Hot Hotel: The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea, North Norfolk

Coast checks out the award winning The Globe Inn, in Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk. Words: Caroline Wheater

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? There’s been a public house on the site of The Globe Inn in Wells-next-the-Sea since the 1820s and the popular watering hole has just been revamped by new owners, the award-winning Chestnut Group. Bedrooms have been smartened up, the bar and restaurant too (interiors by Maria Hipwell), and there’s plenty of outdoor space for enjoying drinks, including a roof terrace for the exclusive use of residents. Located in the heart of town, The Globe overlooks the The Buttlands, a Georgian square ranged around a green. It’s also only seconds from the top of Staithe Street, the main shopping thoroughfare that leads downhill to the quayside on the sheltered East Fleet inlet. Here you’ll find seaside nick-nack shops rubbing shoulders with gelato parlours and fashion boutiques; another gem is the cultural centre Wells Maltings, which presents film, theatre and live music. Follow the Beach Road footpath up East Fleet to inspect the new, state-of-the-art RNLI Wells Lifeboat Station, and beyond that glorious Holkham Bay and Beach where people, dogs and horses frolic in the surf.

The Globe Inn. Photo Credit Emma Cabielles

WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE? There are 19 bedrooms at The Globe Inn, decorated with nautical-inspired fabrics, furnished with king or super-king beds and provided with Bramley toiletries. Most of the rooms are ranged around a courtyard that’s open for drinks in the summer and they are categorised as – ‘good’, ‘better’ and ‘best’. Rooms 1, 18, 19 and 22 are designated ‘best’ for reasons such as superior space, amenities and views. We stayed in Room 12 on the ground floor (also the wheelchair-accessible room), which has a wet room and a kitchenette. All the rooms and public areas at The Globe are dog-friendly, and Denzel’s dog treats are on the canine menu.

BEST VIEWS? While the sea isn’t visible from The Globe Inn, it is just a five-minute walk away down Staithe Street. Holkham Beach is another 20 minutes on from that, along the East Fleet. The best views from the pub itself are of The Buttlands and its pretty green.

The Globe Inn. Photo Credit Emma Cabielles

HOW ABOUT THE FOOD? Menus, too, have been refreshed in the last year, with a more than ample selection of dishes developed by new head chef, Lewis Ryan, who sources local wherever possible for his six-strong brigade to cook up. Star dishes from our evening meal in the restaurant were a starter of Smoked Haddock Kedgeree Scotch Egg (£9), a main of Baked Hake with Norfolk Clams and White Bean Cassoulet (£17.50), and a Passionfruit & Coconut Tart pudding (£9). The tasty breakfast selection ranges from a tasty Full Norfolk, to wild mushrooms on toast with poached eggs, croissants and creamy Fen Farm yoghurts from Bungay.

ECO CREDENTIALS? The Globe staff try to work as paper-free as possible and Lewis has a zero-waste policy in his kitchen – hake fish bones are used to make stock, for example. At the bar, the beer is supplied from Barsham Brewery in Fakenham and Adnams in Southwold, while the makers of a popular gin, Sapling, plant a tree for every bottle sold.

The Globe Inn. Photo Credit Emma Cabielles

HOW ACCESSIBLE IS IT? The restaurant, bar and the large terrace at the front of the pub are accessible. For overnight stays, Room 12 (in the ‘Better’ category) is fully adapted for wheelchair access.

WHAT WILL IT COST? One night’s B&B for two people starts at £220 per night. Dogs cost £25 per night extra.