Holkham pub closes to drinkers to become hotel and restaurant

A pub located at the heart of the Holkham Estate has closed its doors to drinkers as it transitions into a hotel and restaurant.

Bosses at the Victoria Inn have decided to focus on the hotel and culinary side of the business, after positive feedback was received when it was restricted to those staying at the hotel or those with reservations due to Covid restrictions.

As of the end of lockdown restrictions this year, the business has now stopped accepting drinkers who are not staying at the hotel or do not have a restaurant reservation.

A Victoria Inn spokeswoman said the decision was made to "protect residents and staff by taking a considered approach and opening first to residents only".

Staff at the hotel say it "became clear that those staying and eating at the Victoria had an improved, truly stand-out experience" as a result of the closure to walk-in drinkers.

A business spokesman said the decision had been a long time coming and added that it was made in order to focus on the "good local fayre" it provides in its restaurant and the service to its guests.

Ben Hunter Watts, managing director of the Victoria Inn said: "We continue to focus, as we always have done, on food and the customer experience at the Victoria.

"Following a challenging two years I am delighted that we have found a way to move forward, striving to work in an increasingly environmentally friendly way, being as sustainable as possible whilst operating at a very high standard.

"North Norfolk is fortunate to have such a variety of brilliant places to eat and drink, and we are proud to be a part of this."

Now the business will focus on its restaurant, ran by head chef Michael Chamberlain who is from the local area.

The business uses produce from across the estate including vegetables grown at the walled garden and meat from animals reared on the grounds, alongside crabs and lobsters caught at Wells.