Norwich, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

This “vibrant” operation from chef-patron Andrew Jones, who worked for Richard Corrigan and Claude Bosi before returning to his native Norfolk, majors on “interesting, well-executed dishes” using “locally sourced ingredients”. He and his partner, Hannah, also run The Dial House restaurant-with-rooms in Reepham.

“A long-term destination in the culinary wastelands of Norfolk, but so good it is worth a trip”, say fans of Roger Hickman’s “lovely” culinary beacon (which dates from 1990 under former owner David Adlard). Reports often compare it favourably with nearby Benedicts, although the latter outscored it by a whisker again this year. Whatever the ranking, all reports rate it well, lauding “superbly executed food, with touches of inventiveness which all hit the spot”. Such gripes as featured in feedback are that it’s pricey or “a bit OTT” in its approach.

“Excellent food, beautifully prepared and presented from local produce”, ticks the boxes at this village pub-restaurant just outside Norwich, which serves a modern British menu from Norfolk-born chef Daniel Smith (ex-Le Gavroche and Morston Hall), who also runs the Ingham Swan (his third venture, Warwick Street Social in Norwich, closed during the pandemic). The Wildebeest’s name is a relic of its previous life as an African-themed gastropub. Top Tip – “the fixed-price lunch is a real bargain”.