The Brisley Bell

‘It feels like a traditional pub, but with so much more,’ observed one visitor to this handily placed hostelry opposite an expansive village green midway between Norwich and the coast. The interior is a tasteful and nicely judged mix of old and new decorative touches, with the bonus of an orangery overlooking two acres of award-winning gardens. Service is spot-on and the hands-on owners ‘go above and beyond on every level’, while the kitchen delivers an enterprising menu that wouldn’t look out of place on one of London’s leafier fringes. Carefully sourced meats are the main attractions among the main courses (slow-roasted lamb shoulder with roasted root vegetables, for example), but there’s also some more imaginative stuff on show, from tuna tataki with pickled cucumber to a pithivier of beetroot, leek and vegan feta. Tuesday night is steak night, and proceedings are rounded off with old-fashioned puddings, crumbles and brownies – although you might also be tempted by the Norfolk strawberry pavlova. Well-kept hand-pulled ales and a serviceable wine list are the top shouts for liquid refreshment.