The Saracen's Head

We booked for a 'Family' meal on Sunday - There were 12 of us in total, 4 children, plus x3 dogs. A little bit worried in case we upset other diners, but Ian & his Team were so accommodating. We had a private dining room, the was food delicious & we were not rushed. It was a leisurely Sunday afternoon where we all caught up with each other, a real family occasion Thank you so much, Ian & Team we All had a brilliant time.

From the moment we stepped foot through the front door, we experienced warm friendly & attentive hosts making for a perfect stay. Our room was clean and characterful. We dined at the Saracen’s Head both nights. The food was delicious and great to see local sourcing of top quality ingredients. The breakfasts were also fabulous and generous. We waddled away from our stay several pounds heavier but well worth the work we’ll need to do to slim down!

The food is very tasty and the chap who normally serves is very personable. However, we did have a very disappointing Sunday lunch mainly due to the awful service. It took a long while for the main course to arrive, although that didn’t bother us too much. We finished the main course and then waited a a good 15 minutes, and several vain attempts to catch the young waitress’s eye, to ask to see the dessert menu. So I went to the bar and got a menu. It then took nearly an unbelievable 20 minutes more to put our order in. I think the young waitress realised the service was pretty bad because every time I caught her eye, she looked away. In the end I had to shout across the restaurant so she had to come over and acknowledge us. I asked if our crumbles would be much longer and she said “he’s doing them now “. I thought that meant plating up but it obviously meant he was just about to put them in the oven!! We then waited what seemed an age. That was then over 50 minutes from when we had finished our main course. We gave up waiting and went. All we ask is that you keep talking to us and tell us what’s happening. In fact we discovered a delightful tea shop in Itteringham village which had the most divine home-made Victoria sponge cake. People,generally speaking, don’t mind waiting, as long as somebody both acknowledges the fact that they have been waiting ages l, and meets their gaze with a smile so they don’t feel invisible or frustrated. Surely it’s just just good customer service. It’s a shame because we really like this place.

Sunday lunch here tasted as if my own gramother had cooked it. Locally sourced beef was superb. Delightful chap on the bar and busy everywhere else looked after us as did the other staff. Would definitely recommend. Fantastic courtyard tobthe rear if the house too for drinks or eating if you chose alfresco. Dog friendly.

We stayed for two nights. It lives up to its catchphrase of being a centre of excellence on the middle of nowhere! Food was excellent in particular an epic full English breakfast. The room was comfortable but not luxurious. Service was welcoming, warm and simply brilliant. Would rate it 5 if the room had two armchairs and a walk-in shower. We will definitely return.

We booked a Sunday lunch for my daughter's birthday after reading previous reviews and I must say we were not disappointed. The food was excellent, lovely fresh produce and well cooked. The staff were very friendly and the service was very good. Would definitely recommend,