The Saracen’s Head

In a ‘beautifully rural’ setting (‘satnav was useful’), ‘friendly’ hosts Janie and Tim Elwes have created a ‘very special’ atmosphere at their ‘lovely’, unusual Georgian inn. (‘There’s no reason why, in 1806, the architect GS Repton should have designed the inn in the exotic style of a Tuscan farmhouse except, perhaps, that it seemed like a fun idea,’ the owners say.) The Elweses ‘run a tight ship in a relaxed manner’, with ‘faultless’ service, say guests this year. Rub shoulders with locals over Norfolk ales in the bar, then consume ‘generous portions’ of chef Mark Sayers’s ‘honest’ dishes, perhaps tomato and Norfolk Dapple cheese tart; grilled wild sea bass, samphire. Food miles are proudly stated on the menu (the roast loin of Wolterton lamb comes from 200 yards away). ‘Quiet and comfortable’, simply designed bedrooms, including a family room, have a modern bathroom; all look over green countryside. ‘The coffee at breakfast was the best ever.’ The coast is nearby; at Wroxham, hire a day boat to explore the Broads. (Judith and John Albutt)