Review of Farmers Arms in South Wootton on outskirts of King’s Lynn: Olde-worlde charm and some lovely food on a drab day

I’ve many happy memories of The Farmers Arms over the years. From Thursday afternoon interviews 30 years ago with former Linnets manager John Gidman (who insisted on press briefings in the pub!) to Bank Holiday visits before the licensing laws changed, meaning my friends and I needed a constant plate of sandwiches on the go to keep being served drinks.

There was also a disastrous date, but I digress… fact is, I’d not been to what was once a regular haunt for many years and my wife and I were hoping a lunch date while in Lynn might help cheer up a drab, dreary Monday off work.

First impressions were favourable as the exposed brick walls of the original farmhouse, stables and grain stores which were restored to house this charming country pub and restaurant are still offering their olde-worlde charm.

The ceiling beams add to this feel, as do the nooks and crannies providing lovely, secluded dining booths alongside the restaurant’s more open-plan seating. And even at 1pm on a Monday there were plenty of people about.

The menu is pretty impressive too, with lots of vegetarian and vegan options, light bites and full dishes, as well as a gluten-free menu.

After checking how things work these days at the Farmers (you choose your food from menus placed on the table and order at a booth near the entrance), I ordered a pint of San Miguel and Josi a medium Pinto Grigio, total price £12.30.

I fancied a starter and my wife was quite easily persuaded to join me! I chose the Rendang bites (£8.50) which were spicy Indonesian-style potato balls with a fresh and tangy tomato relish. Josi opted for goat’s cheese, caramelised onions and truffle oil arancini balls (£8.25) - these came with a tasty cranberry dip, although she thought a bit of salad would have been nice too.

Other starters included soup, prawn cocktail and nachos (all on the gluten-free menu), plus halloumi sticks.

The mushroom bourguignon pie (£16) was my choice of main course and it came with new potatoes, peas and a lovely rich gravy. The mushrooms had a tender beef-like quality and the pastry was not too heavy - lovely.

Josi did want the Farmers calzone but when this was unavailable she plumped for the chicken and bacon salad which consisted of a creamy coleslaw centre surrounded by lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion salad, topped with the meats and finished with croutons and a dressing which she found delicious.

Other salads and classics such as chilli, lasagne, curry, burgers and bangers and mash were also on the mains list, along with steaks, fish, stir-fries and an impressive list of specials. Although our drinks selections were not the most exciting, there was a vast range of draft beers, spirits, cocktails and soft drinks (hot and cold) too.

We didn’t go for desserts but did see plenty of options, including chocolate truffle torte, cheesecake, crumble, brownies, waffles and ice cream.

So, did the Farmers Arms live up to my expectations? The £61.05 bill certainly wasn’t cheap but the food was fresh and decently presented, the drinks pleasant and the atmosphere warm and inviting - even on a Monday lunchtime. So yes, I’ll be back and it won’t be 30 years this time.

Ratings out of five:

Food: A wide range of options and we feel we made good choices. ****

Drink: Can’t go wrong with a lager and a white wine, but the drinks list was impressive. ****

Price: Two courses each plus a drink each meant £61 was neither cheap or expensive. ***

Decor: Lovely, warm and comfy surroundings. ****

Staff: Pleasant, friendly and helpful. ****