The Ram at Tivetshall

Stayed here overnight on a late booking to visit some friends at short notice. The location is just off the A140 about 1/2 an hour from Norwich, just before the village of Long Stratton and the pub itself is set back from the road with a reasonable sized car park and an overflow just across the access road. Check in was easy, and I went to unwind in my room before heading to the bar. The room was in character with the age of the venue with exposed beams and spacious enough for my needs with tea and coffee, water in a small fridge and a wardrobe and drawers for storage. Bathroom had a bath/ shower which worked fine with fresh clean towels provided. Bed was comfy- I did have some noise from the road but as I had the window open, this was to be expected. I ate in the bar with my friends, having the game pie for main with the cheeseboard for dessert. Food was good with decent sized portions and breakfast was included in my very reasonable room rate and again was good- I went for full English. All the staff I met were friendly and helpful so I’m not sure about some of the negative reviews about this place as my experience was very good overall and I am happy to both recommend and will return if I’m back in the area in the future.

The Ram (restaurant) was not having its best night last night and they will need to improve or we won't be returning. Firstly, one of the things wasn't available and the waiter who came back to tell me didn't bring a menu so I could reconsider. He then brought the menu when I asked. We ordered some wine with our main meals which only came about halfway through - and the waiter (a different one) had to come back and check which wine we had ordered because he had forgotten. Then I needed to ask for a steak knife for one of our party because the pork loin couldn't be cut with a dinner knife. My meal was supposed to have hasselback potatoes, but they were just new potatoes with a few slits in the top and hadn't even been roasted as far as I could tell, or maybe for five mins after boiling? I noticed that the people next to us ordered steak but were given no steak knives and the gentleman had to get up and go and ask for them. On the other side of us people sent back their dessert because it was cold. The waiting seemed to be run by gen Z. Not that I've got anything against them, and well done them for having jobs, but perhaps they needed more training or assistance from the older lady who was also around. Goodness knows who was in the kitchen on a Saturday night! Maybe that was sixth formers too?

11 rooms the perfect stay cation inbetween Diss and Long Stratton. 7days a week classic fresh pub food with all the classics plus a hearty Sunday roast / Breakfast / brunch. A Tudor beamed old coaching Inn with winter fire or summer patio. Great friendly service with hidden nooks and crannies. And lots of games / books to borrow. Parking, warm and friendly with tasty food.