Raise a toast!
22nd March 2026
Sarah Hardy serves up her favourite breakfast and brunch dishes
Thornham Deli
This ever-popular deli, shop and cafe is entering its 12th year and remains one of the most consistent foodie places on the coast. It’s fun and buzzy, has a nice outside area, and Gemma Arnold has been the chef for ever! The breakfast menu ranging from sausage baps to crumpets, to cheese on toast, overnight oats, and the delicious matcha breakfast bowl – packed with blueberries, pomegranate seeds and coconut flakes to name but a few goodies – will set you up for the day.
Bang in Wells
We love this laid-back cafe which is right at the heart of the town. Breakfasts are a particular strength (served every day until 11.30am), with the full English offering the jewel in the crown. Comprising Arthur Howell sausages, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, a hash brown, baked beans and eggs of your choice, it’s a belly buster and a half. Add on black pudding, if you’re really going for it! There’s a pretty courtyard, and a friendly vibe throughout.
Wiveton Hall Cafe
Now run by Mark Richmond of the Norfolk Tea Co, tea obviously features strongly at the cafe which was refreshed and refurbished last year and boasts some of the best views in the area over the marshes to the sea. So while your morning brew is guaranteed to be first rate, there’s a very cool breakfast menu, too; think smoked bacon sandwiches, eggs Benedict, granola with berries, and more. Their Wiveton breakfast sandwich is a masterpiece of Swannington Farm bacon and sausages, plus a hash brown and fried egg wedged between two very thick white farmhouse bread slices. No lunch required.
The Old Store, Snettisham and Thornham
Both these cafes, beautifully kitted with real flair, are based around a bakery and have first rate breakfast offerings with plenty of local suppliers such as Gayton butcher JE Howard and Staithe Smokehouse from Brancaster Staithe. Think buttermilk pancakes, their own bread, porridge, muffins and the very delicious truffled mushrooms on toast which is just a melt in your mouth dish. You can opt for a poached egg on top, too. Add in a freshly squeezed juice and you’re more than good to go.
Artisan Bistro, Alby
Located in a converted barn in a lovely craft complex just off the A140, the cafe has a solid brunch menu with all your favourites such as variations on a full English theme, different breakfast sandwiches, eggs royale and, their star attraction – fluffy pancakes. Look out for the bacon, maple syrup and pecans one – we say no more. Suppliers include Hazel’s Butchers in Norwich and Easters of Norwich, for fruit and vegetable deliveries. If you have the time and tummy space, the cheese scones are also recommended.
Streat Boss, Sheringham
Now this is a fun place! Right on the town’s High Street, breakfasts are taken very seriously with lots of options including breakfast buns, waffles and pancakes, and traditional full English dishes. Streat tatties made with cubes of crispy potatoes served with different toppings catch the eye, but how about smoked kippers for a real trip down Memory Lane? Served with two poached eggs and thick cut toast, it’s an old school classic which still appeals. Papworth Butchers supply the meat, with The Craft Bakery in charge of breads and pastry goodies!
These eateries are all dog friendly. Do check online for opening days and times.
