By Katie Wilson
Norfolk on England’s east coast is home to 90 miles of unspoilt beaches, or 93 when the tide is out, that are beautiful year-round.
It’s also dotted with charming villages, such as Burnham Market, so posh it has earned itself the nickname ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’.
World famous for its lavender fields, if you visit in summer make a pitstop for Norfolk Lavender in Heacham to see 100-acres of it in full bloom. You can even pick your own peonies at Erpingham House Farm.
Wildlife lovers will be in their element at Scolt Head Island and boat trips to see the seals in their natural environment at Blakeney Point.
Where to stay that’s near all of these things? The Gin Trap Inn gets our vote. This 17th Century pub with rooms is a stone’s throw from the North Norfolk coast in the pretty village of Ringstead.
Here’s what happened when The Boutique Handbook team checked in for the night…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The Gin Trap Inn is pretty much the only thing in the village, aside from a cute General Store that sells groceries and antiques, and creamy Norfolk stone cottages you’ll wish you lived in.
There are no shops to speak of but this historic coaching inn, that welcomed fisherman and smugglers for centuries, has stood here pride of place for more than 350 years. It still stands proud today and inside it’s even more impressive.
Enter via the front door and you’ll arrive at the penny-topped bar area that is a traditional country boozer with leather chairs, wood paneling and a fireplace that’s just the kind of cosy you want as we head into winter.
There are several other spaces set for diners as you begin to walk through the pub’s warren of rooms. Some are cosy nooks, others more expansive with book-lined shelves and gold-framed portraits on the wall. The lightest part of the restaurant is the conservatory, which is rustic in style and has a huge squid mural on the wall. This leads out onto the pretty terrace at the back. Behind that are the cottage rooms, where we stayed.
THE ROOMS
There are 13 rooms at The Gin Trap Inn, ranging from cosy en-suites to those with freestanding cast iron baths and garden terraces. Most, aside from Botanist, Bloom and Brockmans, are dog friendly.
All come with fluffy bathrobes, Smart TVs with Netflix, DAB radios and complimentary artisan ground coffee, Brew Tea Co. Tea, milk and still and sparkling water. Carrot cake in a cloche and the pub’s own brand Gin Trap gin and Fever Tree tonics were kindly left out for our arrival.
For a bit more space, book the art-inspired Gallery suite or The Stables, a charactful nod to the pub’s original purpose – the stables to the coaching inn date back as far as 1688.
But the newest rooms at The Gin Trap Inn are the three cottages, perfect for slightly larger groups, as all have two bedrooms sleeping up to four people.
Brewhouse Cottage, which gets its moniker on account of being the pub’s former microbrewery, has a cool but traditional vibe. Think vintage armchairs with fringed bases, a drum that doubles as a side table and a stained glass ‘pub’ sign in the window.
Cadaman Cottage and Compasses Cottage, which we stayed in, are more contemporary in design. Both have playful but stylish furnishings, features like exposed brick walls and Belfast sinks, sleek bathrooms – though no baths, just showers in the cottages – and super comfy bedrooms.
What makes Compasses Cottage so special are the two outdoor terraces guests have access to. Downstairs, a smaller terrace leads out from the patio doors in the living/dining area. Upstairs, there is a surprise covered balcony with cute seating area that backs onto a meadow where horses graze. We found it so relaxing to sit and watch them, especially as the sun starts to go down.
FOOD AND DRINK
It will come as no surprise what The Gin Trap Inn is famous for. In fact, they have over 100 gins to choose from here.
Even if you’re not staying over, come for the food. Headed up by chef Gareth Rayner, it’s seriously good. Menus are seasonal and you’ll get proper portions made with ingredients you’ve heard of.
But this is more than pub grub. The Gin Trap Inn’s elevated menu has earned it awards, and deservedly so. They currently have 3 AA Rosettes and were named in this year’s Good Food Guide, which recognises the best restaurants in Britain.
Signature dishes include the absolutely must-order Twice Baked Lincolnshire Poacher Souffle (14) from the starters. Trust us, your tastebuds will thank you for it. Other highlights are the locally caught dressed Cromer Crab with Sourdough Crumpet (£15).
For mains, we couldn’t decide, they all sounded so good. Wild Halibut, Lamb Rump and Dry Aged Pork Loin were all on the menu. In the end, we opted to share a Sirloin Steak with Bone Marrow Sauce and Triple Cooked Chips (£36) and the Risotto (£20), beautifully concocted with English Peas, Courgette, Girolles and Bevistan Tomme cheese.
Breakfast is equally good. One of the best we’ve had in any UK hotel lately. There is cereal, yoghurts, fruit and pastries, plus the option of a cooked breakfast. Go for the Full English.
On Sundays, the team serve up hearty roasts and starter delights like Hash Brown with Crispy Duck, Black Pudding and Pineapple Pickle (£14) and their famous souffle. In the summer months, and balmy days when it’s colder, there is a pretty terrace, plus a few tables out the front of the pub too.
GETTING THERE
Though you can get to The Gin Trap Inn by train and taxi – the nearest station is King’s Lynn – it’s best if you come by car so you can easily explore the local area.
There is a bus that goes along the coast if you want to go car-free. It isn’t that regular, so make sure you check the timetables first, but it can be done.
OVERALL VERDICT
The Gin Trap Inn is a perfect base for exploring the North Norfolk coast. Not only are the rooms comfortable and a bit special, the food here is excellent. We can see why people stay a few days and eat in the restaurant more than once.
Rooms start from £145 a night
*The Boutique Handbook visited as part of a complimentary PR stay, but we always give honest reviews
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