Black Boys Hotel

This historic inn is widely celebrated for its outstanding food and charming pub atmosphere, making it a memorable destination in a small market town. Its signature feature is the consistently praised dining experience, drawing guests from afar. The hotel is an excellent fit for couples seeking a cozy getaway, families looking for generous meals and a welcoming environment, and especially dog owners who appreciate the accommodating policy. Sightseers and cyclists exploring the Norfolk area also find it a convenient and comfortable base. To make the most of your stay, guests highly recommend booking a table for dinner in advance due to its popularity and arriving with a hearty appetite, as portions are famously generous.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a welcoming and lively atmosphere, particularly in its bar area, which is well-stocked with a good selection of spirits and beers. For dining, guests frequently mention the heated marquee or gazebo as a comfortable and spacious option, even offering blankets on cooler days. There is also a pleasant outside area for drinking and eating, allowing guests to enjoy the market square ambiance. While the hotel maintains its historic charm, some guests note that certain public areas, including stair carpets, appear a little worn out and could benefit from refurbishment. However, the overall consensus is that the facilities contribute positively to the hotel's unique character.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is generally positive, with many describing rooms as clean and comfortable. The beds are often highlighted as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some rooms are noted to be small or have sloping floors due to the building's age, which occasionally impacts sleep quality. Noise can be a concern for some, with mentions of traffic noise from adjoining roads and bar noise or kitchen noise from rooms located above the pub. Rooms are typically well-furnished and include coffee/tea facilities, though some guests found the amenities basic. While some rooms can be hot during warmer periods, a fan is often provided.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's food quality is overwhelmingly praised as a major highlight, consistently described as excellent, superb, and outstanding. Guests rave about the generous portions, often noting that they are massive and offer great value. The breakfast receives particular acclaim, with the Full English being a standout, described as delicious and hearty enough to last all day. Sunday roast dinners are also highly recommended, along with a variety of other dishes like burgers, fish dishes, and unique options such as chilli beef stir-fry. The restaurant atmosphere is lively and bustling, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience, though a few isolated incidents of slow service or lukewarm food have been reported during peak times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly desirable central location in the charming market town of Aylsham, placing guests within easy walking distance of local shops and the Market Place. It serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Bure Valley Railway and Blickling Hall. While the hotel offers parking at the rear, spaces can be limited, especially during busy periods. Guests often find additional parking available in the town square, which is typically free after 6 PM and for the first hour during the day. This convenient accessibility to both local amenities and regional sights makes it a popular choice for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Many guests highlight how the team goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, from assisting with parking to providing excellent service in the restaurant. The dog-friendly approach of the staff is frequently mentioned and appreciated by guests traveling with pets. While the service is generally described as quick service and efficient, particularly in the busy dining areas, a few guests have noted occasional delays during peak times or a slow check-in process with limited initial information. Overall, the staff's dedication significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is a historic building with an old-world charm, which contributes to its unique character but also means some areas, particularly the public spaces and certain rooms, show signs of age and could benefit from refurbishment. A notable aspect of the hotel's operation is its dual identity as both a pub and a restaurant; some guests have observed that the pub/restaurant setup can lead to congestion around the bar area, making it challenging for those only seeking drinks to find seating. The hotel maintains a very welcoming dog-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for many visitors. While the food is highly rated, a few isolated instances of issues with takeaway options have been reported.