Take it outside
14th May 2025
Sculthorpe Mill © 2024 Helen Abraham Photography, all rights reserved
Sarah Hardy picks the best spots for outdoor eating this summer
In the garden
The Three Horseshoes, Briston
The gardens, designed by Tamara Bridge, at this mid-Norfolk pub are gorgeous and such a lovely place to sit and tuck into something from the menu by head chef Jake Garwood which features meat from local butcher HV Graves. There’s a grassy area, with traditional picnic tables and parasols, plus a paved area with a pergola with wisteria growing up, plenty of tubs and troughs crammed with all manner of interesting herbs and plants, and several formal beds.
On the clifftops
Rocky Bottoms, West Runton
Now celebrating its 10th birthday, RB has an enviable position on the clifftops, with lots of outdoor seating so you can breathe in all that fresh sea air. It is a haven for seafood lovers, with produce straight from owner Richard’s boat, the Anna-Gail, and the menu changes regularly to reflect his catch. The chowder of the day is always good and, as you’d expect, the crabs and lobster, best served simply, are first class.
By the water
Sculthorpe Mill, Sculthorpe
This restored 250-year-old watermill enjoys a glorious setting, straddling the River Wensum. There are lovely natural gardens with mature weeping willow trees to relax in, and both a bar menu and a more ambitious restaurant menu – and one for youngsters, too. Look out for the knickerbocker glories if they are on the menu!
Take a picnic
Heydon Village Green
This unspoilt village has just one road in and one road out! Life centres around the village green which is the perfect spot for a picnic. Folks Coffee Co might be open to grab a hot drink and sweet treat, and the village tearooms are a delight, but if you fancy your own feast, the chocolate box pretty setting is spot on.
Hire a beach hut
Wells-next-the-Sea
Hiring a beach hut for the day gives you a great base and provides the ideal spot for creating a yummy picnic. Many provide a little stove so you can boil water (if only for the washing up) but not much beats quaffing a glass of fizz and tucking into a sarnie or two as the children play beach cricket and you watch the sun dancing on the horizon.
By the marshes
Briarfields, Titchwell
This well-established hotel is near the marshes and has a wonderful deck where you can soak up the big skies and the coastal views as you tuck into something from their seasonal menu where fish always features strongly. It’s a special spot – and look out for the children’s play area, too, which helps keep them entertained as you enjoy a bit of me time.
www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk
Hear the waves
The Ship Inn, Mundesley
The 300-year-old Ship Inn is right on the seafront in this unspoilt seaside village and has a large beer garden that overlooks the sea so you can sip your pint and hear the roar of the tide. There’s a great range of pub classics to choose from and a fun atmosphere.
Looking for wildlife
The Lookout, Holkham
Set on the edge of the Holkham National Nature Reserve, this eco-friendly cafe, which blends into the landscape, offers great views over its surroundings. Expect cakes, sausage rolls, sandwiches, soups and a variety of hot and cold drinks. Grab a pair of binoculars (provided) and see what wildlife you can spot. Dogs are welcome.
A shopping pitstop?
Folly Tearooms, Holt
Set in Hoppers Yard, this place, under new management, is a little oasis of calm in this bustling market town. The courtyard garden is simply wonderful, brimming with colour and scent in the summer months. The afternoon teas speak for themselves but also look out for great breakfasts and doorstep sarnies!
Post surf
North Sea Coffee Co, Cromer
Head to this trendy little coffee bar on the seafront which does a great house blend, Roma, and offers good pastries, too. There are a few tables on the Prom and it’s a perfect place to relax after a surfing session (there’s a surf school next door) and simply watch the world go by.
Deep in the countryside
Nest Farmhouse, Docking
About to celebrate its second summer, Nest Farmhouse is tucked away in the countryside just outside Docking. It’s up a long drive and the restaurant has fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding farmland. The menu is of the moment, with head chef Grant Cotton producing literally everything in-house from the bread upwards! Inside is stylish but the outside is wonderful – with spacious porches to relax in, or head for the wildlife pond where you can simply enjoy a drink or coffee and cake.
Georgian splendour
Congham Hall Hotel, Congham
This elegant Georgian manor, with its own orchard, vegetable garden and herb garden, has a lovely terrace which overlooks the mature gardens. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy afternoon tea, served on traditional three-tier cake stands, which includes both sweet and savoury options. Think scones, finger sarnies and, if you’re lucky, chocolate eclairs. Add a glass of bubbly and you’re in heaven!
Pictured: The restaurant terrace, Congham Hall
A city centre option?
Sahara, Norwich
Summer in the city is always fun and sitting at pavement cafes can make you feel just that little bit sophisticated, almost as if you’re on the Continent. St Benedicts is a buzzy place with quite a few places now offering outdoor seating. One of the nicest is Sahara, which brings the flavours of North Africa to Norwich. Tagines here are delicious – especially served with couscous – and the herbal teas are recommended too.
Beach life
Old Town Beach Cafe, Old Hunstanton
You can’t get much nearer to those magnificent golden sands than this place which is right next to the RNLI station. It’s a child friendly, dog friendly place with everything from ice creams to scones, Thai curries and the ubiquitous brekkies. It’s relaxed, and sand between your toes is compulsory!
Find them on Facebook
If you’re after a good play area
The Ffolkes, Hillington
This former coaching inn has an amazing play area complete with zip wires and climbing frames, plus a nine-hole adventure golf course so there’s plenty of outdoor activities for the young and young at heart to enjoy. Add in a fun menu, lots of street food options, bedrooms, outdoor bathtubs and there’s no chance of being bored!
Flower power
Fat Cow, Fakenham
Juicy smash burgers, soft serve ice cream and local beers are on offer in a glorious wildflower meadow making this business a real winner. It’s a family affair, set on the family farm just outside Fakenham, with head chef Robbie Spencer Ashworth making good use of local meats. There are plenty of tables scattered around, a stretch tent and lots of twinkly lights which help create a really magical feel on a warm summer evening.
Find them on Facebook
Remember to check websites or social media if you plan to make a special journey and it’s always a good idea to book a table.
