Two of the five best places to eat on the English coast are in north Norfolk, according to the Sunday Observer.

Chef Galton Blackiston, writing in the paper's Food Monthly magazine, named The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe and Rocky Bottoms in West Runton as his favourite "secret" places to eat around the UK coastline.

North Norfolk News: Chef Galton Blackiston.Chef Galton Blackiston. (Image: Jamie HoneywoodArchantNorwichNorfolk)

They came third and fourth respectively on the list of eateries in England, pipped to the top spot by two restaurants in the north east – The Ship Inn in Newton-by-the-Sea and Craster eatery The Pipers Pitch.

Mr Blackiston, who owns Morston Hall and No1 Cromer, praised The White Horse for its use of "many local, seasonal ingredients... and, of course, there's the view. It overlooks the marshes".

North Norfolk News: The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe was at No.3 on the list in the Sunday Observer's Food Monthly Magazine.The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe was at No.3 on the list in the Sunday Observer's Food Monthly Magazine. (Image: Archant © 2013)

He is not the only one to wax lyrical about the Brancaster restaurant recently – EDP reporter Donna-Louise Bishop recently visited to try the "absolutely divine" seafood platter.

Behind-the-scenes-at-Morston-Hall

The White Horse posted on Instagram on Sunday after finding out it had been included on the list.

North Norfolk News: The seafood platter to share at The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe.The seafood platter to share at The White Horse in Brancaster Staithe. (Image: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP)

The post said: "Very proud to be named in the Observer top 20 places to dine on the UK coast – some absolutely esteemed names on this list which we are delighted to be a part of."

On Rocky Bottoms, Mr Blackiston said: "Owned by a crab fisherman, it's the crab I always have; they do Cromer crab in various guises, as crab cakes, crab linguine or crab salad."

The West Runton takeaway recently closed temporarily over staffing issues, but owners Richard and Ali Matthews said: "We shall be reopening."

A post on the Rocky Bottoms Facebook page on Saturday said: "We’re excited to have all our RB’s fans back next week," adding that more information would follow.

North Norfolk News: Rocky Bottoms in West Runton was also named the the Sunday Observer's Food Monthly magazine.Rocky Bottoms in West Runton was also named the the Sunday Observer's Food Monthly magazine. (Image: DONNA-LOUISE BISHOP)