20 new North Norfolk businesses for 2024
13th November 2024
Miranda Hall, Hive Norfolk © Beth Moseley Photography
As we round out our 20th year, we’d like to wish these 20 recently opened local ventures our very best for the future
Words: Harriet Cooper and Sarah Hardy
North Norfolk Cellars, Wells-next-the-Sea
Charming wine guru Bert Blaize is gaining quite a following at his wine shop/bar in Wells’ former Chandlery. With a very impressive CV, he is the man to advise on what to drink and when. Alongside selling a comprehensive range of wines, he runs a casual wine bar, offering a good selection of drinks including the ‘glass of the day’. There are pleasant food options, too – who can resist a cheeseboard? He also holds special events, especially wine tastings, which seem to sell out immediately, so well done Bert!
Simply Norfolk Stays
From the owners of Barefoot Retreats, the newly launched Simply Norfolk Stays offers a portfolio of privately-owned luxury holiday cottages across the county. Whether your property is a beach or shepherd’s hut, an apartment, cottage or a sprawling country house, as a homeowner you’ll benefit from not only the deeply knowledgeable team, but also a commission rate of only 15% + VAT. Simply perfect.
Hive Norfolk, Creake Abbey
Hive Norfolk is a one-stop lifestyle and interiors shop in the courtyard at Creake Abbey, North Creake. Owner Miranda Hall has a great eye – every time you visit there’s something new to look at amongst the display of treasures. The eclectic stock is a quirky mix of old and new, all chosen to bring a buzz to your home; alongside elegant antiques, including mirrors, artwork, lighting and furniture, you’ll find seasonal gifts, curiosities and beautiful botanicals.
Instagram @hivenorfolk
Flints Finds, Drove Orchards, Thornham
Issy Flint launched Flints Finds online whilst still a student, becoming a go-to for pre-loved designer pieces – all of which Issy sources, cleans, repairs or repurposes. Damaged Ralph Lauren shirts? No problem, she’ll transform them into a bucket hat. With customers wanting to buy consciously and stylishly, Issy’s vintage business has gone from strength to strength – she opened a store at Drove Orchards this year, with new stock arriving weekly.
Fino, Cromer
Cromer is definitely putting itself on the foodie map with the opening of Fino by Dan Goff and Ruth Butler. The intimate restaurant, which has just under 30 covers and is housed in an old butcher’s shop, offers thoughtful food on its regularly changing menu which will always feature a fish, meat and vegetarian main course option. Ruth, whose bold artwork features on the walls, says: ‘It’s been a labour of love and we very much like being part of the bustling town – it is a lovely community.’
White Horse Holme-next-the-Sea
The hospitality group Anglian Country Inns, who also run the ever-popular White Horse at Brancaster Staithe, have sprinkled a little bit of their magic on this Grade II-listed pub. Serving regularly changing hyper-local food (think Tim Allen pork), the offering includes a great plant-based menu and plenty for children, too. Ian Daw, formerly of The Ned in London, bosses the kitchen. Dogs are welcome throughout.
Flour, Wells-next-the-Sea
Four friends – Matt, Kiki, Dulcie and Louis – have brought a slice of action to Wells in the form of Flour. The vibey walk-in-only pizza restaurant, on the quayside, has built up a name for its Neapolitan-style creations. Made using 48-hour fermented dough and local-where-possible ingredients, innovative pizzas include the Magic Mushroom, Fire Starter or the Ottolenghi Inspired. Do order the pistachio pesto or Scotch bonnet harissa dip for dunking those crusts in.
Blazing Padels, Reepham
Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world, counting the likes of Sir Andy Murray and the Princess of Wales as fans. Now you can play in Norfolk with the arrival of Blazing Padels. The county’s first dedicated padel club, set on Salle Moor Hall Farm in Reepham, has two indoor courts, as well as a swish cafe and clubhouse, offering social sessions, private coaching and leagues for newcomers and regulars. Anyone for padel?
Beauty by Paul Wilkins Creative, Holt
This is a beauty emporium with a difference. The skincare, makeup and hair care brands are curated by Paul – who worked at Space NK for eight years – and are chosen for their natural and organic ingredients. Plus, you’re positively encouraged to test and try before purchase. The store, in Hoppers Yard, also hosts regular events and workshops, where people can meet, share beauty tips and discover new products.
Instagram @beautybypaulwilkinscreative
Seed Sisterhood
Mimi Emmett and Ellie Fryer are behind Seed Sisterhood, which focuses on hosting workshops, retreats and networking events across Norfolk, providing a chance to get together with friends or make new ones in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. These include the ‘Ultimate Girls’ Night’, always a fun mix of cocktails, creativity and more. In addition to this, they will be running monthly hot-desking days at different locations across the county.
The Wildwood Florist, Wells-next-the-Sea
Opening her business The Wildwood Florist in Wells is a dream come true for Lea Taylor. She had, she says, for years looked through the window of her now-shop on Staithe Street imagining that it would one day be hers. Having gained her floristry qualifications, she threw open the doors in 2024, selling beautiful bouquets, all of which have been handmade in situ, often using flowers and foliage from her own cutting garden.
Fox and Bear Bespoke Interiors, Fakenham
Fox and Bear was sparked by Olga and her fiancé Anthony’s shared love of design, combining her passion for interior spaces with his talent as a qualified designer. Together they offer a personalised interior design service dedicated to bringing character and warmth to any space with creativity and expert craftsmanship. You can now discuss designs and project ideas with the couple at their not-long-opened showroom in Fakenham (by appointment only).
www.foxandbear.uk
One Fox, Aylsham
When children’s book author and illustrator Kate Read decided to open a shop and studio in Aylsham, what better name for it than One Fox after her award-winning picture book, One Fox – A Counting Book Thriller? The store is a cornucopia of bright and beautiful prints, books and cards by Kate and fellow illustrators, as well as toys and creative goodies to keep both children and adults happy.
Instagram @one.fox.shop
NuMi Health, Holt
NuMi is a hub in Holt created to provide an accurate understanding of your current health. They use a DEXA scanner to provide insights into the composition of your body, on-site blood testing across key health markers, plus they utilise other specialist measurement tools to paint a clear overall picture. This they couple with dedicated health coach sessions, focusing primarily on nutrition and lifestyle, to equip you with realistic ways to optimise and track your ongoing wellbeing.
The Sea Word, Burnham Deepdale
The Sea Word is the newest addition to Dalegate Market, a cluster of independent businesses in Burnham Deepdale. The seaside shop does a fine line in everything you need for a trip to the beach, but it also has a wonderful array of clothing, toys and nautical souvenirs that are perfect for any time of year, including the full Gone Crabbing range, from their must-have hoodies to their witty soaps.
Cobble Yard Store, Aylsham
Cobble Yard Store in Aylsham is owned by artist Joanna Scott, with a focus on carefully considered, purposeful goods. There is not a hint of plastic anywhere; instead, the shelves are packed with gorgeous – and useful – homewares, as well as ceramics, jewellery, candles, soaps, natural linen bags and more, much of it crafted by local creatives. If ever there was a reason to shop local, Cobble Yard Store is it.
Instagram @cobbleyardstore
West Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, Hunstanton
This bustling festival was established to encourage everyone to appreciate all that Hunstanton has to offer. The event takes place on specific dates throughout the year (there’s one on Sunday 1 December), with stalls lining the High Street selling all manner of local delicacies from chocolate to chilli oil, gin to doggie delights, chutney to cakes. After perusing the stalls, make sure to explore the seaside town with its independent retailers and sweeping beach. As organisers Mark and Rosie Kacary say, ‘this is more than a farmer’s market, it’s a whole day out!’
The Maltings, Weybourne
The Chestnut hospitality group is becoming a key player in our area and The Maltings at Weybourne is just one of this year’s major openings. It’s a big place, with 28 bedrooms, an open kitchen, a restaurant and bar open to non-residents, a treatment room and a bottle shop! Scott Taylor runs the kitchen and it’s becoming a very popular place for weddings and celebrations.
Nest Farmhouse, Docking
Set in a converted cattle shed on a 1000-acre working farm, Nest Farmhouse is all about field to fork, pot to plate dining. King’s Lynn-born Grant Cotton is the head chef and his menu reflects the area’s rich larder, with the kitchen team making everything from the breads through to the ice creams. The restaurant, decorated in a cool New England style, is a chilled-out place and there are lots of comfy sofas to sink into. There are five large bedrooms so you can stay over, too.
Sparrow at Long Shop, Melton Constable
There’s change afoot in Melton Constable, with the old railway maintenance buildings currently being converted into Long Shop, a series of workspaces for businesses to rent. Amongst the growing community of independent creatives and shop owners is Sparrow, where you can pick up vintage and contemporary furniture and homewares (by appointment until further notice). With plans for foodie, cinema and music nights in the space, keep an eye on their Instagram.
Instagram @sparrow_at_longshop
