The final venue we visited on our study tour was the Wherry Hotel, formerly part of the local Castle Carvery chain and now part of RedCat, the relatively new pub chain started by former Greene King boss Rooney Anand.
There was a licensed premises here from the 1840s, but in 1897 the owner George Mason wanted something that bit bigger and better. By 1900, it was all ready and open with the advert above placed in the local newspapers. They were also advertising that they welcomed choirs and other outings, they were certainly ready for big groups. Not only that they were proud of their electric lighting and also their new billiards table.
There was a rather beautiful view over Oulton Broad.
This is a large venue and there’s a bar area, a more lounge area as well as a substantial dining area. Food and drink is served throughout the day, including a carvery option which is set at a very realistic and affordable price.
I went for a turkey carvery meal and opted against the big plate, which would have disappointed Alan Partridge. The carvery was rather lovely, the meat was tender, the roast potatoes suitably crisp and the gravy suitably meaty (a vegetarian one was available for those who didn’t look want a meaty gravy). The menu is also broad, there are lighter options, vegan options and so on, with the pricing all towards the lower end of the scale.
There were a couple of real ales, including Woodforde’s Wherry and Lacon’s Encore, although I opted for a pint of Guinness. This was served in the way that I would expect and tasted as I had hoped for.
The service here is always friendly and attentive, it’s a comfortable and clean venue which is a reliable option. The food and drink is all of a decent quality and the atmosphere is inviting. For those wanting to stay, there are thirty rooms here and it’s all something of a substantial operation.