If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know our holiday rule is simple: if we can’t bring Teddy Roosevelt (and on this trip, his gal pal Belle,) then we’re not going.
Luckily, in North Norfolk, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dog-friendly dining. We took one for the team (and a few extra coastal strolls) and rounded up our Pick of the Pups – the very best places where dogs are genuinely welcomed, not just tolerated.
Lord Nelson Pub, Burnham Thorpe
Steeped in history, the Lord Nelson is a cracking village pub in Burnham Thorpe best known as the birthplace of Horatio Nelson. Fun fact – his father Edmund Nelson was the rector of All Saints Church, which is just a short stroll away if you fancy a post-lunch wander.
When we book (and we highly recommend you do) we picture a gentle 20 minute countryside walk from Burnham Market. Reality however is usually dictated by the weather and in true British style, when it’s raining sideways, that means the car wins! Thankfully, it’s only about a five-minute drive.
This is a pub that has something for everyone. There’s a large family (and dog) friendly garden, the food is fabulous, the welcome is warm and the service is friendly. There’s an extensive menu and everything we try is delicious.
The homemade pie with seasonal vegetables and Woodforde’s ale gravy usually comes with mash but I can’t go past the skin on chips. The pie is a standout!
Dogs are genuinely made to feel at home here – Teddy receives plenty of attention, though he does look mildly betrayed when we discover the treat station on the way out. Don’t worry, he makes up for lost time.
After dinner, we check out the Nelson map museum located in the old office opposite the pub. It’s a fascinating space filled with fun facts, interesting information and a lorry load of images. We leave feeling like fully-fledged maritime historians!
Eric’s fish and chips
You’ll find Eric’s tucked away at Drove Orchards which is a permanent market set on a working farm where 165 varieties of apples and pears are grown. It’s a bit of a destination in itself with an ecelctic mix of shops, food stalls and seasonal treats all dotted around the site.
On our evening visit, most of the other units are closed which actually makes Eric’s feel like the main event- and rightly so!
Alongside Eric’s fish and chips, Drove Orchards is also home to Eric’s Woodfired Pizza and a dangerously tempting ice cream parlour both of which we’re bookmarking for next time.
We have already set our hearts (and appetites) on Eric’s mostly because we can’t leave without trying one of the famous deep fried jam sandwiches – they’re Norfolk legends!
Ordering is easy, there’s a full size menu at the window and there’s an electronic display showing wait times and order status which keeps things moving smoothly even though it’s busy. Dogs aren’t allowed in the restaurant itself but there is plenty of dog friendly seating outside where they’re very welcome – this works very well for Teddy and Belle. There’s even a playground for the two-legged kids to enjoy!
When Eric says large chips, he absolutely means it. One large portion is easily big enough for the 4 of us and feels like excellent value. For mains the guys go for haddock while the girls get the scampi. Everything is freshly cooked, portions are generous – this is chip shop comfort done right.
Teddy and Belle wait patiently to try a little bit of the haddock. It turns out they’re big fans of fish!
Then comes dessert. We start cautiously sharing a deep fried Mars Bar – a first for all of us. It’s exactly what I imagined – warm, molten and extremely sweet – sharing is definitely the right decision!
The real curiosity is the deep fried jam sandwich and the one we’ve all been waiting for. It’s flatter than a traditional sandwich, covered in sugar like a jam doughnut and it tastes like a jam doughnut too – soft, sweet and slightly indulgent. While we’re really glad we tried it, it’s probably one of those ‘once is enough’ experiences.
Thornham Deli
Thornham Deli is a bit of a local institution with locals and holidaymakers alike and even on a grey, rainy day it’s positively buzzing. There’s seating outside (not that there are any takers on the day that we visit,) and inside, the front section of the cafe is all dog friendly which works perfectly for us.
Despite it being a very busy and a very wet Saturday, we don’t end up waiting long at all for a table. While you’re waiting, it’s worth having a wander around the lifestyle shop attached to the deli – it’s packed with stylish, slightly eclectic homewares and gifts. Definitely one of those places where you go in for a coffee and come out wondering if you need a new cushion or cutting board.
Once seated, we all opt for the Deli breakfast – Burton’s butchers pork sausage, smoked bacon, free range egg (scrambled, fried or poached,) tomato, baked beans and mushrooms with a choice of toast . It’s one of those proper breakfasts that really hits the spot after a big beach walk.
There are plenty of vegan and gluten free options on the menu too. The real highlight for the pups though is the dog menu – yes, you heard that right – with a choice of chicken, sausage, bones, and even doggy ice cream. Teddy Roosevelt and Belle are fully in their element here especially with the puppuccino and biscuits which disappear very quickly.
If you’re just passing through, there’s also a click-and-collect option, which is a nice touch for takeaway coffees or deli bits.
We don’t quite manage to explore the deli counter properly this time (which I slightly regret), but it looks absolutely packed with fresh pastries and homemade bits I’d happily take home. There’s also a freezer full of ready meal which definitely gives buy now, thank yourself later energy.
On the way out, we make sure to check out the dog station – it’s well stocked and very much appreciated by its four-legged customers.
The Hoste Arms
Established in 1651, this pub is right in the heart of Burnham Market, though some might say it is the heart of Burnham Market. It’s one of those places you inevitably end up in at least once (usually more) during a stay in the village. It’s had a bit of a glow up since we visited and the grade ll listed building is looking better than ever!
There’s plenty of seating both inside and out and it’s pretty much always busy, whatever time of day you go. The bar area is especially cosy and very dog-friendly which suits us perfectly. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more formal, there’s also a restaurant side with a more extensive menu and dogs are welcome in there too, which is always a bonus.
We don’t quite manage to eat here on this trip (purely down to lack of stomach space, not desire), but we do make very good use of the bar on a couple of occasions for drinks and a proper sit-down.It’s also worth noting it’s open seven days a week and serves food on Sunday evenings which in North Norfolk feels like a genuine bonus rather than a given.
From cosy pubs to deli breakfasts and fish and chips by the coast, North Norfolk really is a brilliant place to holiday with dogs.
If you’re planning a North Norfolk trip, you might also like our Pick of the Pups guide to the 3 best dog-friendly beaches in the area.
Do you prefer to self cater or dine out when you’re on holiday? Have you got any north Norfolk dog friendly options to add to the list?!
