Sculthorpe Mill, Norfolk

WHERE AND WHY

As the name suggests, this country pub began life as a watermill. It was built atop the River Wensum in 1757 and it ground corn until around 1947.

The pub has recently been renovated and boasts six ensuite rooms, each with views of the water. We were given a warm welcome and shown to a peaceful room that was beautifully decorated in eye-catching yellows and blues. The colours complemented the older features of the room such as the bay windows and wooden ceiling beam.

The room came with homemade cookies, a coffee machine, a speaker and a host of Norfolk-made toiletries. The tiled bathroom had a walk-in rain shower.

Waking up in the morning was a magical experience, from one window we could see the misty fields and cows and from the other, the stream that bubbles beneath the building.

ON THE MENU

The Mill has a number of dining areas. In summer, the garden, right next to a stream, is the perfect spot for a cold pint.

It prides itself on using local produce, making each mouthful that extra bit special.

We chose the pumpkin hummus with flatbread and salt fish Scotch egg to start. The hummus was excellently seasoned and the salt fish was a brilliant twist on a classic snack.

It was followed by a juicy rump steak and partridge with parsnip crisps and a showstopping red cabbage (the chef was kind enough to share his recipe). We had enough room for autumnal afters, fig and ginger pudding with custard and a cheeseboard.

Starters are from £4.50, mains from £15.50 and dessert from £7.50. A staff member also recommended us an exceptional bottle of red.

Our breakfast was delicious, with full English, smoked salmon, yoghurt and muesli plus pastries on offer.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Sculthorpe Mill is nestled in a village perfectly situated to explore the natural beauty of North and West Norfolk.

It is a 13-minute drive from the coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea, 20 minutes from the country estate of Holkham Hall and a stone’s throw from the Queen’s country retreat at Sandringham. The mill is less than a mile walk to Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve and its incredible wildlife.

WAKE-UP CALL

Rooms begin at £110 a night, B&B. sculthorpemill.uk