The Mermaid Inn, June 1998

A nice 17th Century country pub with a real community atmosphere within that is situated opposite the village church. It's the sort of pub that most pub guides wouldn't mention as it's off the beaten track but as usual CAMRA has successfully discovered it and listed it in the most recent edition of its Good Beer Guide. Two East Anglian breweries are always represented here; Adnams and Woodfordes, with Adnams Bitter and Broadside, and Woodforde's Wherry always on offer.

There's just a single bar but they've a restaurant beyond. They do very good value Sunday lunches and an excellent apple pie for dessert. They do suggest that you ring up in advance if you want a roast lunch as I guess that it is all freshly cooked. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. Oh yes, to get there follow the A1067 Fakenham Road north west of Norwich and after about 10 miles turn left and follow the signs.

The Mermaid's beer garden with Elsing
church in the background, June 1998