Norfolk is known for its top-quality pubs, with even the smallest of villages having a celebrated local.

From quaint countryside inns to bustling city hotspots, here is a list of the best pubs in Norfolk, as chosen by our readers. 

1. The Fat Cat

Where: 49 West End Street, Norwich, NR2 4NA

Eastern Daily Press: The Fat Cat pub in Norwich .Photo by Simon Finlay.

The Norwich institution is often praised as one of the best pubs in the county for its selection of ales, lagers and spirits.

In February, it was chosen by readers as Norwich's signature pub.

The pub has won numerous regional and national awards including CAMRA's 50th anniversary Gold Awards in 2021 for "national pub all-stars".

The venue in West End Street was also named one of the top 10 beer pubs in the UK - by The Good Pub Guide - for its "extraordinarily interesting" list of real ales last year.

2. The Gunton Arms 

Where: Cromer Road, Thorpe Market, NR11 8TZ

Eastern Daily Press: The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market - winner of last year's Graham Allen Award.  Photo: Steve Adams

The gastropub near Blicking is home to a herd of deers and Michelin-grade cuisine. 

Food available includes roasts with crackling and crispy potatoes and desserts such as a Bramley apple tart. 

The pub was named one of the UK's best gastropubs by Big 7 Travel, which picked it for its high-quality food using local ingredients and seasonal produce. 

3. Burgh Hall

Where: Lord's Lane, Burgh Castle, Great Yarmouth, NR31 9EP

Eastern Daily Press:

The pub near Great Yarmouth was chosen by Victoria Maiden for its "great entertainment" and the "incredible staff".

She also praised the pub for being "family-friendly" and having "amazing food".

The site includes a bar, restaurant, function room, wedding chapel and an indoor soft play area.

It also boasts an outdoor pool, with the owners opening the facilities in the winter for any brave cold water swimmers. 

4. The Murderers

Where: 2 - 8 Timber Hill, Norwich, NR1 3LB

Eastern Daily Press:

Tod Ticehurst praised this pub for its "great selection of beers and delicious food".

The bar in Norwich is dog-friendly and the pub has a long history stretching back 180 years.

It serves food including a full brunch menu until 3pm with treats such as eggs benedict and garlic mushrooms on toast.

5. The Jolly Sailors 

Where: Main Road, Brancaster Staithe, PE31 8BJ

Eastern Daily Press: The new Nelson's Shantymen beer has been launched by Brancaster Brewery, based at The Jolly Sailors in pub in Brancaster Staithe. Picture: Archant

Brancaster Staithe is known for its high-quality hospitality venues, with the Jolly Sailors competing with pubs such as the White Horse - a gourmet seafood restaurant and bar.

But the Jolly Sailors has food offerings that rival Norfolk's best including carnivorous dishes cooked in its onsite smokehouse.

The pub won the Best Premium Food Offer at The Publican Awards in March.

6. The Artichoke

Where: 1 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4LW

Eastern Daily Press: The Artichoke pub in Magdalen Road

Well-known food blogger The Fry Up Inspector picked the Artichoke in Norwich as his favourite pub.

He said his favourite spot in the pub is the "table under the canopy beside the door," which is "perfect with a pint to watch the people of NR3".

William Hamilton also praised the pub as being one of his "favourites for a sunny day".

The pub in Magdalen Road launched its kitchen in March 2023, serving bistro-style dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

7. The Swan Inn 

Where: 90 High Street, Stalham, NR12 9AU 

Eastern Daily Press: The Swan Inn in Stalham\'s High Street.

The Swan Inn in Stalham was named the winner of the Norfolk Pub of the Year Award in 2022.

The pub was also awarded a Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award last year meaning it was in the top 10pc of all listed venues in Norfolk. 

Richard Cook chose the pub for its "great beer and friendly atmosphere".