The Hoste Arms, Norfolk

Overview

Overlooking the green and the parish church in this upmarket Georgian village, the Hoste Arms, a handsome 17th-century inn, is a rare combination of stylish pub, restaurant and chic hotel.

It has long been one of the most popular inns along the glorious North Norfolk coast, appealing to a broad mix of visitors, from celebrities, well-heeled locals, and cosmopolitan city-folk up for the weekend, to tourists and local fishermen popping in for a pint. The City Pub Group, who took over in 2019, are doing a fine job in restoring the fortunes of this iconic inn, gradually refurbishing the 45 bedrooms in contemporary style and re-establishing the place as informal pub-hotel with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Tardis-like, the Hoste extends back from its rustic, unpretentious bar - still the village local where you can flick through the papers and down pints of Wherry - and the adjoining, rather tasteful brasserie-style dining areas, with their dark wood panelling and blazing log fires, to the plush leather sofa-filled conservatory lounges, a smart function space for small events and celebrations, and a sun-trap alfresco dining terrace. There are also gym and spa facilities and an underground 20-seat cinema. It's the perfect retreat after a day exploring the coastal salt marshes and sand dunes.

Rooms from

45 doubles: £145

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted

Disabled access & rooms

Alfresco & private dining

Wedding venue

Spa & gym facilities

Parking available

Dog stay: £15 (not Vine House rooms)

The Hoste Spa

Escape from the stress of everyday life in the Beauty Spa, a sanctuary where you can relax and rejuvenate, and enjoy a range of specialist treatments. There's a fitness room too.

Burnham Market

Not only will you find a traditional post office, butcher, baker, hardware shop and a fish shop, but the upmarket village of Burnham Market has 30 highly original independent and specialist shops. For designer clothing visit Gun Hill Clothing, for stylish furniture and gifts for the home pop into Norfolk Living, and for contemporary art take a look at the Fairfax Gallery.

Rooms

Comfortable, individually designed rooms are split between the inn and converted buildings to the rear and elegant Vine House across the village High Street.

Vine House is a beautiful Georgian townhouse with spacious and opulent 'Divine' and 'Signature' rooms furnished with sumptuous designer fabrics, antiques, gilt mirrors, ornate chandeliers, four posters or vast sleigh beds, and big bathrooms with deep tubs, double sinks and walk-in showers. With its garden terrace, elegant lounge and options for butler service and evening turn down, it is ideal for hiring as a group.

In addition to revamped 'Divine' and 'Signature' rooms behind the inn, there are newly refurbished older rooms above the inn, including Room 5 where Admiral Lord Nelson is said to have stayed. Expect tasteful fabrics (headboards) and soft furnishing, quirky artwork, Smeg mini-bar fridges, Nespresso machines, Roberts radios, and fresh tiled bathrooms with claw foot baths or shower over baths, decent toiletries and bathrobes. Famiies should book 'The Eaves', a contemporary space with two bedrooms, lounge and kitchen area.

Note: room refurbishment is ongoing so there are still a few traditional style rooms that require updating.

Restaurant & bar

Seasonal menus deliver good modern British pub food. Influences may be global but the dishes do draw on fresh Norfolk produce with a policy of sourcing ingredients - oyster, mussels, samphire, crab - from along the coast.

Perhaps start with a plate of Brancaster oysters or seared scallops, crispy pork belly, burnt apple puree, sweetcorn and samphire. Main course options might include pan-fried salmon with crab, chilli, spinach, lemon and cherry tomato linguine, roasted lamb rump with samphire, peas, French beans, Jersey royals & mint salsa verde, decent salads (squid & chorizo salad, red onion, baby gem and new potatoes), or 28-day aged beef sirloin with garlic and herb butter and chips. Leave room for a traditional pudding - lemon tart, poached rhubarb and clotted cream. Food is served all day - 12 noon to 9pm.

The Hoste is a cracking pub at heart and the drinks list will not disappoint - sup local ales, craft beers and ciders or explore the classic cocktails list and the good choice of vodkas, gins and rums. Decent wines by the glass too.

Private dining

The light and airy Garden Room is ideal for weddings and larger celebrations and can extend into the beautiful walled garden, utilising the marquee to provide space for up to 200 guests. The Lodge, situated adjacent to the Garden Room, offers a more intimae space for smaller gatherings, dinner parties and occasions.

Things to do

This magnificent grand Palladian mansion of Houghton Hall is well worth a visit, lying in picturesque parkland near King's Lynn. It's the home of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister, and has imposing state rooms, an impressive collection of model soldiers and a restored walled garden.

Titchwell Marsh is one of the RSPB's most visited reserves. Follow several nature trails to spot ducks, waders, geese and seabirds. There are also avocets and terns, bitterns and marsh harriers and a visitor centre, where you can learn more about your surroundings.

Holkham Hall near Wells-next-the-Sea has been the home of the Earls of Leicester for centuries. Set in a 3,000-acre deer park, the Palladian-style mansion includes a striking marble hall and beautifully decorated staterooms. Elsewhere, explore the estate footpaths, the stunning beach, and don't miss the Lookout Cafe overlooking Holkham's Nature Reserve.