The White Horse

You can dine in the conservatory or alfresco at the Nye family’s hotel, and gaze across tidal salt marshes to the sea that supplied what is on your plate. The panoramic views, which take in Scolt Head Island, are even better appreciated now, after refurbishment of the conservatory, restaurant, dining area and bar, with the addition of larger paned windows. The bedrooms are also influenced by the landscape: all have a coastal palette of aquamarine, teal, lavender and sand, while eight garden rooms in an annexe have a sedum roof to blend into the surroundings. ‘Lovely rooms,’ writes a repeat visitor. ‘Nice hotel, brilliant location.’ Fran Hartshorne’s menus are naturally strong on fish and shellfish. Expect such dishes as Staithe Smokehouse haddock, pan-fried hake with mussels and curried chowder, wild mushroom risotto. Our reader sent back his skate, which he found over-seasoned, but says ‘food is generally very good’ and ‘they dealt with it well’. A breakfast of smoked salmon, kippers, roast ham, or a full English will set you up to walk the Norfolk Coast Path, which passes the foot of the garden. (Peter Anderson, and others)