Nestled between the Norfolk coast and the city of Norwich, The Brisley Bell is a traditional country inn and the latest member of the Great Inns of Britain. Owned by Marcus and Amelia, who have run the inn since 2017, this once-derelict pub has been transformed into a welcoming retreat, offering award-winning food and a large bar and garden where guests can enjoy a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Set on nearly two acres of picturesque grounds, The Brisley Bell features six boutique ensuite rooms, each thoughtfully designed for quality, comfort, and relaxation. These ground-floor barn conversions open directly into the garden, providing guests with serene garden views. With its beautiful beer garden, alfresco dining, open fires, and cosy corners, the Brisley Bell offers an idyllic setting to relax, unwind, or catch up with friends—no matter the season.
The Brisley Bell is also the perfect base for exploring all that Norfolk has to offer. Guests can enjoy scenic circular walks directly from the inn, with OS Maps available to borrow. Just across from the inn lies The Green, a designated County Wildlife Site—a beautiful, expansive common featuring unimproved grassland, ditches, scrub, and ponds. A map highlighting this local gem is located outside the pub entrance. There are also many fantastic local routes for cycling along quiet country lanes, and the Brisley Bell sits conveniently on National Cycle Route No.13.
Committed to supporting local artisans, the inn also serves the finest local beers, vintage wines, and a seasonal homemade menu that delights both pub-goers and food enthusiasts alike. The story of the inn doesn’t start with its renovation in 2017 however, it has a long history stretching back over 300 years.
There is a record of the first known landlord of the Brisley Bell in 1706, though the inn’s history undoubtedly goes back even further. The name of the inn – The Bell- suggests it was once located near a church.
Behind the pub, an old cottage, now part of the garden room, is reputed to be the birthplace of Richard Tarvander in 1505. Tarvander played a key role in the Reformation and was among the first to translate the Bible into English.
Marcus and Amelia even have a personal connection to the inn- unbeknownst to the couple when they bought the pub, it used to be owned by Marcus’s great, great, great grandfather Robert Englebright who was the landlord of the Bell between 1851 to 1882.
The Brisley Bell is rapidly becoming a must-visit destination for tourists in Norfolk, while also remaining a vital part of the local community. Marcus and Amelia fully recognise the inn’s significance, not only as a social hub but also as a provider of essential services, job opportunities, and an important contributor to the local economy.
They remain dedicated to supporting the community, whether through sponsoring the local cricket club, hosting live events, or celebrating national milestones at the Bell.
If you’re visiting Nolfolk, the Brisley Bell is not a destination to miss and we’re very happy to welcome them into the Great Inns family.
