Coast

10 BEST NORFOLK CAFÉS & RESTAURANT­S

Celebrated for its seafood, the Norfolk coast offers everything from gourmet restaurant­s and foodie pubs to beach cafés and sustainabl­e fish and chips

- WORDS ALEX REECE

Famed for superb

seafood, many of the North Norfolk coast’s eateries are welcoming back guests again now

FOR... FISH & CHIPS

No1 Cromer, Cromer

In a prime spot on the seafront, surveying the pier and beach, is Galton Blackiston’s second Norfolk venture: No1 Cromer, serving sustainabl­e fish and chips. Alongside chip-shop staples of cod, haddock and plaice you’ll find delicious additions such as Cromer crab or cockle popcorn, to either eat in or take away. All side dishes – including mushy peas and sauces – are made in-house to the establishm­ent’s own recipes, while kids’ meals are served in a bucket with spade. On the first floor, Upstairs at No1 does a fine line in modern British cooking with internatio­nal influences. No1 Cromer is currently offering a walk-in service only – no bookings and no telephone orders for takeaway. Fish and chips from £12.90 (01263 515983, no1cromer.com).

FOR... A SPECIAL OCCASION

Morston Hall, Morston

Two miles from the coast, this 17th-century, country house hotel is where multi-award-winning chef Galton Blackiston weaves his culinary magic. A joint concern with his wife and co-owner Tracy, this flagship restaurant has won a Michelin star for 21 successive years. Evening diners are treated to a seven-course tasting menu, which changes daily, starting with canapés in the garden on fine days. Alternativ­ely, a four-course Sunday lunch showcases local rare-breed meats and seafood starters from the North Sea. Afternoon teas are also a delight, served in the sun lounge overlookin­g the grounds. Booking is essential – book by telephone only – and for reservatio­ns with a maximum of two households combined. Dinner £95pp; Sunday lunch £50pp; afternoon tea from £30 (01263 741041, morstonhal­l.com).

FOR... TERRACE GET-TOGETHERS

The Orange Tree, Thornham

A stalwart of The Good Pub Guide, the familyowne­d Orange Tree in the coastal village of Thornham is a firm Norfolk favourite. Set on Peddars Way (which follows an old Roman road) and close to the Norfolk Coast Path, this award-winning pub offers quality local produce in a laidback environmen­t, with all meals currently served outside where a new terrace area has been created. The pub also offers 17 lovely rooms, if you’d like to linger longer. If you wish to book a table please either email (email@theoranget­reethornha­m.co. uk) including a mobile number in your message, or call on the number below. Mains from £13.95 (01485 512213, theoranget­reethornha­m.co.uk).

FOR... A FAMILY FEAST

The Globe Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea

This charming hotel-restaurant on a Georgian square in pretty Wells-next-the-Sea has a children’s menu for lunch, dinner and Sunday roasts, making it ideal for families. Grown-ups will also enjoy the locally sourced, classic dishes – from hearty traditiona­l favourites to vegetarian (and vegan) options. In the summer, wood-fired pizzas are available outdoors in the courtyard (Wed-Sun). Perfect for refuelling after a day spent crabbing on the quay. The Globe would appreciate diners booking in advance, as there is reduced capacity to ensure safe distances. Evening mains from £14 (01328 710206, theglobeat­wells.co.uk).

FOR... GARDEN PRODUCE

Wiveton Hall Café, Wiveton

This vibrant café, usually set in a converted barn in the grounds of a Jacobean manor, is now all outdoors and many of the wholesome dishes incorporat­e vegetables and herbs grown in the walled kitchen garden. Open from 9.30am till 8.30pm (weather permitting), this venue has views of the marshes and sea, so you can watch boats drift by on the horizon as you enjoy a generous Wiveton salad or Weybourne crab with new potatoes, followed by poached pear with spiced mascarpone cream. The café is not taking bookings as there are plenty of outdoor tables here well spaced apart, however if you would like to preorder your food ahead of your visit you can do so on the day by calling 01263 741001, which will make things faster on arrival. Salads from £10.50 (01263 740515, wivetonhal­l.co.uk).

FOR... BRITISH TAPAS

Socius, Burnham Market

A popular newcomer to the Burnham Market restaurant scene is Socius, which opened in 2018. Run by self-taught chef Dan Lawrence and Natalie Stuhler, whose background is in hospitalit­y, it offers a regional twist on tapas in an airy, barn-like new-build. The couple work closely with local suppliers to create their menu, which changes weekly, according to season. Ideal for groups of family and friends, small plates include fishy treats (such as wild sea bass with Thai curry), hot and cold meats (ham hock croquettes; beef to share) and an array of vegetable dishes, from Jerusalem artichokes to Norfolk beetroot, followed by indulgent desserts or local cheeses. Booking is essential now, you’re asked to please arrive on time, not early, to avoid waiting for your table, and there is a maximum table size of eight people to a group. Plates from £7 (01328 738307, sociusnorf­olk.co.uk).

FOR... A COASTAL INN

The Victoria Inn, Holkham

The three-mile expanse of Holkham Beach is one of the most fêted in the UK on account of its broad ribbon of golden sand, edged by serene pine forest – one visit there and you will see why. The Victoria – or ‘Vic Inn’ – an early 19th-century coaching inn (above & right), owned and managed by the Holkham Estate, is open, but only to staying guests at the moment. Decorated in a crisp country style, the restaurant offers fresh and seasonal dishes, based on ingredient­s such as lamb and pork from the estate’s tenant farms or venison from the resident herd of fallow deer. Fish from local boats and vegetarian options also feature in daily changing specials. Enjoy far-reaching views of the sea from the conservato­ry. Evening mains from £14.50 (01328 711008, holkham.co.uk).

FOR... COFFEE & CAKE

Wells Beach Café, Wells-next-the-Sea

Ideal for a pit stop after a walk or a paddle at the shore, Wells Beach Café (left) is currently operating a takeaway service only and you are asked to ensure you can use contactles­s payment if at all possible. There is no seating inside or outside. A scaled back 9

menu still offers fresh local produce at its best, however. Stop by for a warming breakfast of a bacon bap or sausage roll (either old-school or vegan – all are baked the same day), while for lunch there are tasty sandwiches and rolls, as well as the soup of the day. Also on offer is a glorious selection of cakes and tray bakes to enjoy with a Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee. Cakes and coffees start from around £2.50 (01328 713055, holkham.co.uk/stay-eat/beach-cafe).

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RIGHT The Neptune is a favourite with serious foodies
BELOW Enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine at Morston Hall
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The Globe Inn is a firm favourite with family groups
LEFT You will find award-winning food at The Orange Tree
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