Three Swallows in North Norfolk

Warm and welcoming. Excellent food and service. Good value. We went on grill night and had rump steak which was very tasty.

Me and my friends went here for a sunday roast which we were really looking forward too. When we arrived we were greeted nicely and sat ourselves at a table. We ordered our food, two chicken roasts and one vegetarian roast. When it arrived it looked nothing like you would expect a roast to look like. There was a chicken breast and part of a chicken wing. The potato’s looked bland and the gravy was minimal. The veg then came in a separate dish which had a pool of water and the bottom of it. The cauliflower cheese looked like mashed up baby food and tasted like it too. When we tried to eat the chicken it was so dry me and my friend had one bite and would not touch it again. It was horrible. The potatoes tasted stale. My friend had the red cabbage as a side which she said was lovely so cannot fault that. When the waiter came over to check if it was okay we just said yes because we felt too bad to complain and then he went away although we had hardly touched our food. He came back over to take our plates and didn’t ask if it was all okay so we then took it upon ourselves to go to the bar and complain. We asked to speak to a manager and he said “yeh that’s me” we then said “it was nothing to do with the service just the food, the chicken was so dry we didn’t touch it the potatoes tasted stale” and the reply we got was “well they were only made an hour ago” he also went on to say “well you should have told me when i came over” in a snappy tone at my friend infront of people at the bar. She felt intimidated and didn’t feel like her complains were being considered. he then said “well i could take one meal off” she said “yes because we aren’t paying £62 when we touched nothing on our plates” we then went up to the bar to pay and he did say sorry again but overall i am appalled with the food and experience here and would never return.

We visited The Three Swallows for lunch after a dog walk. We’d not booked, but we had no trouble getting a table - as you’d probably expect for a wet Tuesday in February! I had the club sandwich, which was delicious - it contained a surprise fried egg! My husband had the mushroom and spinach suet pudding - he was very pleased with it and said he’d have it again. We shared the sundae for pudding, which was good but not quite as good as the mains (it was missing cream and a topping such as nuts or chocolate). We’d certainly come back.

We can't praise this place highly enough. We had a fabulous meal from the January Supper Club menu, and every dish was delicious and very generous. The staff are super-friendly and we were made to feel very welcome. They remembered that we had eaten there before, which made us feel valued. Standout dishes were the woodland mushroom and chestnuts on sourdough starter and the magnificent sticky toffee pudding.

We hadn’t been to The Three Swallows for some years, and we were pleased at the huge improvement. We had Sunday Lunch, and very decent it was too, and at a sensible price.

We went on a Thursday as advertised special deal grill night . No gammon , no sirloin steak , no trout so no deal for us . I ordered a vegetarian wellington with sautéed potatoes.It came with mashed which I do not like . Roast potatoes came as a substitute 10 minutes later ….. too late . We ordered blackberry and apple crumble only to be told later that it was apple and sultana .The server seemed uninterested and the food poor .

We visited this pub today just after 2pm for a nice lunch after a long walk on the beach. Big mistake. There were a few customers, but the place wasn’t busy. As soon as you walk in the door, the place didn’t feel inviting at all, nor did the staff offer a particularly warm welcome. We asked if we could have a table to eat, and we were just handed a couple of menu’s from behind the bar and left to sit ourselves. Not a big deal, we thought, so we sat and had a look through the menu. Nobody came to ask us what we’d like to eat, so we went and ordered food from the bar. The mushroom starter we had was pretty good, but the schnitzel afterwards was terrible, and certainly not as described on the menu. No garlic butter, no skin on fries, just normal fries were received. Unfortunately, my partner discovered a dark hair on her lettuce, but since nobody came to check the table and ask how our food was, I had to go and find someone. The meal was then replaced with fish and chips, but this wasn’t finished either as it was too greasy. The staff seemed more interested in talking amongst themselves behind the bar and paid no attention to paying customers. Not once were we asked if we’d like another drink, it’s simple things really that we’re overlooked by incompetent staff. The lights didn’t work in the men’s or women’s toilets, they didn’t have any local gins, zero atmosphere (we were sat in complete silence at times), I could go on. I wanted to write this review to warn others not to bother wasting your money and time here, the owner hasn’t got a clue. We were bitterly disappointed and will not be returning. The previous evening, we dined at The George and Dragon just a few minutes down the road and it was absolutely faultless - I would recommend paying them a visit instead.

Popped in after a walk as needed a drink and some food. Friendly service, though disappointed ‘coming soon’ on beer pump was not a beer I’d never tried before .. just indicated new supplies were awaited. Excellent food; lovely atmosphere. Despite living within a few miles, and walking at Cley regularly, not been inside pub for many years, but will be back …. if visiting, worth investigating. Also, excellent website to plan your visit.

I can’t speak highly enough of this place. We went 3 times!! Great food exceptional service and so friendly - these two brothers run an excellent establishment! Thank you for making every visit there a joy! Judith and Snowy from Cornwall

Lovely soup and Welsh rabbit but portion of soup so small. Warm and welcoming with fire going. Looks like it's been redecorated. Would visit regularly if more soup in the bowl.

We had a lovely overnight stay at the Three Swallows. Gareth the manager/owner was so friendly and attentive. Our room was cosy and had all the little extras you need esp as such a reasonable rate. Both dinner and breakfast were great. Amazing shephards pie and the full English. Def worth a visit.

we are staying in Clay at Mallard which is a great stop over and thought we would give it a visit and so pleased we did, very welcoming bar man with great rapport, fantastic pint of Timothy Taylors and wine to suit, we had shepherds pie and steak and kidney pie, absolutely delicious thank you very much the 3 Swallows,

I left a review in March this year after a quick visit saying how great the pub was and that we were looking forward to returning for lovely food. What a disappointment when we finally returned . The pizza was genuinely inedible, roast was edible but nothing special (and to be honest if one meal is dreadful the eating out experience you went for is already ruined) . I’m sad to leave a poor review but it’s important to leave an honest opinion.

We wanted somewhere a little off the beaten track and found this pub down by Cley church. Parking is along the road by the green. As well as a main menu there is a set menu for £11 which includes food and a drink. We opted for the latter. I had tasty sausage and mustard mash with onions and gravy and my husband had honey roast ham which was thick, egg, chips and pineapple chutney. Both washed down with Frobisher apple juice. Excellent and generous for the price. The bar lady was extremely friendly and welcoming. There were plenty of tables including some outside.

First visit to the Three swallows and will not be our last. My wife’s vegan curry was good and was enjoyed. I had steak and ale pie, it had a good amount of steak and came with extra gravy and a very good portion of perfectly cooked vegetables. Our starters were also excellent. Service was good as was the ambience.

Great experience with a rather unique and carefully selected menu. Had a very enjoyable night with great service and decor.

The same chap managed the bar and the table service and considering the pub was pretty full on the evening we were there he was very impressive and seemed to manage everything effortlessly. Food was very good too, decent portions and tasty.

Excellent food, we both enjoyed a fantastic lunch here. For the warmer months the pub has a fantastic beer garden and seating to the front is a sun trap. Beautiful letting rooms on site within a converted barn. Would definitely recommend.

We visited recently on a Sunday evening. Despite there appearing to only be 2 members of staff (barman plus chef/waiter,) the evening was brilliant. The barman in particular was friendly and served drinks quickly. The atmosphere there was lovely, everyone was friendly and polite and the food was delicious. Definitely would return.

We were going to stay here for a night, costing us £160. We left after an hour with a full refund. The entire room stank as it was situated by a bin compound that was pungent. We made a coffee with gone off milk (2 months out of date). There was no floor mat so water was being walked in and out of the small room due to the ‘rug being removed for a deep clean because it was covered in blood’. The room was overall not very clean and most things including the kettle were covered in dust. We couldn’t even eat here as it was fully booked, but we were not told this when we booked the room?? Definitely not worth your money, do not stay here.

Booked with OpenTable for lunch at 2 pm. We arrived a couple of minutes early. No where to check in, other than the bar where a young female member of staff was serving drinks. Eventually checked in by her, told it was bar service, and shown to a table, whereupon a man popped up from behind the bar to tell us we would have quite a wait, as a table of 5 had just walked in. We told him we had booked, but that made no difference. We decided to take our custom elsewhere. It was clearly not appreciated here!

Having never stayed in Cley before we never knew the pub was here! Wow. Had we missed out! Staying in Cley this time sat nav took us passed the pub when we arrived. It looked great so we decided to try it. Superb place. The woodworking / carving in front if and behind the bar is stunning. Serve a superb pint of Timothy TAylors Landlord as well. A fabulous private garden at the rear with a huge awning. Great friendly staff. Had drinks here twice before a meal - fab double-burger and fish and chips. Really good value too. Piping hot!!! Will visit again before we go home. Shame this isn't our local- 5 hours drive is a bit of a stretch. Terrific pub whether it's just a drink and/or a meal. Definitely revisit and definitely recommend.

Visited this pub on a Tuesday afternoon and asked for a menu, we were given the main menu and no other so assumed this was the only one available. Booked a meal for the following evening, Wednesday. Since visiting on the Tuesday we researched the website and saw a Supper Menu so asked for this on Wednesday, but were told it was only available Monday and Tuesday, so why didn’t they show us this menu on Tuesday when we asked for the menu? The food we had was good on Wednesday, Tomahawk pork and Prawn and crab linguine, however only 5 prawns in the linguine and not much crab for £18, definitely not worth the money. There was no table check carried out as there should be, if there had been I would have mentioned the prawn situation. Another lady near us had the same meal and mentioned the lack of prawns too. Generally seemed like the staff wanted your money but were lacking in people skills. Such a shame as could be a lovely place.

The sign outside says a very warm welcome from Matt and the team. We arrived at 6.45pm on a sunny Tuesday evening with the place not being busy by any stretch of the imagination. Upon requesting the menu we were advised only pizzas were available. When attempting to order the pizzas it became evident the ones we would like were not available. Regardless however the selection we made never arrived. Eric's fish and chips in Holt were far more amenable.....GIVE THE THREE SWALLLOWS A MISS, THE PLACE FOES NOT DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS.

A great meal. Friendly staff, excellent choice and great value for money in a lovely setting. Also very dog friendly!

Found this pub by looking for dog friendly pubs in Cley. We were pleasantly surprised by the pub, drinks menu and excellent food. I must admit this was the best food we had around Norfolk, everything was just perfect. Highly reccomend. Also our dog enjoyed the surroundings and extensive grounds. We will be back.

I read reviews before trying here and was a little unsure. We visited with friends for a drink, it seemed very nice so we booked a table for a few days later again with our friends. Not rushed, nice drink in lovely garden, yes you...

Do not bother.anouther overpriced rubbish frozen food pub..beutiful setting.but sadly run down by management

We were robbed. One pint alchol beer £8-50. Large glass sauvingnon £10-45. Food very average. Crab and prawns linguine did not contain any prawns. Expensive evening for uninteresting food.

New owner and reasons for optimism but it was disappointing. Pointed to a table and told it was basically self service from the bar. The food was average at best and less good in every respect from the close competitors in same and neighbouring villages....

The new owners have done a magnificent job inside , however the fact they have the most amazing outside area, I am amazed that people are walking away due to the fact ALL the external field tables are covered in bird poo!..what does it take...

New owners but same old story when it comes to vegetarian food. Went to have drink and food and again, as with previous owners, really poor choice for vegetarians and vegans. 14 main courses and just two are veggie - one of which is a...

Croissants for breakfast on arrival. & cooked breakfast! Clean room.Lovely shower. Great smelly soap. Can not complain.

Popped in here for a quick lunch and ordered several bar snacks to share. We were bowled over by the friendly service, relaxing atmosphere and really delicious food. We can recommend the padron peppers, the hummus with flat breads and the Crispy Pork Belly Bites...

Stayed for a Saturday night, lovely rooms, great evening meal, nice breakfast, lovely friendly staff, would definitely stay again

We popped in for a Sunday afternoon drink and immediately felt like we had stumbled upon a hidden gem. Just a nice vibe, good music, lovely decor, friendly staff. Unfortunately we didn’t eat here but the meals looked and smelt good. We’ll be back for...

With friendly and attentive service this is a lovely place for a meal. We ate here on a Sunday night in February so it was a quiet night. Food was still great and the beer obviously very well kept.

Our first visit, however we know the area well from happy times in the late 70’s and early 80’s. lovely greeting from Sue, she is a darling. Showed us to a small but delightful room next to the pub. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. First...

Lunch on a Monday. Service was warm and welcoming. My wife had chicken Schnitzel and I had the 5oz sirloin and chips. Both were meals were cooked well and very tasty. It has been several years since I was last there and now living in...

We're regulars at Wiveton Bell and wanted to try another local venue and the Three Swallows did not disappoint. A warm welcome from Su upon arrival and she was very attentive throughout our visit (or maybe it was our labrador that brought her to the...

Lovely welcoming pub. Food was gorgeous, had chicken schnitzel which was to die for and Beef & Ale pie which hubby loved. Also had profiteroles and Apple crumble for pudding, which were also yummy. We hope to return soon.

Stayed overnight on a Sunday… Evening meal was delicious, room was lovely, breakfast was fabulous (great selection available) and the staff were brilliant. I will be back.

My husband and I had passed the pub several times and noted its lovely location and welcoming A-board outside. We also spotted its great January dining club offer (£19.50 for two courses, Mon-Thurs) - so we booked ourselves in. The whole evening was a joy:...

I don’t often leave reviews but this place really does deserve the best! Food was fresh, tasty and possibly the best roast I’ve ever had! The service was beyond good! Barman friendly and nothing too much trouble for the owner. We are a party of...

A great local pub , just like the sort of pub we hanker for from the past. Amazing service- we had a late arrival from London and after a gruelling trip the staff re-opened the kitchen just for us ! On a Sunday night I’m...

Visited in October while staying in Cley as it was perfect to walk down in the evening. Pre-booked the first time, and glad I did as they had staff shortages and were only taking bookings. We had the sunday roast - one meat, one vegetarian...

Mould all over bedroom and bathroom out of date coffee worst place u have ever been avoid def never go there again shame on you

Booked via booking.com. Advert shows nice big room with a lovely bath. On arriving this is not what you get! Small bedroom with mouldy walls and musty smell. No bath but a small shower that went from scalding to ice cold constantly. When we complained,...

The licensee and the staff are very welcoming and the food is good pub food. The atmosphere is also excellent and a big step up since our previous visit in September

Called in whilst passing, the pub has recently been refurbished to a high standard but kept its character. Food and drink really good, excellent friendly staff

We were holidaying in the area and asked in the village for a nice eating place. Everyone recommended the Three Swallows so we went to have a look at the menus and loved it straight away. Two of us had the beef pie mash and...

The welcome outside the front door said it all-A hand written welcome. And from the time we stepped into the pub we were made welcome and surrounded by a very friendly atmosphere. Thank you so much Ellie and Tyler. The food was wonderfully presented and...

Just enjoyed a lovely Sunday lunch, food really tasty, friendly, attentive and relaxed service in a cosy, warm environment. Generous portions, excellent value for money. Everything you want from a Sunday lunch.

Good ambience. Excellent food. Service friendly and well meaning but haphazard and still a bit disorganised and lacking focus.

We booked a lunch for 3 families, they were so accommodating and friendly. The food delicious. We were there a year ago, the new owners have really made a difference. Can highly recommend.

I visited here 10 years ago at the suggestion of a friend that lived in the area years before. Returning this time, the menu was much more interesting and the layout and decor a nice blend of olde pub and restaurant. Staff were excellent. Prices...

Pre booked a table, which turned out good, as due to staff shortages walk ins were suspended. As wheelchair users I had informed the pub of this, and they were well accommodating. Quickly served with drinks and order taken. Fresh cooked food doesn’t appear in...

Visited for a quick pint and a bar snack whilst doing a local walk in June with friends in glorious sunshine. Pub looks great and has a fantastic outdoor space. However ... couldn't have been made less welcome by the surly young fella serving who...

Just returned from a lovely meal at the three swallows. Friendly welcome from the staff and really friendly, attentive and helpful throughout. Had sticky beef starter, great but wouldn’t have as the main course option. The grass fed, dry aged steak was fabulous. Star of...

The Three Swallows is a superb country pub, which became a highlight of our holiday in Norfolk. We ate here four times and stayed overnight in one of their comfortable rooms before setting off on our trip home. We visited twice for Sunday lunch -...

Arrived as walkers from the Norfolk Coast Path, which is half a mile away at Cley. Pleasant and helpful welcome. Lodged in small, clean, modern, well-appointed room in pleasant small building adjacent to main pub. Well cooked, presented and served meal and wine from well...

Although the food was nice the service was appalling. Desserts disappointing never seen a crumble served in a cocotte dish before and the smallest jug of custard ever. Morello cherry sundae which was actually a coupe not a sundae just curls of icecream with a...

Me and hubbie went here last night for a meal. We found it to be very warm and welcoming with friendly staff. The food was superb, very very good. No hesitation in giving 5 stars. Would recommend.

We live locally so were delighted to see the nice refurb of the Swallows and for it to be open again. We have visited 5 times since it opened for food and/drinks and every time it’s been extremely disappointing. The food was ok, but not...

Another great night with family. We all had sourdough pizzas loaded with different toppings to share. Each was delicious. Had a lovely witty waitress serving USA en she thoroughly entertained us. Look forward to next time.

We arrived at 12 noon just as they opened. We had booked a table. There was space on the booking form for any special requests. Either the staff don't read what is written there, or they ignore it! We had requested a particular table, and...

This place has changed so much since our last visit, and not for the better. Yet another good Norfolk pub that's become an over priced restaurant. But we might have given it more of a chance if we hadn't been ignored by the serving staff....

Where to begin. Table booking was not prepared, only one new staff member (hence why all of us where not allowed to order cocktails because the young chap couldn’t make them and the other staff were too busy). Food terrible. We spoke to the manager...

Outstanding pub - has all been recently refurbished and the style, decor and general vibe is spot on. As somebody born and bred (but who has dared venture further afield than) Norfolk, it’s pubs like this that make me proud of our spectacular North Norfolk...

Absolutely love this pub - we have visited The three swallows for around 20 years as a family… couldn’t wait to take my boyfriend there when visiting Norfolk! We couldn’t decide so pigged out! Lovely refurb, lovely food & service, (Even let me pick my...

Nice refurbishment.Always liked this pub as it caters for dogs Food was lovely when we got it but manager needs to take a customer service courses he was quite rude.No food service for an hour as they had 7 checks on!! Try working in a...

Great food. Friendly staff. Quick service and lovely ambience. My wife and I had a very enjoyable stay.

Visited c friends and ordered the club - overpriced and no chips or salad..will avoid in future! Plenty of local competition thankfully

Superb place in difficult times… This was our second visit this week and we cannot recommend it more highly. Like so many establishments they are seriously understaffed - and yet continue with smiles on their faces. Yes the service was a little slow but we...

This pub has the worst customer service in any pub I have been to. Only 1 of the staff deals with groups with reservations for 4 and he kept us waiting without even acknowledging us while he tidied the bar. We were eventually taken to...

Staying in an Airbnb literally 2 doors away, into a newly refurbished pub… what’s not to like? Well the refurb is great and the garden and it’s furniture is spot on. Ordered a round of drinks and menu…… chose our food went in and ordered...

Beautiful place, but no service, didn’t know about the food regards to allergies and food was so do. We had booked a table, but nobody where there to help us when we arrived, so after 10-15min we went into the garden and had to put...

I should have read the latest reviews before booking but sadly they are all spot on. The refurbishment looks good but the rest is all disorganisation. Handed the wrong menus, the outdoor eating space was a mess of uncollected glasses and ashtrays, standing in line...

Staff were friendly and I feel trying to do the best they could (I think there were too few?) but unfortunately this goes down as one of my worst restaurant experiences - the type you see on Kitchen Nightmares. Couple days ago me and my...

This was our first visit and the pub has recently reopened after refurbishment. Beautiful character pub, great garden space, dog friendly, friendly staff and really nice food. Would definitely recommend a visit.

3 people with a reservation for dinner; no one to greet us so queued at bar to get seated. Table was pointed at and we were informed that someone would bring menus and take a drinks order. 15 mins later still waiting, went to the...

I'm afraid this place is not going to survive unless it gets its act together sharpish. We chose this place at the last moment on a visit to Cley. The menu seemed to have a wider selection and at slightly more reasonable prices than the...

The greeting we received on arrival was so friendly and we felt very well looked after throughout. We ate the same as Pamela C ( see earlier review) and must respectfully disagree with her experience completely. My wife said the risotto was one of the...

Only re opened a short while ago and a way to go before it warrants a return visit. My fish and chips should be so easy but was disappointing. Roasted vegetable for a small appetite was a bit thin and lacking in carbs. Starters were...

We have been using the Three Swallows as our eatery of choice whilst on holiday for over 20 years. We have seen two changes of management now since COVID and have still patronised the pub. This year we found a new set-up and were eager...

Really looking forward to visiting The Three Swallows after it’s reopening and refurbishment. Exterior looks good and inviting and garden has been revamped. First impression on stepping in was welcoming but then told to pick up menus and come back and order from the bar....

We stayed here for a long weekend & had a nice stay. Was slightly concerned after booking about the reviews, but I needn’t have worried. Staff were friendly, and food was good. Rooms are situated outside which is nice, and the overall look of the...

The pub looks lovely inside and out after a recent refurbishment, and although we understood they were having a soft opening they were trying to run with two staff ! We are all in the catering industry so are more appreciative and understanding than most...

Had a Really nice meal here While visiting Norfolk for the first Time to see the Bee-eaters. It is slightly out of the way so if we hadn't happened upon it we would have missed out, We had'nt had much luck with food up until...

Crazy Prices for 0% Beers Stopped in for a drink on second day after its reopening. Sign at the entrance said "if you have 5* service please leave us a review" or something to that effect. It didn't say what to do if you had...

The pub is actually closed, awaiting renovation but with no date for commencement. There is no mention of this on the website .Excellent breakfasts - thank you Sue! - were served in the building but there was no servicing of rooms in the adjacent accommodation...

Excellent lunch We both had the crab sandwich Magnificent so tasty Rest of menu looked good Great selection of drinks 👍👍👍

Being grumpy myself I felt a certain sympathy with the landlord. We hadn't studied the reviews before we booked; my choice was made simply because the house over the green had been the home of one of my bridesmaids and I like the atmosphere on...

Great family evening meal, staff very friendly and welcoming. The fish and chips is definitely one to have, freshly battered fish you will go a long way to beat. Lovely atmosphere, we will definitely return!

Enjoyed a really nice 3 course Meal.. the lovely waitress (name I think she said was Kirsty ) moved us to a larger table which was a kind gesture as was visiting with my elderly father. The halloumi fries were possibly the best I’ve tasted...

Have been coming to this pub for years but no more.Called in yesterday for lunch to be greeted by the most miserable man behind the bar who barely managed to string a sentence together even though I tried to engage a conversation.Not many people in...

We enjoyed a couple of nights at the Three Swallows and were made to feel at home by Sue and John, Excellent breakfasts and a typical pub lunch/dinner menu. What we had was well cooked with fresh salad produce. The seafood platter was excellent and...

I was surprised to read the recent reviews. We stayed at The Three Swallows earlier this month. Yes, the rooms are small (but that is obvious from the pubs website). Our room was clean and the shower room had modern fittings and plenty of space....

Overpriced, dirty cramped room. When we walked into our room the first impression was that it smelt of damp. On closer inspection it was due to the lack of humidistat in the bathroom and no air flow. The dark walls were covered with water staining...

Lots of items not available on menu, everything with chips. Lasagne only had essence of mince beef, it was just sauce. When we both mentioned how poor it was, we were amazed to be told "yeah we've had lots of complaints !!!!! why is it...