You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat in King’s Lynn. The town centre has an eclectic mix of national chains and independent cafes, restaurants and bars, serving a wide range of delectable dishes from traditional British fayre to world cuisine. You can literally dine around the world in King’s Lynn restaurants with no passport required!
There’s something for everyone whatever the occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a spot of retail therapy and fancy a quick bite to eat or you want to make a reservation for a special dinner with friends, you’ll find something to suit your taste buds and budget.
To celebrate all things fabulous about food and drink in King’s Lynn here are a few foodie facts from the Discover King’s Lynn team.
Smiths the Bakers, located at 1 High Street in the historic Saturday Market Place, have had the Royal Warrant since January 1990 for serving the Royal Estate at Sandringham.
You can trace the history of the Royal Warrant back to medieval times when there was fierce competition for Royal favour. By the 15th century, tradespeople were formally appointed with a Royal Warrant of Appointment by the Lord Chamberlain, as head of the Royal Household, this practice continues today. The Royal Warrant Holders Association was established in 1840.
The ornate King John Cup with its gilt and enamel decoration would make a seriously impressive drinking vessel in any age. Despite what its name would have us believe, rather surprisingly the Cup did not belong to King John – it was made more than a hundred years after his death.
Dating from the 14th century, it’s a rare example of a secular medieval cup that could have been made for a prince or baron to drink wine from at prestigious banquets. You can see the King John Cup on display at Stories of Lynn where you’ll discover more about the history of King’s Lynn and the interesting characters that lived here. King’s Lynn is a must visit for culture vultures with its art galleries and museums telling of a fascinating heritage.
Did you know we have our very own distillery in King’s Lynn? You’ll find the WhataHoot Distillery housed in a 17th century warehouse on King Street, a short walk from Tuesday Market Place.
WhataHoot offers a range of locally inspired gins and vodkas, with every bottle hand-distilled.
King’s Lynn eateries take advantage of the amazing produce on their doorstep in Norfolk. Chefs in the town are well placed to source the finest local ingredients from surrounding farms and the nearby coast for you to taste. So, when you eat in King’s Lynn restaurants, get ready to see Samphire, Brancaster mussels, Cromer crab, Binham Blue cheese and other Norfolk favourites on the menu.
Whether you want to dine in, sit outdoors or takeaway, there’s so much choice when it comes to places to eat in King’s Lynn. Lots of cafes, restaurants and bars in the town centre have created new outside dining areas so that you can enjoy food and drink in the sunshine.
In 2016, Journalist, Writer and Broadcaster Jay Rayner visited St Nicholas’ Chapel to record the BBC Radio 4 food panel show, The Kitchen Cabinet.
St Nicholas’ is a magnificent example of early Perpendicular architecture, the church also has possibly the oldest angel roof in East Anglia.
Captain Samuel Gurney Cresswell (1827-1867), the arctic explorer and one of the first men to sail the Northwest passage, was born and raised in The Bank House. The Grade II listed Georgian town house is now a hotel, bar and restaurant.
The Bank House is located on the historic quayside where you’ll find Marriot’s Warehouse and The Rathskeller – all have indoor and outdoor seating. See our Discover Local page for details of places to eat in King’s Lynn.
In around 1580 local merchant Thomas Clayborne is thought to have built Marriot’s Warehouse to house corn, salt and wine. King’s Lynn was a major base for trade with the cities of northern Europe through the Hanseatic League.
The town centre has a number of Merchants’ Houses dating from the time, a reminder of King’s Lynn’s rich maritime heritage. You can enjoy eating alfresco at Marriot’s Warehouse and take in views of the River Great Ouse. At Discover King’s Lynn we love dining with a view! With so many outside seating areas in King’s Lynn there is always something of interest to see.
King’s Lynn Farmers’ Market is held on the 2nd Saturday of every month on the Saturday Market Place between 9am-2pm and is a firm favourite with foodies. You’ll find a great selection of quality, local produce from a variety of local traders. Check out our What’s On page for dates.
Did you know that the oldest-recorded instance of a market on the Saturday Market Place dates back to 1104? The square would have been a hive of activity as medieval market goers bartered for a variety of wares. At Discover King’s Lynn we decided to revive this great tradition. Today market goers mingle with traders and discover their produce in the same way that their medieval ancestors would have done. You’re walking in history when you visit the Farmer’s Market.
Alex Harrison and Stacey Martin, both Catering lecturers from The College of West Anglia in King’s Lynn, competed in this year’s Bake Off: The Professionals on Channel 4.
Visitors to our Farmers’ Market might recognise Alex who owns Harrison Chocolatiers and is a regular stall holder. See our Virtual Farmers Market page for details of local producers.
King’s Lynn has played host to a range of famous faces throughout the ages who may have dined here. According to legend, on 12 October 1216, King John lost the crown jewels in the Wash. Things went from bad to worse for King John as it’s said he died following a fatal case of dysentery he contracted while feasting here. With so many great places to eat in King’s Lynn you don’t need to worry about such things today!
William Shakespeare is said to have performed at St George’s Guildhall in 1593 when London theatres were closed due to plague. Shakespeare’s leading comic actor Robert Armin was born in King’s Lynn in 1565. We wonder what pre-theatre dinners they enjoyed! Today you can choose from a variety of restaurants, cafes and bars both before and after you take in a show.
The Dukes Head hotel, built in 1683 for Sir John Turner MP, has hosted some famous guests over the years including royalty and politicians. When it comes to accommodation in King’s Lynn, there are a range of options to suit solo travellers, friends, couples, and families.
King’s Lynn is a great destination for foodies with something to suit every palate and wallet.
For business opening times and details of adapted food and drink services visit Discover Local.
Wherever you enjoy food and drink in King’s Lynn you are assured of a warm welcome!
📸: © Matthew Usher
📸: © Paul Tibbs
📸: © King John Cup Image Supplied by Stories of Lynn
📸: © Distillery Image Supplied by Whatahoot