Quick info
About The Pleasure Boat Inn
The Pleasure Boat Inn is a waterside pub in Norwich on Staithe Rd, set on the edge of Hickling Broad in the Norfolk Broads. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust owns it, and it reopened in August 2024 under new management after an extensive refurbishment. The food menu includes pizzas and a Mushroom and Stilton burger, which comes with a double beef patty and chunky chips. Quiche is also on the menu. The bar pours beers from traditional cask to craft on keg, and the selection changes. Rugby is shown in both the main bar and the snug. The kitchen keeps a designated allergy plate, and staff ask about allergies without being prompted. Dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · On-site parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom
- Good for kidsGood for kids
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention quiche, pizzas, mushroom and stilton burger and cask and craft beers.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention quiche, pizzas, mushroom and stilton burger and cask and craft beers.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the food, with the quiche singled out repeatedly, one calling it the best they have ever had and another an eye opener. A mushroom and Stilton burger with a double beef patty and chunky chips earns similar enthusiasm, and the pizzas are a favourite for one couple. The beer selection comes close behind, described as one of the best on the broads, from traditional cask to craft keg, with rugby shown in the main bar and the snug. Staff are called friendly and smiling, and several mention how kind they were to dogs, including a nervous pup. One diner notes that staff proactively ask about allergies and bring a designated allergy plate. The waterside setting on the Broads and the gentle background music also come up. The only caution is that the pub gets busy on summer weekends, and one reviewer would try to book if on holiday. Locals describe popping in regularly for lunch or dinner, and one returned for dinner the next day.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often praise the food, with the quiche singled out repeatedly, one calling it the best they have ever had and another an eye opener. A mushroom and Stilton burger with a double beef patty and chunky chips earns similar enthusiasm, and the pizzas are a favourite for one couple. The beer selection comes close behind, described as one of the best on the broads, from traditional cask to craft keg, with rugby shown in the main bar and the snug. Staff are called friendly and smiling, and several mention how kind they were to dogs, including a nervous pup. One diner notes that staff proactively ask about allergies and bring a designated allergy plate. The waterside setting on the Broads and the gentle background music also come up. The only caution is that the pub gets busy on summer weekends, and one reviewer would try to book if on holiday. Locals describe popping in regularly for lunch or dinner, and one returned for dinner the next day.
Featured reviews
- Amanda Lamb
“Visiting the pleasure boat was a nice experience, arriving as 12.45 on a Monday in mid October. There was very few customers, but staff were very friendly and kind to my nervous pup. Food was delicious, service was great. Gentle music played in the background during my visit, the toilets were accessible and spotlessly clean. Went for a long walk after eating, feeling that my car could be safely left on the spacious carpark. Well worth a visit.”
- David Flemming
“Gavin made us immediately welcome. We had a lovely lunch (with some superb background music l have to say). We're back for dinner tomorrow (Wednesday)! A beautifully kept and run pub and restaurant.”
- Jenny Mi
“Amazing food and lovely service. Especially good is their behaviour towards allergies, they ask about them proactively and if there are some, they will mention it while putting down the designated allergy plate. Feels very good and safe. Also location is rather nice and presentation of pub as well as food is great. Would absolutely recommend!”
- Frank Rogers
“We stopped in Hickling it's a beautiful spot great pub the broads near by perfect spot to sit relax and take in the scenery”
- Emma Warwick
“This is my favourite local pub and our experience is fantastic every single time. Sitting in the most beautiful location on the Broads, this pub can be extremely popular in the summer months, but I have never had a poor experience. The food is always delicious (the pizzas are a particular fave of mine and my husbands) and we love the offer off drinks. However, more important than this, the staff are incredible. They are friendly, polite, always smiling and make such a fuss of my pup, Mossy, especially Tannia. We love this place and will continue to visit!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“The Pleasure Boat Inn is a waterside pub located on the edge of Hickling Broad in the Norfolk Broads, England. It reopened in August 2024 under new management after an extensive refurbishment, and is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.”
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Delivery
- Takeout
Show more amenities
- Dine-in
- Good for kids
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Offerings· 5
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Atmosphere· 2
- Casual
- Romantic
- Highlights· 4
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Parking· 4
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Parking
- Dining options· 2
- Seating
- Table service
- Crowd· 4
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near The Pleasure Boat Inn
- The Swan Inn4.02,6295.3 mi away£20–30ReservationsOutdoor seatingGood for kids
river and broads views, breakfast with toast, roast duck
- The New Inn, Horning4.21,5685.3 mi away
sunday roast, roast beef, gluten free menu
- The Kings Head4.54575.8 mi away£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday roast, home-cooked specials board, desserts
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Pleasure Boat InnReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.4924 | — | £10–20 | quiche, pizzas, mushroom and stilton burger |
| The Swan InnReservations · Outdoor seating · Good for kids | 4.02,629 | 5.3 mi away | £20–30 | river and broads views, breakfast with toast, roast duck |
| The New Inn, Horning | 4.21,568 | 5.3 mi away | — | sunday roast, roast beef, gluten free menu |
| The Kings HeadReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5457 | 5.8 mi away | £10–20 | sunday roast, home-cooked specials board, desserts |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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