Food review: Cricketers on the Green at Aldborough

After one visit, I can safely say The Cricketers on the Green in Aldborough, near Aylsham, is absolutely spot on.  

The place has been transformed by couple Kent Laws and Julie Heakin, who rebranded it from its previous name The Black Boys.  

As well as looking clean and fresh from the outside, it has retained its village pub feel – a vibe that is carried on throughout the inside.  

We were sat inside a cosy nook by the bar, and it was a pleasure to watch the busy comings and goings of drinkers, diners, and locals alike.  

Before arriving, we had checked out the website which promised to offer ingredients sourced as locally as possible. We weren’t disappointed.  

For starters, I opted for the delicate-tasting Italian burrata cheese ball with sweet chilli jam and prosciutto rested on fresh toasted ciabatta (£9), while Mr W. devoured smoked haddock croquettes with cricketers tartare sauce (£9.50p).  

It might be too much to wish for but if this place could bottle up its sauces and sell them for home use, I’d be its first customer.  

There were other desirable options to tempt us, such as a lamb kofta or salmon pate, but we were more than pleased with our choices.  

Next on to the mains, and while we were both tempted by a lamb burger on the specials board, we eventually decided on an Indonesian jackfruit rendang curry (£16) for me, and a Cromer crab and chilli linguine for Mr W. (£18).  

The curry was exquisite. The jackfruit was hearty and flavoursome and the dish was well-rounded with the accompaniment of coriander rice and crushed peanut topping.  

The linguine was served with capers, lemon, and a parmesan croute and is by far one of the nicest pasta dishes either of us had ever had.  

We were stuffed by this point – the portions sizes are decent – but I was not going to give up on trying a dessert.  

And the lemon gin and tonic semifreddo (£7) I selected was the perfect ending to a delicious meal. It was full of all the flavours of summer including tart lemon and rich ice cream, with a shot of gin to wash it all down with. 

This truly is a quintessential village pub but will all the elements of an award-winning restaurant. 

Setting 

This charming pub and restaurant is based in Aldborough in the heart of the north Norfolk’s countryside, nestled on the edge of the village green. 

Value    

Starters range from around £8 with mains from £15. There is a decent bar snack menu too from £3.50. Our meal (two courses with two drinks each plus one dessert) came too £78. 

Drinks 

All the usual suspects you would find at a pub, although I was pleasantly surprised to find two options of non-alcoholic fruit cider. Full discloure... I could have sat on the green and sipped the house pinot all day long. 

Toilets    

I always love it when a toilet puts up some quirky artwork, and The Cricketers is no exception. Clean, fairly roomy, and perfectly functionally. 

Accessibility    

There is gravel at the front of the building which may cause an issue for wheelchairs users or individuals with mobility needs. I couldn’t obviously see dietary options, such as gluten free, but a call ahead could probably answer any questions about accessibility. 

Service   

The staff were so lovely! We were made to feel like part of the furniture while being treated like celebrities. The wait time on our food was perfect and we felt like part of The Cricketers family here. A great community. 

Highlight    

The highlight for both of us was seeing a village pub thriving. I don’t think we’ve been anywhere with such buzz and atmosphere since pre-covid. What a delight. The pub has all the potential to flourish. 

In summary   

Whether it’s a pint and a snack you’re after, a quick bite to eat after a long day, or a special three-course meal to celebrate, this place is a must and should be on every foodies ‘visit list’. 

Disclaimer   

Our food reviews are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited. The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review and bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications. 

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