Seafood Restaurant, Gastro Pub & Country Hotel in Norfolk
Welcome to The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe – A coastal culinary haven nestled on the tidal marsh coastline of north Norfolk. The White Horse is a sanctuary for seafood enthusiasts, fans of classic pub dishes, and food lovers who value the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Combining the welcoming charm of a village pub with the premium dining experience of an award winning 2AA rosette restaurant, we offer dining experiences as memorable as the stunning panoramic coastal views surrounding us.
Whether you’re looking for the comfort of pub classics with a coastal twist or an innovative dining experience paired with local ales, fine wines, or signature cocktails, The White Horse is the perfect destination.
Celebrating fresh, local produce
From Brancaster oysters to the Staith Smokehouse
From Brancaster oysters and mussels (when in season), harvested in the creaks in Brancaster Bay within view from the conservatory restaurant, to dishes crafted with freshly caught fish from the village fishermen, shellfish, game, and foraged treasures like samphire, sea beets, sea purslane and more. Every plate is an ode to Norfolk’s culinary heritage.
Our on-site Staithe Smokehouse adds another layer of authenticity, producing award-winning smoked salmon and other delicacies, prepared ‘low and slow’ to preserve their unique flavour. These smoked delights feature throughout our menus, offering a true taste of Brancaster Staithe’s fishing heritage.
Every meal is a celebration of the incredible ingredients on our doorstep, prepared with care, passion and creativity.
Something for everyone
Experience the Best of Norfolk’s Larder
Every bite at The White Horse reflects our dedication to local flavour, quality, and a celebration of the Norfolk coast.
Choose from Norfolk tapas in the Courtyard, comforting pub classics in the Locals Bar, à la carte dining in the Conservatory or dining area, or seafood platters to share at Marshside during the warmer months, where breathtaking views add to the experience.
Our food philosophy
Supporting Local, Embracing Sustainability
Sustainability is woven into everything we do. Our menus showcase the finest local produce, from oysters and mussels harvested in Brancaster Staithe’s tidal marshes to foraged samphire, sea herbs, wild garlic, and mushrooms. Village fishermen deliver their daily catch straight to our kitchen door, and our on-site Staithe Smokehouse ensures the freshest smoked fish delights.
By supporting local producers, reducing food miles, and embracing seasonal menus, we’re not only delivering exceptional dining experiences but also helping to preserve Norfolk’s natural beauty for generations to come.
5% cashback with our loyalty programme
When you become a loyalty member with us, you’ll start earning rewards and enjoying benefits every time you visit. From 5% cashback on food and drink, members’ prices, freebies like hot drinks and snacks, and special treats just for you.
Meet Our Executive Head Chef, Fran Hartshorne
Fran Hartshorne, our incredible Executive Head Chef, now in her 20th year with us, has been instrumental in shaping The White Horse’s reputation as a destination gastro pub, serving exceptional food, including seafood dishes and delicious pub classics. With a deep passion for Norfolk’s outstanding produce, Fran collaborates with local fishermen, farmers, and producers to transform freshly caught mussels and oysters, seasonal game, and foraged treasures like samphire, sea beets, mushrooms, and local asparagus into dishes that celebrate the unique flavours of the region.
“I feel like the luckiest chef on the Norfolk coast, creating dishes in a kitchen that overlooks the stunning tidal marsh – it doesn’t get much better,” says Fran.
Fran was awarded winner of the Greater Anglia Unsung Hero of the Year Award at The Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards 2025
Fran also owns and oversees the on-site Staithe Smokehouse alongside her husband, Phil. Together, they produce award-winning smoked salmon and other delicacies that honour Brancaster Staithe’s rich fishing heritage. Her skill, creativity, and deep connection to the Norfolk coast ensure every meal is a true reflection of North Norfolk living.
An area for every occasion
At The White Horse, we offer a variety of areas to suit your mood, each with its own unique charm and character.
Our Marshside Restaurant is closed for the season, we look forward to welcoming you again in Spring 2027.
Our Suppliers
Brancaster Bay shellfish, world renowned mussels from the Large family
Thomas Large’s family have been fishing off the Norfolk coast for generations. Today, he and Sarah his partner, continue the family’s traditional fishing methods and work to spread the joy of mussels in Norfolk and beyond. What would he do without her! she is his tower of strength, and they are a great team.
Said Thomas, ‘My great-grandfather fished for oysters, sprats and whelks, in Brancaster Bay, Brancaster Staithe. As a youngster, I worked with my father Terry for many years to get to know the business and then it was time to take on the family business from him.
‘Brancaster mussels are grown in lays in Brancaster Bay which is at the bottom of my garden. It’s a matter of netting and raking mussels by hand, fishing at high tide and coming back in at low water. You can walk out along the flats for three and a half hours and it’s so peaceful in every direction - it’s just beautiful big blue skies and sunshine, most of the time!
In the mussel season we enjoy supplying mussels to restaurants along the Norfolk coast and of course to The Jolly Sailors, which is just across the road from my house, they couldn’t get fresher from Brancaster Bay to your plate!’
FAQs
