The best restaurants serving British food in North Walsham East North Norfolk East of England

This is a very special hotel indeed. Kept, by its exuberant owner, in 1920’s style in homage to Agatha Christie who used to stay there. Full of old pictures and bits and bobs. Our bedroom ( medium size) was very comfortable with fun roll top bath but has modern amenities as well. But was next to the kitchen extractor fan which was noisy until 11 pm All the staff, mainly young people, were outstandingly helpful and polite. Nothing was too much trouble and it was the type of service I haven’t seen for many years. Well done. It is also highly popular , and full the nights we were there. Largely I suspect because of the combined dinner, bed and breakfast offerings. At very good value for money. The food was generally delicious and fresh. Duck, halibut, sea trout and the local crab and lobsters were outstanding but the “locally caught king prawns which, like the lobster, were landed today “ were obviously frozen as were tasteless and they ( king prawns) don’t live in UK waters. That was the only disappointment on the menu, which I wouldn’t have mentioned except they had been really hyped up by the enthusiastic person I assume was the owner. Good well chosen wine list and fine cocktails The reason I haven’t given five stars is with the regimented way guests eat. Severe set 25 minute table timings for breakfast and dinner. I do understand that the kitchen needs to be paced to cook such good food to order, but the timings on offer were not good for many of the customers. By the time we arrived to check in at 3pm after a long drive we had to settle for a 6.30 supper and 9.15 breakfast. The next day breakfast wasn’t available until 9.30 … hopeless for anyone who works or has to leave earlier.. and I overheard two couples saying their 6.30pm slot was far too early for dinner , but that was all that was left because the best table times had already been given to people from outside who had booked in for a meal. You are asked to go to the bar half an hour before your meal where you receive some underwhelming amuse bouche and are expected to buy a drink whilst perusing the menu. This is to help the chef timings but also allows for tables to be turned over and reset. The last day we were there the small bar was over crowded and we had to wait an hour to be shown our table. Service was then very slow. I just couldn’t eat rich food at 9pm having waited by then two and a half hours. So because I prefer more personalised service and eating at a time that suits my stomach, and I like to be sat at my table and not held in a “ holding pen” this is not an experience I personally wish to experience again. Having said that I realise that this hotel really does suit many of its guests, who really loved it. So it’s only my own opinion and I suspect I’m in a very small minority

Stayed for one night, all the staff were friendly and helpful, the room was spacious, clean , light and comfortable with an excellent bathroom. Breakfast was very good with an excellent choice of freshly cooked food, cereals, pastries and fruit. Will definitely return and would certainly recommend staying here

Definitely in the top 2 swan named pubs in north walsham