Escape to the Country, Close to Business, Far from Crowds.
At The Hare Arms, we pride ourselves on providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a social gathering, a hearty meal, or just a quiet drink. Situated in the heart of West Norfolk, our picturesque village pub has a long history dating back over 200 years. The inn has been at the centre of village life, hosting numerous celebrations and events throughout the years.
Our Story
The Hare Family has a strong connection with the area, with Sir Nicholas Hare, Master of the Rolls and Keeper of the Great Seal, purchasing the freedom of the Hundred of Clackclose in 1553. Since then, the family has played an important part in the life of the area. Our original building was erected during the Napoleonic wars, and our transformation into an inn took place when Captain Thomas Hare offered it to three soldiers, two of whom had French surnames.
Our History
Our pub has a rich history, with numerous landmarks and notable events shaping our story. We've been at the centre of village life, hosting celebrations for wartime victories, coronations, and jubilees. We've had many dedicated landladies and landlords over the years, including Emma Sayles, who organized and catered for Jubilee celebrations in the early 20th century. Harry Sayles, an overseer for the local rating authority, left his mark on our pub by scratching his name on a bar window, which can still be seen today.
Our Team
Today, our pub is run by Pat and Debs Palmer, who took over the lease in July 2016. Pat and Debs met while working behind the bar under the previous tenants in 1987. They bring their own unique touch to our already warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every guest feels at home.
Our Food and Drink
We take great pride in our menu, which features a range of delicious dishes made from the finest local and seasonal produce. Our menu is designed to cater to all tastes, with classic pub fare like ale-battered haddock and chunky chips alongside more contemporary options like slow-braised chicken in a mushroom, cream, and tarragon sauce. We also have a comprehensive wine list, featuring a range of locally brewed Greene King Ales and guest ales.
Our Services
At The Hare Arms, we understand the importance of exceptional service. We strive to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with friendly staff always happy to help. We also offer table reservations for our main restaurant and old coach house, ensuring that your visit is nothing short of memorable.
Children and Pets
We welcome children in our Front Room and Coach House when dining with their parents or guardians. However, we do not allow children under the age of 14 in the Bar and Main Restaurant. We also have a resident cat, Badger, who can often be found lounging by the fire in the bar. For this reason, we regret that dogs are not permitted inside the pub. However, well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome in our gardens.
Overall Experience
The reviews of The Hare pub are mixed, with some customers having a positive experience while others had disappointing encounters.
Design Issues
A customer, Kate Smith, had a harrowing experience when she hit her head on a low-hanging metal light fixture at her table, cutting her head. She and her friend also bumped their heads again as they left the pub, which the manager found amusing. This customer was left feeling very disappointed and concerned about the lack of care and concern shown by the pub.
Positive Reviews
On the other hand, many customers had a pleasant experience at the pub. Barrie Corteil, Tracey Rudderham, James C., Debra Dawkins, Steve Spalding, Splendid Starling, and Priya Mistry all raved about the excellent service, food, and atmosphere. They praised the pub's attentive staff, good menu choices, and cozy atmosphere, with some noting the lovely garden area and friendly pub pets.
Common Praise
All of these positive reviews highlighted the excellent service, with many customers mentioning how attentive and helpful the staff were. Food was also a major highlight, with many customers praising the quality and portion sizes. Atmosphere was generally described as cozy and welcoming, with some customers noting the lovely garden area.
Minor Complaints
One customer, Pamzilla C., had a minor issue with her companion's steak being prepared incorrectly, leading to them to give up on eating it. Another customer, Steve Spalding, mentioned that the ribs were a bit disappointing due to the large amount of bone and fat.
Conclusion
The Hare pub seems to have a mixed reputation, with some customers having a disasterous experience due to design issues, while others had a wonderful time thanks to excellent service and food.
