The cold was nipping at our noses when we pulled up on the quiet estate belonging to a family noted for their warm service.
I don't know about you, but winter makes me hungry. Really hungry. It seems whenever I have eaten one thing, I immediately crave something else. So, what meal does a person have that is warming, delicious and, most importantly, plentiful?
A Great British carvery, that's what!
From chains to quiet pubs, there are plenty of choices in the Great Yarmouth area for Sunday dinners. But I wanted something a little more familial for my parents and my partner. So we endured the cold winter afternoon and headed to Burgh Hall, which prides itself on family-friendly service.
As we walked up the steps past the wedding chapel, we noticed the outdoor pool. Brave swimmers were warming themselves in thick towels and changing robes after a near-freezing dip.
"Maybe we could do that afterwards," my mum said. Rather her than me, I thought.
Inside, the bar area was filling up with early birds for the England v Senegal match, and there was a sense of goodwill and good luck in the air.
We were promptly taken to our seats, ordered some drinks and ordered four carveries (£9 each).
Food
At the counter, sizzling joints of beef, gammon and turkey were sitting on platters waiting for hungry diners. Unable to choose, I ordered a slice of each before making my way to the vegetables.
Catering for a variety of eaters, Burgh Hall also offers pies and vegetarian lasagne, as well as a veggie toad-in-the-hole. My partner was pleased with the options and went with the latter.
I feasted my eyes on the towers of peas, carrots, cabbage and broccoli. I was only halfway down the food counter and already running out of space on my plate.
I piled on a few roast potatoes and parsnips (cooked in vegetable oil) and slathered the thick and creamy cauliflower cheese on top.
Burgh Hall offers even more variety than your standard carvery, with welcome additions such as a mixed veg tray bake and cheesy mashed potatoes, but my plate had been successfully filled.
Back at the table, my parents, my partner and I remained speechless for several minutes as we attacked the carvery.
The vegetables were perfectly cooked, seasoned well and still retained a beautiful, while the roast potatoes had a sharp crispy exterior with fluffy insides.
A carvery is a staple of the British culinary scene and they are so often simply 'okay'. Here it was so heartening to see it done justice. Simply. And well.
Halfway through the meal, we slowed our pace. I looked around the restaurant and noticed the area filled with families just like mine. It's a Sunday tradition to eat good food with the people you love. Burgh Hall manages to enhance that familiar experience.
Next door in the bar, a band started playing classic songs by the likes of The Shadows, The Tornadoes and even UB40 for some variety.
The music added to the warm, relaxing ambience and fuelled fresh conversation at the table.
My dad shared stories from the good old days, and the environment filled me with hope - the good old days are still here. You just need to know where to go.
We mopped up our plates until there was nothing left. We were full, but the devil on my shoulder beckoned me to fill up one last time. I asked for the dessert menu and opted for the Eton Mess Waffle (£5) with strawberries and meringue.
I made a good start but had to tag out halfway through. My partner ended up finishing. But - with its tangy whipped ice cream and chewy waffle base - I cannot call her a martyr.
We carried on sharing stories from times gone by and eventually made our way home -full, happy, and glowing with warmth.
Setting
Burgh Hall has a bar, restaurant and wedding venue based at Lords Lane, Burgh Castle. It is very well maintained, with parking spaces for over 100 visitors. The areas are divided between two large dining areas and a spacious bar lounge area.
Value
At just under £55 for four carveries, four drinks and a dessert, Burgh Hall offers an absolute bargain.
Drinks
We had an Appletiser (£3), a pint of Diet Coke (£3,20), a pint of Foster's lager (£3.50) and a large Pinot Grigio (£4). Having a bar, Burgh Hall is well-stocked with other lagers and ciders on tap, as well as other wines, spirits, soft drinks and warm drinks.
Toilets
Based downstairs, the toilets were spotlessly clean and well-stocked.
Accessibility
There are multiple entrances to the bar and dining areas, including ramped access.
Service
The service was incredibly friendly, attentive and efficient. There was a minor error with our bill. The waiting staff were apologetic and corrected the mistake without delay.
Highlight
It is so rare to visit a place with such a genuine family-friendly atmosphere. From the entertainment to the temperature of the building, Burgh Hall goes out of its way to satisfy its customers.
In summary
The warm welcome, variety of food and the price make Burgh Hall well worthy of a return. What an amazing venue for the area.
If you like that, try these...
Filby Bridge, Filby, Norfolk - lovely, unpretentious, fresh food in an amazing location.
Great Yarmouth and Caister Golf Club - high quality dining without the stuffiness. Great for a more upmarket Sunday lunch.
The Farmers, Ormesby - both a proper pub and a serious restaurant with a fresh menu.
Disclaimer
Our food reviews are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited. The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review and bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications.
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