The Recruiting Sergeant
The Recruiting Sergeant is an award winning pub and restaurant with rooms situated in the village of Horstead, near Coltishall, in Norfolk. Matthew and Nicola Colchester and their team have developed an enviable reputation in the area and the pub is well known for its food quality, friendliness and attention to detail.
Their location in the Norfolk Broads makes them an ideal place to stay if you are visiting the area on holiday. Enjoy exploring their lovely countryside and famous beaches or treat yourself to a shopping trip in the vibrant city of Norwich. They have a bus stop right outside the pub if you want to leave the car with them.
They are fortunate to have many and varied footpaths and walks in Horstead and Coltishall, and nearby in the Norfolk Broads. Many of their guests and customers enjoy a walk before visiting us for a meal, drink or overnight stay.
Food & Drink
Their menus feature a variety of dishes showcasing the adventurous use of outstanding ingredients by their team of chefs led by Matthew Colchester. Fresh fish and seafood is a speciality and a passion of them, and they have also put their stamp on classic British pub grub. On Sundays, their traditional roasts are a popular choice.
The bar is well stocked with regularly changing real ales and cutting-edge lagers, while a large range of carefully selected wines are served by the glass or bottle. New for 2021, you can also treat yourself to a cocktail from a bespoke menu crafted for us by Edmunds.
Table Reservations
Booking ahead is strongly advised for popular times – give them a call on 01603 737077 to make your reservation. Please be aware that for Sunday lunch, or reservations before 7.30pm on Friday/Saturday evenings, they allocate 2 hours per booking.
Currently any table exceeding 10 persons will be seated outside in one of their covered areas.
Special Diets
Their food is freshly cooked so they can modify many menu items to cater for those on special diets such as gluten or dairy free.
Celebrations
Unfortunately, due to a lack of facilities in which to keep them safe until required, they can no longer accept cakes brought in by customers. As an alternative they are very happy to provide candles and plates decorated with a celebratory message for the special person(s), should they wish to order dessert. They sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or upset this may cause, and thank you for your understanding.
Gift Vouchers
Solve your gift dilemmas! Ask us about purchasing Colchester Inns gift vouchers to spend on food or drink at any of their pubs.
Dog Policy
They are a dog-friendly pub and welcome well-behaved dogs on leads in the bar or garden, but they are not permitted in the restaurant. Dogs are also welcome in some of their guest bedrooms. Please mention when booking if you are bringing a dog so that an appropriate table or room may be allocated.
If dining in the bar with your dog we ask that owners be sensitive to other guests. If a dog needs food or water please take them outside where water bowls are provided.
Takeaway
Their restaurant-quality Takeaway Menu is now available every day in line with our normal food service hours, for collection only.
Deluxe B&B
They are delighted to offer superior accommodation for leisure or business clients in 5 double bedrooms on the recently renovated first and second floors.
Choose them for your stay in Norfolk and enjoy:
Comfortable king size or twin beds with luxury cotton sheets
Wall mounted SMART TV
WiFi Internet access
En suite bath/shower rooms with complimentary toiletries
Tea and coffee making facilities
Free car park and attractive pub garden
Corporate Rates
If you are a business with a requirement for accommodation north of Norwich in the Coltishall or Horstead area you are welcome to enquire about corporate rates and facilities. Please contact them on rooms@recruitingsergeant.co.uk
Events & Functions
They are happy to provide group dining experiences for any occasion, and can offer flexible timing and catering arrangements to suit your needs.
Daytime Events
With Coltishall and Horstead Churches within walking distance we are an ideal venue for a gathering of family and friends following a Christening, wedding or funeral. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
A Place to Stay
If you have family, friends or clients attending your event from outside the area, why not book them into one of their deluxe rooms?
Food Served:
Monday to Saturday 12noon – 8.30pm
Sunday 12noon to 8.00pm
A part of the family
Looking for another Colchester Inns establishment?
All our pubs feature deluxe B&B accommodation and welcoming restaurants – each with their own distinctively different menu offerings.
Black Boys Hotel, Aylsham
The Bucks Arms, Blickling
The Lodge, Salhouse
The Rising Sun, Coltishall