Sculthorpe Mill, Fakenham

I was only stopping for a photo but when I saw the front door was open at 11:30 I thought I might as well pop in for a coffee. This is a lovely old building, and the sight of the Wensum pouring through the mill race was enough to give a parent or grandparent of small children palpitations. My coffee was excellent, service was friendly and I was glad I had decided not to have a beer this early in the day as I reversed carefully out of the rather muddy car park. (See photo for what I could have had.)

Facebook page of Sculthorpe Mill - www.facebook.com

Official site of Sculthorpe Mill - www.sculthorpemill.uk

Facebook page of Sculthorpe Mill - www.facebook.com

Official site of Sculthorpe Mill - www.sculthorpemill.uk

A really lovely former mill tucked quietly away next to the River Wensum which flows right past both the front and the garden. As Mr Coombs notes it is largely a dining destination but there were a couple of people perched at the small bar with beers on our lunchtime visit so no problems with just popping in for a drink. The garden is superb on a decent day and the food very good although, as with much in this part of the world, not cheap. Beers on were Barsham Oaks, Moongazer Pintail and some filth from Greene King which I failed to note. The former two, from very local breweries, were in good shape with the Pintail especially noteworthy. Both under 4% despite both breweries producing some very good, stronger options. I’d definitely recommend the place for quality of food and service and it’s fine for a swift pint or two if you’re passing.