Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-travel-light"><strong>Travel light</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LED-kayaks2.jpg" alt="LED Kayaks" class="wp-image-41153" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LED-kayaks2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LED-kayaks2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LED-kayaks2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/LED-kayaks2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This looks pretty oar-some! While away a spring evening cruising down the&nbsp;<strong>River Bure</strong>&nbsp;in a glowing kayak lit up with LED lights. Yep, you heard us right. It’s thanks to Coltishall-based&nbsp;<a href="https://summersup.co.uk/">Summer SUP</a>, who say the flashy rainbow boats can be hired for groups and parties. Girls&#8217; night with a difference? </p>



<p>If you’re more into rails than rivers, this one’s for you – the&nbsp;<a href="https://northernbelle.co.uk/">Northern Belle</a>, Britain’s swankiest train, is heading back to&nbsp;<strong>Norwich</strong>. Hop on board for the glitzy Spirit of Travel Lunch on&nbsp;<strong>Fri 8 Sep</strong>&nbsp;or the Christmas Lunch on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 9 Dec</strong>&nbsp;– the Yuletide do will set you back a hefty £395, but it includes a seven-course lunch, tableside entertainment and a gift when you leave.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Wine o’clock</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Wine-festival.jpg" alt="Toasting with red wine" class="wp-image-41156" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Wine-festival.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Wine-festival-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Wine-festival-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Wine-festival-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We couldn’t be more excited about this news at Muddy HQ. From <strong>Sat 3 </strong>–<strong> Sat 10 Jun,</strong> brand-new wine festival <a href="https://www.norwichwineweek.co.uk/">Norwich Wine Week</a> will make its debut, bringing together top vino producers, experts and merchants. Norfolk wine-making gems Burn Valley, Chet Valley and Cobble Hill are on the line-up, as well as the folks from Scandinavian-style city pop-up Mysabar. Think samples of local tipples and tastings, before a two-day bonanza in Chapelfield Gardens with live music, street food and a tasting tent to round it all off. We’ll toast to that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New chapters</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns.jpg" alt="Blueberry bun from Frå.kost Norwich" class="wp-image-41157" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Fra.kost-buns-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We’re gutted to say farewell to the fab&nbsp;<a href="https://littleshopofvegans.co.uk/">The Little Shop of Vegans</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>Norwich</strong>, where owner Rachel Cox has decided to move onto pastures new. It’s been a go-to for vegans and meat-eaters alike for the last seven years and has helped Norwich blaze its trail as a haven for all things plant-based. Over in NR3, Danish bakery&nbsp;<a href="https://fraakost.co.uk/">Frå.kost</a>&nbsp;is also shutting its doors on&nbsp;<strong>Mon 29 May</strong>&nbsp;– owner Maggie will be using the space for wholesale orders, so you can still get your pastry fix through its city partners, including Yard, St Giles Pantry, Connaught Kitchen and the Rosebery pub. Thank goodness for that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Room with a view</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="900" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Manor-Coastal-Hotel-Inn.jpg" alt="Aerial view of The Manor Coastal Hotel &amp; Inn" class="wp-image-41158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Manor-Coastal-Hotel-Inn.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Manor-Coastal-Hotel-Inn-800x720.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Manor-Coastal-Hotel-Inn-768x691.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Manor-Coastal-Hotel-Inn-583x525.jpg 583w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>In more cheery news, the&nbsp;<a href="https://blakeneymanor.co.uk/">Manor Coastal Hotel and Inn</a>&nbsp;– previously the Blakeney Manor Hotel – is back open with a bang. The 17th century pub sits on the edge of&nbsp;<strong>Blakeney</strong>&nbsp;salt marshes, meaning it boasts some of the county’s best views. Having been taken on by The Coaching Inn Group (they’re also behind The Pheasant Hotel near Holt), it’s been given a fresh lick of paint and a new seaside-themed menu. Even better, you can bring your four-legged friends along for the ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Waterside café</strong>s</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater.jpg" alt="Whitewater cafe in Cromer with surfboard on ceiling" class="wp-image-41159" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Whitewater-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption><a href="https://whitewatercromer.co.uk/">Whitewater</a> café in Cromer</figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Sheringham</strong>&nbsp;visitors will be able to get their caffeine hit at the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/supshacksheringham">Salt</a>, which is being launched by paddle-boarding company SUP Shack. There’ll be the usual café classics, including hot and cold drinks, pastries and cakes, and there are plants afoot for a summer bar. Watch this space. </p>



<p>Zooming along the coast to&nbsp;<strong>Cromer</strong>, the town’s iconic pier has welcomed jazzy seafront boutique café&nbsp;<a href="https://whitewatercromer.co.uk/">Whitewater</a>, which is now open and serving pizza, breakfast, street and seafood. It’s good timing – in April, Cromer Pier was voted the second-best pier in the country for the third year running, missing out to Southend. It’s definitely our winner.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Coast with the most</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries.jpg" alt="The Bucket List loaded fries" class="wp-image-41160" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Bucket-List-loaded-fries-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s all happening on the coast this month. Loaded chips experts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chipbuckets/">The Bucket List</a>&nbsp;have brought their buckets of carb-packed goodness back to&nbsp;<strong>Hunstanton</strong>, coinciding with the launch of their new topped hot dogs and loaded mini doughnuts. </p>



<p>Over in lush&nbsp;<strong>Holkham</strong>, meanwhile, the newly-opened&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqlcAGVjME_/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bay Store and Coffee</a>&nbsp;has your fix of books, homeware, fragrances, beach bits and bobs, pooch accessories and takeaway coffee and cake. It’s the fifth concept store from the team behind Ground and Bringing The Outside In in Wells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Culture trip&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Startle-gallery.jpg" alt="Inside Startle gallery Holt" class="wp-image-41155" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Startle-gallery.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Startle-gallery-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Startle-gallery-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Startle-gallery-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Art-lovers rejoice! Indie business&nbsp;<a href="https://startlegallery.com/">Startle Gallery</a>&nbsp;has opened its doors to bring a taste of art from around the world to lovely&nbsp;<strong>Holt.</strong>&nbsp;It has the backing of De Montfort Fine Art, which means it has access to a range of snazzy international artists including Fabrian Perez, the Connor Brothers, Craig Alan and Tom Butler. </p>



<p>If you’re more of an antiques aficionado, channel your inner&nbsp;David Dickinson&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/trove_vintage_and_antiques/?fbclid=IwAR2awXcyIoZAhgY2KRIgUalJNmlQ3_FcdV4bIzAzkgWdfqAUa28gPE2kw7Y">Trove Vintage and Antiques</a>, which is the newest resident at&nbsp;<strong>Thornham’s</strong>&nbsp;Drove Orchards, joining fish and chips joint Eric’s, Nippers of Norfolk and Joyful Living. There’s everything from antique to mid-century modern, and new treasures to explore all the time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Foodie h</strong>otspot</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham.jpg" alt="The Blind Pig Aylsham" class="wp-image-41161" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Blind-Pig-Aylsham-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>That’s it, we’re upping sticks and heading to&nbsp;<strong>Aylsham</strong>. If wood-fired pizza spot&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/stamp.pizza/?hl=en">Stamp</a>&nbsp;opening in the old post office wasn’t enough, the town is also set to welcome new wine bar and bistro&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theblindpigaylsham.co.uk/">Blind Pig</a>&nbsp;at the start of summer. Expect a small, seasonal menu, Sunday roasts and, most importantly, plenty of excellent vino. They’re just two of its recent spate of culinary openings – no wonder <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/best-places-to-live/norfolk/">Aylsham was voted winner</a> of our Best Places to Live in Norfolk reader vote this year!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Deli-cious</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Salhouse-deli.jpg" alt="Salhouse deli" class="wp-image-41154" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Salhouse-deli.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Salhouse-deli-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Salhouse-deli-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Salhouse-deli-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Is there anything better than a good deli? Kate Williams, behind the absolute treasure that is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGalleyHorning/">The Galley</a>&nbsp;deli and shop in Horning, is opening its sister business at the newly-converted barn at Black Barn Farm in&nbsp;<strong>Salhouse</strong>. It will sell all the makings of a perfect picnic – think home-made sausage rolls, quiches, cured meat, olives, cheese and much more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cheers</strong> to this!</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms.jpg" alt="The Trafford Arms" class="wp-image-41162" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/The-Trafford-Arms-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Trafford Arms</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s always a blow when a treasured local shuts, so we’re over the moon that expert landlords Victoria and Grahame Macdonald (you might know them from the Cellar House in Eaton or the Old Ram in Tivetshall St Mary) have stepped in to save the historic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/greendragonnorfolk.co.uk/?locale=en_GB">Green Dragon</a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;<strong>Wymondham</strong>&nbsp;from closure. The 14th century pub was, it turns out, actually run by Mr Macdonad’s great-great-great-great-grandfather in the mid-1800s, making it very much a family affair. </p>



<p>And some more toast-worthy news in&nbsp;<strong>Norwich</strong>&nbsp;– proper community pub the&nbsp;<a href="https://traffordarms.co.uk/">Trafford Arms</a>&nbsp;(above) is back pulling pints with a modern new look. It’ll also be welcoming popular pasta spot Al Dente to serve from Thursday to Sunday evenings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Grate news</h2>



<p>And some fantastic news from&nbsp;<strong>Hunstanton’s</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://norfolk-deli.co.uk/">The Norfolk Deli</a>&nbsp;to end on – the indie business has been included in the Inspirational Cheese Retailer 2023 list, which celebrates the top retailers across the country. It makes it the first and only cheese retailer in the county to make the cut – congrats to the team there!</p>


Superflashy newsflash! Your need-to-know Norfolk openings and events

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