Category Archives: Wells

The Victoria

Holkham, Norfolk:


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I’ll start by quoting this review:

Popular with the Chelsea-tractor set, the Victoria Hotel is part of the Holkam Estate & close to Holkham Hall (home to the Earl of Leicester & a favourite haunt of various royals, notably Charles & Camilla). The interior is a mix of 19th century British colonial styles, but the menu is more reflective of the surrounding slice of traditional English countryside. A classical menu is supported by interesting innovations & uses produce grown, if not on the estate, then locally, including game shot on the Earl’s range. Dishes are complimented by a healthy range of global wines.

which says it all. It’s all about the food and the airs and graces. It’s included here because it’s a pub, just, but it’s well on the way to being a restaurant, and not a cheap one either. It’s nicely decorated, the staff and beer are fine, but it has no soul.

CLOSED: The Ark Royal

Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk:


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This pub doesn’t look encouraging: it’s a frankly ugly 60s building in an otherwise pretty town, with benches set out on a patch of tarmac in front. However, looks can deceive: there’s real ale, decent cider, and all the nrmal tat, decent food, and friendly staff, so it pays to ignore the appearance.