The Loddon Swan

Though neither a boutique inn nor a gastropub, The Swan makes a pretty good stab at both, delivering a combination of good food and comfortable rooms in a beautiful part of the Norfolk Broads National Park. It is, however, first and foremost a proper village pub, full of locals propping up the bar or sipping drinks in the small patio garden.

Situated in the pleasant riverside village of Loddon, in the southern reaches of the Broads, the Swan is well placed for boating, walking and cycling: it’s on the long-distance Wherryman’s Way, on national cycle route 1 and there are loads of peaceful routes into the surrounding countryside. The interior is stripped-down and bright but has lots of pubby character and tail-wagging dogs; there’s a side section devoted to food but you can eat wherever you want. It’s a popular spot for the boating fraternity, who wander up from Loddon’s village staithe, and also attracts quite a crowd from further afield for its excellent food.

There are 10 rooms – 7 in 2 buildings behind the pub and 3 in the Victorian former council offices next door. Each has a contemporary yet deliberately homely feel, and all have up-to-date bathrooms, mostly with spacious separate showers, plus king- or super-king-size beds, good wifi, flatscreen TVs, complimentary still water, biccies and tea and coffee. There is a short and thoughtful menu, with a few dishes done well rather than a range of crowd-pleasing favourites; think confit chicken wings or pan-fried sardines, followed by plaice with samphire or local loin of lamb. The wine list is short and to the point, with well-chosen alternatives of each colour by the glass and well-priced bottles,  although the wine-loving landlord also promotes his selection of fine wines. The pub also does good sandwiches and a few pub classics. Service is excellent, and not at all affected – much like the pub itself!

Finally, Loddon is a pleasant riverside village worthy of a stroll for its medieval church, a couple more pubs, a legendary local café and plentiful nearby walks. For a good circular walk, follow the riverside path to Hardley Flood for a spot of birdwatching, and beyond to the river Yare, where on weekends you can visit the restored 19th-century Hardley Windmill, and loop back across Hardley Marshes.