The Tobie Norris

The Tobie Norris is a memorable and historic pub that many moons ago was a bell foundry, owned by a Mr Tobias Norris in the 17th century. It’s a special building and character drips from its ancient stone walls, warped timbers and uneven flagstone floors.

This could well be the only building in the world that dates back to the 13th century and waited over 700 years to become a pub for the first time. The Tobie Norris is unique and the way the building’s features, from the open fires to the flagstones and striking wood beams, have been incorporated into the bustling pub is impressive. The recently added modern features such as the new orangery blend in seamlessly.

In total there are seven rooms, each distinct from the other, set over three levels, plus an enclosed patio. Sitting on one of the church pews, beneath a ceiling crisscrossed with gnarled beams that were probably spanking new in Henry VIII’s time, is a pleasant way to enjoy a drink and one of the pub’s trademark pizzas.

Which brings us to The Tobie Norris’s food and drink, which is very decent indeed: on offer are a good array of real ales (with regular guest choices) and wines, nice nibbles, good thin-crust pizzas and tasty, hearty mains packed with big flavours. Local ingredients are used in some dishes – Cote Hill Blue cheese, Tallington lamb and Lincoln Red beef, for example.

One thing to note is The Tobie Norris’s child policy: children over 10 are allowed in at lunchtimes (12pm-2.30pm); the rest of the time it’s over-21s only. Dogs are welcome.

The feel of The Tobie Norris, which is part of KNEAD Pubs, is informal and relaxed, bolstered by good, professional service. Many pubs claim to have character but few have this amount of personality.