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Country Living Magazine for January 2002 describes the Victoria as "A little bit of West London without the attitude . . . " a very perceptive and accurate observation. So close to Holkham Hall that you'd think it was almost part of it - and in terms of ownership you'd be right - the whole place has a delightfully louche and luxurious feel. Much of this is due to the widespread use of dark, well-polished wood offset by a colourful array of Indian draperies of one form and another.

Neil Dowson, inspirational Head Chef, will tell you that the aim at Victoria "is to produce a menu that carefully balances classical and innovative cooking" and his customers will tell you that he succeeds. Local produce features strongly with mussels from Brancaster and venison, game, beef and eels from the Holkham Estate never far from the menu. For starters choose from eggs Benedict, Thornham mussels with Thai spices or a warm crab linguine with spring onion, chilli and lime vinaigrette. All starters can be taken as main courses.

For those who feel uneasy if separated too long from their eastern influences there is Viceroy's curry, and the Holkham venison burger gives a new dimension to that much abused dish. The slow-braised pork belly is delicious, with savoy cabbage and apple puree alongside. The wild duck is as different again from the domestic variety which, however hard you try, can never offer that same taste and texture as the real thing, nor is game served out of season, so rest assured it has never seen the inside of a freezer.

Of the grossly unfair temptations amongst the puddings I will mention but one. It's the hot chocolate fondant with griottine cherries and pistachio ice cream, and for once words fail me - but sublime will do. If I say that the food at Victoria needs to be best enjoyed in tandem with the rest of the hotel please do not regard that as commanding - it's just that the whole experience draws upon each part, you must make the choice.

Reviewed by Michael Tebbutt

The Stower Grange Hotel in Drayton is a remarkable country hotel, 4 miles from the centre of Norwich and its proximity to the Norwich International Airport makes it an ideal choice for business meetings and conferences. Of course, its beautiful grounds are perfect for holding romantic weddings and the eleven luxurious bedrooms offers all the comforts that you would expect. They have an excellent bar and restaurant, where typically you could saunter in for a delightful English breakfast with sausages, eggs and bacon.

Sunday lunch tends to be more traditional and where possible, local ingredients add their unique flavour to the dishes. From the à la carte menu, there might be starters of open ravioli of tiger prawns with a light tomato and chilli sauce followed by a main course of medallions of pork with caramelised apples, French beans and shallots accompanied by a cider cafe au lait. Delicious homemade desserts complete the meal and there's a superb wine list offering choices from across the world.

It is not uncommon to find historical places in England that go back many centuries, but few can probably come close to The Black Lion Hotel in Little Walsingham which has been around as early as the 14th century. It started out this incredible journey by taking care of the needs of medieval pilgrims who were on their way to visit the shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and today it is a delightfully restored hotel with seven tastefully decorated bedrooms, a lovely dining area and lounge as well as a rear courtyard garden.

Their restaurant offers a selection of delicious traditional British dishes so expect to enjoy grilled butterfly sardines with lemon or breaded Melton with honey balsamic salad. There's also a streak of modern taste in the local free range chicken with roasted potatoes, vegetables and gravy and for dessert, don't miss the hot chocolate fondant with strawberry liqueur compote. The bar is stocked with a fantastic selection of hand pulled ales and continental lagers and beers.

The Lion also serves all day 'tapas' and some favourites are spicy pork belly in lemon and parsley; prawn fritters with lemon, roasted sweet onions with balsamic, and locally made chipolatas with sticky honey glaze.

The enterprising Delia Smith has done it again. This time she dishes up a New York style diner serving delicious American cuisine with a contemporary outlook at the Norwich City Football Club on Carrow Road. Called Yellows, this restaurant offers the same quality consciousness that has been so evident throughout her career, notching up top points for taste, freshness and a pleasing atmosphere. Drop in for a meal before or after a game, a cup of steaming coffee or maybe drinks after work but it's interesting to note that this place also works well for quiet lunches and intimate dinners.

Amongst starters, go for the deep fried squid with homemade chilli jam or try the Louisiana crab cake with red pepper mayonnaise and follow it with a spicy Chicago hot dog with skinny fries or maybe the barbeque ribs with onion loaf. Don't forget to indulge in their New York cheesecake for dessert whilst sipping on ginger beer or the apple cider soda.

The Manor Hotel in Blakeney is charming and traditional, and the waterfront location ensures that there are some superb views of the marshes and the sea over the Norfolk Coast. This 17th century manor house has comfortable rooms in the courtyard and there is a vibrant walled garden along with a bounteous orchard, rose bushes and a 400 year old mulberry tree, perfect for a pre-dinner stroll. Guests as well as non-residents are welcome at their restaurant which offers a modern British menu created from locally sourced, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Amongst the starters you might find goujons of plaice alongside an avocado and mozzarella salad followed by a main course of grilled pork cutlet topped with apple sauce and a cheese and sage jus. There's a wide selection of desserts and cheeses and a bar menu brings favourites such as steak and kidney steamed suet pudding or poached salmon with prawns and parsley cream sauce. The bar is well stocked with wines, beers and ales.