Norfolk pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Norfolk - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Fat Cat, Norwich
Address: 49, West End St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4NA [map]
Phone: 01603 624364
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Nearest train station: Norwich (1.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Kings Arms, Norwich
Address: 22, Hall Rd, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3HQ [map]
Phone: 01603 766361
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Nearest train station: Norwich (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The Kings Arms still manages to be one of the best beer pubs in the city. Although it's now owned by Bateman's (so has to stock their beers), there is always a good selection of constantly changing guest beers. You'll find Adnams Bitter and Hopback Summer Lightming and a Wolf beer on all the time, Castlerock Harvest Pale is available much of the time (as it's so popular) but the other 4 or 5 beers could be from almost anywhere (sometimes local, often not). And in the evening you can bring in food from the nearby takeaway food outlets! It's one pub I try to visit at least once a week (not easy in a city with so much choice).
8 Apr 2008 09:28
There's so many nice things about this pub - a great choice of good quality beers, a pleasant, cosy atmosphere (no jukebox or fruit machines) and excellent food. However, I have one major grumble - they can be over-zealous in clearing the pub at closing time. On a couple of occasions this winter they've used the extremely annoying tactic of opening the doors and letting the ice-cold air blown in from outside, in the hope it'll make you hurry your last pint. I find this very irritating - particularly if you're sat at the bar, just yards from the doors. A simple "drink up gentleman, please" would suffice. If anyone from the pub reads this review, please stop doing this - it's guaranteed to cheese off even loyal regulars!30 Mar 2008 15:22
Another excellent Norwich pub. Many hand pumped ales possibly 12. I am afraid no notes or phone reminders on this pub so I will definitely be back to review again. I know they had a TV with the well known Satellite broadcaster who provides sport. I believe good value food was also available.24 Mar 2008 14:45
Trafford Arms, Norwich
Address: 61 Grove Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3RL [map]
Phone: 01603 628466
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Nearest train station: Norwich (0.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A once excellent pub, with a great selection of ales.
Plenty of room inside, and a limited number of seats outside for the summer or smoking.
Pool table, and big screen for sports. Does standard pub food at a reasonable price.
Recent departures of fit barmaids has diminished the pub in my eyes, though.
Overall, a good pub to spend a few hours in.
A large imposing pub when you first spot it. A pub has been on this site since the about the 1860's but it was completely rebuilt after being bombed in 1942. There is a good history of the pub on their website.
10 hand pumps were in use but 9 different ales were available on Saturday. I understand 3 of the beers are permanent Adnams Best, Woodfordes Wherry and Tetleys. This means the other 6 or 7 pumps alter quite regularly so I will not bother listing. We all decided to have two halves of different beer; I had Timothy Taylor's Dark Mild and as it was very near to my birthday a Bateman's Aries Ale.
Plenty of room inside, and a limited number of seats outside for the summer or smoking.
Pool table, and big screen for sports. Does standard pub food at a reasonable price.
Recent departures of fit barmaids has diminished the pub in my eyes, though.
Overall, a good pub to spend a few hours in.
25 May 2008 15:38
Another fantastic pub on our Norwich crawl on Saturday. Things are starting to get a bit hazy now but at least I had some scant notes & phone pics. A large imposing pub when you first spot it. A pub has been on this site since the about the 1860's but it was completely rebuilt after being bombed in 1942. There is a good history of the pub on their website.
10 hand pumps were in use but 9 different ales were available on Saturday. I understand 3 of the beers are permanent Adnams Best, Woodfordes Wherry and Tetleys. This means the other 6 or 7 pumps alter quite regularly so I will not bother listing. We all decided to have two halves of different beer; I had Timothy Taylor's Dark Mild and as it was very near to my birthday a Bateman's Aries Ale.
24 Mar 2008 14:13
Still excellent elcomimg Pub with good food and fine ales. Real cider also served and a good selection of bottled beers available1 Mar 2008 14:52
Ye Olde Maydens Heade, Kings Lynn
Address: Tuesday Market Place, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JL [map]
Phone: 01553774699
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Nearest train station: Kings Lynn (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Going down the pan faster than any other local.
Great place in times gone by, now dead during the day and full of luney tunes at night.
No real ale on but pumps still there
Great place in times gone by, now dead during the day and full of luney tunes at night.
No real ale on but pumps still there
25 Feb 2008 10:56
What a great place to be on a Saturday night I have seen some spectacular live bands here in a great atmosphere14 Dec 2007 23:40
Excellent food and great friendly service even if the chef is a little mad 26 Oct 2007 16:06
The Ship Inn, Brancaster
Address: Main Road, Brancaster, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 8AP [map]
Phone: 01485 210333
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Reviews by BITE users:
Some interesting views expressed here - although I can't help but think the owners might have something to do with the defence! If people express a negative opinion that's there right - it doesn't make them rude.
But I'll try to offer a balanced view: this pub is in an excellent location and a lovely building. The beer is not at all bad, if a little limited. As for the food, it was okay, nothing more, nothing less but certanly overpriced (if I'm paying about £10 for a main I expect it to be better than ok). The service is certainly interesting, not necessarily rude, but not warm and welcoming - and the barman is certainly not somebody you would want to complain to.
I certainly wouldn't go back to this place and clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way. Oh, and Yellowid, you're glad you drove past? Presumably you didn't stop! Lol!
BUT there IS something a bit amiss about the attitude of the bar staff (owner?). Rude, I would say. Dismissive. Arrived 5 minutes before 2 (when the kitchen closes)to order lunch and virtually told to p@%ss off. Basil Fawlty watch out!
But I'll try to offer a balanced view: this pub is in an excellent location and a lovely building. The beer is not at all bad, if a little limited. As for the food, it was okay, nothing more, nothing less but certanly overpriced (if I'm paying about £10 for a main I expect it to be better than ok). The service is certainly interesting, not necessarily rude, but not warm and welcoming - and the barman is certainly not somebody you would want to complain to.
I certainly wouldn't go back to this place and clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way. Oh, and Yellowid, you're glad you drove past? Presumably you didn't stop! Lol!
4 Aug 2008 19:20
Transparently there are entries here made by the rude people or their associates. Looks obvious to me. I am just glad that I drove past the pub.4 Aug 2008 18:08
Hmm. Interesting previous comments... Beer - seems fine and well kept. Food - I've tended to order crab salad and new potatoes (which was good) when I'm there as the the rest of the menu didn't really appeal, especially in summer. So I can't really comment on the food.BUT there IS something a bit amiss about the attitude of the bar staff (owner?). Rude, I would say. Dismissive. Arrived 5 minutes before 2 (when the kitchen closes)to order lunch and virtually told to p@%ss off. Basil Fawlty watch out!
23 Jul 2008 17:08
The Fishermans Return, Winterton on Sea
Address: The Lane, Winterton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 4BN [map]
Phone: 01493 393305
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Reviews by BITE users:
We are fairly regular visitors to this pub, and the food and beer are always excellent and reasonably priced. The food is all home cooked, and there is a good choice of specials which change regularly - the fresh fish is especially good.
I actually quite like the absence of children in the main bar, but when we have visited with friends and their kids, we have been made welcome and have no problem with sitting in the Tinho.
It's also nice to find a good pub where our dog is made welcome.
I really feel there should be a seperate family room for children and they shouldn't be allowed in the main bar.. There's nothing worse as a child screaming and shouting while your trying to enjoy a meal.. I blame the parents !!! At least with a dog they generally do as their told.
if you fancy a pint they have about 6-7 real ales kept well and is worth a look.
I actually quite like the absence of children in the main bar, but when we have visited with friends and their kids, we have been made welcome and have no problem with sitting in the Tinho.
It's also nice to find a good pub where our dog is made welcome.
19 May 2008 10:05
I've stayed at this pub several times over the years and never had a problem. The food has always been good and staff always polite and welcoming.I really feel there should be a seperate family room for children and they shouldn't be allowed in the main bar.. There's nothing worse as a child screaming and shouting while your trying to enjoy a meal.. I blame the parents !!! At least with a dog they generally do as their told.
15 Apr 2008 14:21
some strong reviews!if you fancy a pint they have about 6-7 real ales kept well and is worth a look.
14 Feb 2008 16:28
Gallon Pot, Great Yarmouth
Address: Market Place, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1NB [map]
Phone: 01493 842230
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Nearest train station: Great Yarmouth (0.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I'm sure i saw Del Boy II in here with his blue trousers and tight shirt drinking gin???
26 May 2008 12:25
Good beer but extremely expensive- expect to pay over £3.00 a pint. Pub is currently running a 'loyalty' scheme whereby locals can sign up as members and get their food much cheaper. As a result there is a confusing menu which starts off with members pages featuring exremely cheap prices- then you turn over and find the same items far more expensive for the rest of us. This will presumably work well out of season but is likely to result in confusion and angry people walking out when they discover they can't order what other customers are ordering when the holiday season begins.18 Apr 2008 22:54
Excellent pub. Go for lunch several times a year when we visit Great Yarmouth .food is always good,and staff friendly, Prices are what you expect in a seaside town pub.28 Feb 2008 00:13
The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market
Address: The Green, Burnham Market, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE31 6HD [map]
Phone: 01328 738777
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Reviews by BITE users:
It was so unappealing from outside that I turned and went to two great pubs down the road.
4 Aug 2008 16:49
Has the potential to be a fabulous pub, but is instead entirely focused on removing large wads of cash from wealthy visitors. Food is OK, but not startling, yet the prices are (and in inverse proportion to the amount you get on your plate it seems). Beer is very well kept and a good selection, if you can get to the bar through the hordes of wannabe Sloanes, but don't expect to get a seat with your drink. Equally the chance of getting a seat outside is minimal in the school holidays, half term or at the weekend. Not that you would want to because Burnham Market is now known as the largest free car park in North Norfolk. Personally I would strongly recommend avoiding this one.24 Oct 2007 11:23
Have to agree re the clientele, but the food was exceptional. Unusual place really, with lots of different areas. Doesn't really feel like a pub. Worth going just for the food and beer. Service was very friendly. Nelson's Revenge was stunning.23 Aug 2007 12:52
Troll Cart, Great Yarmouth
Address: 7/9 Regent Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2AF [map]
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Nearest train station: Great Yarmouth (0.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Not quite as bad as the Basildon Wetherspoons but not far off it.
AVOID
AVOID
26 May 2008 12:28
I Drink in the Troll quite regular now and am seeing improvements constantly. speaking to staff you dont realise the pressure these guys are put under. it isn't their fault there never seem to be enough staff on. when you take this into account then i think they all do a fantastic job. great selection of beers 95% of the time and all of the menu seems to be available when i order food(once a week). 11 Mar 2008 12:49
A nice pub with good beer as well. It's just a great shame that most of the staff don't seem to bother serving customers in order. You can often wait 15mins for a drink on a busy night and people around you, who have only just arrived at the bar get served first. 7 Jul 2005 21:14
The Ship Inn, Weybourne
Address: The Street, Weybourne, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7SZ [map]
Phone: 01263 588721
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Nearest train station: Sheringham (3.1 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A good pub with friendly locals and excellent beer. The Humpty Dumpty Ale (my first time) is now a top ten beer for me.
I feel they need to be strict with idiot parents on holiday with their revolting kids. For example, why allow a dog to walk over the dining tables while the kids are trying to use the seats as trampolines?
These people should be thrown out before they get 2 feet in the door.
It put me off trying their food too.
Often, allowing kids to treat a pub like a playground will lose, not gain, a lot of business.
Food is locally sourced and fresh. Fish dishes are the speciality. We had excellent pan fried sea bass. Prices reasonable too - average main course is about £10.
Beer was slightly less favourable. Of the 3 hand pumps only one was on during our visit - the Woodforde's Wherry, which is personally not a favourite (though I drank it anyway!) I think we were just unlucky though - it looks like generally three real ales are always on.
A pub well worth seeking out if you're in the area.
I feel they need to be strict with idiot parents on holiday with their revolting kids. For example, why allow a dog to walk over the dining tables while the kids are trying to use the seats as trampolines?
These people should be thrown out before they get 2 feet in the door.
It put me off trying their food too.
Often, allowing kids to treat a pub like a playground will lose, not gain, a lot of business.
4 Aug 2008 18:02
Quality little pub. Like the last reviewer we stayed at Kelling Heath and walked down to the pub following a scenic route through woodlands. Only took 30 minutes.Food is locally sourced and fresh. Fish dishes are the speciality. We had excellent pan fried sea bass. Prices reasonable too - average main course is about £10.
Beer was slightly less favourable. Of the 3 hand pumps only one was on during our visit - the Woodforde's Wherry, which is personally not a favourite (though I drank it anyway!) I think we were just unlucky though - it looks like generally three real ales are always on.
A pub well worth seeking out if you're in the area.
27 Jun 2008 09:51
i have just come back from a week in kelling heath,and have to say what a wonderful pub,all three ales were from norfolk,the food was locally sourced and cooked to a very high standard,i was given a sample of each of the ales before making my choice,in the end i ended up having a pint of each of them.oh dear! mrs man at the bar was not happy,but after an hour of good conversation with the regulars and the very friendly bar staff she decided (what a lovely pub,lets go back there again)and we did.i find it hard to rate pubs,and have never given a 10,but this came very close 9/10 well done,and will be back next year.31 May 2008 17:32
Mariners Tavern, Great Yarmouth
Address: 60 Howard Street South, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 1LN [map]
Phone: 01493 332299
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Nearest train station: Great Yarmouth (0.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
First found this pub last year in the Good Beer Guide and decided to visit again at the weekend after the Great Yarmouth Beer Festival session finished. To my surprise they were having their own Scottish Themed Beer festival with a descent rock band in the main bar. It's not the place to bring the family but great for a descent pint normally sourced from micros local and far away. Staff very friendly and collecting for childrens charity while festival was going on.
28 May 2008 22:50
This pub has had its ups and downs. I was unlucky enough to visit a few years ago when it was a run-down dump with no real ale and no customers. Returned a few days ago to find it transformed. New owners have put in carpets, comfy chairs and a real fire to create a really pleasant ambience. More importantly there are 5 or 6 real ales served in excellent condition ( as well as a vast selection of bottled continental beers for those who like that kind of thing). The pub was very busy, obviously with loyal regulars, and deservedly so.6 Mar 2008 21:57
Enjoyed a visit to this friendly pub in October last year. There was a good real ale selection available, and comfy sofa seating. Enjoyed wandering round, and there were interesting paintings on the walls.6 Mar 2008 11:09
The Three Horseshoes, Warham
Address: 69 The Street, Warham, Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1NL [map]
Phone: 01328 710547
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Reviews by BITE users:
This is a superb old pub with a great pint of Wherry (last week). The food was not tempting even before looking at the price list. The bar lady (was it Karen?) could pretend that she likes being there.
A good pub for a session in the evening - probably better in winter - when Karen is more relaxed.
A good pub for a session in the evening - probably better in winter - when Karen is more relaxed.
4 Aug 2008 18:21
Hmm 'fraid I agree with nicgooner - a real shame - it looks fantastic from outside - seemed to be an OAP honeypot when I was there - food was awful, but maybe the regulars don't have much in the way of tastebuds left?!! A haven of memorabilia on the walls though if that's your bag...14 Feb 2008 17:38
Lovely pub inside and Wherry straight from the cask. However the food was awful. My wife had a jacket potato which they just emptied a can of tuna on. My sausage roll was cheap supermarket type hotdog roll with 3 burnt crunchy sausages in. Horrible. Won't eat here again. Landlady (if that's who she was) behind the bar not the friendliest either.23 Aug 2007 12:25
The Red Lion Hotel, Cromer
Address: Brook Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9EY [map]
Phone: 01263 514964
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Nearest train stations: Cromer (0.4 miles), Roughton Road (1.1 miles), West Runton (2.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Yes, one of the best in Cromer (it does have some grotty pubs). This one is very ‘faded splendour’! A lovely location, near the pier, at the top of the cliffs, with sea views and the entertainment of cars ignoring the ‘dead end’ sign and having to reverse out.
Menu seemed reasonably priced, nothing exotic but interesting enough. Bar snacks or full meals. When we visited, we DID have the crab sandwiches and they were good.
Staff were pleasant and efficient.
Selection of 3 real ales (along with all the usual drinks). The 2 pints I had were nice beer.
Why do British people put up with such bad service.
Menu seemed reasonably priced, nothing exotic but interesting enough. Bar snacks or full meals. When we visited, we DID have the crab sandwiches and they were good.
Staff were pleasant and efficient.
Selection of 3 real ales (along with all the usual drinks). The 2 pints I had were nice beer.
4 Aug 2008 18:07
Spent some time in Cromer recently and drank here exclusively. We went into the other pubs but just didn't find them welcoming enough to stay. The beer at the Red Lion is well kept and there are a number of good ales available. The music is not too loud and overall it seems quite civilised.19 Jun 2008 11:42
Went there for a pint and had Hogoblin which was warm and tasteless.I ordered a crab sanwich this being crabby Cromer and the assistant manageress behind the bar said we havent had crab for weeks this despite just outside there is a shed selling them on the beach.I had smoked haddock which was rubbery and tasteless.Why do British people put up with such bad service.
17 Mar 2008 14:53
The Parson Woodforde, Weston Longville
Address: Church Road, Weston Longville, Norwich, Norfolk, NR9 5JU [map]
Phone: 01603 880106
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Reviews by BITE users:
No complaints. from us we were there in December and found the Wherry very drinkable... as was the standard GK IPA...
The food was great. Sea Bass with celeriac in a dill cream sauce, mange tout & vine tomatoes... near perfect in my opinion. my wife had the Beef fillet stroganoff with wild rice.. superb.
thought we needed to add our say....
Just read it had closed for re-furb.. i will be back.
The food was great. Sea Bass with celeriac in a dill cream sauce, mange tout & vine tomatoes... near perfect in my opinion. my wife had the Beef fillet stroganoff with wild rice.. superb.
thought we needed to add our say....
Just read it had closed for re-furb.. i will be back.
20 Jan 2008 12:20
I went when it first changed hands and it wasa nice to see a menu with real food, I went to go yesterday for dinner but it is closed for refurbishment. Hopefully they update the decor and keep the good food. I wish the new owners all the best. 20 Jan 2008 00:39
Beware. This pub changed hands in Nov 2007. Now one of several pubs owned by Arrowsmith Inns. So far the beer range is much the same - the Woodfords is very good but the rest rather dull. But the menu has taken a step back - very much a grill and frying pan place. Need to wait and see what a keen manager will do to this previously excellent village pub.2 Jan 2008 11:18
Wyndham Arms, Sheringham
Address: 15-17 Wyndaham Street, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8BA [map]
Phone: 01263 822609
See full pub details
Nearest train stations: Sheringham (0.2 miles), West Runton (1.5 miles), Cromer (3.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Not visited for a few months now, but when we did go, we were impressed. The new owners had improved things (it did used to be a bit of a dump).
Did Greek food as a speciality (one of owners from Greece?) and it was very good. Also the usual pub grub style offerings. Food is reasonably priced.
Had a good selection of beers, and both I had were a nice pint.
In contention for the best Pub in Sheringham now, I'd say, as the nearby Lobster seems to have lost its way.
Did Greek food as a speciality (one of owners from Greece?) and it was very good. Also the usual pub grub style offerings. Food is reasonably priced.
Had a good selection of beers, and both I had were a nice pint.
In contention for the best Pub in Sheringham now, I'd say, as the nearby Lobster seems to have lost its way.
4 Aug 2008 17:04
The Eagles have just done the local Lobster Potties festival which was well supported by this pub. Good honest local with an excellent range of beers8 Jul 2008 08:44
Very friendly pub - and helpful too. The beer was good with a wide range of local beers. Certainly worth a visit if you are in Sheringham20 Apr 2008 09:03
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This is a fine pub. Has an excellent range of drink - there's the Fat Cat's own brews (of which I sampled the Top Cat and the Stout - both very good) numerous real ales, eight belgian beers on tap (oh if only I had time to sample these!) ciders and bottled beers.
Great olde world style pub, and very well kept. Just out of the city centre, so no townies. Friendly staff are the icing on this alcoholic cake.
Very recommended!