Two Norfolk gastropubs, both famous for their roast dinners, have been named among the top 20 in the UK.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben and Sarah Handley of The Duck Inn, Stanhoe. Credit: ContributedBen and Sarah Handley of The Duck Inn, Stanhoe. Credit: Contributed (Image: Archant)

The Gunton Arms, near Cromer, and The Duck Inn, in Stanhoe, feature in the best gastropubs list by Big 7 Travel, which produces lifestyle content from across seven continents.

The Gunton Arms sits inside a 1,000 acre 18th century deer park and since opening in 2011 has gained a legion of fans for its restaurant, which includes an Elk Room where beef from Blickling and venison from the grounds are cooked over an open fire.

The head chef is Stuart Tattersall, who trained with Mark Hix, and it is owned by art dealer Ivor Braka, with the menu based around what is in season locally.

It is not just about the food, with an impressive drinks menu and bedrooms for those enjoying a getaway on the north Norfolk coast.

Eastern Daily Press: Chef Stuart Tattersall, cooking at the fire in the Elk Room at the Gunton Arms pub. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYChef Stuart Tattersall, cooking at the fire in the Elk Room at the Gunton Arms pub. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

In the article, Big 7 Travel describe a gastropub as "a watering hole that can also compete with top restaurants when it comes to food".

The Gunton Arms is praised for its roasts which have "droolworthy crackling and crispy spud, while a Bramley apple and almond tart with clotted cream is the perfect finish".

READ MORE: Norwich cocktail bar named one of the best in the UK

The top 20 also features The Duck Inn, which has been run by chef and patron Ben Handley and his wife Sarah since 2013, with Mr Handley's brother Sam as manager.

Eastern Daily Press: Roast pork at The Duck Inn. Photo: AWPRRoast pork at The Duck Inn. Photo: AWPR (Image: AWPR)

They have transformed the 18th century building into a dining destination and they were also named one of the UK's top 50 gastropubs by trade magazine the Morning Advertiser in 2018 and were a finalist in The Observer Food Awards 2019 for Best Sunday Lunch.

The description says: "The Duck Inn manages to elevate a meal that is so common and standard around the country to something that is other worldly. "It will have your taste buds thanking you for having walked into their pub.

"The menu changes on a regular basis, but you'll nearly always see beef, pork and some form of exciting fish alternative.

"Try to local pan-roasted lamb or Norfolk ox liver with truffle noisette for a real treat."