Brancaster Staithe, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“A fabulous seaside pub and restaurant serving local produce, including smoked goods from their own smokehouse” – this “high-quality” and much commented-on north Norfolk venue fits the bill at all times of the year, whether “enjoying the warmth of the open fires in December” or “dining on the open deck in the summer, looking out over the salt marshes”. Top Tip – “Brancaster mussels are excellent”.

“You think it’s a strange building in a car park! Then you go in and have just the best food…” – Self-taught chef Dan Lawrence and partner Natalie’s purpose-built five-year-old is well “worth seeking out for some of the best food in this part of north Norfolk” (or even beyond, if you trust the AA’s 2022 ‘Restaurant of the Year’ accolade). It has a “small plates ethos” with “dishes designed for sharing” and “results are outstanding”.

“Eating is simply a delight” at this “lovely old pub with quirky little dining rooms” and a menu that “focuses on top-quality local ingredients”. Chef Jeremy Parke and his wife Rachael, formerly of Relish in Newton Flotman and Number 29 in Burnham Market, took over after our annual diners’ poll in summer 2023 from Ben & Sarah Handley, who left after 10 years at the helm; we are leaving the ratings untouched, with Rachael saying the approach would remain largely the same, with the addition of small plates to the food menu and cocktails to the bar.