Exclusive new restaurant opens at Hotel Ocean in Yarmouth

Hotel Ocean, nestled along Great Yarmouth's golden mile, is welcoming guests to its new private dining restaurant: Jan.

It launched on November 14 and is open seven nights a week, from 5.30pm until 8.30pm, for those looking for a more "intimate" dining experience.

It is the hotel's latest expansion - following the opening of Cafe Ocean back in July 2020 - by owners Daniel Burt and James Docwra.

Jan is a new private dining restaurant that has opened at the Hotel Ocean in Great Yarmouth. It is owned by Daniel Burt (left) and James Docwra (right) (Image: Daniel Burt)

And the couple said the restaurant - named after Mr Burt's grandmother - had a "fantastic" first week.

Mr Burt said: "We never intended to open the restaurant downstairs but our customers and guests have been so pleased and happy with what we offer in Café Ocean, they asked us for something more bespoke.

"So we decided to bite the bullet and go for it. That was back in early September and the renovation was complete by the end of October.

"The style is based on an art deco, 1920s theme but with a modern twist.

"It's adult-only and it seats just 22 people because we wanted to create a very intimate space with a high-end finish all the way through.

"Guests will also have the table for the whole evening."

Hotel Ocean, which is also home to Café Ocean, along Marine Parade in Great Yarmouth (Image: Daniel Burt)

From pan-seared halibut to slow-cooked pork belly and 60-day dry-aged steak, Mr Burt said they use only fresh and seasonal ingredients and there is a new menu every week. 

Bookings are also now being taken for Christmas parties, with the option of hiring the whole restaurant for private use.

The hotel was also recently awarded four stars by the AA and Mr Burt said their rooms are fully booked into the festive period.

Jan, a new private dining restaurant, at Hotel Ocean in Great Yarmouth (Image: Daniel Burt)

He added: "We initially intended opening a small day-time café with some bedrooms above it and it's morphed into a beast of a business.

"We also thought it would be seasonal but we have seen demand all year round.

"December is fully booked and we have loads of returning customers and guests.

"It’s really wonderful and lovely. It has turned into something a bit special.

"We are really proud. But it's also down to our hard-working staff who are so committed and just fantastic."

The business was also recently named in the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2022.