Best dog friendly restaurants in Norfolk Published 06 July 2024
Find the best dog-friendly restaurants in Norfolk with The Good Food Guide. Enjoy top-quality food without leaving your furry friend behind. From fish and chips by the beach to boutique hotels and tasting menus, we've curated the perfect spots for dining with your dog.
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Part of the Manor Farm Barns complex, Café Cley (formerly Under the Sail) is now the inland home of the Cley Smokehouse – although there's much more on offer here. Stock up on supplies of smoked fish, but also stay for a short… Read more
Part of the Manor Farm Barns complex, Café Cley (formerly Under the Sail) is now the inland home of the Cley Smokehouse – although there's much more on offer here. Stock up on supplies of smoked fish, but also stay for a short menu of light bites, ranging from kippers on toast to open gravlax sandwiches on sourdough with Blakeney leaves and a dill mustard dressing. You can also get a few more substantial offerings such as fish and chips, Cromer crab salad and mighty 'smokehouse platters' to share. The pizza oven is fired up on Fridays and Saturdays, while those with a sweet tooth are lured in by the promise of home-baked brownies and cheesecakes. Licensed.
Opened by Eric Snaith (of Titchwell Manor), this posh chip shop attracts tourists and affluent families from nearby Burnham Market in their droves. There’s a hatch for those wanting a takeaway; otherwise, sit inside (tiled w… Read more
Opened by Eric Snaith (of Titchwell Manor), this posh chip shop attracts tourists and affluent families from nearby Burnham Market in their droves. There’s a hatch for those wanting a takeaway; otherwise, sit inside (tiled walls, stools, basic easy-wipe tables) or grab one of the outdoor benches. Either way, you’re here for fish dipped in local batter and fried to perfection in beef dripping, with thick-cut chips and mushy peas on the side. Black-pudding fritters, crispy chilli cod, vegan ‘prawns’ and halloumi fries add some intriguing variety to the menu, while Eric’s now-famous deep-fried jam sandwich is always a temptation. Wines and local bottled beers earn bonus points, as does the children’s play area. There’s a branch in Holt.
It’s astonishing how Galton Blackiston has managed to keep Morston Hall at the top of its game for so long. Norfolk-born and self-taught, Blackiston refurbished and opened this 18th-century mansion as a hotel-restaurant in 1… Read more
It’s astonishing how Galton Blackiston has managed to keep Morston Hall at the top of its game for so long. Norfolk-born and self-taught, Blackiston refurbished and opened this 18th-century mansion as a hotel-restaurant in 1991 (while still in his 20s), and his exquisitely balanced take on haute cuisine continues to impress after more than 30 years. Despite a starry procession of head chefs by his side, things here are very much on Blackiston's terms: apart from Sunday lunch, you must come at 6.45pm (for canapés before a 7.30pm start) and dine from a no-choice, daily changing tasting menu of seven courses. Ingredient-dislikes and intolerances are catered for (let them know in advance), but if you follow a dairy-free or vegan diet head elsewhere. That said, some of the dishes at an inspection dinner were sublime. Tempura-battered hake (part of a trio of perfectly formed morsels to kick off the meal) displayed the most fragile of translucent batters around succulent fish; to follow, tomato consommé was a stunningly beautiful distillation of summer, including a little scoop of tomato sorbet, pellets of fresh courgette and globules of basil oil. Elsewhere, a supremely refreshing pre-dessert ‘soup’ of Champagne, elderflower and cucumber also hit the seasonal heights, although not everything scored a bullseye. Whether barbecued Brancaster lobster is ideally accompanied by a sweetish curry sauce and golden sultanas is questionable, but the peerless quality of the bread (there's no extra charge if you ask for more), and the profoundly flavourful gravy (in a dish of mouthwateringly pink Yorkshire lamb, with sweetbread, violet artichoke, local asparagus and black olive caramel) prove that the chefs take care – and show abundant skill – with the basics. See them at their meticulous work through a window in an anteroom. The dining area stretches over four rooms: three serene spaces within the main building and an even lighter conservatory where views of the glorious garden compete for attention with a portrait of Blackiston himself. Wine pairings are offered from from a suitably well-chosen list, and the waiting staff, though exhibiting differing levels of experience, are invariably polite and attentive.
The sea views might be distant, but Rocky Bottoms has made quite a splash on this stretch of the coast since opening in 2015. It is owned by a local fishing family, so the crabs and lobsters are of unimpeachable freshness, yet alm… Read more
The sea views might be distant, but Rocky Bottoms has made quite a splash on this stretch of the coast since opening in 2015. It is owned by a local fishing family, so the crabs and lobsters are of unimpeachable freshness, yet almost as diverting is the modern vibe of the place. The much-enlarged converted brick kiln has black-tiled flooring and bare-brick or dark-blue walls enlivened by local artworks. Staff are young and eager (if occasionally green) and cool soul provides the soundtrack. Outside, there’s a bar with decking, picnic-bench seating on an extensive lawn and a shop selling seafood. The cooking has a contemporary feel too, with expertly presented dishes arriving, perhaps, with a tongue-in-cheek retro garnish of cress. Seafood and genuinely local ingredients dominate the concise menu. Brancaster oysters make a popular starter, as do bowlfuls of salt-and-pepper crispy-fried cockles from Wells-next-the-Sea – crisped-up yet nicely chewy and replete with (unadvertised) chilli-heat. Although prices can be something of an eye-opener, compared to other local daytime venues, there’s no doubting the culinary flair manifest in the likes of, say, crab linguine: the pasta cooked to perfection, the dish replete with the flavour of fresh brown crabmeat. A tasty glass of Grüner Veltliner (from a drinks list that also includes Norfolk wines and beers) makes a happy pairing. To finish, lemon posset is a luxurious treat (creamy and tangy), its accompanying hard disc of shortbread less so. Overall, though, during the summer season, it's no surprise that Rocky’s is on a roll.
You expect plenty of countryside in North Norfolk, but few settings can compare to this 'rural idyll' for sheer lush loveliness. In 2021, this 18th-century watermill (with the river Wensum running underneath) was taken over by Sio… Read more
You expect plenty of countryside in North Norfolk, but few settings can compare to this 'rural idyll' for sheer lush loveliness. In 2021, this 18th-century watermill (with the river Wensum running underneath) was taken over by Siobhan and Caitriona Peyton – sisters of TV’s Oliver Peyton and owners of a string of London bakeries. The original building has been 'cleverly reimagined' and turned into a swish pub/restaurant with rooms, where local ingredients and seasonal flourishes pepper the menu. Eat in the beam-bedecked bar area, a buzzy adjacent room (complete with a classic pop soundtrack), or the more serene first-floor dining room. Devilled eggs make a fine opener: hard-boiled with creamed yolks, two lines of jalapeño relish and a sliver of crisp bacon on top. Better still is the assortment of house potted meats – one rillette-like mound of garlicky duck, another of pork, served with tangy cherry compote and toasted sourdough. To follow, al dente spaghetti comes clothed in a very rich wild mushroom sauce, with chunks of leek and toasted hazelnuts adding crunch, while whole lemon sole is boosted in springtime by asparagus, local brown shrimps and capers in melted butter. An inspection meal finished on a high: Norfolk rhubarb and apple crumble with cinnamon ice cream – crunchy, creamy, tart and sweet in all the right places. Norfolk ales and a pithily annotated wine list are further draws, as is the confident and highly competent service. One to watch.
Bright, modern, confident and ‘very buzzy’, Socius has the air of an urban restaurant – despite a location in one of Norfolk’s most attractive (and gentrified) little towns. It’s part of a new develop… Read more
Bright, modern, confident and ‘very buzzy’, Socius has the air of an urban restaurant – despite a location in one of Norfolk’s most attractive (and gentrified) little towns. It’s part of a new development on the outskirts of Burnham Market and benefits from the extra space this entails. A large open kitchen stretches almost the length of the ground floor, giving ample opportunity to see the well-run culinary operation; there’s less bustle in the mezzanine, where white walls sport splashes of copper paint and Velux windows allow natural light to flood the stylish, minimalist interior. Young, on-the-ball staff and a soundtrack of upbeat yet unobtrusive pop complete the cheery vibe.
The weekday menu majors in contemporary sharing plates. Try the beetroot chunks with creamed goat's cheese – tangy beetroot purée, whisps of fennel and a scattering of pumpkin seeds adding extra punch. Better still at inspection was the tuna tartare, its soft flesh boosted by pickled ginger and a poppadom-like ‘wonton’. Both these dishes also feature as starters on a Sunday lunch menu where succulent pink slices of beef are ably supported by an excellent cast of side dishes (faultless roast potatoes, shredded cabbage, cauliflower cheese, carrots, creamed parsnips) and first-rate gravy.
Grilled pollock with asparagus showed split-second accuracy in the cooking, and puddings, too, maintained the standard: an intensely flavoured Socius chocolate bar (resembling an elongated truffle) with salted caramel and ice cream, plus a perfectly wrought crème brûlée scattered with desiccated coconut and counterbalanced by flavour-packed fresh raspberries. Throw in a pleasingly varied wine list and Socius deserves its place in the top division of Norfolk dining.
Ivy-clad and handsome, the Brisley Bell presides over a pretty village common, part way between Norwich and the north Norfolk coast. It’s a confident operation, somewhere between a family-friendly local pub (dart board, cosy… Read more
Ivy-clad and handsome, the Brisley Bell presides over a pretty village common, part way between Norwich and the north Norfolk coast. It’s a confident operation, somewhere between a family-friendly local pub (dart board, cosy snugs, pints of Adnams) and a destination country inn with two acres of garden, a covered patio, and six stylish bedrooms. We arrived to find it close to full at lunch, with customers of every generation digging into generous portions of very respectable traditional pub food (we lost count of the number of plates of gammon, egg and chips that passed by our table). Come hungry – this isn’t the place to to be on a diet: beetroot and feta salad with salsa verde or crayfish and avocado cocktail with marie rose sauce are about as light as it gets. Other first courses range from confit duck leg with lime and ginger sauce to a salad of black pudding, pancetta and poached egg with pickled red cabbage. There’s a choice of steaks (say, rump with Stilton sauce or fillet with green peppercorn), while salmon en croûte and aubergine parmigiana with a drizzle of balsamic glaze (more baked aubergine than painstakingly layered parmigiana) feature among the non-meat options. Desserts, as you might imagine, are old school – sticky toffee pud, banoffee pie, summer pudding, all served with a retro mint-leaf garnish. The drinks list has cask-conditioned ales and a choice of wines in the £20-£50 bracket.
Set on the pretty green of sought-after Great Massingham, this is everything you could want from your local pub. It's a sizeable operation too, spanning a drinkers' bar, a bookshelf-lined dining room, a barn for events and generou… Read more
Set on the pretty green of sought-after Great Massingham, this is everything you could want from your local pub. It's a sizeable operation too, spanning a drinkers' bar, a bookshelf-lined dining room, a barn for events and generous outdoor space. They even show sports on TV and serve wood-fired pizzas. The kitchen offers competently executed pub classics (fish and chips with zippy homemade tartare sauce) alongside more global ideas (Sri Lankan curry; soy-glazed duck with bao) but it’s the ever-buzzy atmosphere and the admirably capable young staff that make this a happy place to be.
The beach at Salthouse, the other side of bird-rich marshes, is a bracing, shingly expanse of wild nature. Fuel your exploration with the generous fare on offer at this friendly pub, either at fire-warmed spots inside, at picnic t… Read more
The beach at Salthouse, the other side of bird-rich marshes, is a bracing, shingly expanse of wild nature. Fuel your exploration with the generous fare on offer at this friendly pub, either at fire-warmed spots inside, at picnic tables with their uninterrupted views or in a pretty ‘secret garden’ at the back. Some Brancaster oysters and a glass of manzanilla could slip down nicely before a devilled crab and pea tart or sardines on toast with tapenade. Steaks, burgers and sticky toffee pudding are always available, but check out the specials board for the likes of confit duck with braised red cabbage and polenta.
Spectacular art-filled venue serving big-boned British dishes
On the fringes of a 1,000-acre deer park just four miles from the Norfolk coast, this idiosyncratic pub/restaurant with rooms is quite a prospect. The grey-stone exterior may seem rather stark but inside all is comforting, thanks … Read more
On the fringes of a 1,000-acre deer park just four miles from the Norfolk coast, this idiosyncratic pub/restaurant with rooms is quite a prospect. The grey-stone exterior may seem rather stark but inside all is comforting, thanks to soft, warm furnishings, lots of varnished woodwork, leather, blazing fires and the owners' collection of contemporary British art from the likes of Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucien Freud.
A recently acquired walled garden and chicken coop bolster the kitchen's larder, while big-boned British dishes are the order of the day. Much attention focuses on the mighty Elk Room fire, where cuts of meat are dramatically cooked to order as you watch from your table – expect anything from Blythburgh pork chops, ribs of beef and herby Gunton venison sausages to flavoursome sirloin steak served with goose-fat roasties, sauces and rowan jelly. Rich, carefully seasoned pies are also something of a trademark (perhaps chicken, bacon and leek) and there’s fish from the coast too (sea trout with seashore vegetables and King’s Lynn shrimps, for example). For afters, a delicate Amedei chocolate mousse was the standout for one visitor, but there’s also comfort to be had from the vanilla cheesecake with rhubarb or the Bramley apple and almond tart.
Sunday brings roast Aberdeen Angus sirloin as well as roasted chickens, which are carved by skilled staff and served with veg from the walled garden, garlicky bread sauce and a spectacular gravy that elevates the whole feast to another level. Everyone praises the cheerful, prompt and ‘incredibly friendly’ service too. Norfolk ales are on tap in the bar and the short wine list offers a decent spread at fair prices.
With its simple whitewashed interiors, this unpretentious roadside hostelry is a relief from the many designer-led pubs hereabouts. There are no airs or graces, just a warm welcome from the staff and all the ingredients for a… Read more
With its simple whitewashed interiors, this unpretentious roadside hostelry is a relief from the many designer-led pubs hereabouts. There are no airs or graces, just a warm welcome from the staff and all the ingredients for a please-all boozer: quizzes, music, a dog- and child-friendly attitude, beers at the bar and decent food (think pizzas, curries, salads and suchlike). Otherwise, look to the specials for generous helpings of local seafood – mussels in winter, crab/lobster in summer. To drink, Brancaster Brewery ales compete with a brief wine list and a mighty rum selection. Jolly by name…
There are stories of smuggling on these marshy edges of north Norfolk, and it’s easy to imagine them being shared over a pint or two of Wherry ale in this character-laden, fire-warmed hostelry. Food is of the hearty British … Read more
There are stories of smuggling on these marshy edges of north Norfolk, and it’s easy to imagine them being shared over a pint or two of Wherry ale in this character-laden, fire-warmed hostelry. Food is of the hearty British school, the better to brace you for beach walks – so come for fish and chips, a steak pie to share, or a heaped bowl of Brancaster mussels. Sunday is all about magnificent roasts – those Yorkshire puddings! Visitors who fancy settling in for a night or two can take advantage of the attractive bedrooms upstairs.
In the lea of the magnificent ruins of Binham Priory and part of Abbey Farm, this lofty-roofed flint barn was renovated in 2022 to provide a stylish, dramatic space for breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon tea – and even … Read more
In the lea of the magnificent ruins of Binham Priory and part of Abbey Farm, this lofty-roofed flint barn was renovated in 2022 to provide a stylish, dramatic space for breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon tea – and even a view of the cattle when they’re in their winter quarters. Come for kedgeree, gnocchi with wild garlic pesto or the 'Parlour platter' with hot-smoked salmon pâté, Marsh Pig charcuterie, Binham Blue and beer-washed Norfolk Tawny cheese (made with Abbey Farm milk). The milk is pasteurised on site for the café, but available raw from a vending machine in the adjacent Little Dairy Shop.
Small wonder the Rose & Crown attracts comments such as ‘our go-to pub’. Under the same ownership for nearly 30 years, this venerable hostelry with rooms is a reliable stalwart that's equally popular with thirsty v… Read more
Small wonder the Rose & Crown attracts comments such as ‘our go-to pub’. Under the same ownership for nearly 30 years, this venerable hostelry with rooms is a reliable stalwart that's equally popular with thirsty villagers, second-home owners and holidaymakers sneaking inland from the coast. It’s near Snettisham’s church and was built about the same time, a 14th-century whitewashed beauty with two gorgeous old bars (all beams, open fires, real ales and general cosiness) and a large, light dining room extension – its beachside vibe helped by part-panelled walls and wooden rafters hung with fairy lights. Outside in the enclosed garden, the theme continues with new beach-hut bars joining the established children’s play area. The seasonal menu of modern pub food also has a seaside accent (Brancaster mussels is a ‘signature’ in cooler months), boosted by specials and ‘classics’ such as burgers, curries and steaks. There are plenty of high points – from pea, mint and Norfolk Mardler (cheese) risotto to precision-cooked whole plaice paired with perfect in-season purple sprouting broccoli. Best of all during our visit was an expertly wrought combo of passion fruit gâteau, passion fruit parfait and lemon tart with raspberry coulis, which could have graced any haute cuisine establishment. Less heart-gladdening was a lacklustre Thai sauce in an otherwise praiseworthy dish of linguine with plump prawns and tender squid, while our chocolate and hazelnut tart has thick, dryish pastry. Service dwindled as the afternoon wore on, yet it was hard to blame the cheery young waitresses. Drinkers supping pints of Woodforde’s Wherry populate the bars, while vinophiles can choose from a serviceable list that includes a trio of Norfolk wines.
With its exquisite views over marshland on the north Norfolk coast, the White Horse is quite a grand place for what is essentially a country pub. Visitors will find a positive cornucopia of dining options, with a sun terrace, cour… Read more
With its exquisite views over marshland on the north Norfolk coast, the White Horse is quite a grand place for what is essentially a country pub. Visitors will find a positive cornucopia of dining options, with a sun terrace, courtyard garden and the Marshside restaurant, with its dioramic views of the sea. There are parasols to temper the sun glare, and if it's cold out on the terrace, help yourself to a poncho. As is only fitting, fish and seafood specialities are the leading cards on the menu: start with a clutch of oysters, Vietnamesed or à la Tabasco, before contemplating crispy squid with wild garlic aïoli, or the salmon and prawns that are smoked in-house. Cromer crab, immaculately dressed, is one of the obviously covetable mains, but best is probably a locked and loaded seafood platter, crowded with maritime bounty, served with sourdough and lemon mayo. Meat-lovers should raise their sights beyond steak and chips to something like ground wagyu beef crammed into a tortilla. Populist desserts ply a cheesecake and chocolate délice line, or try banoffee choux with mascarpone in rum and caramel sauce. Wines are an enterprising international grab-bag, with plenty available by the glass from £5.40 for appetising French blends.
Occupying a prominent site on the coast road, this attractive former Victorian farmhouse has for decades operated as a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant under the guidance of the Snaith family. Head chef Oliver Bacon-Hilton (ex-M… Read more
Occupying a prominent site on the coast road, this attractive former Victorian farmhouse has for decades operated as a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant under the guidance of the Snaith family. Head chef Oliver Bacon-Hilton (ex-Morston Hall) now works alongside chef-patron Eric Snaith, and they have put together a menu of ‘classics’ (ie classy versions of brasserie food, including local oysters) plus a short, seasonal list of more French-inspired dishes. Diners can choose between the convivial bar area, or walk through an elegant lounge into the restaurant, where two smaller spaces lead to a bright conservatory overlooking the lawn. Thick napery and ample space between tables signify the increased formality. Slices of just-baked focaccia made a great opening to a meal that continued with a fresh-from-the-pan fishcake, packed with fish and served with a vibrant green whirl of chive mayo. This won hands-down over a watery marinated beetroot with goat’s cheese cream and pesto. The main-course star was a beautiful piece of beef sirloin (complete with luscious fat and bone marrow), well-matched with a king oyster mushroom and served with blobs of parsley emulsion and caramelised onion purée. No complaints, either, about a sausage-like portion of pork tenderloin with hispi cabbage wrapped in a translucently thin slice of guanciale, or a ‘spring on a plate’ side dish of Jersey Royals in wild garlic butter. Finish, perhaps, with a creamy honeycomb bavarois, sweet macerated gariguette strawberries and sorbet (and banish all thoughts of Angel Delight). Our food was expertly presented throughout and delivered by well-meaning staff. The wine list is also worthy of scrutiny, featuring unusual choices from the likes of Japan and the Peloponnese. With more consistency, this kitchen could rival the area’s top destinations.
A mile or so inland from the coast, Wiveton is a peaceful village, though it's been put firmly on the map by the popularity of this little country pub with rooms (now part of the East Anglian 'Chestnut Collection'). The interior b… Read more
A mile or so inland from the coast, Wiveton is a peaceful village, though it's been put firmly on the map by the popularity of this little country pub with rooms (now part of the East Anglian 'Chestnut Collection'). The interior been modernised in bare-boards style and enlarged with a smart taupe-walled conservatory dining room; there's also an attractive marquee at the back ('with a wedding-reception feel to it') and outside tables for drinks at the front, overlooking the village church. The menu has its finger on the Norfolk pulse, with local ‘food heroes’ duly name-checked. There are plenty of interesting options for vegetarians, and a fairly priced set menu too. Binham Blue soufflé made a fine start to our visit (light, moist and cheesy, with crunch provided by a candied walnut on top and lightly pickled celery), while breadcrumbed cod cheeks arrived in a creamy curry sauce. To follow, pan-fried stone bass with Cromer crab 'dauphine' and vanilla velouté was outshone by a beautifully tender oblong of stout-glazed beef short rib, well-matched with charred baby gem and a king oyster mushroom. Puddings are definitely for the sweet-toothed, with complex offerings including lemon and lavender posset with white chocolate, pistachio, lemon curd, raspberry and Champagne sorbet. Presentation throughout is beautiful, and service is congenial. To drink, there’s a choice of four local ales at the bar, while the set menu comes with suggested pairings from a varied wine list that’s arranged by style.
Eccentric, fun and friendly, this cheerful eatery is close to the Hall that became familiar thanks to the 2016 BBC2 series Normal for Norfolk featuring owner Desmond MacCarthy. Beyond the poster-paint colour scheme, the café… Read more
Eccentric, fun and friendly, this cheerful eatery is close to the Hall that became familiar thanks to the 2016 BBC2 series Normal for Norfolk featuring owner Desmond MacCarthy. Beyond the poster-paint colour scheme, the café is surprisingly conventional and a spot to know for breakfast or a light lunch – a fish finger sandwich or goat's cheese and spinach tart with beetroot relish, say. Come teatime, order a cinnamon knot or a slice of Bakewell tart – perhaps with a pot of the ‘Desmond’ blend (lapsang souchong and English breakfast); if it's fine, bag one of the outside tables overlooking the marshes. A bookable ‘Italian evening’ pops up every Friday and Saturday through the warmer months.
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