Simon ParkinWHERE IS IT? This is one of those great Sunday afternoon pubs. An enviable location, next to the parish church and just over the road from the riverside Thorpe Green, means it's a perfect starting and finishing place for a walk along the River Yare or across into nearby Whitlingham Country Park.Simon Parkin

WHERE IS IT?

This is one of those great Sunday afternoon pubs. An enviable location, next to the parish church and just over the road from the riverside Thorpe Green, means it's a perfect starting and finishing place for a walk along the River Yare or across into nearby Whitlingham Country Park. The car park is at the roadside, while the entrance is up a yard that eventually leads to a house and Thorpe St Andrew Parish Church, whose grounds are worth a stroll.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Dating back as a pub to 1830, it's a Russian doll of a building. Sitting at right angles to the road and river, its several once separate cottages, each getting bigger. They look like they could fit inside one another. Anyone over 6ft will have to duck their head to get inside. This pub dates back to when patrons were a smaller breed. Once through the door though you are in a flagstone-floored area by the bar. At the front is a tiny seating area in the bay-window overlooking the river. At the back is a small room, with dining tables. It's all very higgledy-piggledy, with plenty of character and a certain charm. The d�cor has been given a revamp by new owners Indulge (the people behind Beluga) with modern soft furnishings.

THE DRINKS

A good selection of real ales, Adnams Bitter, Woodforde's Wherry, London Pride, and rotating guest beers. Excellent wine list.

THE FOOD

Menu that mixes modern takes on classics like bangers and mash and fish and chips with more adventurous fare like slow roast duck legs. They are currently doing two courses with wine for �20 (Wed-Sat). Great bar snacks and a lunchtime sandwich menu too.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

There's a gaming machine crammed in, but otherwise the attractions are the real thing: the company and the beer. Saturday nights they host regular live music, which draws in a healthy crowd, and the food is popular, particularly on Sundays.

THE REGULARS

The popular location means it gets busy throughout the year, and being small, things can get cosy. A lot of passing trade, people who come specifically for the food, but mainly people exploring and enjoying the riverside. Take a stroll, work up an appetite, and you could do worse then drawing up a stool and refreshing drink here.

t Buck Inn, Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, 01603 434682, www.mybuckinn.com