Thornham, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Absolutely superb in every way” – the “amazing seasonal food from a one-man kitchen” at this famous former coaching inn on the north Norfolk coast is “a real treat”. Owners Kevin & Jackie Margeolles are celebrating their twentieth year here, and many dedicated fans regard a visit as “our annual event, despite the distance” – “Kevin’s refined touch and constantly changing flavours keep you coming back, while Jackie’s friendly and knowledgeable service complements his cooking to a T”. A “reasonably priced wine list” and “comfortable bedrooms” complete the picture.

“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”.