If there’s one thing you should know about me by now, it’s that I like my food – not just a little bit, but more than anything. I don’t drink to excess, I don’t smoke and I’m not an adrenaline junky, but I do love food.
I equally enjoy sweet food and savoury too, allowing me to truly appreciate the benefits of both (and develop coronary heart disease). Over the years I’ve certainly become more adventurous with food; I used to be wary of meat when I was younger because I was squimish, but I’ve learnt to get over it and try new things. In the last ten years or so I’ve realised that if you don’t try it, you’ll never know if you like it.
So that’s why I love going out to restaurants and making a meal last all night. It just feels rather decadent and exciting.
Dinner for two
My love of food is the reason why I went to Byfords of Holt for a romantic meal on Saturday. Most people in Norfolk have heard of Byfords somehow, but very few have ever been for more than cake (which was how I first discovered it!), but it’s so much more than that…
Not only is the menu fantastic, but there’s a very comfortable atmosphere, where you can take your time and enjoy your meal. The low lighting is very romantic, with diners spaced out, so you can also enjoy some privacy.
The waiting staff are also incredibly knowledgeable about the dishes served too, so you can get more information.
Feast
To start we shared a seafood board, which is like a charcuterie board, but with seafood. I know it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but we really enjoyed it. With a selection of seafood including white anchovies, mackerel pate, smoked salmon and beetroot relish, it was just enough as a starter.
I had hearty sausages with Tuscan bean stew for main, which was perfect on a cold February night. The sausages were meaty and tasty, with the flavours complemented by a sweet and sticky onion marmalade, all mixed into a tomato- based stew.
The meal was rounded off by a huge flapjack sundae – which I had decided on before choosing my main (obviously). With lots of chocolate sauce, chunks of flapjack, ice-cream and cream I felt a bit sick after, but it had to be done!
More than a restaurant
During the day, Byfords is more of a cafe, selling the largest cakes in the world. And not only are they large, but they are mouthwateringly good. The lemon sponge or Victoria sponge cakes are my personal preference, but the chocolate always looks tempting too. Just as a warning though, Byford’s does get very busy in the summer, so you might have to fight for somewhere to sit, although you can always get a take away and enjoy the sunshine.
Oh and before I sign off, they also run a B&B – but I haven’t indulged in that luxury yet – there’s still time!
Byford’s claim to be ‘a higgledy piggledy world of pleasure’ and they’re completely right. To find out more, visit the website.
