The Walpole Arms, Norwich

Attractive pub, deep in the middle of nowhere. From the large car park, you can see what is an impressive looking building with neatly manicured lawns and chickens wandering around. We knew this pub was due to shut at 5pm on a Sunday and we were immediately met by young staff who eagerly told us that they were no longer serving food. But their assumption was incorrect. We were there only for a drink. The inside is an impressive as the outside, with lots of low beams and plenty of character. Whilst drinkers are welcome, the pub is very much focussed on food. The owners appear to be Spanish and tapas is a speciality. Southwold Bitter & Wherry are the regular ales. The guest was Abbot. A lovely building. But we didn't feel particularly welcome here and it's very much more of a restaurant than a pub these days.

A red brick, pantiled roofed ,double fronted pub in a well established garden, on the edge of a small village in open Norfolk countryside. Inside, the red brick theme is continued,complete with well aged beams.The bar is to the left as one comes in,the body of the pub seems to have been opened up from several smaller rooms at some stage. Most tables were laid up for meals, and there is a further dining room in a newer extension to the pub.On our visit on a sunny February Wednesday lunchtime, there were several groups enjoying lunch, together with a binocular toting birdwatcher with a pint of Broadside at the bar. This part of Norfolk has gained something of a reputation as some sort of foodie destination, and there are several pubs near by that we wish to try over the next couple of years.The Walpole Arms is run by a local farming family, and the provenance of produce used is rehearsed with interest and pride. I’m a lover of game and lentils, so my starter of partridge and the veggies delight was a great success, as were the burgers which we all enjoyed.Some might say that things are expensive here,but the Walpole seems to be in line with most other establishments hereabouts. The beer, Woodforde’s Wherry and Adnam’s irreproachable Southwold Bitter,came in at about £3.50, and was well kept.Service was friendly and efficient.

Official site of the Walpole Arms, contains sample menus - www.thewalpolearms.co.uk

Official site of the Walpole Arms, contains sample menus - www.thewalpolearms.co.uk