Just a few miles from Norwich city centre, The Kings Head Bawburgh is the kind of place where Norfolk history and modern hospitality come together. Set on Harts Lane in the village of Bawburgh, the historic pub has been part of local life for centuries and today combines a traditional gastropub, restaurant, boutique accommodation and self catering apartments.
The building itself dates back to 1602, when it was built by local miller William Tilney. Over the years, the inn has retained many of the features that give it its character, including low ceilings, exposed brickwork, floorboards, pantiles and an open central fireplace. The pub has been licensed since 1800, giving it a long history as a place for people to meet, eat and drink.
The Kings Head has also been closely associated with the Wimmer family for decades. Anton Wimmer and his family have been at the heart of the business for more than 40 years, continuing a family story that began when Pamela and Tony Wimmer became the welcoming faces behind the bar. The family’s connection with the venue dates back to 1983, when The Kings Head initially operated as a sporting club with four squash courts, a bowling green, a petanque pitch and two bars. Anton later took over the running of the business in the 1990s.
Food has become an important part of the pub’s identity. The Kings Head is recognised as one of Norfolk’s original gastropub pioneers, with its menus built around local produce and the changing seasons. Its à la carte menu is regularly updated, while the weekly 48.5 mile menu focuses on ingredients sourced from nearby producers and suppliers.
The idea behind the 48.5 mile menu is simple. Rather than relying on a fixed list of dishes, the kitchen works with what is available from Norfolk, Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region. This means the menu can change with the seasons, while familiar pub classics are given a more imaginative local twist. The approach puts local produce at the centre of the dining experience and reflects the pub’s long standing relationship with its suppliers.
The bar continues that traditional pub feel, with local real ales, lagers and a selection of hand selected wines available alongside the food. For those visiting for lunch, dinner or simply a drink, the setting offers a chance to enjoy a more relaxed pace away from the city.
The Kings Head is also more than a place to eat and drink. In 2015, Anton realised a long held ambition to convert the unused rooms above the inn into accommodation. The result is six individually designed boutique B&B rooms, each named after people connected with the history of the pub.
Among them is the Tilney Suite, named after William Tilney, who built the original Kings Head in 1602. Another room, Blyth, takes its name from Sarah Blyth, who became the first female licensee and innkeeper of the pub in 1853. These details give the accommodation a connection to the building’s past rather than simply providing somewhere to stay.
Two luxury self catering apartments were added in 2017, offering another option for guests looking to stay in the area. They can be booked for nightly, short term or longer stays, making the venue suitable for everything from a countryside break to a longer visit to Norfolk.
Its location also makes The Kings Head a practical base for exploring the county. The pub is close to the University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Spire Hospital and Norfolk Showground, while Norwich city centre is only a short distance away. Guests can also use the village as a starting point for exploring the wider Norfolk countryside and nearby attractions.
The venue has received recognition for both its food and accommodation, including the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards Pub of the Year 2023, two AA Rosettes and an AA four star rating for its accommodation.
What makes The Kings Head Bawburgh particularly interesting is the way its history remains part of the experience. From the 17th century building and its traditional features to the family story, locally focused menus and individually named bedrooms, there is a clear connection between the pub’s past and its present.
For anyone looking to experience a traditional Norfolk pub with somewhere to stay, The Kings Head Bawburgh offers a combination of history, food and countryside within easy reach of Norwich. Whether visiting for a meal, an overnight stay or a longer break, it provides another way to discover this part of Norfolk.
Location: Harts Ln, Bawburgh, Norwich NR9 3LS
Website: https://kingsheadbawburgh.co.uk/