Thornham, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Amazing that one chef can produce such high-quality and varied food” say fans of Kevin & Jackie Margeolles’s former coaching inn on the north Norfolk coast where “glorious cooking from Kevin is superbly served by his wife”, either from the three-course à la carte for £80 per person or the more extensive tasting menu for £105 per person. “A lovely place to stay and enjoy great food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere” – it has a very dedicated fan club amongst our reporters, a couple of whom report their best meal of the year here.

“A star item – local oysters – eat them overlooking the waters they come from on a sunny day and it’s perfection”, according to fans of this mega-popular pub renowned for its “excellent seafood in spitting distance of the sea”.“This is a real Norfolk favourite. In winter, the roaring fires and welcoming staff make for a great atmosphere. In summer, the views from the dining-room over the marshes to the sea and the same welcoming staff likewise make this a hit”. The odd report considers it “overhyped except for the view”. But the overwhelming majority of feedback suggests that “despite its popularity, staff are invariably helpful, friendly and efficient; menus and cooking continue to make the most of fresh, local ingredients; and standards are good”. (“We always spend a night here for our wedding anniversary, even though we only live a few minutes away. There is always plenty of choice on the menu, although we normally choose fish as there is such a good choice of fresh locally caught fish on the menu. The place is a gem.)”