The Brisley Bell

When Amelia and Marcus bought the run-down, roadside pub in 2015, the pond was overgrown, the kitchen a lean-to at the rear and bedrooms didn’t exist. Now, considerably extended and with bedrooms created out of outbuildings, the handsome brick-and-flint Georgian coaching inn looks as though it’s always been like this, so skilful are the joins. With flagged floors, exposed brick walls, inglenook fireplaces and comfortable leather chairs, the feel is of a country inn, subtly modernised. Candelabras, vintage hardback books, velvet curtains and deep-coloured feature walls add understated elegance. Bedrooms, grouped around a pretty courtyard garden, are laid back country-house-smart with mis-matched antiques, colourful velvet headboards, clever recycling and bold bathrooms with freestanding baths. Food is punchy and generous - especially the puddings - with an enticing wine list offering around 30 by the glass. As it’s Norfolk, views are very flat but with imaginative planting and two pergolas the couple have skilfully turned two acres of overgrown fields into a restful and scenic spot.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

• Pet friendly
• There are two dog friendly bedrooms
• Parking
• Restaurant
• Sit-out Terrace

• Garden
• Bar
• Wifi
• Child friendly

• Sights nearby
• Galleries and stately homes aplenty in the surrounding area including Blickling Hall and Houghton
• Local markets
• Head to Fakenham, Swaffham, Dereham and Holt to peruse the farmers markets and independent shops
• Birdwatching
• Spot a wide variety of birds at Pensthorpe, just 6 miles away

• Great walks
• Take long ambles along the Norfolk Coast Path
• Fishing
• Golf

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Being in mid-Norfolk, Brisley is ideally placed to explore the whole county; coast, countryside and city The individually designed bedrooms that embrace the new whilst retaining much of their old charm The beautiful views over the garden, common and village cricket pitch and huge amount of outside space The two fantastic inglenook open fires in the bar and the snug, with plenty of space to relax and unwind The quality and range of food and drink, for which the pub has won two prestigious awards The community of locals (including many of our staff), who imbue the pub with a sense of identity

What is there to do in the area? Walking and cycling (we’re on a national cycle route). There are various historic buildings & estates to visit within 20minutes drive, such as; Castle Acre Priory, North Elmham Chapel, Houghton Hall estate and Holkham Hall estate. There are also other activities 20 minutes’ drive or closer, such as; The Thursford Collection, Norfolk Painting School, Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, Fakenham racecourse and numerous, well regarded golf courses.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Continental, full English, fresh fruit salad

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We serve breakfast (to staying guests, 8am until 10am), lunch (Wednesday to Saturday 12 noon until 2pm), dinner a la carte menu Wednesday to Saturday 6pm until 8.45 (set menu for residents only on Monday and Tuesday) and for Sundays we offer a food service 12 noon until 5.45. We can also recommend a variety of other places to eat for guests wishing to explore Norfolk.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? Our two largest rooms, Hunny & Troose, both of which have a bath in the room and a separate en suite. Our disabled access/dog friendly room, which can be made up as a twin or a double, is very popular due to its versatility.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? The pub is set in nearly two acres of garden, we have a croquet lawn, which is very popular with all ages in the summer and there is a big box of games in the snug to while away the winter days. Three of the rooms fit either z beds or cots to accommodate children.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The heritage coast line is well worth a visit for its wide open beaches and fantastic wildlife, but Norfolk has so much more to offer than this. Inland you discover the real Norfolk; with its slower pace of life, community at its heart, rolling countryside and an abundance of heritage sites.