Where to eat in 2025
9th April 2025
Sarah Hardy reports on 10 new-look places to try this year
White Horse, Holme-next-the-Sea
A new bakery with a store and cafe is set to open at this popular pub – hopefully in early April. Run by head baker Toby Doy, a second-generation baker who started out in Southwold, the bakery will operate seven days a week, producing sourdoughs, focaccia, baguettes and a wide range of viennoiserie – all created using locally milled flour. Goods will be available to buy, and the bakery will also supply the pub.
Adjoining the bakery is a renovated barn where a new cafe is being created which also boasts outdoor seating so people can enjoy the breads and pastries both in the cafe or as a takeaway. The Grade II listed pub is owned by Anglian Country Inns who also own The White Horse and The Jolly Sailors in Brancaster Staithe.
Byfords, Holt
It’s hard to believe but this popular cafe celebrates its 25th birthday this year. And to mark this special anniversary, several improvements are being made. There’s a new entrance (which actually uses the original entrance) and, at the same time, the loo corridor is being blocked off so you don’t have to queue or squeeze past people to get into the cafe or nip to the toilets! There are also new stairs to the cellar. Byfords Store is changing into a residents’ bar and lounge and six of the bedrooms are being refreshed. There’s always a lovely laid-back atmosphere; menus change frequently and do remember their afternoon tea – it’s a real treat.
Jarrolds Letheringsett
Now under the ownership of Norwich department store, Jarrolds, this fantastic farm shop, complete with butchery, deli counter and cafe, is gearing up for a busy spring. Kitchen renovations have taken place and the cafe now serves food from 8.30am to 3pm, seven days a week, and there’s a new children’s menu. Look out for an extensive breakfast/brunch selection with, of course, the essential full English available. The 200-year-old barn offers a beautiful setting and, as the weather improves, the garden, packed with lavenders, alliums and vines, is the perfect place to relax and enjoy refreshments. The farm shop is well stocked with local producers – including a good wine cellar. It’s dog friendly, too.
The Stables, Blickling
The popular cafe at Blickling Hall, the National Trust property near Aylsham, has sprung back into life after a refurb, which has seen new furniture, a lick of paint and more space between tables so there’s better access. The cafe is still offering a great selection of soups, one pot wonders, sandwiches, salads, cakes and more – and there’s always plenty for vegans and vegetarians. Cream teas are a good reward after a bracing walk around the parkland. But it’s a no to your four-legged friends – try the Muddy Boots cafe near the car park instead.
Ali’s of Weybourne, Weybourne
This village shop and cafe enjoyed a major renovation in January and is now a bright and airy space. Owner Alison Plummer has run the business for almost four years and sells everything from Cley Smokehouse goodies to local cheeses, eggs and more. The cafe, which is a great favourite with coastal walkers, offers cooked breakfasts, homemade sandwiches and toasties, cakes, sausage rolls, and rich coffee from Meletius coffee roasters. There are Weybourne Wednesdays with affordable three-course lunches and regular supper clubs – we heard the Mexican night was great fun! There are a few tables outside for when the weather improves, too.
Pensthorpe, near Fakenham
This 700-acre family friendly nature reserve is extending and refurbishing its popular Courtyard Café after a record-breaking year in 2024. Improvements include a serving counter three times the size of the previous one, two tills for quicker service, a new serving hatch opening on the lawn, new tables, chairs and flooring, and a new purpose-built kitchen which is double the size – with swanky new equipment, too! Work is set to continue into the summer, but the cafe will remain open, serving favourites such as breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and there’s an excellent children’s menu.
Eric’s Pizza, Holt
Holt has just got a great new pizzeria as Eric’s Fish and Chips has closed and been reborn as Eric’s Pizza complete with an open kitchen! Expect hand-stretched, finely made pizzas in all manner of flavours from buffalo chicken to truffle mushroom to the classic margherita. Add in speciality pastas, salads and antipasti dishes plus a decent drinks menu with Bullards gin and Italian liqueurs. You can eat in or takeaway.
The Cosy Café, Holt
Situated in Lees Yard, the dog friendly Cosy Café opens seven days a week, serving brunches, plenty of cakes and bakes, thick cut sandwiches, lots of hot drinks and very good scones. It’s the first venture for Carl Bishop of Blakeney Marine Services who says he just wanted to create a warm and welcoming cafe with good quality food, served by friendly staff. He says: ‘Look out for our Cosy Eggs, like egg Benedict, which are really popular, plus our vegan and gluten free options, and we’re also opening Friday and Saturday evenings, too, serving three course meals – and we are fully licensed.’
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The Gin Trap, Ringstead
The pretty Gin Trap Inn is the latest addition to the growing number of Chestnut group bars and hotels. The 17th century former coaching inn has always enjoyed a first-class reputation, with menus making much use of local suppliers and produce, and the new menus continue this theme. There’s a pub menu and an à la carte one, and you can expect them to change with the seasons. Fish always features strongly, and the Sunday lunches are recommended.
The Norfolk Food Hall, Norfolk Showground, near Norwich
This ambitious development is set to open in May and includes a food hall and cafe which puts the emphasis firmly on local products and suppliers. The restaurant will seat 120 guests, with a further 80 seats outside, there’s going to be a play area for children, a bike shed so you can cycle there and EV charging stations, too. The food hall, which is set to be 3000 square feet, will have an in-house butcher, Tony Perkins, a deli counter and a ‘grab and go’ section. Interviews for the head chef are taking place as we go to press so it’s all go. It is due to open seven days a week, from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
