In town for the sales and looking for someplace new and different to eat, shop or visit? Let the TDN help! Following up on our popular Best Bets on the Jersey Shore series during Breeders' Cup week, TDN subscribers now regularly recommend dining and shopping options to our out-of-town readers.

THE DABBLING DUCK (Newmarket, England - Dining)

11 Abbey Road, Great Massingham, Norfolk, PE32 2HN
Phone: +44 (0) 1485 520827
Web: www.thedabblingduck.co.uk
Type: Pub and restaurant

Set in the heart of a picturesque Norfolk village, The Dabbling Duck is situated less than an hour from Newmarket and within a stone's throw of The Royal Studs. The pub and restaurant, refurbished and re-opened in 2006, takes its name from a line in The Wind in the Willows--"ducks go a dabbling-up tails all!"--and is located in the shadows of the 12th century St Mary's church where Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, was educated in his early years. The hand-crafted bar, which features a mural of Norfolk detailing the sources of local ingredients, is stocked with an exciting array of real ales and ciders, and also offers a good selection of wines. It is manned by a team of friendly and helpful staff. The menu reflects the seasons and, wherever possible, is sourced locally. If you don't try the locally reared steak from the Holkham Estate, the locally harvested Brancaster Mussels in garlic and thyme are a must, either as a starter or main course. The delicious Norfolk asparagus wrapped in Parma ham is an alternative starter. The Cley Smokehouse, situated on the nearby North Norfolk coast, supplies a range of produce to the restaurant and is renowned for its freshly smoked kippers and smoked prawns, which are also highlights on an extensive menu. The Dabbling Duck, which hosts its own beer festival in July, is a traditional rural hostelry with large open log fires and three restaurant areas, including one dubbed ‘the library.’ It also offers accommodation for those wishing to get away from the crowd. As well as occasional live music and poetry readings, local attractions include Houghton Hall, which hosts the internationally renowned Horse Trials every May. Alternatively, just sit and watch the world--and the ducks!--go by as you enjoy your meal. The website is a useful source for menus, wine lists and much more. Check out the positioning at www.multimap.com/maps/?&hloc=GB|PE322HN.

-- Sean Cronin, TDN Europe

To see the original PDF with all the writeups from 7/8/08 (Tattersalls July Sale), click here.

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