Eastlife February 2019

The Nelson Head, Horsey
This was recommended to my wife and I by Alison from
Oliver’s Sailing Holidays (www.broadssailingholidays.
co.uk) who hire classic sailing yachts. She describes it as
a “little pub with a big character and definitely one of
our very favourite pubs in Norfolk!” I’ve tried to eat here
twice now and failed due to its popularity. I still want to
go back, partly from the reviews and mostly because it’s
like stepping into the 19th century. Punt guns over the
bar, shackles and ropes. Dogs under every table. There
are very limited covers due to its compact size, so arrive
early (which we didn’t). Outside seating in the summer
helps, and yes I know it’s not strictly on the Broads, but
it’s close enough to Horsey Mere to count. Visit seals on
the beach at Horsey for a wildlife experience to rival any
large game safari. If you can’t get a table, a short drive
away at the top of Hickling Broad is its sister pub, The
Pleasure Boat Inn.
www.thenelsonhead.com
The Pleasure Boat Inn, Hickling
This was first recommended to us by Nick Highton of
Martham Ferry Boatyard, a local dog friendly day boat
hire company (marthamferryboatyard.co.uk).
“The Pleasure Boat is exceptionally located, overlooking
Hickling Broad and Dyke, and a great lunch stop for
our hire boat visitors, being about an hour from the
boatyard and taking visitors across the wonderful
Hickling Broad,” he explained.
The Pleasure Boat Inn dates back to 1745, simply
furnished, serving value for money tasty pub food. The
tables outside have a fabulous view of Hickling Dyke
and Broad. The pub is dog and child friendly. There is
a massive free car park. Motoring homes - remember
to take a right turn up to see Horsey Mere and the
Windmill at Horsey Dyke.
www.thepleasureboatinn.co.uk
The Nelson Head
The King’s Head, Coltishall
The King’s Head is a 17th century country inn situated
on the banks of the River Bure on the Wroxham
approach to Coltishall. The 24-hour moorings are
popular during the summer. Car parking is also busy
in peak season and shared with the Rising Sun, on
adjacent sites. The King’s Head offers fine cuisine,
specialising in locally sourced produce. One for diners
wanting gastro over pub grub. Bed and Breakfast is also
offered. The outside seating area is limited, and more
on the road than the river.
www.kingsheadcoltishall.co.uk
The Wroxham Hotel, Wroxham
I know it’s strictly not a pub but I do think this is worth
a mention, not just because most people’s experience
of the Broads rarely extends much beyond a trip to
Wroxham, but also because it’s just so good. Recently
refurbished, it has one of the best terrace bar areas
on the river and has a great restaurant and bar menu,
and moorings. The terrace provides views of Wroxham
bridge and all the fun that a low narrow, partly blind
stone arch can create for the novice captains of the
massive hire boats, trying to pass under. The food is
great with a friendly bar with dogs and kids welcome.
There’s the bonus of afternoon tea and cakes too.
www.hotelwroxham.co.uk
Mike Garside is passionate about sailing, walking, dogs,
eating out and Norfolk. He is owner of a holiday cottage
in Blakeney that he has renovated with his wife and now
rents as a holiday let. www.blakeney-cottage.co.uk
The Wroxham Hotel
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