April 2004

Four blokes and their wives at Holkham Beach.

GEOGRAPH

Titchwell Manor is more a country house than a pub, so isn't in our usual line, but with our wives deserving a treat, we ventured here to see if our walking boots were acceptable ...

We had a very civilised time with courteous staff, good service, good wines and comfortable rooms. Some might say the food was a bit pretentious, but this was a splendid and relaxing weekend with excellent walks in sunshine along the north coast, including Holkham beach.

We noticed particularly on this visit that the coast had been invaded by the smart London set with their gleaming 4x4 cars, personalised number plates and suspiciously clean designer wellies. Some of the villages seem even to have polished their flint and chalk facings for the new crowd. They are said to be deserted mid-week.

Next time we'll seek out more humble pubs.