The Georgian Townhouse, Norfolk

Overview

City pubs with rooms don't come much better than the Georgian Townhouse, located on a leafy street on the west side of Norwich and within walking distance of the Castle and Cathedral.

Shun the faceless budget hotels for the buzzy, contemporary vibe of the Townhouse, which comprises four very appealing knocked-together Georgian houses, then expect the unexpected - 22 cosy rooms above the inn and eight stunning apartments with a cool, retro feel across the road, and a secret city garden with a fabulous dining terrace, lawns, kid's play area, and converted Stables with BBQ and pizza oven for private hire.

Add contemporary interiors - bold colours, quirky decorations, stripped-wood floors and an eclectic mix of furnishings in the open-plan bar and dining areas - plus a wedding/events space, a great drinks list (cocktails and boutique gins), and an open kitchen delivering decent seasonal pub food, then it's no wonder the place draws a lively, appreciative crowd. Free on-site parking is a real bonus too.

Rooms from:

22 doubles & 8 apartments: £90

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted

Disabled access

Alfresco & private dining

Wedding venue

Parking available

Dogs welcome overnight

Alfresco

The secret garden space within the city comes as a huge surprise - expect a swish covered dining terrace, a kid's play area, and a cool converted Stables area with BBQ and wood-fired oven for private hire.

Town & City

Norwich's famous open-air market, narrow streets, historic Castle and busy shopping area are just a 10-minute stroll from the Georgian Townhouse.

Rooms

Contemporary rooms offer both business and leisure guests a very comfortable and good value base close to the city centre - it's a 10-minute walk to the Castle and shopping area.

Interesting rooms options offer good flexibility for guests, from the 22 boutique-style rooms in the Townhouse to the eight newly revamped apartments, replete with kitchenettes and ideal for families and longer stays, in the attractive villa across the road. The apartments are very stylish with a cool, retro feel - some are airy with high ceilings and others are more snug, yet oozing the same vintage vibe of the inn rooms. For space, book The Nest as it has a large lounge area (with French doors opening onto a small roof top balcony) and the bedroom boasts a lavish en suite with walk in shower and separate bath. Friends or a family will love The Colonel's Retreat in the grounds - a quirky and peaceful apartment over three floors, consisting of two bedrooms, kitchenette, bathroom and lounge.

The best of the cosy Townhouse rooms are the two spacious comfy doubles - Room 14 has a private roof terrace too. All rooms feature warm hues, big lamps, Smeg mini-bar fridges, Roberts radios, Nespresso machines, vintage-style lighting, retro phones, and brick-tiled bathrooms - some have tubs and walk-in showers.

Restaurant & bar

Seasonal menus and daily specials deliver good modern British pub food that draws an appreciative crowd from across the city, especially on warm summer days when the terrace and secret garden fill quickly.

Perhaps share whole baked Camembert with rosemary, garlic, balsamic onions and sourdough, or opt for Norfolk asparagus, parma ham, poached egg and hollandaise. Main course options might include braised ox cheek pie, decent salads (squid & chorizo salad, red onion, baby gem and new potatoes), or ale battered haddock, chips and tartare sauce. Leave room for a traditional pudding - sticky toffee pudding, vanilla ice cream and toffee sauce. Food is served all day - 12 noon to 9pm.

Alongside craft beers and cider, six handpumps dispense a rotating selecting of ales from local and regional breweries, including Adnams, Woodfordes, Barsham, and sister pub, the St Andrews Brew House in Norwich. A decent cocktail list, a raft of 40 boutique gins, and an eclectic wine list (18 by the glass) complete the boozy picture.

Private dining

The Pembroke Room with space for 60 seated and 100 standing is licensed for wedding ceremonies and is perfect for larger gatherings/celebrations - it comes replete with a private bar, terrace and garden. The Scout Hut in the garden can be used for welcome drinks and canapes. The converted Stables has a charcoal BBQ and pizza oven and outside seating and can be hired for a casual family celebration.

Things to do

One of the best-preserved medieval cities in the country, Norwich is a top shopping destination with lots of independent retailers and smart restaurants. For something slightly unusual visit Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum in the Royal Arcade. We've all grown up with those distinctive little jars of mustard; here, you can discover how it all began and then visit the shop for a wide selection of mustard pots and spoons. Look out, too, for St Gregory's Antiques and Collectables in Pottergate, just the place for that rare item or quirky find.

A beautiful Norman building set in the largest close in England. Originally a Benedictine foundation, it possesses the largest monastic cloisters in England and is of great architectural and artistic interest. Special features include nave bosses depicting scenes from the bible from the Creation to the Resurrection, and a Saxon bishop's throne.

Think of the Norfolk Broads and the picture that springs to mind is usually one of a complex network of navigable rivers and man-made waterways. In fact there are 125 miles of them and an assortment of picturesque, sleepy villages to discover in this wonderfully spacious natural landscape.