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Bars (Drinking establishments)

Norfolk Pub Wins Major National Award

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Gunton Arms, a celebrated pub in Norfolk, has been named East of England Pub and Bar of the Year at the 2025 National Pub and Bar Awards. Owner Ivor Braka has transformed the former country house hotel into a destination, known for its seasonal British food, stylish interiors, and impressive art collection. The Elk Room, where head chef Stuart Tattersall cooks over an open fire, is at the heart of the pub's appeal. The team has been overwhelmed with kindness and gratitude from locals, regular guests, and industry peers after the award win.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gunton Arms, a 1,000-acre deer park pub in Norfolk, has been named East of England Pub and Bar of the Year at the 2025 National Pub and Bar Awards.
  • The pub, opened in 2011 by owner Ivor Braka, has a loyal following due to its seasonal British food, stylish interiors, and impressive art collection featuring contemporary works by artists such as Tracey Emin.
  • Head chef Stuart Tattersall has been recognized for his expertise in cooking venison, Blickling beef, and South Creake pork over an open fire in the Elk Room.
  • The pub's front of house team, led by Simone Tattersall, has earned a reputation for warm hospitality, contributing to the pub's loyal following.
  • The award win is a testament to the team's hard work and effort, as described by head chef Stuart Tattersall.
  • The pub has no ambitions to change its concept, focusing on serving seasonal food, offering great beer, and providing a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Statistics:

  • The Gunton Arms has been open since 2011.
  • The pub is situated in a 1,000-acre deer park near Thorpe Market, Norfolk.
  • The Elk Room, where head chef Stuart Tattersall cooks over an open fire, is a key feature of the pub's appeal.
  • The pub has an impressive art collection featuring contemporary works by artists such as Tracey Emin.
  • The 2025 National Pub and Bar Awards ceremony took place in London on Tuesday night, with the award accepted on behalf of the team.

Sources:

  • The Gunton Arms
  • 2025 National Pub and Bar Awards
  • Ivor Braka
  • Stuart Tattersall
  • Simone Tattersall
  • Tracey Emin
  • The Gunton Arms' Twitter Feed
  • The Norfolk Daily News
  • "You can never have too many Cooks" - Family trio buy award-winning pub (Source: Norfolk Daily News)

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