Sunday best: part II
14th November 2023
As winter beckons, Rachel Bowles and Amanda Loose six of their favourite places to enjoy a roast
If you’re looking for Sunday lunch with a difference, alongside their regular menu, Eric’s Pizza (www.ericspizza.co.uk) at Drove Orchards, Thornham, have recently launch their take on a roast, and as you’d expect, there are a few Italian twists. Think melt-in-your-mouth slow roasted porchetta with crispy crackling, stuffed with Drove Orchards apples, fennel and local pork sausage meat. Then there’s a serving of polenta, cauliflower cheese made with romanesco, plus a generous helping of vegetables and those traditional favourites, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding. It’s delicious, hearty but not heavy, and the yurt is cosy with its wood burner and large tables which are perfect for get-togethers. We rounded off our meal with a glass of mulled Drove Orchards cider, which really hit the spot!
Heading along the coast, Blakeney House (www.blakeneyhouse.com) is a great option if you want to get away from it all. Tucked away just off Blakeney High Street, it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. This Victorian property, with 10 rooms and a restaurant also open to non-residents, marries uber stylish interiors and great art with a relaxed, friendly vibe, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely Sunday lunch. We enjoyed the Hereford roast sirloin, which was tender and delicious, but could have chosen Norfolk Duroc pork – both from local butcher Goddards. Roasts are served with Yorkshire pudding, duck fat roast potatoes, local greens and Norfolk Dapple cauliflower cheese, a must if you’re a cauliflower cheese fan (we might be trying this at home). May we recommend perusing the dessert menu, too!
If you’re looking for a roast dinner in a restaurant that allows you to step back in time, then The Cliftonville (www.thecliftonville.com) in Cromer is a great choice. This Edwardian seafront Grade II listed building has been beautifully restored in keeping with its era. We love the opulence and grandeur alongside the relaxed seating areas and welcoming staff. Roast choices meet everyone’s preferences, with beef, chicken, pork, lamb and a tasty vegan option of mushroom and cashew nut wellington, all served with bottomless red wine gravy. Side dishes of pigs in blankets and pork, sage and apricot stuffing can be ordered to give a festive sprinkling to your plate.
Look out for the beautiful art noveau stained glass windows in various rooms of the building. The peacock is particularly beautiful, and the poppies give a nod to the local area, all original of course.
Over near Holt, The Three Horseshoes (www.bristonhorseshoes.co.uk) in Briston is a traditional village pub which oozes character; think exposed brick walls, warm wooden furniture, and soft furnishings – you’ll feel at home straight away. Plates are presented beautifully with a well balanced serving of your roast choice, potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a side serving of cauliflower cheese. Each roast dish comes with a mini jug of gravy, so you don’t have to share with your fellow diners! Pudding choices are also too good to share, so make sure you save some room.
Situated opposite St Nicholas Church in Wells, The Bowling Green (www.bowling-green-inn.co.uk) is a locals’ favourite and gets consistently good reviews. Expect little nooks with boardgames and old books, historic photographs of the pub and surrounding area, and roaring fires to keep you cosy. Sunday roasts are hearty, with side-serve bowls full of steamed vegetables for you to load up those plates. Generous portions await, and they are sensibly priced. Try the giant Yorkshire pudding filled with a meat stew and sides for an alternative twist on the classic dish.
Holt Garden Centre (www.holtgardencentre.co.uk) isn’t just about the plants and shopping; it’s a great choice for a restaurant experience too; with waiter service and generous portion sizes at reasonable prices, this place packs all the punches. On Sundays, there’s a choice of roast chicken, leg of lamb or nut roast, all served with the usual sides. Cauliflower cheese, honey roast parsnips and carrots are included, making this a real treat. Ensure you leave room for dessert because their homemade choices are divine – little living’s Zachary still talks about the berry cheesecake he had on our last visit. If you’re a big roast fan and can’t wait a week until your next fix, then you’ll be pleased to hear that they serve them on Wednesdays, too.
Details are correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change. Visit websites for serving times, prices and any booking requirements
