The Gin Trap Inn

The story

The Gin Trap Inn: AA-Rosette Modern British Dining in Ringstead

A coaching inn with a modern palate

The Gin Trap Inn serves Modern British cooking within a 17th-century coaching inn in Ringstead, Norfolk, a building that has hosted farmers, fishermen, and smugglers since 1668. The interior merges the texture of a 350-year-old structure with modern comforts, creating a relaxed environment described by the owners as their own version of George Orwell's beloved Moon Under Water. This coastal village setting grounds the dining experience in place, offering space for regulars and visitors alike to gather around substantial plates.

Simplicity and detail from land, shore and sea

The kitchen operates under a philosophy of simplicity and detail, supported by the 2026 AA Rosette award for culinary excellence. Ingredients arrive from Norfolk's breadbasket and the nearby sea, sourced through direct relationships with suppliers who value craft. Dishes embrace seasonal best, moving between the cosy comfort of the main menu and specific highlights like the Norfolk whisky porridge or a carefully prepared Sunday roast. The approach treats local produce as the primary focus, allowing the natural flavours of land, shore, and sea to define the plates rather than heavy technique.

Spirits and seasonal comforts

The beverage programme centres on an extensive collection of gins, a nod to the inn's name and a feature the staff actively discuss with guests. Wines, bitters, and ciders complement the spirit-heavy list, providing options for those preferring different pours. Service extends into the pub garden, where tables sit close to the wild North Norfolk coast, bridging the gap between the indoor dining room and the surrounding countryside. This layout allows the kitchen's output to pair naturally with the relaxed pace of a coastal village pub.