Last weekend, we spent a couple of nights in a holiday house by the marina in Stalham. On our last night, finding somewhere within easy walking distance after a day exploring the Norfolk Broads was the aim – and The Swan Inn turned out to be exactly that. Just a 10-minute stroll from our base, this busy high street pub proved to be a great choice.
Things started well before we even arrived. A quick phone call to book was met with genuinely friendly service, and despite it being a busy Bank Holiday weekend, the team somehow managed to squeeze us in. Better still, they remembered the conversation when we arrived, greeted us with details included in the call and made us feel immediately welcome, a small touch that instantly created a good first impression.
Inside, The Swan has all the charm of a traditional pub. It feels relaxed and welcoming, with a good range of interesting beers and ciders on tap for anyone wanting to try something beyond the usual choices.
Outside is where things get a little more unusual. There are two covered seating areas that looked like converted garage spaces, complete with TV screens on the walls and plenty of room for larger groups. We were seated in one of the pub’s garden “pods” – wooden shelters with open sides, plastic sheeting that can be rolled down if the weather turns, fairy lights, strip lighting and even a heater for colder evenings. It was a warm evening, but the pod was perfect, allowing us to eat al fresco while affording us our own private space.
The food menu is impressively varied. Alongside classic pub favourites, there was a curry of the day, vegetarian, vegan and pescatarian choices, plus a children’s menu – enough variety to suit most groups without feeling overwhelming. We’d ordered drinks at the bar when we arrived, and orders for food and subsequent drinks were taken at the table, with staff checking allergies as they went.
The food did take a while to arrive, but on a packed and very warm Bank Holiday Sunday, it was understandable. Every member of the team remained friendly throughout and checked back several times to see if we wanted extra drinks brought over.
As soon as the food arrived, one thing quickly became clear: you’re unlikely to leave The Swan Inn in Stalham hungry.
Portions across the board were huge. From our son’s whitebait starter, repurposed as a main (£7.50), to the Mediterranean vegetable tart (£14.95) and the curry of the day – a chicken panang (£17.95) on this occasion – generosity is certainly not in short supply.
Earlier that day we’d driven past a local farm advertising its wagyu beef and had been intrigued, so spotting wagyu burgers featuring beef from that very same farm on the specials board (£17.95) made the decision easy for two of us.
As expected, they were absolutely enormous.
The patties themselves were huge, beautifully seasoned and packed with flavour. The beef had a richness and depth that definitely justified the wagyu name, and honestly I’d happily buy the same burgers directly from the farm shop next time we’re in the area. Melted cheese, thick salty rashers of bacon and a wonderfully sweet apple and beer chutney made for a combination that worked brilliantly, with the chutney providing just enough contrast to cut through the richness. If I’m being picky, I’d have preferred a softer burger bun, but that was the only issue. The chunky, fluffy chips were excellent and the homemade coleslaw arrived deliciously mayo-heavy.
Stalham may be packed with holidaymakers and boating visitors, but The Swan Inn feels like a genuinely brilliant local pub that also welcomes visitors warmly.
Generous food, friendly staff and plenty of character – I’d say this is definitely one worth seeking out if you’re in the Stalham area.