The Gin Trap Inn in King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Appalling service from an arrogant bar tender who's rudeness and cocky attitude was actually the reason for us leaving our half drunk drinks and half eaten meal behind. It was 11°degrees outside and no heating on!!! The pub was very cold and lacked any atmosphere. Not worth the nearly £80.00 bill which we managed to rack up in 30 minutes of being there.

Called in here for a bar meal without a booking. Food was excellent without exception and staff outstanding - very welcoming.

Stopped off for lunch on our way to North Norfolk Coast. Lovely pub and garden. Staff great. Lovely food. Well worth the visit .

Went to the Gin Trap this evening, what a wonderful atmosphere. I have passed this inn many times over the last 20 years or so but have never called in. However, as we were staying in Ringstead, it was the obvious place to go. I wish I had done this years ago. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We will definitely put it on our list to call in again

Lovely pub with great quality food (a la carte & bar snacks); good selection of beers, wines, gin. Staff really friendly with great service. Highly recommend but best to book in advance if you want to eat in the restaurant.

Having someone else cook for you is a treat. When that person is the 2023 Norfolk Chef of the Year, it’s an absolute delight. The Gin Trap Inn near Hunstanton combines the best of a traditional pub with boutique accommodation and amazing food. Every member of staff is friendly ensuring the warmest welcome, you even get 2 complimentary G & T’s on arrival! Special mention to John and Sophie who looked after us with such professionalism, but also genuine kindness and interest in our visit. However, the main reason for our stay was to sample some of Gareth Rayner’s food. The restaurant menu was short thereby focussing of a number of delicious dishes that all hit the mark. The Truffle Arancini amuse bouche was the best I’ve ever had, so light and perfectly balanced. To start, I had to have Oysters which were fat, fresh and juicy. Offset with a G & T granita and pickled cucumber, I was in Ozone heaven. The Cheese Souffle was an absolute triumph. Perfectly cooked, light and fluffy and sitting in a pond of cheesy sauce. The Halibut was as white as snow and served in a subtlety spiced sauce with golden raisins whose sweetness was an ideal accompaniment. The Pork served three ways was a homage to the pig. Melt in the mouth belly, a crispy rillette and juicy loin working in harmony better than any band you care to mention. There is a lot of amazing techniques on show here, however the focus remains on maximising beautiful ingredients rather than creating lots of foams, emulsions, essences and crumbs! Gareth popped out for a chat and we spoke enthusiastically about his food. Hailing from the North East, he is so down to earth, yet living his dream creating fantastic food. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough

The Gin Trap is our local pub when we visit Ringstead each year. It's a delightful place to go, especially the lovely outside spaces with a friendly welcome and excellent beer. Inside it retains its old world charm and I can imagine how cosy it would be on cold days with the fire lit. Not only is it a great place, it looks fabulous. I'm back again next week so, looking forward to a few visits.

We visited again after a great meal 1 year ago. £36 for two strips of tasteless sirloin was quite frankly very disappointing!

We had planned to spend a few nights here in 2020 but had to cancel due to covid. So,today we took the opportunity to visit the Gin Trap when touring the area.Our medium sized 2 glasses of wine cost £19, hefty price!! We noted that the dinner menu was priced high end, and maybe justified. But the real issue for us was the loud music. When we asked for 'Madness'! to be turned down we were told that the owner likes the music to be at that level! To be fair it was turned down but.... Really, customer comes first?

A fabulous dinner, great staff and a special mention to John who remained professional throughout having to deal with a table of some of the rudest and most ignorant people I have seen out in public in a very long time. Bravo all, we shall return.

Good reception on arrival. Canape and bread were a nice touch. I was a little bit disappointed with the waitress coming to ask if I was done with my bread while it was obvious that I was still eating with food on my plate. I felt rushed which shouldn't be the case. I had the lamb starter which was quite fatty followed by the halibut which was unfortunately overcooked.

A pleasant experience and a lovely gesture with the plates of confectionery wishing happy anniversary and birthday. The food was good, especially the cheese soufflé, but the mains should definitely be served with more gravy! We had to request another jug of gravy 3 times before it was brought to our table, by which time we were over halfway through our pork belly! The chairs were rather hard and uncomfortable, they need cushions or replacing. For a restaurant that is aiming at a fine dining customer base a little more attention to detail is necessary to make it good value for money, as an average of £40 for 2 courses plus drinks on top is way over the average restaurant price for a Sunday lunch.

After looking forward to having a lovely meal at the Gin Trap after a long walk on the beach - too late for lunch menu so we settled for bar food. The muscle dish chose wasn’t stated as on the bar menu, although they were nice I was disappointed that there was cream in the sauce and not stated. My friend had the pie option and when ordered I asked for no mash and took the option of green beans and cabbage - sadly the cabbage came with curry powder in it and again we were not advised of this therefore only little eaten also there were mash on the plate! On the bill we were surprised we had to pay a total of £13 for the two veg!! Sadly while we were there, we had to endure smoke from the fire and also once made up, we had to endure the awful fumes from the firelighter. At this point, we decided to go instead of staying to have another drink. We will not be rushing back to the Gin Trap!!

Visited the Gin Trap on Sunday for the traditional roast. The food and service were first class. The roast beef was tender and had good flavor accompanied by Yorkshire pudding, mash and roast potatoes, roast carrot and broccoli. The starters and sweets were also a taste sensation and we will return. All our needs were met and special thanks to Sandra who looked after us very well.

This pub and restaurant is a traditional inn with amazing friendly service with amazing food. Can’t recommend The Gin Trap Inn enough.

Fabulous 2 night break. All staff were so friendly and welcoming. Food was absolutely delicious. Perfect way to spend our 20th wedding anniversary.

Just stayed two nights at The Gin Trap Inn.Could not fault one thing,amazing food,friendly polite efficient staff.Very relaxed atmosphere.Restaurant manager John and his team are fantastic.

Best Sunday Lunch!!! We travelled across from South Lincolnshire to The Gin Trap for my Father in Law's birthday treat, and I have to say, was not disappointed. From the excellent greeting we received, to the really attentive waiter, Claudio, things started well. We were seated in the back room in the corner and it was a really lovely atmosphere. The food was excellent and delicious. The amuse-bouche were great and a lovely touch. At no point did we feel that we were being 'hurried along', like in some establishments. This was a chilled and enjoyable experience. Well done Gin Trap team. Keep up the good work. 👏👏 We will be back !!! x

Pleasant place but if portions were any smaller you would need a microscope! Supposed to write 100 characters but I think I've already summed it up!

This is without doubt the best pub food I’ve ever eaten. Me and my brother both had the duck leg, hash brown, fried egg and pineapple relish from the bar menu, it was something to behold - incredible. The side dishes were also delicious. To go with the incredible food, there’s a lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, good selection of drinks, dog friendly, a selection of board game in the bar area - you simply have to go if you’re in the local area!

We have just come back from an amazing weekend away. Fabulous food, attentive staff and cosy accommodation. It was just perfect.

This was without doubt the best bar food we have ever had.!!! Great beer warm fire. Great company. Staff were very good. Nothing else to say.

As a principle, I do not review a restaurant more than once But, Wow!, the latest visit to The Gintrap demands a mention The food, drink and atmosphere were absolutely amazing - from the savoury amuse bouche to the petit fours! There is no concession to the average here Please don’t go with the limitation of economy, the price is high, but the value for money reflects the quality of the experience. Whoever dishes out Michelin stars needs to visit, but don’t tell anyone about our ‘local’

Once again I have seen that the Gin Trap serves the best Sunday roast in Norfolk but unfortunately not in our case. We stayed on the excellent value sleepover deal as we were visiting Holkham Hall on the Monday. No complaints on the room which was lovely and we had a drink in the bar which had a good atmosphere and the barman made one of the best Bloody Mary's I've had for a long time. We had a lovely corner table in the restaurant and the duck and crab starters very good. However the roast sirloin was overcooked far from the pink in the photos and SO fatty (seemed to be end of joint?) I returned mine to the kitchen from where I don't know how it was ever allowed to leave!! Husband ploughed on he's not one to complain!! They did offer to replace but he's then eating and I'm sat waiting. Besides I'd actually ate some and veg before I gave up so didn't really want to start another plate. Didn't bother with desserts or cheese as past it. They had taken the one meal off at checkout but left disappointed as we had planned a long leisurely lunch.

The waitress was very rude and sarcastic, my 13 year old son asked if they did fish and chips and she said ‘you’re in the wrong restaurant if you want fish and chips’! She also made a snide comment when my husband ordered his drink - very unprofessional. Food was average and extremely over priced, such a shame as we’ve been before and always loved it!

I rarely write reviews but we visited The Gin Trap for lunch with friends yesterday and we were blown away by the food. We have eaten in many lovely restaurants around the world and this is up there with the best of them. My husband had the cheese soufflé to start and said it was the best he’d ever had. Service was friendly, efficient and professional. The quality of the food was incredible, easily the best meal that we’ve had this year. In fact I’m just about to book a table in January to celebrate my birthday.

Superb 4 night stay in one of their cottages for Christmas. Cadaman cottage extremely comfortable and beautifully decorated. A really thoughtful large stocking of presents for us. The pub is fabulous. Everything a British pub should be at Christmas. Food was simply superb. And service from every member of staff first class. Wonderful

This has to be the best Sunday lunch I have ever had. The food was incredible. The pub as always cosy and friendly. Welcomed our dog, just brilliant

We had an excellent dinner at The Gin Trap Inn on Friday night, with a large group of friends (8 of us). The atmosphere in the bar was great (old fashioned pub), and the staff were great too. The menu was very good and the quality of the food was excellent. A gastro pub PLUS, which we would all highly recommend. The staff also served us complimentary bread & butter along with an amazing cheesie canape which was a really nice touch. Thank you - we will definitely be back!

Went with my partner had an amazing meal food was excellent staff extremely friendly. Will definitely be revisiting this lovely little in. Again 😀

Food is outstanding and service is second to none. Amazing fish and pork dishes which were sublime. Appetisers and country bread really delicious and set tone for rest of meal.Would highly recommend.

My wife and I, together with our 2 dogs stayed at the Gin Trap for 2 nights in November. The Room (The Stables) was lovely and cosy and well equipped on two levels. Complementary cake, gin, biscuits and doggy treats were a nice touch. We...

We stayed at the Gin Trap for 2 nights for our anniversary and to attend an event in North Norfolk. The friendly welcome on arrival, the complimentary G&T's, cake and anniversary card in our thoughtfully presented room was wonderful. But our Gin Trap glow disappeared...

We have been to the Gin Trap many times before. This was our first time back since January. Sandra was on hand to greet us and ensure we were looked after for drinks and the menu. From receiving the homemade bread to the cheese board,...

Booked for a late Sunday lunch with friends on the basis of a few recommendations. As you walk in the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly with locals having a drink at the bar. Cask ales and interesting beers taste great, suggesting a well kept bar....

Been meaning to stop here after passing through Ringstead on numerous occasions. We sat in the bar area, which is also dog friendly and also had a lovely wood burner fired up. We both had mussels with focaccia bread which was just about right for...

Thank you for another wonderful meal again. Many compliments to the chef. Thanks again to Kathy and Sandra for their wonderful service. See you soon. Kind regards Janet and Jimmy Aitchison

Amazing bar food sitting by the fire. The best French onion soup and then mussels. Great value, fabulous flavour, impeccable service

Went for Sunday lunch. Absolutely fabulous some of the best food we’ve had for a long time. And the staff top-notch just what you’d expect perfect. Wish we lived locally and we go very regularly.

Was really looking forward to re-visiting The Gin Trap - was one of the reasons we booked to stay in Ringstesd. The website claimed to be dog friendly and stated that dogs were welcome in the bar area. However, was very disappointed to only be...

Pretentious Overpriced and inedible. Starter of mushrooms on toast with a very sickly cream sauce. Small offering so I ate it .Main was a selection of pork cuts Pinky size cuts of different pork, belly ,cheek ,loin etc.Comes as a pretty pattern with a wilted...

This is a village pub which has been transformed into a really good restaurant. We went for dinner on a Friday night, it was busy but not too noisy. The staff were all attentive and capable and the food was excellent. In particular the staters...

We have been regulars at The Gin Trap for many years but having not been there for about 2 months due to other commitments we couldn’t believe how the ambience has changed. We had wanted to pay by cash and were very rudely told this...

We visited for Sunday lunch, our first time here. Everything was great, the setting, service and food! We’ll definitely be coming here again the next time we’re in the area.

The Gin Trap had been our favourite pub for a traditional Sunday lunch which was reliably faultless. However, the format has now changed, with the dishes much more fussy with small, but generally very tasty, portions. The only exception was the roast beef which lacked...

Stayed here with other members of the family for 5 nights for a 2-day family event in the area. Our room was fab, upstairs bedroom and sitting area with fridge and sink on the ground floor. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with great food and...

We stayed in The Pasture cottage, it was beautiful with a little courtyard. Lovely complimentary gin for humans and a doggy gift bag for our 4legged friend. The staff are so helpful and friendly. Now onto the food,,,, what can I say except FANTASTIC!! WOW!!...

What a strange concept. Unfortunately it was Wasted on us. We were greeted at the Door and then left to stare at a large blackboard in the corner while we tried to decifer the menu. All very odd choices and Nothing that went together. A...

Absolutely fantastic Sunday roast dinner The beef was so good Soft melt in the mouth beef cooked pink with a deep gravy and lovely Yorkshire pud. The roasties were lovely and beautifully cooked vegetables The mash was superb silky smooth and buttery. We were also...

We are returning customers for food and first time we stayed in a group of 4. We recommended Gin Trap to friends so that’s why we stayed and to celebrate 2 birthdays. Breakfast and Dinner was excellent, service. The accommodation was ok but needed a...

What do they think they’re doing? Living on past reputation as a great place to eat and drink? We’ve been coming to Ringstead and therefore The Gin Trap for 15-20 years. Why is there what is really a specials menu as “the” menu? Of course...

Great food - when we arrived we had drinks in the bar - G and T of course. Then we were taken into the restaurant. The service is attentive and efficient. For our meals we had the Steak and a baked Caulifower. Worth going to.

We went with my aunt who we are staying with and the service is the first thing that reassures you. As you enter you are welcomed with a smile and shown to your seat. The service is on point. The waitresses communication and attention to...

This restaurant was receded by its lovely staff and the fact it allowed dogs. The food was expensive and underwhelming despite being very well presented. Our table was so in the dark (atmosphere I presume) but really almost unable to see the food we ate....

Had a wonderful stay here last night, absolutely gorgeous room (The Warren) dog friendly ground floor with courtyard, beautiful room superb interior and fantastic bathroom facilities. The gin that you get on arrival in your room is so good with fever tree tonics . Fresh...

Great food, great service, what more can I say! Staff extremely helpful and chef to be commended for a wonderful meal!

We LOVE the Gin Trap and have been coming here for years - for lovely meals and overnight stays. So today we came for lunch and were given the a la carte menu. Complimentary bread and canapés were offered at the top of the Menu....

A lovely room and excellent food in both the restaurant and bar. Loved the fresh milk, that was available in flasks, to use for tea and coffee in your room.

The room was amazing. Staff were incredible. Even when one couple dining couldn’t get a taxi, one of the waitresses drove them home. Could not recommend enough

Lovely pub in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Lovely staff and great food. Limited external seating and drinks only outside. Need to get there early in peak season if you want to eat.

We were singing the praises of The Gin Trap to our friends who were visiting from Yorkshire. Unfortunately we were very disappointed. Our hopes were up when the starter arrived. Not sure what it was called but were round balls filled with cheese, beautiful bread...

We stayed for 2 nights at the Gin Trap Inn. The accommodation was characterful, very comfortable and offered everything we required. We dined in the pub restaurant on both nights. The price of the food is fully justified in our opinion, given the high quality...

Took my mum here last night for her birthday meal the food and service was spot on staff had great wine knowledge and paired perfectly with our food great presentation and flavours highly recommend good work guys and girls will definitely be returning

Booked a stay for two nights. Very small bedroom with equally small bathroom. Suggest the owners change the large chest for something smaller, do away with all the cushions on the bed - they take up so much floor space and the two awful tatty...

I love this pub, I also love Ringstead, it's off the beaten track so doesn't have the typical Hunstanton tourists and you have to know about it which I like. We are well aware of how difficult it is in the hospitality industry at the...

Absolutely wonderful experience at the humble Gin trap! Myself and my husband decided to stay at the gin trap for our short two day getaway, we didn’t arrive with any expectations but was absolutely blown away by the lovely, professional staff, our gorgeous accommodation, the...

Perfect Sunday Roast. Haven’t eaten at the Gin Trap for quite some time. The last time the food was excellent and this time didn’t disappoint either. Whilst probably a little bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants we felt it really was worth...

I feel that a small piece if salmon with a couple of spoons of greens for £24 is too much to pay. Be aware large plate does not mean there will be a lot of food on it

I have just returned from a two night stay with mum and Louis the dog . Highly recommend. The staff were fantastic so friendly and helpful. Chris the bar man 10/10 the ladies in the breakfast room brilliant especially Michelle . We felt so at...

The most superb lunch. Eating Al fresco in the glorious garden we were offered a choice of small and larger plates. The buttermilk chicken and truffle fries were really yummy. My lamb flat bread was exceptional. Clever mix of flavours - crunchy pomegranate seeds combined...

Quality of food was good, Quantity was poor when compared with cost. Was expecting a turbot larger than my credit card and almost as thin. Lamb dish was Luke warm and also bite sized. I don’t make a habit of complaining or poking my nose...

We stayed for a mid week break (3 nights) with our dog. Room and facilities as one would expect; bed was very comfortable and we had a small courtyard to sit out in. Lovely touches included a gin and tonic each in the room along...

Stopped here for lunch on our way back from Holme beach. Very nice pub with a large outside area which is partly undercover. Basic lunch menu which was fine for us. Staff very friendly and helpful.

Disappointed. Staff did not make us feel welcome, did not tell us about the meal options available to choose from (daily specials). We asked to move tables as there were plenty free and our chairs were too low to eat from, the staff seemed very...

A really good pub with very friendly staff and tasty food. I had to go 3 times in two weeks and each different dish I chose was delicious. The pub is dog friendly, locals friendly, food extra tasty tummy friendly,outdoor stunning for sundowners friendly. It’s...

Ridiculously over priced . They made a fuss about accepting a booking but when we arrived restaurant was very quiet . We were not allowed to eat outside on a wonderful summer eve as they were “ short staffed “. Menu strange and niche and...

Found by accident this beautifully located pub/restaurant with fantastic seating outside and inside was amaxing, so very clean and the food looked really good. Only popped in for a pint & a packet of crisps because it was Fathers day and though we couldn’t get...

Wow. It is sometime since we last visited, clearly a great deal of money has been spent both inside and out, it is stunning. From once a local pub, it is now a five star inn with accommodation, I urge readers to look at the...

What can you say, absolutely fabulous, we stayed in The Gallery suite which was fantastic, we were really pleased with the layout of the accommodation, as we were travelling with a year old German Shorthaired Pointer. Downstairs has lovely squishy sofa, separate chair, lots of...

The food was Ok along with the service which was ok, but, and this is a big BUT, the food and the pub does not warrant the prices that they charge for both the food and wine which are way too high after all it’s...

Lovely Sunday roast with excellent wine! Local oysters followed by a roast on a Sunday what more could you want other than a very good bottle of vino at excellent value for money. Service was amazing great friendly people and quieter than it has been...

The Gin Trap is a great place to be in and to spend time, in either the bar area (dog friendly) or the "beer garden" which is very well laid out and designed with an outdoor cosy feel to it. This review is about the...

Just .... Wow! We have just returned from a 2 night break at the beautiful Gin Trap Inn. We stayed with friends in the Compasses Cottage, every single detail was thought of. It really was 'home from home' The staff are like a family, they...

We had an excellent experience visiting on a Tuesday evening, Myself and my partner haven't been in a long time, The service was efficient and the food was delicious, I had the Cheese soufflé and he had the duck liver parfait alongside three oysters for...

Very good food (pretty much fine dining quality) all the while in a rustic pub setting. Staff were super friendly and helpful. Don’t be put off by the prices, The Gin Trap is worth every penny.

This was the best pub food I have ever had anywhere in the UK and the best service from manager Claudio. The menu was wonderful and the cooking and presentation of the very highest quality. Michelin star type food at a fair price in a...

A great atmosphere, and very welcoming staff., we stayed for 2 nights room was amazing, the food was out of this world. Thank you for a great stay.

Nice food and staff are very attentive But you are rushed as they want the table to get as many servings as possible also too expensive for what you get i

Everything a pub should be. Great atmosphere in the bar area and a beautiful dining area. Staff were all so friendly and the service was spot on. One of the best menus I’ve seen for a long time, we struggled to make a choice as...

Back again and the busy pub was rammed with happy drinkers and diners. On a very busy bank holiday service the food was superb. As one of our party said “ isn’t it great when you want to choose everything on the menu”. The service...

A lovely restaurant and pub. Very friendly service throughout. The food was very tasty and we left utterly stuffed. It was an expensive meal and at the price probably slightly overpriced for the meals. Whilst very nice probably not quite worth the money. Family of...

Best meal in our 4 day trip to North Norfolk .. fabulous quality of ingredients . Staff were excellent , polite and efficient . Sunny night when we visited - lovely outdoor area too.

Booked at short notice for Sunday lunch. The pub was popular but accommodated us comfortably. The menu was interesting and there was sufficient choice for vegetarians alongside omnivores. All food was well prepared, delicious and generously served. The environment is lovely and the staff very...

Not great choice for vegetarians. Last visit l had braised cauliflower and l got a pile of plain cauliflower, not great. So this time l went for white onion soup and rarebit. Admittedly a starter but there was half an inch of soup in a...

What a stunning place and decor with the most amazing staff I’ve seen for years. A credit to you. We called in for Sunday lunch on Mothers Day (happened to be my birthday and we were visiting so hadn’t booked). We were looked after so...

We sat in the lovely conservatory area and were served by Nichola and Chris. Both were so friendly and knowledgeable about the food. We were impressed. My husband had the cod with leek and crab sauce and I had the agnolotti pasta stuffed with lamb....

The Gin Trap Inn.... an intriguing name, that clearly has its roots firmly wedded to Gin. At least thats what I thought... As you walk in, you instantly get the sense that this is a nice country pub. There was a lovely roaring fire. It...

Booked for Sunday Lunch online which is as easy and set the stage for the rest of our visit. Warm welcome from walking in and the link between the Bar and Front of House was seamless. Great buzz and ambiance throughout. Drinks order taken and...

We had a wonderful dinner at the Gin Trap iNN we were only sorry we couldn’t stay a few nights. The pub itself is gorgeous,it has a lot of character.. The food was delicious.

We've just returned from The Gin Trap Inn on a sunday evening meal with my family to celebrate my wife’s 50th birthday , and can honestly say it was hands down one of the best meals we've had in a long while. Everything was spot...