On our recent trip to the Norfolk Broads, we were looking for the perfect spot to meet the rest of our party for lunch before heading to our holiday house. On paper, The Rising Sun in Coltishall seemed to tick all the boxes, with its varied menu, picturesque riverside setting and large garden overlooking the River Bure.
We were a litttle worried when we first arrived, as the pub’s small car park was absolutely packed. Fortunately, luck was on our side and we managed to secure a recently vacated table right beside the river – complete with a much-appreciated umbrella to shade us on a beautifully sunny May day.
All service was at the table so we never ventured inside the pub itself, but with views like these, there was little reason to leave our table.
The riverside setting is undoubtedly a massive selling point for The Rising Sun in Coltishall: throughout our visit, we watched boats moor up and depart, while a paddleboarding lesson took place right beside us. The local wildlife also provided plenty of entertainment, with ducks swimming past and, at various points, even hopping onto the paddleboards themselves to bask in the sunshine.
The menu is extensive and should cater for just about every taste. Traditional pub favourites sit alongside Asian-inspired dishes, vegetarian options, steaks, burgers, baguettes and even a wood-fired pizza menu. Prices are a little higher than you’ll find at some other pubs in the area, but given the pub’s prime location, that’s probably to be expected.
Despite the lunchtime rush, our food arrived in pretty good time. The beer-battered haddock (£19.95), served with chunky chips and peas, was a hit. The batter was crisp, the fish flaky and tender, and the portion size was generous. The only slight criticism was that, at this price point, homemade tartare sauce would have been preferred.
Our son opted for one of his all-time favourites, whitebait (£9.95). It was beautifully cooked, served as a generous portion and acompanied by a punchy garlic and chive mayonnaise.
I chose the buffalo chicken loaded fries (£12.95). While undeniably tasty, they weren’t quite as loaded as I’d expected. The chips were golden and crispy, while the chicken tenders were perfectly cooked and generously coated in buffalo sauce. However, I’d have welcomed a little more of the accompanying blue cheese dressing, as some of the chips lower down the bowl became a little dry once the toppings had been polished off.
The only real downside to our visit wasn’t actually anything to do with the pub itself. The paddleboarding lesson taking place directly beside our table meant there was a constant stream of participants entering and exiting the water throughout our meal…but that said, it did provide some unexpected entertainment and we even picked up a few paddleboarding tips along the way.
The Rising Sun in Coltishall might be slightly pricier than some of its Norfolk Broads competitors, but you’re paying for an incredible riverside location. With fantastic views, friendly table service, a broad menu and decent food, it’s an enjoyable place to start a Norfolk Broads holiday, especially if you can secure one of those coveted waterside tables like we did…