Be at the heart of the culinary action at these Norfolk pubs and restaurants, where the chefs cook up a storm in an open kitchen.

Eastern Daily Press: Owners Dan Lawrence and Natalie Stuhler at Socius in Burnham Market, which has an open kitchen Picture: Denise BradleyOwners Dan Lawrence and Natalie Stuhler at Socius in Burnham Market, which has an open kitchen Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradleyy)

1. Socius, Burnham Market

This popular restaurant, previously named the best in England at the AA Hospitality Awards, was opened by couple Natalie Stuhler and Dan Lawrence in 2018 and it serves modern British tapas. 

The large open kitchen is on the ground floor and counter dining is available on the Socius Kitchen Table. 

READ MORE: Norfolk restaurant named among UK's best for counter dining

Eastern Daily Press: George Wood, the head chef of Brix and Bones, in the kitchen Picture: Chris Harvey VisualsGeorge Wood, the head chef of Brix and Bones, in the kitchen Picture: Chris Harvey Visuals (Image: Chris Harvey Visuals)

2. Brix and Bones, Norwich

When you book a table at Brix and Bones, located above Gonzo's Tea Room, you can opt for a spot on the counter with the best seat in the house to watch the open-fire cooking. 

The head chef is George Wood and the restaurant was named one of the top 100 local restaurants in the UK in the Good Food Guide 2023. 

Eastern Daily Press: Chefs Hazel Yuill and Liam Nichols in the open kitchen at Store in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Fixr Chefs Hazel Yuill and Liam Nichols in the open kitchen at Store in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Fixr (Image: Fixr)

3. Store, Stoke Holy Cross

At Store, nestled in the back room of Stoke Mill, chefs Liam Nichols and Hazel Yuill prove that cooking is truly an art form.

The restaurant recently retained its Michelin star for a second year and diners get a front-row seat as tasting menus are prepared in an open kitchen.

READ MORE: World's biggest chicken wing festival expanding into Norwich

Eastern Daily Press: There is cooking over an open fire in the Elk Room at The Gunton Arms Picture: The Gunton ArmsThere is cooking over an open fire in the Elk Room at The Gunton Arms Picture: The Gunton Arms (Image: The Gunton Arms)

4. The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market

This charming gastropub, which was named one of the top 20 in the UK in the prestigious Estrella Damm 2024 list, is set within an extensive deer park.

One of the big draws for diners is its Elk Room, where head chef Stuart Tattersall cooks meat, such as sirloin steak and Gunton venison sausages, over an open fire.

READ MORE: Norfolk gastropub launches 'ultimate feasting experience' with tapas

Eastern Daily Press: Counter dining at The Suffield Arms in Thorpe Market Picture: Suffield ArmsCounter dining at The Suffield Arms in Thorpe Market Picture: Suffield Arms (Image: Suffield Arms)

5. The Suffield Arms, Thorpe Market

Just a stone's throw away from The Gunton Arms, sister pub The Suffield Arms serves tapas and Mediterranean dishes. 

In the restaurant area, there is a long bar lining the main wall with stall seating and a view directly into the bustling kitchen.