Local Favourites Pubs with Grub on the Norfolk Broads.

As a visitor to this area, it can be hard to know where to find a great local, especially if you are cruising about on the water. So we decided to leave it up to the locals to put forward their ideas on what they like about a Pub with Grub. Their brief was to only list proper pubs that also do cracking food and to cover the Broadland area. With much debate because there are so many to choose from, our panel chose these five

Recruiting Sergeant

1. The Recruiting Sergeant is located in Coltishall and is very popular locally not only for the great food (very large portions too) but for the great team running it.  Matthew Colchester is the chef/owner and he certainly ensures that his menus offer as much locally sourced food as possible and Nicola Colchester and her great staff, keep everything running smoothly. It is essential to book in order not to be disappointed. Boats can moor up at the Coltishall Weir and then it is just a short walk across the marshes to the pub

The Fisherman's Return

2. The Fishermans Return is in Winterton right on the coast and again is really popular with the locals.  It not only serves great food, the landlord welcomes dogs with open arms, so having finished a bracing walk through the dunes and on the beach with a four-legged companion, keeping him/her away from the seal colonies that this part of Norfolk is famous for, step into this warm and welcoming pub, warm up in front of the roaring fire if you can get to it over the dogs hogging the heat and enjoy a pint and and bite.

Reedham Ferry

3. Reedham Ferry is located on the River Yare and has moorings.  It provides great food served by lovely staff and there is a chain ferry service as well, should you fancy crossing over to the other side! The pub also has a well established touring park so during the summer is very busy.  In the winter, the beauty of the river is incredible, the marshes and the clarity of light is a magnet for artists and the chain ferry regularly ghosts across the river.

The Locks Inn

4. The Locks Inn at Geldeston is a firm favourite with locals.  It is vibrant, full of atmosphere, music, tradition and for those who like quirky it is a definite must.  It is isolated on the marshes and requires a short walk to get there.  In the winter the pub only opens Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the day and limited hours, but it does open late every third Thursday of the month for Tales and Ales Sessions not to be missed! During the summer, the large garden caters to everyone and there is the Big Dog Ferry from Beccles, so not only a free house pub with loads of different beer, ales and drinks, but a river trip thrown in too

The Bell Inn

5. The Bell Inn at St Olaves is reported to be the Broads oldest inn, is right next to the water and has its own moorings. It has a wonderful atmosphere and the hearty food served certainly encompasses all pub favourites.  Another bonus is that they are open for breakfast too.  During the winter, open fires keep a warm and toasty feeling echoed by the welcoming staff and during the summer months, the garden provides lovely alfresco eating and drinking.

So if you are out and about, pop in and give them a go.  Let us know any other riverside pub that you think we should add to our favourites