The Kings Arms, Holt

Located in a picturesque almost coastal village it lies at right angles to the road and is a long thin building, originally three fisherman’s cottages according to What Pub. Internally that makes sense as there are three distinct areas, the two left hand spaces, either side of the main door, have a counter in each. To the right there are three pulls with Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen plus a decent enough bitter from Woodforde’s, on the left four pulls but same beers except the Woodforde’s was replaced by Greene King Yardbird and with Moon Gazer Nibbler on the fourth. The counter to the right makes the room a bit corridor like but still with room for three Britannias and a bench, the room broadens out after that, the other room has the counter sideways so it doesn’t intrude. Furnishings are traditional all round and decor is an odd mix of nice pictures (of the pub and showbiz), album covers (My Fair Lady and other musicals) a map and menu blackboards, to the far right a small collection of wall clocks. Part of the fun of pubs is the little personal things the landlord/lady and the customers bring to the place, whither it’s holiday postcards, the mad collections or the weird stuff that only means something in that place. The outside yard has tables and chairs and probably rates as a sun trap. The toilets are a bit of a trek but not as bad as some 'spoons, there’s also a garden room in the same extension which naturally leads to the rear garden.

Situated in a touristy North Norfolk coastal village with its quaint harbour, the car park of this pub is currently closed off to guests staying at the pub. You can park for free in the village car park just up the road. Service is from the main building, which is dark with low ceilings and plenty of character. But tables inside can only accommodate 1 or 2 people at a time. So, larger groups are either accommodated in the garden or in an outbuilding at the rear. Most ales are dispensed by gravity. Greene King IPA & Morland Old Speckled Hen are the regular ales. Guests were Woodforde's Nelson's Revenge & Hardy & Hanson's Kimberley Bitter. The only pub we tried in Blakeney, but it was a good choice.