This restaurant may look Victorian from the outside, but as Jessica Long explains it's very much of the moment.

Norwich Evening News: Mulberry Tree bar . Picture Jessica LongMulberry Tree bar . Picture Jessica Long (Image: Jessica Long)

Interior/Atmosphere

A casual yet contemporary bar-cum-restaurant in a large Victorian building, it seems very upmarket but with friendly staff and comfy seating you quickly feel at ease. There is a large beer garden which looks like it would be great in the summer and there are bonus marks for the twinkling lights inside which give it a special touch.

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Food

Norwich Evening News: The Mulberry Tree hotel and restaurant in Attleborough. Photograph Simon ParkerThe Mulberry Tree hotel and restaurant in Attleborough. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

To start with we both ordered crispy breaded halloumi which came with buffalo chilli sauce, blue cheese dip and was served on a celery salad.

I was concerned that we would end up with three tiny pieces of cheese but we were actually treated to five decent size bites which made it a perfect starter size. The halloumi was soft yet salty and the chilli sauce gave it just enough of a fiery kick before it was balanced out by the cool blue cheese dip.

For my main course I went for my favourite fish, hake, which came with caramelised shallot, roasted parsnips and carrots, kale, roast potatoes a roast vegetable sauce and it was topped off with some crispy whitebait.

The fish was soft and melted in the mouth and worked brilliantly with the slightly sweet sauce which enhanced the flavour rather than overpowering it. The whitebait was a welcome surprise adding a different texture to the dish.

Norwich Evening News: The Mulberry Tree hotel and restaurant in Attleborough. Photograph Simon ParkerThe Mulberry Tree hotel and restaurant in Attleborough. Photograph Simon Parker (Image: Archant)

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My dining partner, Charlotte, went for the famous Mulberry burger and topped it with camembert and onion jam. The burger was massive and came with a decent size portion of chips (which meant there was enough to dip in my sauce) but sadly for Charlotte is was slightly too big for her to finish.

Even though we were both very full at this point we felt they we couldn't pass on dessert. For me the choice was difficult as I have a very sweet tooth but in the end we both went for the caramelised lemon tart which was served with raspberries and blackberries, meringue and lemon sorbet.

Norwich Evening News: Mulberry burger. Picture Jessica LongMulberry burger. Picture Jessica Long (Image: Jessica Long)

I have eaten a lot of tarts in my time but this was one of the best ones I have ever had. The lemon was sharp yet irresistible, the sorbet was very refreshing and there was sweetness from the crunchy meringues. Coincidently my twin brother and his girlfriend were dining on the table next to us so we had a quick look at their desserts of sticky toffee pudding and creme caramel which looked equally as delicious.

Drink

We shared a bottle of pinot grigio which hit the spot but the bar had a wide selection of tempting drinks from real ales to a cucumber and elderflower Collins cocktail.

Service

Norwich Evening News: Lemon tart. Picture Jessica LongLemon tart. Picture Jessica Long (Image: Jessica Long)

I can't fault it. We went to the bar first instead of the restaurant but we were taken straight through to our table and offered drinks straight away. The food came out at a good pace leaving us enough time to gossip through courses and we never felt rushed.

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Loos

Norwich Evening News: Pan caramelised hake. Picture Jessica LongPan caramelised hake. Picture Jessica Long (Image: Jessica Long)

Very clean with a good choice of potions and lotions but the highlight was the full length mirror which was ideal for a quick glance on the way back to the restaurant.

Parking

There is parking for a good number of cars outside the building but if you find it is are full Edenside Drive car park is less than a five minute walk away.

Location

It is in a great spot between the train station and the town centre so suits visitors and locals alike.

Price

It is probably one of the more expensive places to eat in Attleborough but what you get is well worth the extra few pounds. Main courses are priced between £11.50 and £19.50 but there is a more purse friendly bar menu with a selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads.

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Highlight

It has to be the lemon tart. It is a staple dessert but the it was done in such a way that would make me want to come back just for that...and maybe a bite of halloumi.

In Summary

It may be situated in a small Norfolk market town but the food on order would not be out of place in a trendy London restaurant. The food is definitely a treat but with the extensive drinks menu it is well worth a visit for the bar alone.