The Chequers Inn, Thetford

Down a drive off the lane into the village and not visible from the road.A long low timbered building with venerable verdant thatch.If there is a style of Norfolk Longhouse, then this is one, or maybe a Mead Hall out of Beowulf. Inside, a low ceilinged, beamed bar, with a similar larger room to the right. To the left, a cosy snug, occupied on our lunchtime visit, by a group of happy hikers. Through this attractive room is a dining room, with log burner in an interesting fireplace. Roof timbers exposed, this is probably the area that made me think of Beowulf.Outside are some newly built extensions in a contemporary vernacular style. In addition to the usual fizzy lagers, three handpumps offered Wherry, Greene King IPA and a Rugby related beer also from GK. The Wherry was fair, but suffered from being forced through a sparkler and swan neck.A popular dining pub, the Chequers rapidly filled up with a large and boisterous middle aged party.

Situated down a short driveway off a country lane, behind a house called Wayside (and a good few hundred yards away from where my sat nav said the pub would be) but well worth seeking out. Look out for the pub sign next to the road which depicts a knight carrying a red and white chequered shield. The building dates back to the 1500s and used to be a small pub with adjoining cottages either side but now knocked through as one property – just mind your head as you pass through the low doorway from the bar. There is also a beer garden to the rear and guest accommodation to the side of the pub. Exposed brickwork, low beams and an inglenook fireplace mean that the pub retains some of its original character but I’ll let my photographs do the talking on that aspect. It opens 7 days a week, at 11.30am for coffees and intoxicating liquors from midday but then closes for the afternoon at 2.30 before opening again at 6.30pm until 11.00pm closing (Sun 12.00 – 3.00 and 7.00 – 10.30). Food times are 12.00 – 2.00 & 6.30 – 9.15 Mon to Sat; and 12.00 – 2.00 & 7.00 – 9.00 on a Sunday. My bacon, brie and sunblush tomato baguette was decent value for money at £6.25 and the service was friendly. On handpull there was Nethergate 3.9 (a fine pint it was too), Wolf Brewery Golden Jackal and Adnam’s Best Bitter. GBG 2011 entry. The pub was popular at lunchtime with the retired generation (as were many of the pubs I visited in this part of Norfolk) but also with employees from the local prison. I would happily seek it out again if I was anywhere around the Thetford forest area.