The Recruiting Sergeant
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The Recruiting Sergeant
The Recruiting Sergeant is an award-winning traditional pub and restaurant with rooms situated in the village of Horstead, near Coltishall, in beautiful Norfolk. The food in our restaurant is prepared from quality produce, sourced locally whenever possible, used in season to get the best results. We are delighted to offer superior accommodation in 5 double bedrooms on the newly renovated first and second floors.

Read about our history, our location in the Norfolk Broads and things to do locally, and find other useful links. 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.
Services
Our menus feature a variety of dishes showcasing the adventurous use of outstanding ingredients by our team of chefs led by Matthew Colchester. Fresh fish and seafood is a speciality and a passion of ours, and we have also put our stamp on classic British pub grub. On Sundays, our traditional roasts are a popular choice.
Our restaurant-quality Takeaway Menu is now available every day in line with our normal food service hours, for collection only. Now that we are open for food & drink the number of collection slots will be reduced so please continue to order in advance if possible. Looking for another Colchester Inns establishment?
We are delighted to offer superior accommodation for leisure or business clients in 5 double bedrooms on the recently renovated first and second floors. We are a dog-friendly pub and you are welcome to bring a dog with you to stay in some of our guest bedrooms. Please mention when booking if you are bringing a dog so that an appropriate room may be allocated.
Reviews (16)
James Saunders
James Saunders
Jan 21, 2022
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Absolutely amazing. Best fish and chips I've ever had. Really nice friendly staff. Wanted to return today but they were fully booked. Certainly shall return.
Priya Patel
Priya Patel
Jan 21, 2022
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Polite staff, accommodating and efficient service. Food was good quality and taste. Portion sizes are massive so go in hungry or order light bites. Always seems popular and busy.
Lorrayne Morgan
Lorrayne Morgan
Jan 17, 2022
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Had amazing lunch today, roast beef and sergeant's burger, lovely flavours, but most importantly dog friendly, there were several dogs in pub not that you could tell, well behaved one and all. Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Mike Jolly
Mike Jolly
Jan 15, 2022
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These guys set the standards in Norfolk - they offer consistently high quality food with great service - a must for anyone visiting Norfolk
Marc Lappin
Marc Lappin
Jan 13, 2022
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Normally at a restaurant that commands these prices, you either get quality or quantity. Here you get a good combination of both. I was impressed and would definitely come back. The waiting staff were a little clunky, but nice and friendly.
Isis
Isis
Jan 13, 2022
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The roast was about a 4 out of 10 for me as the yorkshires were fridge cold and the stuffing was very mushy and the potatoes were undercooked. Best bit was the crackling. You did get a big portion though and the waitresses were good and the atmosphere was nice too.
Michelle Leon
Michelle Leon
Jan 08, 2022
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Wow what a place! Our first visit and we will be back! Greeted by wonderful staff and a cosy log fire and a busy and homely atmosphere. The food was amazing! I had the Teal Starter, hubbie had Short Rib Bao… Buns. Mains was Cromer Crab Mornay with a Scallops and hubbie had the Iberico pork dish. Beautiful tasty and generous portions! Doggy bag was needed! Staff were very attentive and food was a taste sensation! 5*Menu … just a tough choice choosing as the variety is incredible!
Anna May
Anna May
Dec 31, 2021
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Outstanding stay, beautiful room, superb shower. Both dinner and breakfast were amazing, thanks for a lovely stay Nicola, could not fault and will be back next time we are in Norfolk x
Jonathan Southgate
Jonathan Southgate
Dec 27, 2021
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Really friendly ☺️ helpful staff,make you feel at home and they are very attentive.The food is to die for,they have a varied and interesting menu,I had Dover sole and it was cooked to perfection,my wife had fillet steak which you could cut with a spoon 🥄,one of the best places in Norfolk, would highly recommend to anyone
Julie White
Julie White
Dec 24, 2021
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Excellent food, huge portions tho. Staff were very nice and friendly, would definitely recommend and will be returning for sure
Gillian Medlar
Gillian Medlar
Dec 23, 2021
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What’s not to love. Food is unbeatable. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful Atmosphere is chilled. A firm family favourite
Alixandrea Corvyn
Alixandrea Corvyn
Dec 23, 2021
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The Good: Really lovely pub with great, friendly staff and a nice outdoor/part covered area with heaters perfect for any time of year. The bar looked well stocked too, from what I briefly saw before being shown to my seat.
If you're a meat/seafood eater, you're in for a treat! The menu for these looked excellent.
Needs Work: their vegan menu isn't much up to scratch. There is one vegan starter, two vegan mains and no advertised vegan desserts (sorbet is mentioned but not specified as vegan). The sample Sunday menu on their website doesn't specify anything as vegan, neither does their 'B&B Guests
Wendy Sladden
Wendy Sladden
Dec 16, 2021
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Me and my daughter had a meal here today for her 19th birthday.
The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the staff looked after us very well.
our waitress, Rosie made us feel really special and she arranged a birthday dessert for my daughter.
Thank you for a lovely evening 🤗
Andy Thomas
Andy Thomas
Dec 14, 2021
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Having stayed for two nights over the last weekend with a family 80th birthday meal for 20+ on the Saturday, we could not fault the team at this venue. It was extremely busy all weekend, but the attentive… staff, the fabulous food (albeit you need a VERY healthy appetite to clear any of their servings!) and the array of choice for drinks was all very impressive. Additionally the room we stayed in was spotless and very well equipped, and the breakfasts were some of the best we have experienced (albeit also on the ‘large side’!). Thoroughly recommended and hats off to all the staff
Martin Bishop
Martin Bishop
Dec 12, 2021
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Been quite a few times , the food is fantastic,the staff are perfect and the restaurant has a great atmosphere also in summer you can eat outside
Jay Warnes
Jay Warnes
Dec 08, 2021
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Outstanding.
Everything from the warm friendly greeting, the venue temperature, the open fire, the cleanliness, the attentive understanding service, the food! The food is simply some of the best in Norfolk using locally sourced ingredients and skilled staff for preparation.
The whole dining experience is first class and with a lovely friendly atmosphere this place is a must for any local or beyond.
Can’t rate is six stars, but deserves it!
Thanks and already looking forward to our next visit!!