Find out why the Dutch went crazy for this Wymondham pub.
Nestled in the heart of Wymondham is a place that was once one of the Netherlands Board of Tourism's 10 best reasons to visit Britain.
And it wasn't the famous Abbey that got the Dutch so excited, but a refurbished pub that has been pulling pints – and pulling in punters – for the best part of 700 years.
MORE: The Ribs of Beef, Norwich, Great Norfolk Pub Guide: 'Quietly bewitching all-comers'
Now, hear the word 'refurb' and you could be forgiven for thinking that builders had gone wild on a mission to 'modernise and magnolia' all before them.
But The Green Dragon's refurb is refreshing because it has brought a gorgeous medieval haunt bang up to date by taking it right back in time – to the 14th century when its life as a working tavern began.
Time has been taken to preserve and showcase the wobbly walls, the history etched into every nook and cranny, and even the scorch marks left by Wymondham's Great Fire of 1615.
The three bedrooms that once took space upstairs have been cleared to make way for The Den, a new bar that looks every inch an elegant old English gentleman's club. Downstairs it's the polar opposite of open plan, with little corridors and hideaways everywhere that only enhance the sense of cosy community that has seen The Green Dragon named South Norfolk Community Pub of the Year from 2011 to 2016.
The food is pub-grub-great and its wonderful selection of over 50 real ales and ciders has seen The Green Dragon listed in the Good Beer Guide every year since 2010.
It also regularly plays host to talented locals – from the Invidia Rock & Soul Choir and the Wymondham Ukulele Club to anyone who fancies taking on the Dragonfest open mic night.
Twice a year, over the May and August bank holidays, The Green Dragon puts on a real ale, cider and music festival that draws in hundreds of revellers from all around.
When landlord Justin Harvey, took on The Green Dragon seven years ago he recalls a tavern looking every one of its well advancing years.
It was a pub out of puff but the magic is now restored. And if you don't believe us, just ask the Dutch! Watch The Great Norfolk Pub Guide on The Mustard Show – Friday 6.30pm, Freeview Ch 7 or Virgin 159 – or catch up on via Norfolk Now on YouTube
Need to know
Opening hours (for non-residents): Monday to Thursday 12noon to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 12noon to midnight, Sunday 12noon to 10.30pm.
Food: Leesa Arrowsmith moved across to The Green Dragon with Justin seven years ago, and she's been cooking up a storm in its kitchens ever since. Expect pub grub classics with an extra touch of class, and some special dishes that go way beyond.
Popular dishes include the build-your-own 'Dragon Burger' to beer battered fish'n'chips. That beer batter has also inspired a delightful tempura halloumi and the menu – for mains and bar snacks - is constantly updated with local seasonal extras to tickle any tastebud.
Six of the best with Justin Harvey, Landlord, The Green Dragon.
1. When's the best time to visit your pub?
Anytime is great!
2. What's the best memory you have of your pub?
Getting that award from the Netherlands for being one of the top destinations in the UK.
3. What's the best drink you serve?
Any ale is delicious here.
4. What's the best dish on the menu?
Today it's the plaice – it's delicious with the new potatoes and salad.
5. What's the best hangover cure known to Man?
One of our Sunday roasts without a doubt – and maybe a pint for breakfast!
6. And finally, what's the best pub in Norfolk (apart from yours)?
I'm going to say three. The Fat Cat Brewery Tap, The Beehive on Leopold Road and The Plasterers Arms.
The Great Norfolk Pub Guide is in association with Lacons.
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