The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
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The Gunton Arms
Thorpe Market, Norfolk
The neon sign outside this former steward's house in a 1,000-acre deer park 'pretty much sets the tone for what to expect in this unique and interesting pub' which combines 'unusual, captivating artwork' with 'a real pub where locals come to play pool and chat', say inspectors.
Good Hotel Guide Review
The hotel experts at the Good Hotel Guide
The neon sign outside this former steward's house in a 1,000-acre deer park 'pretty much sets the tone for what to expect in this unique and interesting pub', which combines 'unusual, captivating artwork' with 'a real pub where locals come to play pool and chat', say our inspectors. It is owned by art dealer Ivor Braka, with provocative works by artists such as Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst on display. A room in a rustic annexe was 'the height of granny chic, with standard lamp, Roberts radio, patterned curtains, a colourful rug on sisal flooring, an enormous roll-top bath and large walk-in shower'. You can eat and drink in a series of beguiling rooms with flagstones or floorboards. In the Elk Room, huge prehistoric antlers hang above a blazing fire, where estate venison and local beef are flame-grilled every day but Sundays. The menu is 'heavy on meat but with local fish and shellfish' and includes 'pub classics done exceedingly well with some more adventurous dishes'. The breakfast buffet is complemented by 'a generous portion of smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and sourdough toast'. Staff are 'friendly and helpful'. Sadly, 'guests can't ramble on the estate'.
Hotel Details
Address
Cromer Road, Thorpe Market, Norfolk, NR11 8TZ, England
Telephone
Bedroom
16. 4 in coach house, 1 suitable for wheelchair user, 4 suites in barn.
Openings
all year except 25 Dec, dinner on 1 Jan.
Background Music
in bar area, 'soft and relaxed' in day, 'faster beat' on busy nights.
Children
all ages welcomed, extra beds and cots £15, plus 2 family rooms.
Dogs
allowed in some bedrooms (£15 per stay), public rooms, not in Elk Room.
Prices
B&B doubles from £140. À la carte £54. Min 2-night stays at weekend.
Facilities
3 restaurants, 3 lounges, bar, saloon bar/private dining, TVs in bar and lounges, set in privately owned 1,000-acre deer park, public rooms wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.
Location
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