The Ingham Swan
Ingham, Norfolk
The Swan is ‘on the up again’ – and looking better than ever, according to its many fans. Situated by an S-bend in the road on the outer fringes of the Norfolk Broads, this pristinely re-thatched inn with rooms is still standing proud, with original stone walls, beams and odd bits of stained glass adding some heritage clout and rustic personality to the comfortably refurbished dining room. Chef/patron Daniel Smith (who also runs The Wildebeest outside Norwich) is committed to using local and seasonal produce for a wide-ranging repertoire of eclectic dishes offering quality as well as value. He earned his stripes at Le Gavroche and later at Morston Hall, so expect classical precision and sharp technique as well as freewheeling modern ideas – as in charred new season’s asparagus with cow’s curd dressing, pickled mustard seeds and granola or beef medallions paired with rocket salad, king oyster mushrooms and chimichurri. Fish from the East Coast boats is always a good call, perhaps dressed Cromer crab with brown crab emulsion, heritage tomato salad and tomato consommé or lobster with garlic butter, samphire and leek-ash fries. To round off, try blackberry soufflé with freeze-dried raspberries and chocolate ‘snow’. Fixed-price deals and a Norfolk-themed tasting menu span the pricing spectrum, but do save some pennies for the diverse wine list, with its ample by-the-glass selections.
