Start | Discover places | United Kingdom | England | Norwich | Restaurants | The Recruiting Sergeant

The Recruiting Sergeant

Restaurant | Norwich | England | United Kingdom

Award-winning restaurant in Norwich

The restaurant "The Recruiting Sergeant" in Norwich, England, is an award-winning pub and a culinary highlight in the Norfolk region. Located in a picturesque village near the famous Norfolk Broads, it is known for its excellent cuisine, which includes both traditional British dishes and creative interpretations. The owners, Matthew and Nicola Colchester, along with their team, have built an outstanding reputation over the years, based on the quality of the food, the friendliness of the staff, and a special attention to detail.

Best seafood dishes in Norfolk

The menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced as locally as possible. The restaurant takes particular pride in its fish and seafood specialties, reflecting the chef Matthew Colchester's passion for these dishes. An example is the delicious dish featuring fresh, locally caught cod, served tender and perfectly cooked. Meat lovers will also find something to enjoy, such as a juicy steak from regional farming that impresses with its quality. For those who appreciate classic pub fare, the "Steak & Ale Pie" offers a hearty option: a rich stew with tender meat and a robust ale sauce, topped with crispy puff pastry. On Sundays, traditional roast lunches take center stage, which are especially popular among guests and served with a variety of side dishes.

Experience traditional British cuisine

In addition to the restaurant, "The Recruiting Sergeant" features a cozy bar that boasts a selection of regularly changing real ales and modern beers, including local varieties from Norfolk and Suffolk. The wine list is extensive, offering many options by the glass, while a specially developed cocktail menu adds extra sophistication to the offerings. The pub is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved dogs in the bar or garden—a plus for visitors who want to bring their four-legged companions along.

Cozy bar with real ales

The ambiance of "The Recruiting Sergeant" is often described as inviting and relaxed, with a touch of modern flair that complements the traditional pub atmosphere. There are both indoor spaces with contemporary decor and a peaceful garden area that is perfect for outdoor dining. The restaurant also offers luxurious accommodations in the form of stylishly furnished rooms equipped with comfortable beds, modern technology, and high-quality amenities. This combination of top-notch dining and overnight options makes it an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore the Norfolk Broads or the nearby city of Norwich.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
32 Norwich Rd
Horstead
NR12 7EE Norwich

Map view

Reviews

2394 Reviews

Isaac Lester
08.03.2025

The best gnocchi I’ve ever had—no contest! I ordered two starters instead of a main, and even though I was full, I wanted to order dessert in hopes that it would match the 👌. But I was just too full. I will be back!
Ang Moore
07.03.2025

Popped in for lunch. Lovely, warm greeting and a delicious steak suet pudding! The whole menu sounded great! Would definitely recommend.
Carol Davison
02.03.2025

Absolutely amazing, a real must!!!!
Steve Houghton
20.02.2019

Great
Alan Bradford
22.02.2025

Went there for a lovely meal food and drinks were very good as usual can't fault the place. 👌
Thomas Law
16.02.2025

First time visiting with family the roasts are completely justified despite the price which really isn’t that bad to be honest. Delicious food , great service I don’t need to go into detail because visiting will justify it all
Jade W
15.02.2025

Highly recommend if you’re a meat eater as portions are huge and I’m told it’s delicious. However, the vegetarian food here is the worst I’ve had. The service is good and the restaurant itself is cosy but would benefit from having a little lighting- felt a bit odd seeing so many people using their phone lights to read the menu as there is no restaurant lighting other than candles on the tables.
Darrin Sayer
14.02.2025

Excellent service and food. Many thanks to Nicky, front of house team and catering staff for provision of superb day for our daughters wedding party
elizabeth sayer
13.02.2025

Not enough parking, but the food and service was excellent
CHRISTINE Ames
12.02.2025

Went for dinner, everything excellent, highly recommend it.
Philip Alan Sketchley
12.02.2025

Lovely pub and restaurant- excellent food. Very comfortable beds - but road a bit noisy first thing in the morning!
jamie hopper
10.02.2025

Had our anniversary lunch, yesterday, food was extremely tasty and plenty of it. Everyone there seemed so friendly and keen to make sure we enjoyed our time there. Even presenting us with a lovely choco fudge 'gift' .. just added to the feeling of having been very welcome.
Michael Ames
09.02.2025

Had an amazing meal as usual, good atmosphere, been coming for a few years now.
LettingsPro
30.01.2025

I have never paid so much money for such awful bland tasting food. Their children’s menu I wouldn’t feed my nonexistent dog… so had to get my 4 and 6 year old an adult meal. Pan fried chicken was the worst I’ve ever had and most expensive. Their “wagyu” burger I presume was boiled rather than grilled. Their chicken burger was cooked in such old oil that it was pretty much black. Triple cooked chips were nothing of such, more like triple boiled chunky wedges, again anwful. Everything was awful, even down to their sauces! You cannot charge £20-£30 per dish and serve 💩. Highly of the meal was bread and olives 😂. It’s dark af inside, I get all the adding to “ambiance”. But they have no ceiling lights. All wall lights and a poxy portable table lamp that lights up about 5inches of the table.
Sharron Stewart
01.12.2023

Fantastic place food wonderful and staff friendly and helpful ,
IrishJohn Padstow
20.01.2025

Amazing premises to enjoy an extraordinary meal. The atmosphere and warm surroundings were lovely, and the menu was extensive. The French onion soup was spectator (as was all the meal) and for the amount of food, very good value. Go Hungry! A special mention to our server, Lisa. She was absolutely spectacular. Never felt rushed, just left to relax and enjoy our meal at a pleasant pace with Lisa only popping to ask us if they could do any more to help us enjoy our visit. Perfect. Highly recommended. On holidays, and it was a perfect find. I hope my travels brings me back here one day. 5 🌟 amazing.
Bev Hughes
16.01.2025

Held a small wake for family and friends after mums funeral. Food was gorgeous, good quality and very generous portions. Thank You
Kevin Warner
15.01.2025

Great food 😋
Sarah Crosby
14.10.2021

Great food. Great staff. Love this place
Matrex Burbage
11.01.2025

Always great food and service.
Martin Allan
16.02.2023

Unbelievable food, 1st time visit, can't wait to come back.
Tristan Fowler
29.10.2021

Great place fir foid and drink

 

Close by


(0,4 km)

(0,5 km)

(0,5 km)

(0,8 km)

(0,8 km)

(1,3 km)

(1,3 km)

(3,1 km)

(3,3 km)

(3,6 km)