The Place
This is the sister hotel of The Rose & Crown in Snettisham. It’s just as quirky and historic as its sibling. The Grade II listed Georgian townhouse started life as the home of a rich King’s Lynn merchant, but in the 1780s was set up as the first branch of what is now Barclays Bank. A dent in the wooden floor is still visible, maybe left behind by the nervous shuffling of 18thC account holders.
Careful design – exposed beams, sconce lights, old prints – brings out the history of the building, but this place is far from old fashioned. Comfy chairs decorate the west-facing waterside terrace outside, whilst inside the armchairs are bright green and magenta. Rooms are bright, airy and each individually decorated, although some are a little small: taller guests might suffer a few knocks from the low beams. Most have river views, while a few look out on to King’s Staithe Square.
The brasserie and bar are relaxed and welcoming, made up of a number of different areas from which you can choose according to how formal you’re feeling. We think that the most sympathetic area is the former counting house – all dark, polished wood and original flooring. Two new dining rooms The Boardroom and The Billiards room have been added recently, both smaller and work better when reserved for private dining.
Dishes vary from the standard (burgers) to the exotic, and are prepared using local ingredients whenever possible. Bank House is brilliantly situated for the nearby Corn Exchange and Arts Centre, and pre-and post-theatre dining can be arranged on request.