The Saracens Head
The Saracen’s Head is a Georgian Inn nestled in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside that prides itself on being true to the spirit of its 200-year history – it is at once timeless, absolutely modern and thoroughly welcoming.
The Saracen’s Head is a Georgian Inn nestled in the heart of the North Norfolk countryside that prides itself on being true to the spirit of its 200-year history, the unique county that surrounds it and its owners, Tim and Janie Elwes, who have made it their vocation to provide a place to eat, drink and stay that is at once timeless, absolutely modern and thoroughly welcoming.
The Saracen’s Head is a hard place to find, hidden away in the lanes of the wild countryside. The middle of nowhere, it would seem to be. But looking a little closer you will find that it is in the centre of everywhere!
North Norfolk has so much to offer and is attractive to people from so many different walks of life. Whether you are looking for somewhere to base yourself whilst discovering this part of East Anglia or just want to play golf at several courses without moving hotel each day then we could well be the ideal choice for you. We’re surrounded by Country Mansions and National Trust properties, there are beaches of every description within 35 minutes drive and when it comes to bird watching then you are spoilt for choice. All these and many more things can be enjoyed whilst you are in Norfolk, read more about our surroundings on the Around page.
Where we come into our own is to provide that wonderfully relaxed home from home where you can return after you day and unwind with a drink and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our chef, using the best local produce. Definitely something to look forward to.
The Restaurant
‘Local’, ‘fresh’ and ‘seasonal’ are the three watch words that govern our kitchen and restaurant. Unlike so many other pub restaurants, we are not trying to be something we are not. Good honest food is the order of the day – cooked with passion and enthusiasm by our head chef MarkSayers and his team.
We aim to deliver a menu that offers a variety of quality seasonal food sourced, whenever possible, from local suppliers close to The Saracen’s Head.
Our menu includes – award winning meat from Hevingham; wonderful freshly caught fish from the 90 miles of magnificent North Norfolk coast and free range eggs from the farm gate in the next village.
When we do have to go further a field – its not far – we may venture over the boarder into Lincolnshire to source our potatoes. We see little point in going to Jersey when there are potatoes nearer to home that are just as good – if not better.
We look forward to welcoming you to our restaurant and presenting a real taste of Norfolk when you eat at the Saracen’s Head.
Hours of work
Summer:
Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
The bar is open 11am to 2.30pm and 6pm to 11pm
Lunch served from 12noon to 2.30pm
Dinner served from 6.30pm to 9pm
Winter:
Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays (except bank holidays) and Tuesday lunch.
The bar is open 11.30am to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm
Lunch served from 12noon to 2.00pm
Dinner served from 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Locations
From Norwich, Cromer or North Walsham
About 3 1/2 miles past the Aylsham roundabout, turn off the A140 at the large tourist board sign marked “Wolterton Hall”. Follow signs into Erpingham, go past the pub for another 1/4 mile. Don’t bear right for Aldborough. Instead, keep straight on past the church on the left and head for open country. After 1/2 mile, find us on the right hand side!
From Holt and district
Turn off the bypass for Hempstead, through Baconsthorpe, Plumstead to Matlaske Old School. Turn left in Matlaske village, right again over the old wartime airfield for 1 mile, then left – signposted Aldborough. Turn right at small crossroads (round church over left), follow 1 mile to Wolterton Hall gates. Turn left – you’re nearly here!
From Dereham, Fakenham, Melton Constable and North Coast
At the Saxthorpe five crossways. Take exit brown sign, “Mannington Hall” (and Matlaske). Take next right to Mannington Hall. Pass Hall , at next T-junction, turn left. After 500 yards, turn right. At next T-junction turn left, for 500 yards. You come to Park Farm on left. Turn right (old estate wall on right). The Saracen’s Head is 1/2 mile on left, opposite the end of the long wall on your right.