The Walpole Arms

In the quiet village of Itteringham, The Walpole Arms settles into its rustic 18th-century bones with wood pillars, exposed brick and a leafy beer garden opening to wide Norfolk skies. A true gastro pub, it is also home to an internationally recognised gin distillery, where culinary excellence meets artisanal spirits.

The kitchen champions local seasons and shores: think Cromer crab cakes brightened with red pepper ketchup, or silken salmon gravlax with lemon crème fraîche. British comfort is given polish, from beer battered haddock and chips with warm tartare and crushed peas to The Walpole Burger stacked in a brioche bun with Monterey Jack, house pickles and coleslaw.

Sundays bring roasts worth lingering over, including Roast Blickling Rump and Roast Pork, while desserts nod to tradition and craft: rhubarb and apple crumble with clotted cream ice cream, and a strawberry and white chocolate cheesecake lifted with house gin from the still. Little diners are looked after too, with mac and cheese or breaded fish goujons.

Settle by the bar or spill into the garden, and savour the best of Norfolk on a plate and in the glass. Book a table, sip something spirited, and let the evening be-gin.