Steak In The Stix At The Ratcatchers Reviews
So, picture this: you’re craving a steak. Not just any steak, but the kind that makes you close your eyes and hum like a happy cow. You’ve heard whispers about a place called...
So, picture this: you’re craving a steak. Not just any steak, but the kind that makes you close your eyes and hum like a happy cow. You’ve heard whispers about a place called The Ratcatchers. And you definitely heard the legend of their “Steak In The Stix.” Intriguing name, right? It sounds like something you’d order while wearing a rubber boot and a trench coat.
First Impressions: Not a Rat in Sight
Let’s get the obvious joke out of the way. No, The Ratcatchers does not serve rat. At least, not that I saw. The name is old-timey, probably from a pub that once had a rodent problem. Now they just catch hungry customers with the smell of charred beef. The building itself is a cozy, stone-walled haven tucked away on a quiet country lane. “The Stix” part of the name makes total sense—you drive through fields, past a sheep or two, and wonder if your GPS has lost its mind.
The Main Event: Steak In The Stix
You order the signature dish: Steak In The Stix. It arrives on a wooden board that looks like it was carved from a tree in the parking lot. The steak is a massive, thick-cut ribeye, glistening with butter and a crust that is crackly perfection. It sits there, smug and magnificent, like a celebrity who doesn’t have to try.
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The first bite? Wow. It’s tender enough to cut with a stern look. The flavor is beefy, smoky, and has a hint of garlic that whispers, “I’m fancy, but I’m also your best friend.” The chips (fries, to you Americans) are triple-cooked and salted like a sailor’s vocabulary. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and dangerously addictive.
And then there’s the gravy. Oh, the gravy. It’s a peppery, beefy river of joy that you will want to drink with a straw. The waitress will bring extra, and you will not be ashamed to ask for a third. You are not just a diner; you are a gravy explorer.
The Sides: Supporting Actors Who Steal the Show
You can get a side of roasted bone marrow. Yes, bone marrow. It comes with little toast soldiers and a sprinkle of sea salt. You scoop it out with a tiny spoon, spread it on the bread, and suddenly your life has purpose. It’s buttery, rich, and feels like a hug from a cow who really loved you.
The Ratcatchers - Norwich, Norfolk | favouritetable
Another option is the “Stix Mushrooms” – wild fungi sautéed in garlic and thyme. They are so earthy and juicy, you half expect them to start telling you about their micro-dose of truffle oil. They pair with the steak like peanut butter and jelly, but for grown-ups who pay taxes.
The Atmosphere: Rowdy, Warm, and a Little Wonky
The pub is loud in the best way. You hear laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional bark of a dog who’s snuck under the table. The staff are brilliantly sarcastic and efficient. Our waitress, a woman named Brenda who looked like she’d seen it all, called me “sweetheart” and then warned me not to waste the sauce. I respected her deeply.
The décor is pure countryside chaos: old horse brasses, a dartboard that’s seen better days, and a framed photo of a very grumpy cat. It feels like a pub that has been lived in, not decorated. There’s no background music, just the symphony of happy mouths eating. It’s perfect.
THE RATCATCHERS, Norwich - 2026 Reviews & Information
The Price: Worth Every Penny (and a Few More)
Let’s talk money. The Steak In The Stix is not cheap. It’s about £30-£35 depending on the cut. But honestly? Worth it. In a world of sad, chewy supermarket steaks, this is a masterpiece. You pay for the quality, the atmosphere, and the memory of that first bite. Plus, you’ll probably take home leftovers, which means tomorrow’s lunch is also a winner.
Pro tip: Check if they have a “Steak Tuesday” deal. Sometimes they do a cheaper version with rump steak and a drink. It’s still delicious, but missing that bone-marrow magic. If you go, go big. You deserve it. You work hard. You’ve earned a steak that makes you forget your Wi-Fi password.
Conclusion: Go Forth and Eat Beef
If you want a meal that feels like a celebration, even if it’s a random Wednesday, head to The Ratcatchers. The Steak In The Stix is not just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of place where you leave with a full belly, a happy heart, and a little bit of garlic butter on your chin that you refuse to wipe off because it smells amazing.
So, grab your friends, your appetite, and a very forgiving pair of stretchy trousers. Go find The Ratcatchers. And when you order the Steak In The Stix, tell them the gravy-loving person from the internet sent you. They’ll probably just roll their eyes, but that’s part of the charm. Eat well, laugh hard, and remember: life is too short for bad steak.