Arriving at the Townhouse 2 miles outside Norwich at mid-Friday afternoon we found the car park in front of the hotel packed, but soon found space at the side once someone had moved and revealed the entrance. The reason for the crowd - all day carvery for £3.50 Monday to Saturday.

The hotel itself is a series of very old buildings joined together and with a conservatory on the back overlooking a charming garden leading down to the river. You can eat in the garden too.

We were quickly checked in and my wife's case was carried to the room. The bedroom itself was fairly plain but adequately furnished and overlooking the river. The bathroom was really squeezed into the tiniest space possible with basin, shower and toilet. There are plenty of towels and you can have more on request. Although there is only liquid soap, the hotel offers any toiletries, toothbrush, comb etc gratis on request - so you could turn up in just the clothes you stand in.

There is the... more