Harden's survey result
Summary
“Brilliant shellfish, with wonderful sea views over the marshes” is the trump card of this coastal village pub that has been transformed by Cliff Nye and his family over the last 20 years or so into a “restaurant-with-rooms with a lovely open feel”; and which is the flagship of his Anglian Country Inns group. Hugely popular in the summer for “meals on the outside deck”, it’s great at any time of the year (“we celebrate our wedding anniversary here in early December”) – but “it’s wise to book well in advance for a front-row table: the view’s not so great from the back of the dining room”. Top Menu Tips – “Brancaster mussels from local fisherman Tom Large served with focaccia followed by chargrilled whole gilthead bream”.
Summary
“A star item – local oysters – eat them overlooking the waters they come from on a sunny day and it’s perfection”, according to fans of this mega-popular pub renowned for its “excellent seafood in spitting distance of the sea”.“This is a real Norfolk favourite. In winter, the roaring fires and welcoming staff make for a great atmosphere. In summer, the views from the dining-room over the marshes to the sea and the same welcoming staff likewise make this a hit”. The odd report considers it “overhyped except for the view”. But the overwhelming majority of feedback suggests that “despite its popularity, staff are invariably helpful, friendly and efficient; menus and cooking continue to make the most of fresh, local ingredients; and standards are good”. (“We always spend a night here for our wedding anniversary, even though we only live a few minutes away. There is always plenty of choice on the menu, although we normally choose fish as there is such a good choice of fresh locally caught fish on the menu. The place is a gem.)”
Summary
“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”.
Summary
“Stunning tidal-marsh views of the dunes and sea” from the dining room are just one of the attractions at this well-known coastal pub: “a beacon on the north Norfolk coast”, where, in summer, “there is also outdoor dining on the terrace”. Diners like its “lack of fuss and good quality cooking” too; and also its “really friendly style”. “A fabulous seafood platter, a good Sauvignon blanc and a picture perfect sunset!” – what else do you need?
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The White Horse?
Main Rd, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BY
Restaurant details
The White Horse Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Book a table overlooking the marsh and enjoy excellent food with lots of fish and shellfish choices. You can buy the smoked fish from the smokery in the car park! "
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Bread | £4.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Main Rd, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BY
Opening hours
| Monday | 9 am‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am‑9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑8:30 pm |
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