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The Recruiting Sergeant is an award-winning traditional pub and restaurant with rooms situated in the village of Horstead. Our menus feature a variety of dishes showcasing the adventurous use of outstanding ingredients by our team of chefs led by Matthew Colchester. Fresh fish and seafood is a speciality and a passion of ours, and we have also put our stamp on classic British pub grub. On Sundays, our traditional roasts are a popular choice. The bar is well stocked with regularly changing real ales and cutting-edge lagers, while a large range of carefully selected wines are served by the glass or bottle. New for 2021, you can also treat yourself to a cocktail from a bespoke menu crafted for us by Edmunds.

We are a dog-friendly pub and welcome well-behaved dogs on leads in the bar or garden, but they are not permitted in the restaurant. Dogs are also welcome in some of our guest bedrooms. Please mention when booking if you are bringing a dog so that an appropriate table or room may be allocated.

If dining in the bar with your dog we ask that owners be sensitive to other guests. If a dog needs food or water please take them outside where water bowls are provided.

Pub open every day from 10.30am (11.00am Sunday). Food Served: Monday to Saturday 12.00pm – 8.30pm, Sunday 12.00pm – 8.00pm

As per all listings on Dog Friendly Norfolk, we accept well behaved dogs.

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Google Reviews

4.6
1,925 reviews
  • Derek Winser
    Derek Winser
    6 months ago

    Went for evening meal out with family. Great menu with lots of choice, I had steak and kidney pudding which was best ever - would recommend missing starter to properly enjoy! Despite venue being really busy, starters out within 10 minutes and mains really quickly after starters. Vegetarian options available but fairly limited. Friendly and helpful staff, and portion sizes really generous. Highly recommend for a great night out.

  • Sally Stapleton
    Sally Stapleton
    a month ago

    Fabulous meal at this busy but cosy pub. It's one of a small group of pubs, all of which are amazing so although I hadn't eaten there for several years I knew I would not be disappointed! Portions are extremely generous and they happily pack up any leftovers if asked, so dinner tonight is sorted! The staff were friendly and welcoming. Our server was a young lad, didn't ask his name, but he was cheery, cheeky, polite, professional and just added completely to the experience. A great choice of dishes, varying meats, flavours, cultures. Several fish dishes and good dietary accommodating options too. The dessert menu was delicious, there were about five I wanted to try! Only one dairy free option which my friend couldn't have as it was not something she liked, so a couple more vegan desserts would have been good. Parking is available and plentiful but as the place can get busy, you can park across the road in the evening if needs. Absolutely recommend. Also advise booking in advance for meals as they seem busy all day.

  • MARY CHAPMAN
    MARY CHAPMAN
    5 months ago

    The staff are extremely friendly. They recognise their regulars and remember what regulars drink. The food was faultless. I had the roast beef and it wad cooked to perfection for me. My friends had a selection battered fish. I have never seen such light batter. The food was reasonably priced for the amount we had. Booking is advisable as the RS is very popular.

  • Adrian Yong
    Adrian Yong
    5 months ago

    Ample parking. Ambience acceptable although ceilings were typically low. Outdoor seating available. Food and drink orders were taken promptly and food was served without too long a wait despite the restaurant being almost full. The servings were generous. The seafood chowder was slightly salty. The haddock had more potato than fish! The ribs were good, tasty and tender. The Chilean Wine suggested was reasonable.

  • Nina Smith
    Nina Smith
    5 months ago

    Very nice meal indeed. Lovely flavours, everything well cooked. Dessert was beautiful and they even swapped my ice-cream for clotted cream...thank you! Attentive waiting staff. Will come back again.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday 10:30 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Sunday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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