The Bird in Hand in Wreningham is a bit out of the way to be anyone’s local pub, but it does have a bit of a reputation locally as a nice place to eat.
Four of us popped in for an evening meal a couple of days after Christmas. It has a huge car park. Far bigger than necessary, because the pub couldn’t cope if the car park was full.
On this particular evening there were just 4 other cars in the car park, so it wasn’t there busiest evening of the year!
The Bird in Hand is one of those pubs that you feel immediately comfortable in.
The floor looks like it’s been there forever and the tables give the impression that they belong in a Victorian Kitchen, as they are scrubbed spotless and bleach white.
The walls are covered with interesting and historic framed photographs of people and times gone by, and being Christmas there was a big bunch of mistletoe for anyone prepared to risk a spot of sexual harassment.
This place has been a drinking establishment since the middle of the eighteenth century, but I suspect that it is a lot different today than it was then.
I am told that this is one of Norfolk’s best B&B’s with 8 very comfortable bedrooms, but I’m not in a position to comment on that as I was only here to eat.
They offer a very extensive menu with a few tempting specials on the blackboard and therefore, hoping for some extra special helpings, I chose a starter and a main meal from the specials board.
The three finger strips of Gin cured fresh salmon laced with different bits and pieces was very tasty, but I would have preferred another couple of strips for £6.95!
My main meal choice from the specials board was the Venison Casserole with mashed potato and vegetables for £12.50.
Again it was very nice, but unfortunately I may have been spoiled for the last 50 years, and I expect more than a spoonful of mash with my three spoonfuls of venison!
Everything was good about the Bird In Hand in Wreningham apart from the portions. The atmosphere was good. The Guinness was good. The wine was quite good. The service was great and the food was delicious.
However if I ever return to this place, I will go for the Fish & Chips because the portions of this particular choice were more fitting to this Silver Travelers appetite!
