When is a hotel not a hotel? When it's a Norfolk Pub of the Year!
Back in 2015, The Cliff Hotel in Gorleston won Norfolk's Best Pub at the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards.
The judging panel then thought The Cliff stood out as a central community hub that meant just as much to local patrons as it did to the thriving tourist scene.
Today The Cliff is updated and upgraded but it remains that central Gorleston hub, and it is proud to be the community's go-to destination, whatever the occasion.
Whether for a cheeky pint after work, a big celebration dinner with the family, a wedding, a conference, a baby shower or even afternoon tea, general manager Daryn Ferguson and his team are determined to host with an equally warm welcome.
If there are any secrets to The Cliff's success, Daryn's front of house team and the service they provide must be chief among them.
They buzz about the place like the Secret Service – microphones and ear pieces in, and always on-the-go to ensure everyone, in all corners of the building, is being properly looked after.
They have their work cut out because, whether overlooking Gorleston's fabuous beach on the terrace, overseeing all the comings and goings in the busy Cliff Bar, the quieter – and more traditionally 'pubby' – lounge bar, the new music room, or out on the patio or in the garden – requests from guests come in from all angles, all the time.
All are handled ably by a team that is proud of the service they provide, and clearly have a lot of fun while they work too.
I've experienced a lot of menus. Restaurants, and yes, pubs that have suffered through trying to be all things to all people.
The Cliff, by contrast, succeeds by being one place that is always trusted to deliver whatever is required, for whoever is in attendance, and no matter the time of day or year.
Need to know:
Opening hours (non residents): Monday to Thursday and Sunday 11am to 11pm. Until midnight on Saturday.
Food: The Cliff wasn't just Norfolk's Best Pub in 2015, it was also a Norfolk's Best Restaurant finalist in 2016. Head chef Ruben Serrao serves up a vast and varied menu that covers everything from a Sunday carvery to afternoon teas and most stops in between. Traditional pub grubbers will find plenty of classics to tempt them. Fish and chips, carbonara, and lasagne are al around £11 a pop.
For those who like their nosh served posh, there are plenty of options at the more salubrious end of the scale. Seared scallops with slow cooked pork belly and shimeji mushrooms. Or how about the manager's favourite t-bone steak, or even open fish pie with clams, mussels and a Parmesan pomme puree?
Six of the best with Jade Brett, general manager, The Cliff.
1. When's the best time to visit your pub?
In the summer, on the terrace, when it's hot.
2. What's the best memory you have of your pub?
Any of those big events we have here - like The Soul Weekenender.
3. What's the best drink you serve?
One of our smoking cocktails - like Jade's blush.
4. What's the best dish on the menu?
My faovurite is the pan roasted quail starter - but the canon of lamb is really popular too.
5. What's the best hangover cure known to man?
Here it's the Long Island Iced Teapot.
6. And finally, what's the best pub in Norfolk (apart from yours)?
The Rooftop Gardens in Norwich.
Watch The Great Norfolk Pub Guide in association with Lacons on The Mustard Show - Friday, 6.30pm. Freeview Ch 7 or Virgin 159 - or catch up via Norfolk Now on Youtube.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here