Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-festival">NEW FESTIVAL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1120" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Untitled-design-3.jpg" alt="Sam Ryder and Rock and Roll Circus Festival" class="wp-image-61324" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Untitled-design-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Untitled-design-3-800x597.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Untitled-design-3-1000x747.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Untitled-design-3-768x573.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rock and Roll Circus: Expect Sam Ryder, fire breathers and more!</figcaption></figure>



<p>Our 2025 diary is already looking pretty exciting with <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/film-sets-strictly-stars-and-buble-its-all-going-on-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Bublé</a> swinging into Sandringham, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/roll-on-2025-cool-events-big-names-and-the-latest-local-goss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darcy Bussell</a> exploring the science of the samba at Norwich Science Festival and so much more to look forward to. And if all that wasn&#8217;t enough, a new festival has just been announced for August next year. <a href="https://www.rocknrollcircus.co.uk/norwich" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rock and Roll Circus</a>, already a hit in Sheffield and Newcastle with its blend of fab music and circus acts, will be pitching up in Earlham Park from <strong>Thu 14 &#8211; Sat 16 Aug</strong>. We are awaiting the release of more headliners but there are some fab names already on the docket &#8211; hello McFly, Sam Ryder, Ollie Murs, Scouting for Girls, Blue and The Courteneers! Tickets are already <a href="https://premier.ticketek.co.uk/shows/show.aspx?sh=RNRUMBR25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">available to buy</a> &#8211; go, go, GO!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1050" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/J3490_Gary-Barlow-Songbook_2590-RT-RGB.jpg" alt="Gary Barlow" class="wp-image-61326" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/J3490_Gary-Barlow-Songbook_2590-RT-RGB.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/J3490_Gary-Barlow-Songbook_2590-RT-RGB-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/J3490_Gary-Barlow-Songbook_2590-RT-RGB-1000x700.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/J3490_Gary-Barlow-Songbook_2590-RT-RGB-768x538.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gary Barlow</figcaption></figure>



<p>And where are our Take That fans at? Speaking of fabulous names coming to the county, Gary blimmin&#8217; Barlow has been confirmed as the next performer for next year&#8217;s <a href="https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/high-lodge-thetford-forest-tickets/artist/5436310#concerts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Live</a> in Thetford Forest. He&#8217;ll be relighting all our fires on <strong>Sat 21 Jun</strong> as part of his Songbook Tour, a series of concerts with the main man singing some of his favourite tunes from his own back catalogue as well as other great musicians. He&#8217;ll be joining what is already a stellar line up of stars with Rag&#8217;n&#8217;Bone Man, The Script and James already announced. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-year-new-look">NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1150" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Spa-Site-Planv2-copy.png" alt="Plans for the Ffolkes spa in Hillingdon" class="wp-image-61287" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Spa-Site-Planv2-copy.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Spa-Site-Planv2-copy-696x800.png 696w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Spa-Site-Planv2-copy-870x1000.png 870w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/Spa-Site-Planv2-copy-768x883.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Plans for the new spa at Ffolkes in Hillingdon</figcaption></figure>



<p>Good news spa fans, <a href="https://www.ffolkes.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ffolkes Hotel</a> in Hillingdon is breaking ground on a new spa! The whopping £2.5million refurb, set to be ready by September 2025, will transform the hotels current offering of three spa cabins with hot tubs and saunas within them, into <a href="https://www.ffolkes.org.uk/ffolkes-spa?_gl=1*1k5n76a*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTYxNzMxMDU1My4xNzM0NDI5MjU2*_ga_YDTFWWTBDB*MTczNDQyOTI1Ni4xLjAuMTczNDQyOTI1Ni4wLjAuMA..*_ga_FN3G93XH6S*MTczNDQyOTI1Ni4xLjAuMTczNDQyOTI1Ni4wLjAuMA.." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a fully fledged spa</a> with (drum roll please) not one, not two, but FIVE hot tubs, three saunas, two steams rooms, a plunge pool, ice room, snooze pods, Ibiza-inspired cabanas and, the pièce de résistance, a pool bar! There will also be four treatment rooms and exclusive access to the spa from 12 shiny, new hotel rooms. Exciting times indeed! You can keep up to date with the progress <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theffolkes/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n.jpeg" alt="St Giles House exterior Norwich" class="wp-image-61327" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n-1000x1000.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n-500x500.jpeg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/465880092_527973326825027_4236383151344460665_n-1100x1100.jpeg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stgileshouse_norwich">@stgileshouse_norwich</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Oooh here&#8217;s somewhere new to bookmark for festive drinkies or your next girls night out, <a href="https://www.stgileshousenorwich.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Giles House</a> in Norwich has just opened its new bar and restaurant after a sweet £100k revamp. In recent years the iconic landmark hotel has only been available for breakfast and afternoon tea but that all changes now thanks to <a href="https://www.stgileshousenorwich.com/barandlounge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eades Bar and Lounge</a>. Named after former city mayor Peter Eade, a key figure in 19th-century Norwich, the swanky space will serve a carefully curated selection of wines, craft beers, cocktails with mulled wine and cider available during winter. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1418" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/468013627_952107043630743_7164057628967152896_n.jpeg" alt="Food at St Giles House in Norwich" class="wp-image-61329" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/468013627_952107043630743_7164057628967152896_n.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/468013627_952107043630743_7164057628967152896_n-800x756.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/468013627_952107043630743_7164057628967152896_n-1000x945.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/468013627_952107043630743_7164057628967152896_n-768x726.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stgileshouse_norwich">@stgileshouse_norwich</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Feeling peckish? As part of the revamp, and the hotels hospitality offering, may we introduce <a href="https://www.stgileshousenorwich.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restaurant Ortus</a>, a series of kitchen residencies serving the freshest local produce every Fri-Sun. First in the hot seat is Michelin trained chef, Nathan Rackman, who you might recognise from his coal and wood-fired cooking, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rollin.embers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rollin Embers</a>, and his high end catering service, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/journal_dining/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal Dining</a>. As you&#8217;d expect, the menu looks superb &#8211; Norfolk venison loin with garlic and thyme tomato, beurre noisette fried mushroom and hand cut chips <em>and</em> a chocolate marquise with hay cream and fresh raspberries &#8211; yes pleeeease!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="416" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/2_3.jpg" alt="High Lodge Thetford" class="wp-image-61333" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/2_3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/2_3-800x333.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/2_3-768x319.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Plans for a new play area at High Lodge in Thetford Forest</figcaption></figure>



<p>And <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge">High Lodge</a> is already a must with the kids during the school hols (and on any day of the week really) but now even more so thanks to a revamp of its <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/childrens-play-area-high-lodge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">children&#8217;s play area</a>. The new Sand Play area (opening imminently) has seen a considerable upgrade to make it more inclusive and welcoming for all children.  Specially designed for the space, among many cool new features &#8211; hello rope swings and mini climbing wall &#8211; there will be sensory pieces too. Bookmark this for an afternoon of much needed fun and fresh air come the New Year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-congrats">CONGRATS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n.jpg" alt="Meadowsweet restaurant in Holt" class="wp-image-61335" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/12/225834899_185342160297436_2409436935056456559_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Meadowsweet restaurant in Holt</figcaption></figure>



<p>And congratulations are in order for <a href="https://www.meadowsweetholt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meadowsweet</a> in Holt and <a href="https://theneptune.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Neptune</a> in Old Hunstanton who have both been included in the 2025 <a href="https://www.hardens.com/top-100-uk-restaurants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harden&#8217;s Guide</a>, a compilation of the top 100 restaurants in the UK. Scooping positions 36 and 58 respectively, the renowned guide focuses on customer experience and the feedback from regular diners rather than professional inspectors making it informative (and reliable). Mazel tov. </p>


A new festival is coming to Norfolk and more need-to-know goss!

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