Restaurant 1812 — Restaurant in North Norfolk

Restaurant 1812: Fine Dining Arrives in Stalham

In a region better known for its tranquil broads and countryside charm than for culinary innovation, Restaurant 1812 is a brilliant newcomer. Located in a characterful former pub on the staithe in Stalham, in the Norfolk Broads, where fine dining options have long been limited, this small, stylish spot is already making waves — and deservedly so.

At the helm is Chef Lee Tyler, a 35-year-old rising star who brings serious culinary credentials to the table. He trained under Gordon Ramsay, spent four years with Simon Rogan at the 3 Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, and more recently was head chef at Meadowsweet in Holt, with 1 Michelin star. That kind of background sets high expectations, which Chef Lee meets and surpasses, bringing precision and creativity to every dish. His five-course tasting menu is genuinely fantastic — full of freshness and flavour, all beautifully presented. It’s refined food but still comforting and enjoyable, not overly fussy or experimental for the sake of it.

The pacing of the meal is relaxed, allowing diners to savour and reflect between each course. The first course of Roasted Hen of the Wood Risotto and the following course of Mussels with Aubergine and Citrus Kimchi were the standout dishes for my husband and me, but all five courses were exemplary. We also enjoyed the background music featuring a playlist of Cafe del Mar and other chill-out classics.

Equally impressive is the front-of-house team, whose friendliness and enthusiasm set the tone from the moment you step inside, Abbi, the waitress, provides knowledgeable, unpretentious service, while Hayden, the restaurant manager and sommelier, guides diners through the wine pairing with passion and insight. His selections not only complement Chef Lee’s cooking but elevate the entire experience. The harmony between kitchen and dining room is palpable — this is a small team that cares deeply about what they do and work well together.

Restaurant 1812 may be small, but it seems to have big ambitions, and more importantly, the talent to back them up. It’s a revelation for the northern Broads and a destination worth travelling for. In a region that has long yearned for more elevated dining, it offers a taste of the exceptional — without pretension, and with plenty of heart.

Whether you’re a serious foodie or just looking for a special night out, Restaurant 1812 should be top of your list. We can’t...

Restaurant 1812 On arrival we were made to feel very welcome, setting the tone for a lovely evening. The only thing I’d point out was nobody asked if had any intolerances. It just meant I had extra muscles 👍. All courses were beautifully presented and full of flavour, with the standout dish being the North Norfolk venison — absolutely superb. We shared the cheese course, which was a great addition, and particularly loved the artichoke dish.

We started with a bottle of Black Chalk Wild Rosé, a wonderful example of English sparkling wine, and followed with a Bugalugs Barossa Shiraz. The Shiraz was lovely, though served a touch on the cool side — when I mentioned it, I was told it was intentionally served that way, as recommended by the winemaker, which was interesting to learn.

Service throughout was excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Highly...

A beautiful experience. We came for an anniversary meal and the whole evening was wonderful. The space is elegant and calm. The welcome was genuine. My wife's menu was adapted to her pregnancy and the team were well prepared and very slick with seating and serving. The food was beautiful, from start to finish. The menu was creative and precise, the wines matched beautifully. The chef (amazingly given there's only one!) came out to welcome and introduce the dishes.

It is clear an inceredible amount of work has gone into developing 1812. It's paid off, 1812 is a vibrant addition to Norfolk, absolutely worth a visit. We will be back, and can't wait to see this restaraunt go from strength to strength. Thank you, for a very...