THE LOWDOWN

Fur and Feather in Woodbastwick exterior of pub

From the outside, the Fur & Feather looks like a quintessential Norfolk country pub. With its rustic red brick exterior, hanging baskets, charming thatch complete with pheasants, fox and leaping hares, and ample beer garden, but don’t be fooled, this is not your average village boozer. With iconic Norfolk brewer, Woodforde’s just next door, the Fur & Feather is Woodforde’s very own brewery tap, where the beer travels literal metres to your glass and, Muddy can attest, tastes all the better for it.

Woodforde's kegs on tap at Fur and Feather pub in Woodbastwick

Found in the village of Woodbastwick, bang slap in the Broads and roughly six miles from Norwich, the Fur & Feather is a destination pub for all. When I visited I saw walkers with their dogs in tow, pub and liquid lunchers, there was a couple of celebratory meals going on and a few people just stocking up from the brewery shop, which is attached to the pub – how they resisted the urge not to stay for a swift pint I’ll never know! The bar area is trad pub vibes all the way – flagstone tiles, exposed beams, cosy fireplaces – with rows on rows of Woodforde’s finest on tap. Of course other drinks are available, but the beer is the star of the show.

Separated from the bar by an exposed brick fireplace you’ll find the recently refurbed restaurant in all its vaulted ceiling, tartan-carpeted glory. Though many sit in the bar to eat (a must if you’ve bought Fido along), here is where the majority of Fur & Feather diners eat. The food offering, which if the full restaurant on the mizzly Saturday lunchtime in February that I visited is anything to go by, is as much of a draw as the beer. Serving crowd-pleasing pub favourites as well as plenty of picks for foodies too. The portions however are generous with a capital G, so roomy pants on people, and bring your A game.

THE VIBE

A Norfolk beaut! The Fur & Feather’s delightful exterior suggests a warm, rural charm within. And it doesn’t disappoint. The atmosphere is buzzy whilst simultaneously relaxed and cosy. Yet, even on the grey February day I visited, the beer garden out front with its plentiful picnic tables, benches and pond is the stuff of a midsummer night’s dream and I can imagine THE place to be on a sun drenched afternoon. Talk about a pub for all seasons.

The staff were a total breath of fresh air giving all guests a warm hug of a welcome, whether you’re visiting royalty or regular. The crowd is a mixed bag too. From young families and couples to multi-gens and groups of friends – there’s something to keep everyone happy here.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Pint of Woodforde's ale in front of Wherry and Nelson's beer pumps

We began our lunch date with a glass of the good stuff – myself keeping it classic with a Wherry while my more adventurous beer-drinking diner went for the Reedlighter, a light and refreshing pale ale. From the low alcohol Volt to the iconic Nelson’s Revenge to the cool and colourful New World Brewing craft beer, I lost count how many Woodforde’s beers were on tap (xx if you were wondering). If you aren’t sure what to go for, you can test any before committing or, opt for a beer flight where you can enjoy a selection of smaller sizes which is a really great way to get to grips with the collection.

As with the drinks, there’s a lot of choice food wise too. There’s the a la carte menu which is packed with your usual pub fair – pizzas, burgers, Woodforde’s beer battered fish and chips – as well as some lovely world food options which will delight the foodies. There’s also a specials board – note specials plural – this is not just one or two options, the Fur & Feather specials are like a whole other supplementary menu. And a good one at that. There’s also a pie of the day (lamb, red wine and rosemary on the day I visited for those wondering) and a cheesecake of the day (white choc and raspberry) as well. There’s certainly no getting bored (or hungry) here.

After much menu deliberation, we began with a starter from the specials board – mussels with white wine and cream sauce. Served with a side salad, two pieces of buttery garlic bread and, the pièce de résistance, fresh samphire sprinkled on top. Rich, delicious and on the right side of garlicky, the sauce was sooo good in fact, the bowl was practically licked clean.

For mains, we were recommended two dishes from the a la carte menu and they did not disappoint. A gorgeous, slow roasted lamb tagine for me, which came with giant couscous and warmed flatbread, sprinkled with apricots and toasted almond flakes. It had a manageable, warming spicy kick to it, balanced perfectly by the sweetness of plump juicy raisins and apricots. A taste of Morocco which everyone needs in February.

My foodie friend was recommended the herb crusted sea bass which came with sautéed new potatoes, king prawns and bacon in a creamy sauce with tender stem broccoli and more buttered samphire, which I am assured was *chefs kiss*.

If I have one recommendation, it is that you save room for dessert. Even if you aren’t usually a dessert person (guilty) the selection at the Fur & Feather is too good to miss out on. I went for the Baileys Trio, three Baileys-infused desserts on one white chocolate sprinkled plate. Crispy, light profiteroles smothered with a Baileys chocolate, a white chocolate Baileys parfait and Baileys brownie bits – heaven squared! While my coffee loving friend ordered the chocolate tiramisu from the specials board and this handsome slab of mocha goodness appeared, paired with a zingy compote. And lo and behold, a third dish licked clean.

Despite the buzzy, busy-ness of the pub, we were not rushed at all (a Godsend given the portion sizes and triple dessert situation). All staff were super patient and helpful as we pondered the menu, and allowed plenty of breathing space between courses. Space which was spent releasing belt notches and admiring all the different beer paraphernalia dotted around the restaurant. From old keg taps to beer mats and posters, the Fur & Feather really is a love letter to Woodforde’s.

WHAT ELSE?

The Fur & Feather maybe a destination pub thanks to Woodforde’s Brewery – which does regular tours by the way – and the adjoining shop were you can stock up on bottles, kegs and all manner of Norfolk made produce. But with its weekly quiz, pie and curry nights and live music outside come summer, there’s plenty going on for locals too.

Woodforde's The Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe

One of two pubs owned by Woodforde’s Brewery, though the Fur and Feather’s calling card is it is the brewery tap, The Lord Nelson in nearby Burnham Thorpe should also be on your local pub crawling radar. It’s a great shout after enjoying the golden sands of Holkham or Wells-next-the-Sea, offering a similarly relaxed cosy vibe as the Fur & Feather (and similarly great food and drink too!).

OUT & ABOUT

Luckily there is plenty of places to walk, nay, roll off to after a meal at the Fur & Feather. There are lots of lovely walks around Woodbastwick but as you are so close to Salhouse and Wroxham Broads, I recommend giving the legs a stretch there, or try hiring a boat for something a bit different come the warmer weather. If the kids are in tow, the Fur & Feather is a great place to refuel after tackling the BeWILDerwood treetops.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: Everyone! Even the hardest to please would struggle to be, well, not pleased here. All palettes, ages, and group sizes are catered for and the food is just excellent.

NOT FOR: Though other drinks are available if you are really opposed to beer you may be put off by how many there are here. Anyone after a fine dining teeny tiny portion starched white tablecloth experience – food and beer is the love language here.

THE DAMAGE: Reasonable considering what’s available and those generous portion sizes. Nibbles and small plates £5-£8, mains range from £13-£19.50 and desserts are around the £8 mark.

The Fur & Feather, Slad Lane, Woodbastwick, Norfolk NR13 6HQ,

Words Claire Hool

Pub review: Fur & Feather, Woodbastwick

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