Pack the car and take a road trip to the wholesome goodness of Norfolk. As we head out of autumn into the Christmas build up, the village of Holt is busying itself with preparations. The fairy lights festooning the village wait expectantly to be switched on and there a palpable buzz in the air.
At the epicentre of this Norfolk excitement is Byfords-of-Holt. The self-proclaimed ‘Posh B&B’ sits in the heart of this well healed village. Serving as a bakery, restaurant and B&B it has a historic, warm welcoming charm.
Our room was absolutely gorgeous. Boasting original beams, brickwork, antique furniture and a window seat overlooking the village. The bath was huge and the waterfall shower was perfect. The luxury touches of Templespa products and a beautiful lemon and orange sponge cake waiting for us from Sponge, did not go unnoticed.
The breakfast here is wonderful. We loved the different made to order hot dishes, with everything from Kedgeree to a Cheesy Breakfast Hash served in a sizzling skillet – which was an absolute show stopper.
This is the land of Tea and Cake. Byfords-of-Holt has a huge selection, including Afternoon Tea if you fancy or there are lots of lovely independent shops and cafes in the village. We enjoyed home made Bakewell Tart and a Fudgy Brownie with hot tea before an afternoon nap and it was bliss.
We ate and the kitsch Eric’s Fish ‘n’ Chips. They serve the most succulent cod with home made tartare sauce and an array of unique goodies including Spinach and Halloumi Arancini, Vegan Lemon Prawns and a Deep-fried Jam Sandwich. Fun, affordable and amazing quality.
To walk off all that food you are spoilt for choice. Cromer with its Victorian Pier and architecture is a 20-minute drive away or the picturesque beach of Wells is around 45 minutes. The countryside around this part of East Anglia is peppered with windmills and makes you feel a million miles away from everyday life.
The rain came. Of course it did, but we did not let it dampen our spirits. Doodle Pots opposite Byfords, came up trumps with an afternoon of Pottery Painting. They literally have everything you could think of to paint and all the tools and equipment you need. We spent a lovely, mindful, relaxed afternoon ignoring the rain and painting some cute Christmas pots.
Byfords-of-Holt has onsite parking, fantastic service and a hug of a stay waiting for you. This would make a brilliant pre-Christmas break, there is even a Christmas Cottage shop waking up as we speak.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image supplied
