were hoping for a similar 'country pub', value for money dinner. We were sadly disappointed.. and it cost a lot more!! The first thing we noticed was the unpleasant smell- a cross between...

We visited the Black Lion for my partner's birthday. A party of only two, we were shown to an extremely small round table in the middle of the restaurant. So small, you would have expected it to have been for espressos outside a Paris cafe,...

We arrived 7 minutes early and were told we were extremely early in a very awkward way. A lovely warm welcome… We were showed to our table with enough glassware on it to sink a ship. Fine to be prepared, but remove it when it...

We decided to dine here because our hotel restaurant not far away was below expectations. The Black Lion was a random choice, and had availability, and it proved to be a good one. Front of house seemed to be run by two young women, who...

Visited tonight as a family of 5 including two children 13 & 10 years old. We’d been a few times before and was looking forward to it. Hadn’t checked the menu as we had been before but found when we arrived that choice was not...

We ate at the Black Lion last night, it's our 'local' but this was our first visit in 18 months. We used to be regulars but a change in management and staff resulted in a disappointing change in atmosphere. The previous team were a hard...

We booked in for dinner - there were positives and negatives: Positive - staff try hard - husband had the monkfish which was apparently lovely Negative - need to learn how dishes should look and how to season - e.g. insalate caprese was thin insipid...

We had a delicious dinner at the Black Lion.. Main courses were excellent and the puddings even better. All served by lovely staff. And a great selection of gins to help wash it all down.

Gorgeous evening of amazing food in this wonderful restaurant. Really good selection of vegetarian options which surprised us. Very attentive & informative staff. Quirky cool decor with utterly delicious food - a complete delight would strongly recommend 👍🏽

Not a family friendly place at all. Yesterday evening we were in this village and speaking to another couple who had 2 older children, we were all looking at the menus in the village of the restaurants. They said they thought there was another one...

Wonderful food, helpful staff, an all round excellent experience. I would certainly pay another visit when next in the areas

We dined here three years ago. Wow! What a difference. This is now one of the top places to dine in North Norfolk. The food, service and ambience is top notch. Book early, book with confidence. Loved the place!

Really disappointed. We were turned away because we had our dog with us. They claim their no dog policy is mentioned on their website but I’ve read it again and can’t find any mention of it. We met the owner at the other pub in...

Booked for Sunday lunch, very friendly when I called, arrived half an hour early which wasn’t a problem. Very friendly greeting, very covid secure. 4 of our group had a sunday roast which was absolutely lovely loads to eat and fantastic locally sourced meat and...

We had a lovely meal at theBlack Lion. Food was beautifully presented, freshly prepared and piping hot. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

Great staff, lovely food (the fillet steak was to die for) this place has real ‘heart’ and it shows through every detail - to the regular clean downs every morning to the wonderful people who work here - a team to treasure. Thank you for...

Lovely food, lovely Sunday roast, service was great, highly recommend. Also the sticky toffee pudding was really good

I really enjoyed a visit to the Black Lion for dinner and drinks. The food was excellent, gin selection was great and the service faultless.

We called in for a drink today after visiting Holt antiques (which bizarrely is in Walsingham!). I’ve stayed in the Black Lion before with my daughter and loved it. We made a beeline for the warmth and comfort of their bar which now has comfy...

Fantastic, attentive service, great food and lovely atmosphere in a traditional, small hotel. If you are visiting this area you must stay here.

So disappointing I had the fillet steak which I very much doubt was fillet it was one of the toughest steaks I have eaten accompanied by luke warm dauphnoise potatoes and underdone onion and tomato. My husband had hake which he enjoyed. My pudding was...

Had Sunday lunch which we had booked. First had no Worcestershire sauce or tabasco to go in a tomato juice. Also they were out of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, so just one choice of white wine. My wife's chips with her fish/chips were visibly...

Tried to visit the pub for a monday lunch time drink and to shelter from the rain. Lovely front of house man who informed us that the owner didn't allow pushchairs in the pub. Completely understand on busy days but the pubs were empty and...

warm sunny day and we were a bit thirsty after a busy morning - nice welcome into the bar - pointed out to the courtyard area - a real suntrap - our order was taken at the table - just had drinks and crisps - but very pleasant and exactly what we needed. Nice place.

Wonderful overnight stay the staff were lovely and so accommodating. The food was excellent and service top draw. Very covid safe at all times. Lovely landlady Claire could not do enough for us. Highly recommended.

The best steak and kidney pie ever! Guinness sponge pudding also scrummy. Food, staff, ambiance all very good. Really enjoyed the meal

Booked a one night stay here on a short break to Norfolk- pity should have stayed longer! Situated in the village just a few steps from the Ruins! Quirky room with an additional bed! Staff friendly and helpful. Food delicious. Only downside was parking diffito find close by.

Seasonal specials alongside a good standard menu make choosing dishes during a short stay very difficult. I chose the specials each evening and was very impressed with the steak and kidney pie and the pan fried pheasant. Staff are friendly and very helpful on the menu and with any dietary questions.

Lovely pub with friendly staff. Delicious food and happy to let you take the left over wine home great for the driver .

When we were shown into our room and there was a bed, water bowl and biscuits for our dog I knew we’d like it here. We stayed 5 nights and our dog was with us throughout, breakfast and dinner included. We found The Black Lion had a lovely feel about it and it was very relaxing. They serve an amazing Pimms with lots of frozen berries. The staff are all fantastic.I understand that the hotel is due a refurbishment, it does need a bit of TLC, it’s looking a bit tired.The menu is very limited at the moment so we only ate in on one night and had a cheese board another, there are only about 3 starters and 3 mains plus a special or two. We enjoyed the meal that we did have.If you like to go away with your dog I would highly recommend.

Great wine list and really lovely dinner. We loved the kedgeree especially. The service was very friendly also. This morning we searched the area high and low for breakfast and could not find anywhere. We came back to the pub and it had gone 11. Claire was super kind and had the kitchen make us some eggs on toast. We were so thankful.

Best meal we had this holiday would definitely recommend Had the baked crab and tempura prawns for starters could tell they were really fresh. My steak & kidney pie was fantastic. Highly recommended

We dined at the Black Lion this evening and felt totally ripped off. The menu choices were very limited. We were a party of four ordered two pies and two seabass. The pies were overcooked as was the sea bass which was overpowered by the ratatouille. The sauvignon blanc cost £9.10 for a large glass, of mediocre quality and overpriced. To add insult to injury there is a 10% service charge. The only positive was the service which was excellent. Overall poor and overpriced food and drink.

Although the choice was limited the food was good. Cromer crab delicious as was the caprese. Tempura prawns also nice but only 4 prawns for £9. Sea bass was also delicious. Good atmosphere and friendly helpful service.

Had to ask shall we sign in our details. Seated in a very dark corner. Very limited menu. Is was a Sunday and told menu on table mat. One of us had roast beef and one had roast chicken. The roast chicken was a joint which was very hard. The vegetables tasted reheated the broccoli not cooked through chard was stringy. Should have sent it back but don't like to bring attention to ourselves and regret it now. Was like a bad school dinner. Plus didn't have any bitter only laguer in an English village pub ? Was a recommendation from the B/B we were staying in and they are taking it off their list.

We had lunch here a week ago and really enjoyed it: I had the Cromer crab, which was outstanding. Service was friendly and it was good value for money. Highly recommended.

The first thing you notice when you arrive at the Black Lion is the rows of empty wooden plant pots that are supposed to guide your way into the front door; trouble is they don't work at as they just squeeze anyone entering or leaving the place together so you can't social distance and you have no choice but to physically touch any other people that are leaving the same time you are entering. The lack of COVID protection continues with hand dryers instead of hand towels in the old and dirty toilets. The condiments are passed from table to table and the bill is delivered in a wallet that other people have touched. The food (veggie burger) was very poor and had to wait 35 min for it to arrive. When we went to pay the bill we immediately noticed that the 'Rishi deal' hadn't been subtracted. We asked why and were told that they dont't particiapate in the scheme!

On making my 6.15 pm reservation I was informed that the Sunday Roast was stopping at 2.30pm but there would be plenty of other choices - I was perfectly happy with this. However when we arrived we were presented with a very limited menu, roast beef, roast chicken or nut roast - there were no other main course options. The roast meals were basically identical apart from the meat - both had the same gravy and veg that had been reheated - flaccid Yorkshire puddings, non crispy roast potatoes generic gravy - unfortunately this was probably the most disappointing roast I have had in a very long time.

What a great find! The Black Lion restaurant has friendly staff, great food and comfortable, spacious dining - we will definitely be back! Refreshing to find a choice of vegetarian options and non alcoholic lager.

We enjoyed the food here. Limited menu but well cooked and presented. Covid measures were good- tables well spaced and contact details taken. Good atmosphere.