The WinePress Restaurant · Two AA rosettes

Dine inside England’s Oldest Hotel

A fifteenth-century historic courtyard, a bar that hasn't moved since 1287, afternoon tea in the pretty courtyard, and a quiet first-floor lounge for the post-dinner brandy.

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Cooked here,
grown locally.

Chef Alistair Grand and his team create seasonal menus championing the best local produce.

  • Cuisine

    Modern British

    Seasonal, Norfolk-led

  • Open daily

    12-10:30pm

    Range of menu options

  • Setting

    4 Dining Settings

    For every occasion

  • Rosettes

    2 AA

    Taste of England 2026

The setting

Four places to gather

A historic restaurant for the tasting menu, a panelled bar for a Norfolk gin, a pretty covered courtyard for afternoon tea, or an upstairs lounge for a quiet brandy after.

The WinePress

Set in the hotel's historic courtyard, where the first mail coaches from London arrived in the 1780s, our two AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant is one of Norwich's finest dining rooms.

The Bar

Originally the Murtle Fish, our oak-panelled bar has been serving Norfolk since the 1200s. Horatio Nelson is rumoured to have had his first pint here.

The Courtyard

A pretty, covered outdoor setting in spring, blankets and heaters through autumn. Our courtyard serves the classics menu and an unbeatable afternoon tea, every day.

The Lounge

A quiet retreat with comfortable chairs. The perfect place for tea, coffee and pastries throughout the day.

Said about the table

“Cromer crab the way it ought to be, with a wine list that travels no further than it needs to.”

Good Food Guide 2025

“The kind of restaurant that takes its time, and rewards it. Sunday lunch worth driving an hour for.”

The Times · Weekend 2024

“Two centuries of practice. You can taste it in the gravy.”

Condé Nast Traveller 2025
AA Rosettes
2
Taste of England
2026
Local wines
09
Hospitality since
1287

Occasions

Whatever brings you to the table

Sunday lunch

Sundays, 12-2.30pm

A proper Sunday roast.

Gather round the table for one of Britain's best-loved traditions. Served every Sunday, our roast showcases quality local ingredients, generous portions and all the classic accompaniments, from crisp roast potatoes to rich homemade gravy.

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Afternoon tea

Mon-Thu 12-4pm, Fri-Sun 2-4pm

Tea under the glass roof.

A longstanding tradition, served in elegant surroundings: finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of handcrafted pastries, with your choice of tea or coffee.

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Private dining · Larger gatherings

A whole room
to yourselves.

For a wedding breakfast, a milestone birthday, or a private board dinner, we have private dining rooms from 8 in the Snug to 120 in the Minstrel Suite, with options in between. Same kitchen, same wine list, your own door.

Vouchers

Give the Gift of the Maids Head

Afternoon Tea at the Maids Head

Delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones and handcrafted pastries served alongside your choice of tea or coffee.

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Chef's 7-Course Taster Menu with Wine Flight

Seven carefully crafted courses, each paired with wines selected to complement every dish, served in our AA award-winning restaurant.

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Sparkling Afternoon Tea at the Maids Head

Our traditional afternoon tea, elevated with a chilled glass of Prosecco for an extra touch of celebration.

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Chef's 7-Course Tasting Menu (excl. wine)

A seasonal seven-course tasting experience showcasing the finest in our 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant.

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Ready when you are.

The table is set