The Bowling Green Inn in North Norfolk

Had a great meal for my Sister in Law’s birthday. Staying nearby at Wagtails and really recommend this pub. Friendly staff, lovely food.

The Bowling Green Inn is exactly what one imagines when envisaging an English pub – and one that I had been hallucinating about for months. Spain has many super bars and restaurants but it doesn’t ‘do’ pubs at all. Not even the Irish bars come up to scratch. So I was very much looking forward to a night in Wells, our old stomping ground of many years ago. We were warmly greeted by Jackie, who knew some of the same people my sister and I knew from our years living in Fakenham in the late 1970s and 1980s. The twin room was comfortable and well equipped and we both had a peaceful night’s sleep. You can park your car outside the rooms at the back of the pub. My sister got up early as the morning was clear and crisp and went down to the quay and beach. She saw the extremely high Spring tide that was lapping over the quay wall. We never experienced that during our years in Norfolk. Breakfast was served by Vicky, who was extremely friendly and, as we were the only two there, we had her full attention! We both had poached eggs and smoked salmon on toast - and they were absolutely perfect – well done to the chef. I always say breakfast is the hardest meal to get right – and I know this from my years in hospitality. The atmosphere was cosy and we really didn’t want to leave. Unfortunately, the breakfast was so filling that I could not do justice to a family lunch at a pub in Essex a few hours later. I should have just had the grapefruit! We recommend The Bowling Green Inn and would stay there again.

Was recommended the Bowling Green by people who had stayed previously, glad we did room was lovely every thing you needed couldn't fault food and the service. Very friendly.

Went for Sunday lunch - weren’t sure what it would be like but it was absolutely delicious- proper old fashioned roast followed by proper puddings with a few pints to wash it down! Food beautiful- party of 7 not one complaint! (And that’s saying something), every single one of us could find no fault with food or drink!! Deffo recommend as the staff were brilliant making it a perfect end to a weekend away with friends. If in Wells you have to try this place!!

Start with the bad bit. Parking is limited. That’s all. Now the great bit. Food is fresh and tasty. Tastes home cooked. The staff are friendly. The pub has a lovely home cozy feeling to it. We did book and I am glad we did because it filled up fast. This was from 5pm. You will not be disappointed with this great little pub.

Cosy traditional pub with plenty of choice of drinks. Handy location. Friendly staff. Food looked great too although we didn't eat there

Lovely warm welcome. Place was clean and nicely busy. We had a lovely home cooked Roast dinner.. and Beef Cobbler..plenty of it and quality excellent. This is not a posh Gastro pub.. just a truly honest British Pub serving honest food at a fair price. Loved the meal and beer.. Well done.. not pretending to be something you aren’t but being really good at what you are👍👍Thankyou.

Been coming to the Bowling Green for 20 years now. We stay in Wells every couple of years and know exactly where to go for a good traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings. It is also very good for lunchtime meals. Dog friendly and a cracking pint of Wherry. Booking highly recommended

Cracking pub with a friendly welcome, lovely home cooked food and good ales. Highly recommend! Park in car park and walk, though, as parking is limited.

Generous portions, and home made fish cakes amazing. Friendly staff and the atmosphere of a proper country pub. Best of all parking outside - well away from the manic situation down on the harbour side. This pub is just off the main road near the church. There is even a cottage to rent behind if you fancy a longer stay. But if you prefer to eat your food away from hounds this might not be the place for you as on our visit there were almost as many dogs as humans. Havin g said that they were well behaved and tucked under tables.

Great food and service. Thank you for fitting us in when busy. Lovely food and area. Kids menu a great idea. We will come again

This is our third year visiting The Bowling Green which was recommended by quite a few people we met in Wells - we were greeted & shown to our table straight away-we were served by about 5 different members of staff, who were all excellent, the food was lovely - homemade Beef Cobbler & I had the mini baked Camembert followed by crumble - we had eaten out at two different restaurants in Wells & this was - Is our favourite. We did have our dog with us - who again enjoyed being with us as it isa dog friendly pub.

A friendly local Pub with a small but tasty menu to suit most tastes.Reasonably priced and quality of food good,need to book to guarantee a table

Coming from the range of restaurants in London, the food here was basic and some things were bland, too dry or slightly burnt. BUT we still LOVED it here as the friendly, personal atmosphere was lovely, and staff were brilliant. The pub was a really interesting building. Limited parking.

The cooking is very good and is exceptionally good value. The beer on tap is also well kept. Service was very efficient and the pub has a friendly local feel to it.

Popped in today for light lunch. Staff were really friendly and welcoming. We had a Prawn sandwich and sausage sandwich , food was quick, had plenty of filling and very reasonable compared with other local establishment. We did have an evening meal here in 2023, when visiting which was also good. Its a bit of a hidden gem, I would guess used more by locals but hasn't disappointed us to date

We came across this pub on our Easter weekend, lovely friendly staff , came back again Easter Sunday , we was staying up the road in Stiffkey so needed to get a taxi back as no pavements to walk back on in the dark. Rang a few Taxi firms but couldn’t pick us up at all realised I should have booked 🤦🏽‍♀️ spoke to the lovely landlord Vicky gave us another number but no joy so so kind of her offered to take us home we was so grateful she even gave us some tomato ketchup I’d forgot for our bacon sandwich the next morning! She was so kind , we will definitely return when visiting again , didn’t have any food but it all looked good 😊 definitely worth a vist lovely family run pub thanks again

High hopes after reading the good reviews but unfortunately the food was not good . Chips frozen Onion rings frozen 10z steak . (No way !) more like 6oz it was tiny Staff nice and the pub itself is nice for a drink but for us we wouldn't return for food . It is cheaper than other places in Wells but the quality is not as good .

3 of us visiting Wells booked lunch on Easter Sunday. Excellent choice of starters, Beef, nut or lamb roasts amongst various mains and a nice collection of desserts. Wine choices more than adequate and a well kept beer so everyone happy. Portion sizes were generous without skimping on quality. A lovely.friendly pub. Nice atmosphere and helpful, hardworking staff and very reasonably priced. Highly recommended

I always enjoy visiting the Bowling Green when I visit family in Wells next the Sea. The pub is very friendly whether you’re popping in for a drink or food. The food is all home cooked and there is good variety on the menu. I enjoyed the mushroom and spinach Wellington - 2 large flat mushrooms with spinach and caramelised onion served with a rich red wine gravy, my mum ordered the salmon fish cakes (big chunks of salmon) served with sweet potato fries. Both were delicious. Puddings were also fabulous - white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding. Super tasty food at great value. Booking a must.

Lovely lunch in a proper pub. We all had something different from the menu; white bait, steak burger, sea bass and steak. Very tasty and good value. Staff were friendly and helpful. We sat inside and dogs were welcome. Would definitely recommend and we will certainly book again.

Sadly the staff were unfriendly and off hand. The pub was grubby and smelt of stale cooking oil. Our small well behaved dog sat on my husband’s lap in this dog friendly pub and we were told in an unpleasant way that’s dogs were only allowed if on the floor. I think the dog friendly statement needs to be removed.

This is a really friendly Wells pub near St Stephens church. Reservations are recommended. We can more Sunday lunch and were really happy and pleased with the food. Generous, delicious and well priced. The service by the staff is friendly and excellent. Thoroughly recommend

We've been coming to Wells for nearly 50 years and can you believe this was our first visit to the Bowling Green? Wish we had discovered it before! The pub has a really nice atmosphere, warm and cosy on a winter's evening, and we were welcomed by the staff and other customers. The best thing, though, was that we spotted homemade Beef Cobbler on the menu. It's one of our favourite dishes, hard to find in most pubs and restaurants, and is apparently one of their specialities! It was absolutely delicious, the drinks were good too. Congratulations to all the staff and especially the chef. We'll definitely be back!

Lovely little pub with great Sunday Roast and homemade desserts. We were made to feel really welcome by the friendly staff

Friendly and attentive when phoning to book. We went Sunday about 5:30pm, good wholesome Sunday roast and excellent beers. Good value and what was nice, staff actually talked to you and were welcoming. Would recommend rather than a lot of the places catering to the Chelsea Tractor brigade. Good pub, good food, good staff!

Best pub in Wells, at the back of the town near the church so not as busy as those closer to the sea, but the food, prices and service are way better than the rest in the area.

Brilliant service great food great company games to play whilst waiting and the best thing a separate menu for lactose/dairy intolerant diners. Well done for a pub better than some restaurants.

Great food and choice of drinks in a friendly and welcoming traditional pub. We went on a Sunday so all opted for the traditional roast and they were top notch and arrived hot and were tasty along with A choice of accompanying sauces. Staff were efficient and helpful. I would recommend booking as it was very busy.

Banging lunch. I go out every Sunday and never get offered lamb, it’s was a treat. The place was busy but not too busy The lunch was so good and cauli cheese was a bonus. Definitely try if you haven’t.

OMG what a breakfast Great quality and value for money, The evening meal was just as good and I would recommend the home made beef cobbler with seasonal veg The staff are so friendly and can't do enough for you.

Thoroughly enjoyed Sunday Lunch at The Bowling Green - choice of Beef, Lamb or nut loaf all served with roast potatoes, parsnips, Yorkshire pudding, cauliflower cheese, carrots and broccoli. Really good size portions and super value. Desserts were also delicious, service was friendly. Recommend booking...

We've been coming to the Bowling Green for years and it's the same as always i.e. superb. It offers a classic pub menu (we had the scampi and the burger) and the Abbot as usual is, I think, the best pint in town. Just a...

Called in for an evening meal. Enjoyed it so much visited for two more evenings. Welcoming, cheerful and attentive staff. All Food consumed was tasty, served quickly and hot. Thankyou for your care and understanding when Champa was unwell.

Popped in on way back from Holt for a quick drink, saw the food being served and booked a table for that evening. Wasn’t disappointed, had steak and ale cobbler which was delicious and filling, washed down with a pint of Ale and a glass...

Used The Bowling Green for a couple of pints one evening and decided to book table for food for the following evening as it looked good. Service on both occasions was excellent with all staff members cheerful and efficient. Food (prawn curry / jerk chicken...

Not all that comfortable, but staff helpful and food tasty. Difficulty parking though for disabled member of family.

We spent four nights in a row eating in this lovely pub whilst staying in their adjacent B and B accommodation. The food is beautifully prepared and is of very good quality. The service from the helpful and friendly staff is very prompt. We particularly...

A great little pub just opposite the church, delicious sandwiches which didn’t break the bank. The staff were very pleasant, outside seating great.

We turned up on Sunday early evening. The pub was fully booked and everywhere else was closed on Sunday. They found us a space and the meal was amazing. The landlady was so accommodating. We will be back. Thank you.

Our first visit and will definitely return when next in wells! Superb food and friendly service with a great atmosphere!

Good hearty food. Rustic seating. Dog friendly. Staff are a bit casual in serving, chat comes before service. Even so, I would have given 5 stars for the food, as it was very tasty, if it had been hot. Unfortunately the plates were stone cold,...

Stopped in on a Monday in late September. The place was busy but plenty of room. We asked for the menu and the response was a scowl and 'When are you expecting to eat?'. We were pointed to a small corner table. Food was edible...

I was looking forward to a nice roast dinner. Unfortunately it was not to be. My partner had roast beef and I had roast lamb. Both meats were so tough it was virtually impossible to cut. Afraid we will not be going there again.

Came across this pub by chance & from start to finish the welcome & hospitality was second to none. I was greeted by a lovely lady with a big smile, I didn’t know where to park so she came outside to show me. My mum...

Beautiful roast Lamb superbly cooked. Plentiful amount of vegetables znd extra gravy if required. Good choice of desserts.

Very old pub with character.very good homemade food with no frills,just like you would have at home.very friendly and experienced staff.more than happy with the prices on the menu.tried a different eating venue every day for 6 days and this was amongst the best.

We both had the jerk chicken & substituted one rice for chips. Enjoyed it very much except that the sweetcorn appeared to be overdone. Liked the pub & would go again.

The atmosphere is ok, it feels like a proper local not just for tourists, and most of the staff were friendly. The food arrived so quickly though it makes you wonder how freshly prepared it is, and it was absolutely bang average and way overpriced,...

Lovely food, smoked mackerel pate was delicious as was the sweet potato chips, quick and friendly service, we will return

Thought we would try this place as its well recommended but sadly we couldn't get a table. We sat and had drinks and asked if we could eat at the current table but was advised no as they were fully booked. Real shame. As we...

Went for lunch yesterday with friends after good reviews. I must say we were very disappointed. My friends fish cake was good but everything other than that was bland, My steak with cheesy scone was bland with no flavour the scone had no taste of...

Another fabulous visit to the Bowling Green. Been a favourite with us for the last few years on holiday and it didn’t disappoint. The food is home cooked and excellent and the staff are just the best ! Food and drinks are also reasonably priced…...

Excellent meal served by pleasant and friendly staff. Not a huge menu but what they do they do very well. We really enjoyed it. Thank you for making us feel welcome

Our second holiday in Wells and really enjoyed being back. Visited the Bowling Green Inn again and happy to say it still a lovely pub with really great service and lovely team. Fab range of drinks including small bottles of Prosecco and great east coast...

Friendly staff, fast service, Beef cobbler was excellent, lots of meat no fat or nasty bits, nice veg, prawn curry my hubby would have liked it a bit more spicey, but enjoyed it.

Sat outside for a drink on a nice sunny afternoon while on holiday and it was really pleasant. Place is well situated near a village green and there is ample outdoor seating and it is dog friendly. Staff were polite and efficient and the place...

Visited mid June. Lovely local pub just a few minutes walk from where we were staying. Very friendly and all staff welcoming. Ate on a Friday night, we had camembert starters, then steak and a salmon fishcake with chips and salad. Steak was better than...

Traditional pub serving great, reasonably priced pub food. Staff very welcoming and friendly. The pub is away from the quay and the pricier establishments but there is free parking and nowhere is far from anywhere in Wells and the Bowling Green is worth the short...

We stopped here for a evening meal on the first night of our holiday. From arriving to leaving the service was brilliant. The food was well presented and lovely. All priced very reasonably. We will definitely be back

This is a proper pub. Real ale and a great atmosphere. We ate here and all our meals were excellent, as was the service. We asked for an extra person to be added to our party at short notice, and this was done without any...

Visiting wells for the first time and found this gem of a pub on first night. Good selection of beers and good gluten free menu. Staff very friendly. Had a meal on last night and even though they were booked up they shuffled around and...

Great pub. Good atmosphere. Staff very friendly and helpful and food was delicious . Would recommend it and will definitely go again. Good value.

Fabulous, a proper pub selling lovely ale and super pub food with a wonderful team who really do seem to care.

Had a most fantastic Sunday lunch all the works - super tasty and great value for money try it you won't be disappointed

Lovely Food (Beef Cobbler to die for) , Good Beer and pleasant Staff in the lovely Weels next the sea.

Lovely meal and service here as always when we go. Space for a powerchair is required, and staff are so kind and helpful. The salmon fishcakes were super, and the cheesecake is the best! Fantastic value for money as well, thanks!

we have been before when we are in wells always a good meal pleasant landlady and staff the next time we are in wells we will be going back.

Visited Easter Sunday for Sunday dinner and it was lovely. The service was very quick and the food was great. Good selection of drinks too.

We had a lovely evening, very friendly staff, great beer and the food was excellent. Will definitely visit again.

A lovely meal. The staff were very welcoming and the place had a comfortable cosiness about it. They were very accommodating regarding my husbands food requirements…..Will definately return next time we are in the area. Thank you BG Inn.

Visited for lunch and greeted by a warm & friendly welcome. Enjoyed the fresh & tasty sandwiches and the Woodforde's Wherry! Would definitely come back.

We stayed at the Bowling Green Inn for one night, fabulous stay and a warm & friendly welcome from all the staff. We ate in the restaurant and would recommend the delicious beef cobbler. Breakfast was fantastic. Thank you for a lovely stay.

Superb ,staff excellent , food was great 10/10 the best meal we had in wells so nice and freindly . Not far from centre worth the walk

Well, the service and food are spot on every time we visit Wells. Friendly staff and the locals don't bite either. Good selection of Gins and beers. Very welcoming.

We booked a couple of nights in the Coach House accommodation here and it far outweighed our expectations. It was spotlessly clean, furnished to a high standard and suited our party perfectly. We dined in the pub both evenings and the food was amazing. Between...

I stayed for bed & breakfast; very friendly staff, a lovely warm room with some very nice touches, and a delicious breakfast in the morning! Car parking on site and a garden bistro set just outside the room. What a perfect place to stay.

Absolutely unexpected find. Christmas shopping on a Tuesday. 3pm very hungry. They were still serving fresh, home cooked food. The staff were lovely. Well worth a visit

Stopped on our way home from Sheringham for a bite to eat and wasn’t disappointed. Great home made hearty pub meals cooked to perfection! Staff were very friendly and the overall atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Would definitely recommend and if lived closer would visit...

Was a very nice meal, very busy place. Staff were very friendly.We had the roast dinner which was lovely, more gravey was need did ask more but never received it. Definitely go back again.

Visited this venue off peak for a quiet drink with my wife to relax and read a book and then again at a busier time with our Ukrainian refugee guest as she wanted to visit a proper English pub and try real ale for first...

My husband and I had a wonderful meal at this cosy inn. The atmosphere was very cosy and inviting - the staff were friendly and welcoming. One of the owners had a chat with us and reassured that it was not a problem ordering for...

Brilliant - excellent food,and lovely welcoming staff. Great value, food . Beef cobbler, fresh,good sized portion loads of flavour. Battered Haddock beautifully cooked. Thanks If you want to go you MUST booked as they very busy.

We stayed for 2 nights whilst attending a wedding locally. The room was lovely but could have benefitted from a dressing table. The bathroom was very nice, clean & well equipped. Vicky was amazing, especially when my husband was taken ill on the first night,...

Spending a week in Wells, and this pub restaurant seemed to be well reviewed and regarded. We booked a table at the third attempt which indicated the popularity. The welcome, atmosphere and ambiance were all good, as expected, and the food was excellent. The prices...

Having been away from North Norfolk for 3 years, a major change has been the standard of food and disappointing Pub Menus. Very similar focusing on chips. Then we happened upon The Bowling Green. This was by far the best food we have eaten this...

Came here whilst on holiday with some extended family, all good meals & clear plates at the end. The Cheesecake was delicious! You need to book as it is popular, even on a Tuesday evening. Will defo come again when next in Wells

Another superb meal, whenever we are in Wells, we always book a table and have a meal, it serves THE BEST gluten free fish and chips, huge portions and really reasonable. Takes cash which we could not find another pub to do, and the staff...

We were a family of 7 and 3 dogs. I booked a couple of weeks in advance and I’m glad I did as I don’t think we would’ve got in which would’ve have been a real shame! Been coming to Wells for years and never...

Turned up as a party of 5 without booking a table and the staff went above and beyond to squeeze us in. Food was quick to come and absolutely delicious. Staff were extremely friendly and lovely with our 4yo son who joined us this evening...

Visited on a Saturday evening. Was looking forward to a fab meal after reading reviews on Trip advisor. Sadly this was not a pleasant experience. Chilli Beef starter was tiny and served with half a slice of toast, however the bread was mouldy, Garlic bread...

We were let down on a lunch booking we had made weeks before, so call the staff here who were brilliant in accomodating 15 of us for lunch that afternoon. All food home cooked, prawn curry, steak and ale pie etc ...... Staff were lovely...

The food must be fantastic here because it’s just impossible to book a table; they are always full. Top tip is try at least 2 weeks in advance in summer. Staff are lovely and beer is good.

Staff friendly. Meal great. Quick service. Both had beef and ale cobbler. Came with chips and vegetables. Plenty of it. Reasonably priced.

The beer was wonderful the food even better, it arrived popping hot, nothing was to much trouble as we asked for a side as a starter, the steak arriveded just as my hubby likes it. Can't wait to return later in our hoiday,

This turned out to be our favourite. Friendly staff, not too busy like other pubs in Wells as its at the back of the town opposite the church. Lovely outside space. Nice food and drinks and good value.

Visited on Friday night to celebrate wedding anniversary. Ordered starter ( deep fried whitebait and chilli beef) main ( whitebeam and Jersey chicken ) for 2 . Not a very large menu but it was devise enough for most people. Very promp service for both...

The Bowling Green Inn was our first stop for dinner during a weeks visit to Wells Next The Sea. The menu was basic pub grub lacked fresh vegetables and the Gammon was almost as hard as the wooden bench seats in the bar. No shortage...

Although this pub is a few minutes walk from the main area "three to be precise " you will not be disappointed, the food is really good, excellent quality good value, also a very good choice in the drinks department too. Once inside you are...

Excellent pub. Great food and drink and extremely friendly and helpful staff. My favourite pub in Wells. I would highly recommend a visit.