The Dun Cow Salthouse Review

A cosy winter lunch at The Dun Cow, Salthouse

One of the things we love most about staying on the North Norfolk coast is that it’s just as special in winter as it is in the height of summer. There’s something wonderfully bracing about a coastal walk on a grey January day — windswept skies, salty air and wide open marshes — made even better when you know there’s a warm, welcoming pub waiting at the end of it.

On a recent wet and wintry January afternoon, we visited The Dun Cow in Salthouse, and it couldn’t have been more perfectly timed.

A warm welcome from the cold

After a damp walk around the nearby market town of Holt, stepping inside The Dun Cow felt like instant comfort. The pub has a lovely traditional feel, full of character and charm, and the huge log burner was blazing away, filling the room with warmth and that unmistakable cosy glow that only a real fire can give. It was the kind of place where you immediately want to take off your coat, settle in and relax.

Despite the gloomy weather outside, the atmosphere inside was cheerful and inviting. It’s also dog friendly, which is always a big plus for visitors to the area. Dogs were welcome  adding to the relaxed, homely feel — ideal after a muddy coastal walk.

Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere

The staff were genuinely friendly, welcoming and helpful, taking the time to make sure everyone was comfortable and happy. Although we visited on a Thursday and it was fairly quiet, the service was impressively quick without ever feeling rushed — just calm, attentive and well paced.

It felt like the sort of place where you could happily linger over a drink, especially on a winter’s day when there’s nowhere else you need to be.

We arrived a little later than planned — it was around 3pm by the time we got there — and after a long morning antiqueing in Holt we were absolutely ravenous. We were so pleased to discover that The Dun Cow serves food all day, which took away any worry about having missed lunch. It was such a relief to be able to sit down, warm up by the enormous cast iron radiator that was next to the table we chose and order a proper meal without feeling rushed or out of place. The dogs immediately felt relaxed, and went to sleep under the table.

Comforting food done well

For lunch, we chose the fish and chips and the gnocchi of the day, and both dishes were absolutely delicious. Mike had a glass a hald pint of a local Woodfords wherry (a local bitter) and I had a flat white.

The fish and chips were everything you hope for from a good coastal pub — perfectly cooked fish with crisp, golden batter, fluffy chips and a generous portion that felt satisfying without being heavy.

The gnocchi of the day was equally impressive: warming, comforting and full of flavour. It was exactly the kind of dish you crave when it’s cold and wet outside — hearty, well balanced and thoughtfully prepared.

A perfect winter stop on the North Norfolk coast

What made the visit particularly memorable was how perfectly The Dun Cow suited the season. While it’s easy to picture it bustling on a sunny summer’s day with views across the marshes, it truly shines in winter as a cosy refuge from the elements.

For guests staying at Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney, Salthouse is just a short drive or making The Dun Cow an ideal stop after exploring the coast. Whether you’re visiting in winter with walking boots and waterproofs, or in warmer months with the dog in tow, it’s a pub that feels welcoming, relaxed and reliably good.

If you’re looking for somewhere warm, dog friendly and comforting after a North Norfolk adventure, The Dun Cow is well worth a visit — especially on a blustery January day when a roaring fire and a good meal are exactly what’s needed.