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Bank House

Dating from the early 18th c when it was built for a wealthy wine merchant, this fine quayside building became a branch of Gurneys (later Barclays) Bank in 1780 and remained so until 1869. Helpfully open and serving some kind of food all day, this well run place has a number of stylish rooms, including the elegant bar (once the bank manager's office) with sofas and armchairs, a log fire with fender seating, Barsham Bitter Old Bustard and a guest beer on handpump, 18 wines by the glass, a wide choice of gins, six whiskies, interesting vodkas, cocktails and a farm cider; background music. The restaurant has antique chairs and tables on bare boards, an airy brasserie has sofas and armchairs around low tables and a big brick fireplace, and two other areas (one with fine panelling, the other with a half-size billiards table) have more open fires. The atmosphere throughout is gently civilised but easy-going, and service is helpful and courteous. An outside area, flanked by magnificent wrought-iron gates, has fire pits for warmth on chillier evenings, and the riverside terrace (lovely sunsets) has an open-air cocktail bar in summer. Most of the dozen charming bedrooms overlook the river and breakfasts are first class. The Corn Exchange theatre and arts centre is just five minutes away. Sister pub is the Rose & Crown in Snettisham.