Sitting in prime position within the beautiful village of Cley, The George & Dragon is an 18th century building rising high over the spectacular salt marshes. Brimming with local charm, it’s an iconic North Norfolk spot for post-walk pint in the elegant light-filled bar area with its striking stained glass window featuring the legend it’s named after. On sunny days, the lively beer garden across the road makes a sweet spot for a G&T with its own cocktail bar and covered seating area. 

One glance at the menu and you’ll be wanting more than a packet of crisps with your Norfolk ale or local gin. Open 7 days a week, the restaurant and bar has something to tempt all appetites, from light lunches, modern British pub classics and year-round roasts through to smart, seasonal three-course dinners. Whatever your fancy, the menu takes full advantage of the bountiful produce on the doorstep and there’s plenty for vegans/veggies too. I’ll be having whichever dish comes with freshly picked Cley samphire!

Run by couple Fay and Charlie (the talented head chef), The George & Dragon extends its relaxed, warm welcome to all the family with kids and four-legged friends well catered for.

If you want to make a mini break of your visit, pick from 10 stylish boutique rooms within the main building, decorated to accentuate Edwardian features, each with its own coffee machine, and breakfast included. Or enjoy a private retreat in The Coach House which offers two spacious self-contained flats with their own living spaces, or the cute flint cottage adjacent to the pub, which will be available from May 2024.

Nature lovers will be as satisfied as foodies at The George & Dragon, which is just a few minutes from the brilliant NWT Cley Marshes nature reserve and the 83-mile Norfolk Coastal Path, and a short drive to the golden sands of Wells and Cromer.