The Rose & Crown

In a lovely Norfolk village, this much-extended inn (dating from the 14th-century) is commended this year for its 'good value'. 'The welcome is warm; all the staff are friendly, helpful.' Jeannette and Anthony Goodrich are the owners, Kim Tinkler is the 'hands-on' manageress. This is the village pub, busy with locals ('whom we treasure', writes Mrs Goodrich) as well as holidaymakers. The building has low ceilings, old beams, 'lots of corners and twisting corridors'. All bedrooms have been upgraded in contemporary style: 'Our room, Tree House, in the newest part, was a good size, brightly decorated; sufficient storage space, good lighting' though with 'a low window overlooking a car park'. Bathrooms have a power shower; the information folder is 'the best I have seen'. Residents have their own lounge with a log fire; there are three bars and three dining areas. Chef Keith McDowell uses local suppliers for a mix of pub favourites (eg, Holkham bangers and mash with onion gravy), and more contemporary dishes (black bream, baby spinach, celeriac hash). The scrambled eggs and smoked salmon at breakfast are 'particularly good'. The Goodriches also own Bank House, King's Lynn (see Shortlist). There is free Wi-Fi access throughout. The walled garden was once the village bowling green. (Zara Elliott, and others)