The best restaurants in King's Lynn and West Norfolk East of England

Unfortunately, our visit to the Duke's Head for an afternoon tea experience wasn't quite what we were hoping for. On arrival, we were greeted by a sign asking to "wait to be seated" and wait we did for 15 mins before a member of the restaurant staff appeared. This would have been understandable had there been a busy service in progress, but there were fewer than 4 other tables occupied. On eventually being shown to a table, by someone anything other than what you could describe as a "Maître D", we were given menus, signalling that it was clear that it was not obvious that we had booked for afternoon tea, which was equally demonstrated by the waiter not being able to find our reservation initially. Our afternoon tea was eventually served to us and for the most part the food was satisfactory, albeit the shortbread sweets were soggy, rather than crisp and the tea had tipped over to the point of stewed. At no point during our service, did anyone check if all was in order or if we required anything, as for practically the duration of our visit there were barely any staff present. Other tables were also left unattended and had to actively seek out staff in order to place their order. At a mid-point during our service, a moderate sized party of guests arrived for their booking and without any tables being previously arranged to accommodate the number of guests, their tables and chairs were very clumsily dragged and thrown around noisily, without any elegance, ruining what little atmosphere that existed in the restaurant. At the close of our service and on the request to settle our bill, again, I had to be asked our booking name, as our entry could not be found. Following a further 15-20 minutes of waiting for the bill to materialise and expecting to be billed as part of the hotel's promotion of 2 for 1 afternoon tea (as booked in advance), this caused further confusion and another 15 mins passed, before we were ushered down towards the main reception area for investigation. At reception, during the course of the conversation, we were either told that our booking couldn't be found or we was given conflicting information. As there was no reference to the promotion on the booking, I was asked if I could supply the booking reference/email, to which I did. However, as the promotion was not listed on the confirmation, this was completely dismissed and we were told that we were being billed for the full amount. In addition, it was insinuated that it was my error, as I was unable to produce any proof or voucher code (of which there was not one, as it was a direct booking on the hotel's website). I explained that all I received was what the hotel had issued me in confirmation of the booking. At this point, we were told that the promotion was in August and the system shouldn't have allowed us to book our selected date, which I didn't feel was our error. Later in the conversation, we were then told that there hadn't been a 2 for 1 promotion since February. Lastly, we were told that it was likely that there was a 20% discount saving, but we didn't receive this either. The whole conversation was awash with arbitrary decisions and ambiguous stories. Consequently, the staff were completely dismissive and were only interested in us paying the full amount, which is what we were forced to do. During all of the above pitiful exchange, we were witness to a couple who were locked out of their accommodation and were left waiting to gain entry and another dining couple were also complaining that they had not received their meals as promised. A member of the restaurant staff who was actually trying to make amends was asking what I assumed to be the duty manager, if he could just bill them for what they had received and provide them with a good-will gesture soft drink, to which he replied, "no, don't say anything to them, I will speak to them, as they need to pay the full price". Sadly, these examples perfectly epitomised that the hotel was not adequately staffed and there was insufficient organisation or customer service. The facial expression and reaction of the assumed duty manager led me to believe that this was not a rare occurrence of events. We have had a number of positive afternoon tea experiences in other establishments that leave you feeling that you had received an attentive service with well presented and consumed refreshments. However, sadly, this experience left only a bitter taste and is not one that will be repeated again. I can only conclude a shocking service and poor attitude from a hotel that given their longstanding presence in the hospitality industry should know a great deal better, especially as what we ended up paying for was definitely not of equal value to what we received.

The food here is brilliant and well worth a visit. It is a quirky place as it sells jams and other tasty treats and it is also an antique shop with a good variety of items. It is close to the beach and worth a visit when out for a day trip!

Excellent pizza in a log fired, cosy yurt. The choice of toppings and the flavours were all wonderful. Freshly cooked to order they tasted amazing. There is a play area for children outside to keep you occupied while you wait.

Booked table, but was a little late due to the massages in the spa being delayed. However, the spa did call them to let them know we would be running late & this was not a problem. We sat in the lovely sunny patio & enjoyed our lovely food with copious amounts of tea. Great service, atmosphere & food.

I have been in a here a few times as work in the area. The customer service is absolutely diabolical in here. Some of the rudest people I have ever met who clearly hate their job so take it out on the customers. The sandwiches are also crap. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.

We came home with a great selection of apples and pears from the orchard, some we had not heard of before, they are all the same price by weight so you just make your own selection into a bag. We will be batch-baking apple-crumble for the freezer. They also have a nice butchery selection and local cheese amongst other edible. Not so keen about Gurneys the fresh fish shop as they didn't seem to want the custom they shut up early. The Fish and chip shop had a gluten problem which I will review separately.

We booked on the strength of enjoying rack of lamb. That was part of the internet menu. However it was not available on our arrival! We chose fish & chips. Nice quality fish & ample plateful. However malt vinegar was not to be had. We were offered white wine vinegar instead. Ok but not the one we prefer. However a pleasant night in a restaurant well cared for by staff & management. Thank you.

This has closed, and re opened at Rings End, March Road, called Mama Tree ( previously called Oriental Garden). Signs are up stating that a Carvery is about to open.

Atrocious! Chips tasted like they had been fried twice in week old oil and the burger was cold. Quarter pounder? More like cooked at quarter past opening. Absolutely appalling when paying nearly £30 for 2 burgers, 2 chips & 2 drinks

Great food and atmosphere very relaxing

Good fish and chips are not easy to get right but this place manages that. The fish was good and without too much batter and the chips were some of the best we have eaten for a while.

Booked in for a large group after a long morning shopping. Absolutely amazing food and amazing service, highly recommend!

Perfect. Simply the very best roast lunch in a restaurant..and I am picky. I had the roast pork and it was slow roasted and so tender. Two others with me one had beef the other lamb. Both said perfectly cooked and tasty. Fresh veg, delicious cauliflower cheese. 3 coarse meal for £24. Lovely friendly staff, warm and comfortable room. We will most certainly return...once we get over our food coma! Thank you!

What a fantastic quaint B&B. The room was comfortable, warm, and had everything we needed. Cups etc were replenished and milk and water was available in a fridge. The owners were lovely very friendly and extremely helpful in organising taxis, food and catering to our every need- including early check in, allergies etc. We really appreciated it. Would definitely stay in this quirky, friendly place again.