The Barsham Arms
East Barsham, Norfolk
Sheltered in a little hollow two miles from the medieval settlement of Walsingham, this welcoming pub with rooms was bought and refurbished by a Norfolk chef and his partner in 2019. Wooden floorboards, an inglenook fireplace and exposed beams are now boosted by soft lighting, leather-backed chairs and a shelf devoted to Norfolk produce. The look strikes a chord with both locals and visitors, who might also be drawn by the pub’s appearance in the BBC's Hairy Bikers Go Local. There’s an adventurous spirit in the kitchen, which has created a succinct list of modern pub food using mostly local ingredients (producers are name-checked). Inventive twists are many and varied: steak with chestnut mushroom ragoût, say, or sticky toffee pudding with miso butterscotch. Though some dishes don’t quite achieve a harmonious whole (a starter of delicate but underpowered feta and herb beignets with Asian vegetables in a creamy sauce, for instance), others hit the spot (salt beef paired with tangy burnt-apple ketchup in a layered ‘hash’ also including mash and Rice Krispie-like puffed pork skin). Best dish at inspection was a main course of perfectly cooked salmon steak (crisp skin, succulent flesh) with creamy leek sauce and a slice of rösti-like potatoes. For afters, a square of raspberry and roasted white chocolate cheesecake with mango sorbet was an indulgent treat too – despite its spoon-bendingly dense biscuity base. Service is eager, if sometimes inexperienced, and the wine list currently remains a work-in-progress while a new supplier beds in. Minor adjustments could reap rewards here.
Dining Information:
Accommodation, Private dining room, Parking, Family friendly, Dog friendly
Fakenham Road, East Barsham, Norfolk NR21 0LH
01328 820729
