The Jolly Sailors is an 18th century coastal pub in Brancaster, serving British pub classics, stone-baked pizzas, fresh local seafood and smokehouse specials in a relaxed seaside setting. An award-winning venue that has been voted the nation’s favourite family pub, it has become a well-established destination for walkers, families and dog owners, offering informal dining just moments from the shoreline.
The pub's whitewashed exterior with blue detailing opens into cosy interiors featuring exposed brick walls, wooden tables and a central bar anchoring the space. The atmosphere is unfussy and welcoming, with muddy boots and four-legged companions welcomed. Dogs are provided with blankets and treats, reinforcing its reputation as a dog-friendly Norfolk pub.
Head chef Nick Ramsay oversees a menu that blends traditional pub dishes with Jolly Smokehouse specials inspired by his low and slow cooking style. Starters include prawn cocktail, beer-battered cod cheeks and crispy sticky chicken. Burgers range from beef and chicken to pulled pork and spicy bean, while larger plates feature Big Nick’s chicken curry, steak and ale pie and rump steak with chips.
Thin base stone-baked pizzas are a key draw, including a triple cheese Margherita with Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella, the Nice and Spicy topped with pepperoni, chorizo and jalapenos, and the Jolly Smokehouse Special with hickory smoked pulled pork, red onions and sweetcorn. Desserts such as warm triple chocolate brownie, sticky toffee pudding and steamed treacle sponge complete the menu, alongside set options suited to group dining.
A dedicated children’s menu ensures families are well catered for, while Sunday roasts such as top side of beef, slow-cooked pork shoulder and their nutless roast are served with traditional trimmings. The drinks list includes beers, ciders, wines and spirits, plus a dedicated rum menu featuring Norfolk producers as well as bottles from the Caribbean and South America.