Stiffkey Red Lion, The

This old English pub, located in the village where the eccentric Rector of Stiffkey ministered to the faithful before meeting an unfortunate fate involving a lion, has an uncluttered charm that appeals to the walkers, birdwatchers and those seeking refuge from the rigours of the excellent camp site nearby, most of whom welcome its excellent local beers, including Nelson's Revenge from Woodforde stable, as well as the excellent food, mostly fresh from local sources, at prices that please.

There is no piped music, old pews abound and the fire in the bar makes a welcome centrepiece when the wind is straight off the sea.

Look for the local fish, bought out of King's Lynn Market, Blakeney whitebait, Norfolk game pie, soft herring roes on toast and the superb crab salads that are such a feature of the area. There is a strong vein of Thai cooking in the area, so no surprise to find Thai spring rolls competing with the broccoli and Stilton quiche

You can eat in or out, and on hot days the cool from the stream offers welcome freshness. A short but enterprising wine list is well supplied with wine by the glass.

This is an admirably atmospheric pub, a part of old Norfolk, which it is to be hoped, no 'improver' ever gets their grips on.