Eat the day!
13th November 2023
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Sarah Hardy shares some of her favourite foodie stops to take you from breakfast through to dinner
Breakfast and brunch…
Two Magpies, Blakeney
Get yourself out on the deck here to soak up the view and say a bowl of granola with Greek yoghurt or some spicy N’duja eggs, teamed with plenty of sourdough to dip away at all those delicious herbs and sauces. Add a strong coffee and a pastry – you can’t beat the cinnamon swirls, and a custard tart is acceptable for breakfast, isn’t it?! The cafe is dog friendly and there’s the chance to buy picnic supplies, too.
The Pigs, Edgefield
We love The Pigs’ 15-miles breakfast which you can make a bit of a pig of yourself over! Think Fruit Pig black pudding (about the finest there is) plus everything else and you’re on the right lines. Their classic Omelette Arnold Bennett is a great brunch option while Norfolk rarebit, with roasted tomatoes, is good and sharp. There’s also a Breakfast Table, offering a buffet selection if you like more of a pick and mix brekkie offering. The Pigs is consistently good, and a real hit with little ones who love the outside play areas.
Streat Boss, Sheringham
This little, unassuming cafe is gaining a really big reputation, with breakfasts a highlight. The Big Boss breakfast is all you’d imagine while the waffles are really popular, too. Egg on toast is hard to beat and there are baps, wraps and stacks to choose from. Local suppliers include Sheringham Bakehouse and Papworth butchers, while veggie and vegan choices are good.
Lunch…
Rocky Bottoms, West Runton
With its clifftop setting, RB is a real Norfolk gem. Run by local fisherman Richard Matthews and his wife, Ali, the seafood is as fresh as fresh can be as Richard has his own fishing boat, the Anna Gail. If the weather is kind, sit outside as the views out to sea are outstanding. Dressed crab or lobster are popular choices, and there’s now an alcohol licence, with some great Norfolk wines and beers on offer. If it’s on, the crab linguini is popular in our household!
Note, Rocky Bottoms isn’t open all year round so check before making a special journey.
The Tuscan Farm Shop, Burnham Market
Run by Wanda who has her own farm in Tuscany, this place just sums up summer. There are a few outside tables overlooking the Green which are the ones to bag as you tuck into her charcuterie, fine cheeses, yummy cakes or something stronger! Come away with Wanda’s own olive oil to drizzle over your salads and a bottle of her red.
The Three Horseshoes, Briston
With its Italian-influenced and incredibly well stocked gardens, this gastro pub is building its foodie reputation all the time. Service is always excellent here, friendly without being over the top, and there’s always lots of fish and shellfish available which I like. Village butcher HV Graves supplies the high-quality meats, and did we mention the sticky toffee pudding?
Afternoon tea…
Hatters Tea Shop, Cromer
This is a friendly place, with its own branded teas, which offers several very good afternoon tea options, including the deluxe Afternoon Tea Party which includes all the trimmings. Their cheese scones are much admired at NNL Towers, and a classic Victoria sponge is usually on offer, too. Their large windows look out onto the busy shopping areas, so there are plenty of people watching options.
The Assembly House, Norwich
The Assembly House offers simply stunning afternoon teas in the beautiful Georgian surroundings. Pastry chef Mark Mitson creates quirky, clever delicacies and there are often themed offerings, from say the Wizard of Oz to something connected to what’s on at the theatre next door. There is always too much – go hungry and be prepared to take a doggy bag home with you, too.
Drinks…
Sundown at The Grove, Cromer
There’s a chilled vibe at this giant tipi, set in the grounds of this attractive coastal hotel. It serves Norfolk tapas, seafood, pizzas and ice cream and a great selection of cocktails, many made with Norfolk spirits such as Black Shuck gin from Fakenham. Masses of fairy lights add to the atmosphere as the sun sets. We love it!
Sculthorpe Mill, Sculthorpe
The gardens here are a delight, with the River Wensum gently flowing all around this former 18th century watermill. Now a freehouse, and with an accent on terrific food produced by Elliot Ketley, it has a very good wine list plus a great selection of real ales, including Duration beers from nearby West Acre. Make sure you check out the designer interiors – we’re talking red leather banquettes!
The Dun Cow, Salthouse
The large front garden here overlooks the salt marshes and the North Sea beyond, letting you watch the sky tumble into the sea. It’s quite a magical setting for that glass of wine, pint of real ale or G&T after a hard day at work, walking the Norfolk Coast Path or simply enjoying your holiday. Mention must go to the 18th century pub itself which serves great food, including lots of local favourites such as Brancaster oysters.
Dinner…
The Crown Hotel, Wells
Chef patron Chris Coubrough triumphs with his Kiwi mix of laid back cooking and excellent quality produce. He uses, for example, local butcher Arthur Howell, while Brancaster oysters and Wells crab feature when in season. Situated on the handsome Buttlands, The Crown offers a relaxed night out with thoughtful food and remember, there is always a seriously good steak on offer if that’s what you’re after!
The Gin Trap Inn, Ringstead
We’re hearing fab reports of all that chef patron Gareth Rayner (pictured) is achieving in the kitchens here, with an accent on simple yet beautifully delivered menus, packed with seasonal, local produce. The 17th century gastro pub is stylishly decorated, with some lovely outdoor spaces, too, and 13 bedrooms so you have kit and the kaboodle to enjoy. Bliss.
Acre at The White House, near Burnham Market
Tucked away in farmland, Acre has a real ‘get-away-from-it-all’ vibe. Head chef Nick Parker and pâtissière Loraine Parker source local produce, creating delicious, simple, classic dishes with a French influence, with everything on the seasonally changing menu made in house. Our top tip? Make sure you leave room for a pudding. And if you want to make a stay of it, The White House has 12 luxe en suite bedrooms, too.
Details correct at the time of going to press. Check websites for opening times and any booking requirements.
