Nestled in the heart of Norfolk in the picturesque village of Honingham, The Honingham Buck isn’t your average pub stay. It offers a truly lovely experience for travellers seeking a blend of comfort, warm hospitality, and exceptional food. Our recent stay exceeded expectations on every level, proving to be the perfect post-match relaxation spot for our aspiring footballer and a feast for the senses for the entire family.
Arriving at the Honingham Buck
The charming 17th-century inn has been beautifully restored, creating a truly welcoming atmosphere. The staff’s warm smiles instantly put us at ease, and the cosy rooms provided havens of comfort. Gabriel even dubbed their snug nook his “pre-match chill zone”! This genuine hospitality continued throughout our stay, making us feel genuinely cared for. It’s no surprise then, that they recently won the prestigious ‘Muddy Stiletto’ Best Destination Pub of the year for Norfolk.
The Honingham Buck’s culinary prowess truly impressed us. With a comprehensive children’s menu for Gabriel – using the same high quality ingredients, rather than the frozen options that you We embarked on a taste bud journey with a selection of starters that showcased their diverse culinary range. The prawn cocktail was a delightful dance of textures and flavours, featuring plump and juicy prawns bathed in a perfectly balanced tangy and creamy sauce. The Scotch egg was a revelation – a perfectly cooked egg encased in a flavoursome sausage coating and finished with a crispy breadcrumb shell. Divine!
Scotch Egg
However, the undisputed champion of the starters was the crispy chicken. The marinade delivered a complex punch of savoury and sweet, perfectly complemented by the smoky kiss of the gochujang mayo. Each bite was a flavour explosion, the pickled ginger, crispy onion and sesame seed crumb made each mouthful pop.
Crispy chicken – a symphony in your mouth!
For the main course, we opted for their juicy and perfectly pink Buck beef burgers living up to their “masterpiece” title. The vegetarian option was equally delicious, ensuring something to tempt every palate. But let’s talk about dessert – pure indulgence! The sticky toffee pudding was a dream come true – a rich, dense cake drenched in a luxurious toffee sauce, offering a symphony of sweet, sticky goodness in every bite. The rhubarb cheesecake was equally divine – creamy, smooth, and with a perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Rhubarb Cheescake
Stepping into your room at The Honingham Buck feels like arriving at a beautifully finished, comfortable, and affordable home away from home. Each of the 8 unique rooms is named after one of their Lacon ales, adding a unique touch. Nestled in the adjoining converted barns, these havens are all about relaxation. Imagine sinking into a super king-sized bed adorned with luxurious Egyptian cotton linen, pure bliss after a day on your feet. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and heated, meaning year-round comfort, and we had a large flat-screen TV.
Our small but perfectly-formed room
Waking up after a peaceful night’s sleep (thanks to the powerful shower and comfy beds!), we were greeted by the prospect of a full English breakfast. This traditional feast offered everything you could ask for: crispy bacon, succulent sausages, perfectly fried eggs, and all the trimmings. It was the ideal fuel for our drive back to London.
Quality ingredients in an English breakfast
The Honingham Buck is more than just a pub; it’s an experience. It combines the charm and history of a bygone era with modern comforts and exceptional food. Whether you’re a weary traveller seeking a haven after a day of exploration, a family looking for a cosy getaway, or a foodie on a culinary quest, The Honingham Buck ticks all the boxes. We highly recommend it and can’t wait to return for another delightful stay.
Double rooms from £90 a night The Honingham Buck
