Tickling The Tastebuds!

Norfolk Pubs and restaurants have plenty to shout about all year round, thanks to the abundance of fabulous, fresh produce available in the county. Anyone who knows Norfolk well will be aware that this area of the country is home to all sorts of farms producing everything from fruit and vegetables to meat. The good news for North Norfolk hotels is that, because the produce is local, there's little need for additives and preservatives and, of course, the goods incur very few Food Miles.

Norfolk Boutique Hotels benefit from an array of fresh fish, delivered from the North Sea, as well as orchard fruits from the many farm shops, and game from the North Norfolk shoots. At this time of year, apples, pears and blackberries are readily available, as are those lovely, brightly-coloured pumpkins and squashes popular at Hallowe'en. Indeed, with these things on their doorstep, Norfolk Restaurants have no excuse for not producing good food and the only dilemma for customers is which of the many wonderful eateries to choose from when planning a night out.

There are all sorts of gastro pubs dotted along the coast from Hunstanton to Cromer, as well as plenty of interesting eateries inland in villages such as Snettisham, the Burnhams (Burnham Market, Burnham Thorpe, Burnham Over Staithe etc) and Edgefield near Holt. Holt itself is home to all sorts of lovely cafes, pubs and restaurants, with an all-day bistro right in the centre of town and everything from a Spanish tapas bar to an Indian restaurant on offer on the High Street. Sheringham has one or two places of interest and then in Cromer there's a wealth of fish and chip shops, and cafes on the pier, as well as the odd upmarket establishment.

When you visit Norfolk next, take a look at the daily specials on the menu boards as these will be the dishes using the most seasonal ingredients available. As the winter gets underway, the dishes will get heavier as people search for comfort food, so try savoury specials such as game pies, stews or casseroles, and warming, hearty desserts such as crumbles and baked puddings. Whatever you choose, if the produce has been locally sourced, it should be reasonably priced - oh, and delicious, of course!