Sunday best
17th May 2023
One of our favourite family dining experiences is Sunday lunch, says Rachel Bowles, with my son, Zachary, a top fan! Knives and forks at the ready for their round-up of some of the places they’ve enjoyed together
The Duck Inn, Stanhoe
This was our destination choice for Zachary’s birthday recently. The meat portions were generous, the roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings sublime – and you get a side of cauliflower cheese and seasonal greens to serve yourself. The child’s roast came in at £10.50 for beef and £9.50 for pork. For dessert, we really loved the ice cream which is sourced from Lakenham Creamery and includes flavour combinations such as rhubarb and custard, and salted caramel.
In the know The Duck Inn was named in The Observer Food Monthly Awards 2022 as one of their readers’ favourite destinations for a Sunday roast. We can confirm it’s very much deserved!
Carpenters Arms, Wighton
We particularly like the rural feel to this location; a proper village pub with cows grazing in the field beyond the beer garden, and the interior is home from home. Children’s roasts are £10, and they usually have a choice of beef, pork or a nut roast. Visit around Easter and you can expect to find lamb on the menu, too. The roast potatoes were super crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Cauliflower cheese fan Zachary ordered a side for £4.50 to sit alongside his roast beef.
In the know They won a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2022.
The Hero, Burnham Overy Staithe
A stone’s throw from the harbour, The Hero has a laid-back feel and a cosy pub interior. This is one of our go-to places if we are in the area; the child’s roast dinner is incredibly good value at £9, and this includes a main and dessert choice. Zachary will tell you that he loves the fact cauliflower cheese is on the plate. Children’s dessert choices are either chocolate brownie with ice cream, or a scoop of ice cream or sorbet.
In the know The Hero has two lovely outdoor seating areas which in a nod to the pub’s location, have sunshades made from original sails.
The Victoria Inn, Holkham
Situated conveniently near Holkham beach and parkland, The Victoria strikes a balance between more formal dining and a child-friendly atmosphere. The children’s roast beef or pork belly is £10 and includes a free side of seasonal vegetables. If the vegetables are eaten, they will receive a free fruit salad for dessert. Zachary and his sister, Eliza, enjoyed the colouring sheets and interesting facts about Holkham Estate. Pre-booking is essential.
In the know Much of the produce is from the estate itself, including seasonal vegetables harvested from the walled garden.
The Folkes, Hillington
With one of the best outdoor play areas around, Sundays are a great option here with their Pie Feast menu – an upmarket carvery offering with the most delicious mini pies alongside traditional roast cuts and all the trimmings. The children’s Sunday menu is suitable for under 12s and includes the Pie Feast spread, a pudding and a drink for £8.50 (£7.65 for Norfolk Passport holders), or if you dine between 4pm and 5.30pm on a Sunday, under 12s get to eat for free (one child per paying adult). The selection of puddings follows a similar help-yourself format including an ice cream machine and toppings station, a big hit with Eliza!
In the know Norfolk Passport (www.norfolkpassport.com) is a free to join membership system with perks including 10% off menu prices at The Ffolkes.
Prices correct at the time of going to press, but may be subject to change
