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.
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, shellfish, game, and foraged treasures like samphire, sea beets, sea purslane and more, every plate is an ode to Norfolk’s culinary heritage. Indulge in our famous seafood platter, savour smoked salmon from the on-site Staithe Smokehouse, or enjoy a hearty lunch. Every meal is a celebration of the incredible ingredients on our doorstep, prepared with care, passion and creativity.
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.
Book a table
While walk-ins are welcome, we highly recommend reserving your table in advance. Bringing your furry friend? Contact us directly, and we’ll happily arrange a cosy, dog-friendly table in the bar.
Click the button below to book a table in the restaurant. For group bookings of 9 or more, give our friendly team a call at Reception on 01485 210262.
Experience the Best of Norfolk’s Larder
At The White Horse, our menus are crafted to suit every occasion. Whether you’re starting the day with a hearty breakfast, meeting friends for a relaxed lunch, or treating yourself to a delicious dinner overlooking the tidal marsh, with views of Scolt Head Island and the sea beyond, we’ve got you covered.
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. From Brancaster mussels, oysters, and lobster freshly caught by village fishermen to game and seasonal vegetables sourced from nearby farms, every dish showcases the very best of Norfolk’s larder.
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 bite at The White Horse reflects our dedication to local flavour, quality, and a celebration of the Norfolk coast.
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 conservatory restaurant and adjoining dining room deliver a dining experience like no other, with coastal-inspired interiors and an abundance of natural light. The conservatory, dining room, and terrace provide unrivalled views of the tidal marsh, Scolt Head Island, and the sea beyond. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch, watching Norfolk’s spectacular sunsets, or stargazing under clear night skies, this is coastal dining at its finest.
For a more laid-back vibe, the locals bar offers a warm and welcoming retreat. Located at the front of our gastro pub, it’s the ideal spot to relax with a refreshing pint from our very own Brancaster Brewery or one of Norfolk’s finest ales. With casual indoor seating, it’s perfect for a snack or a satisfying meal after a day exploring Brancaster Beach or the surrounding coastal area.
Our refurbished courtyard is designed for al fresco dining. Featuring ambient lighting, heating, landscaped greenery, and comfortable dining areas, it’s an idyllic space to enjoy a fabulous Norfolk menu. From fish and chips, Cromer crab, and North Sea lobster to the infamous White Horse seafood platter, tapas, or small plates served from the bar or our open outdoor kitchen during the warmer months, it’s perfect for soaking up the coastal air.
Al Fresco Seafood Dining with a View
Open from Easter through autumn, our bespoke Marshside location offers a divine spot to soak in the coastal charm. Whether starting your day with a bacon muffin and coffee, or enjoying the bar, oyster bar, and marquee, Marshside brings the outside in with roll-up sides and shaded seating, offering unparalleled views of the tidal marshes and Brancaster Staithe Bay. As evening falls, prepare to be captivated by the stunning sunsets.
Sample our now infamous seafood platter to share, featuring the freshest Brancaster mussels, oysters, and an array of other seafood delights. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail, local wines from Burn Valley Vineyards, or a glass of rosé from Provence. For a sweet treat, indulge in ice cream, iced coffee, or even a boozy hot chocolate while soaking in the beauty of Brancaster Staithe Bay.
Marshside is also renowned for hosting events, including the annual Oyster Festival and Mussel Festival. Keep an eye on our social media, visit our What’s On page, or sign up for our newsletter for upcoming dates and details.
Marshside Restaurant is open Monday - Sunday 12 noon to 9pm, weather dependant. No need to book - tables are first come first served.
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.
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.
Our Suppliers
Brancaster Bay shellfish - world renowned mussels
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!’
