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Issue 9 | Summer 2014
UNIQUELY AWAY
Uniquely AWAY
Blue seas and big skies Coastal beauty spots The pleasures of summer Food, fun and where to stay Escape from it all Win a break away
Devoted to exclusive holidays, leisure and experience in Norfolk and Suffolk
Issue 9 | Summer 2014
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R EESTAUR S T A U R ANT ANT & BO OUTIQUE UTIQUE IN NN N
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The online version of Uniquely Away can be viewed at www.uniquelymags.co.uk
The Away Team Editor Abigail Saltmarsh editor@uniquelymags.co.uk Deputy editor Karen Kelly karen@uniquelymags.co.uk Designer Mark Edwards mark@uniquelymags.co.uk Creative photographer Nick Read nick@uniquelymags.co.uk Feature writers Ruth Gaukrodger, Sarah Sinclair, Mary Williams Magazine assistants Ruth Gaukrodger, Clarissa Hopkins, Jude Holt Director of Advertising and Sales Iain Little iain@uniquelymags.co.uk Area sales managers Amanda Carter, Christine Taylor For information on advertising, sales or sponsorship in Uniquely Away or other Uniquely Magazines’ publications contact sales@uniquelymags.co.uk or call 01603 624522 Uniquely Away is published by Uniquely Magazines 12 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA © AMS Editorial Services Ltd Company No. 07089976 About the editor With 25 years experience, Abigail Saltmarsh is a freelance journalist, writing lifestyle, property, homes, travel and a range of general interest features. She is regular contributor to national, glossy magazines and her pieces have appeared in the New York Times and International Herald Tribune. Abigail has also written extensively for the UK’s bestselling daily regional newspaper, the Eastern Daily Press, as well as for the EDP Norfolk Magazine, the East Anglian Daily Times Suffolk Magazine and the Evening News, in Norwich.
About the designer Based in Norwich, Mark Edwards specialises in graphic design, art direction and brand identity. Mark has worked on a diverse selection of projects, for a variety of clients, both locally and nationally. www.designed.co.uk
About the photographer Nick Read is highly experienced in lifestyle and magazine work. With more than 20 years behind the camera, he has worked for clients ranging from Bentley, McLaren, Chrysler and Secma sports cars to the BBC, Radio Times and United Emirates Air Lines. Nick, who lives in Suffolk but travels abroad for his photography work, frequently carries out home interiors shoots and has worked for national glossy magazines, such as House Beautiful and BBC Good Homes, as well as exclusive homes estate agents Savills, Fine and Fine and Country.
Issue 9
Uniquely AWAY
Summer is here and we have some scorching suggestions for those seeking to experience the beauty of Norfolk and Suffolk. This issue has a distinctly coastal feel. We highlight some of the area’s most secluded beaches and bring you some stunning photographs of stretching sands, colourful cliffs and great big open skies. We also focus on traditional seaside fun and exciting summer activities – things to do, see and make the most of as a family. Inland, we look at Norfolk’s fascinating chalk rivers and suggest where you can enjoy them for yourselves and we bring you some seasonal food suggestions, including places to dine, shop and taste the freshest local produce. As usual, we showcase some of Norfolk and Suffolk’s best artists and exhibitions across our pages and we offer you some great dates for your diary. Our accommodation section presents some superb places to stay and our retail pages suggest places to shop. And, as ever, we have two more fabulous competitions for you to enter. Please do keep in touch with us. We love to have your feedback and to hear all your ideas. We hope you have a lovely summer and really get to make the most of everything this quiet corner of the world has to offer at this time of year. Abigail Saltmarsh editor@uniquelymags.co.uk
www.nickreadphotography.com
Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Co. using only paper from FSC/PEFC suppliers. www.magprint.co.uk
Front cover photograph taken at Pin Mill by Justin Minns. For more information visit www.justinminns.co.uk
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Uniquely
AWAY
Uniquely Away would like to congratulate the lucky winners of the competitions in our late spring issue. Karen Sheairs, of Great Chesterford, Essex, who won a one-night stay for two at beautiful Ingoldisthorpe Hall, at Mount Amelia, in Norfolk. Peter Smethurst, of Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire, who won a three-night, mid-week stay for four at Sheppards Barn, in Suffolk. The winners have been informed. Read on to enter two more magnificent competitions in this issue of Uniquely Away
Quarterly magazine
Uniquely AWAY
is usually available priced ÂŁ4.50 (inc p&p) per issue or priced ÂŁ16 (inc p&p) for an annual subscription. To order please email subscriptions@ uniquelymags.co.uk call 01603 291805 or send a cheque made payable to Uniquely Magazines to Uniquely Magazines 12 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA
Contents
Competition winners
A Uniquely focus
Fresh and local
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22
Art and artists
24
Natural break Secret Meadows
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Behind the camera Photographer Justin Minns
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Creative inspirations Art galleries and exhibitions
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Thoroughly modern RE+new
Savour the summer Seasonal suggestions
Norfolk produce Back to the Garden
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Locally sourced A taste of the best
31
A food destination Wroxham Barns
35
The toast of Suffolk Lavenham Brook
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Uniquely AWAY
is available in a selection of carefully chosen, exclusive establishments, such as hotels, theatres, spas and art galleries, including: The Apex, Bury St Edmunds www.theapex.co.uk Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk The Forum, Norwich (TIC) www.visitnorwich.co.uk www.visitnorfolk.co.uk Gallery Plus, Wells-next-the-Sea www.gallery-plus.co.uk Gone Crabbing, Southwold and Burnham Deepdale www.gonecrabbing.co.uk
Coastal beauty
Places to stay
Summer retail
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Beautiful seclusion Suffolk sands
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Seaside town Southwold
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Coastal colour Gone Crabbing
Rural retreat White Horse Barn
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Accommodation Quality holiday homes
66
By the lake Fir Lodge
Fine jewellery Francis Wain What, where, who
85
A good sport Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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Images of Norfolk
Out and about
In the editor’s diary A choice of events
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90
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Postcards from Norfolk Photographer Daniel Tink
A day out Great Yarmouth
Norfolk nature Chalk rivers
In the know Ian Wallis
The Hoste, Burnham Market www.thehoste.com Pinkfoot Gallery, Cley www.pinkfootgallery.co.uk The Red Dot Gallery, Holt www.thereddotgallery.com Re+new, Woodbridge www.replusnew.com Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Norwich www.scva.org.uk Strattons, Swaffham www.strattons-hotel.co.uk Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo Theatre Royal, Norwich www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk Our readers may also enjoy finding out more about where to stay and what to do in Norfolk and Suffolk at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk www.visitsuffolk.co.uk
Family fun Church Farm
Contents images: Severn the Cow in Upper Ox Eye Meadow by Ross Troup, Sweet Pea at White Horse Farm, Basket of Tasting from DJ Wines, Bee Orchid at White House Farm, Upper Langdales Farm Cottages by Johanna Prendergast
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Salt Interiors can offer a tailor made interior design service to meet your individual needs and requirements, whether it is a single blind to a full design project. From traditional to contemporary style, family homes or commercial properties, we can supply wallpapers, curtain poles and fabrics from leading suppliers, as well as offering a curtain and blind making service. We can also source and supply furniture and lighting to complement and advise on paint schemes. info@saltinteriors.co.uk | 07714 321987 | www.saltinteriors.co.uk
K I N G ’ S LY N N | D E R E H A M www.franciswainjewellers.com
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E N J O Y A
S U M M E R O F
S E R E N I T Y Natural beauty at Secret Meadows
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estling in tranquil surroundings, in the heart of the serene Suffolk countryside, Secret Meadows more than lives up to its name. Here visitors are treated to a unique experience – the opportunity to enjoy a luxury stay within a landscape that feels untouched by modern life. Overseen by managers Charlotte Daniel and Ross Troup, the site at White House Farm not only offers sumptuous lodge tents and a romantic gypsy caravan, but also 115 acres that includes ancient woodland, beautiful ponds and, of course, magnificent wildflower meadows. Owned by charity the Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust, the land at Hasketon, near Woodbridge, has
remained unchanged for decades, allowing it to go through a process of natural regeneration. “This has resulted in a wonderful diversity of plants and flowers,” says Charlotte. “We have seven different species of orchid here, for example, and an incredible bird population that includes the likes of nightingales, turtle doves, kingfishers and lesser and greater spotted woodpeckers.”
has a Green Tourism Gold Award. Each of these sleeps six and is fully furnished with a hand-crafted wooden kitchen, wood-burning stove, dining area, comfortable seating, private shower and cloakroom. There is a king-size, four poster bed, twin bedroom and built-in cupboard bed.
In 2012, the trust decided to establish glamping at the farm, to help fund the preservation of the County Wildlife Site and to give guests the opportunity to experience the rural idyll for themselves.
“Each unit is nestled in its own wooded glade, overlooking wildflower meadows. The lodges are ideal for families and couples,” says Charlotte. “Then we also have the gypsy caravan. This comes as one unit with a shepherd’s hut, which provides kitchen and shower room facilities. Four people can share these between them.”
Now there are six luxury lodge tents carefully positioned at the site, which
Next year, Secret Meadows also hopes to be able to offer a hobbit box. This
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converted horse box truck will offer a magical experience for up to four guests. During their stay, guests can explore the farm, where rare breed British white cattle are grazed as part of a traditional management process. They can hire bicycles, follow nature trails, enjoy a turf labyrinth and admire an impressive tree circle, which marks the changing seasons. If they choose, they can also take part in organised activities, such as guided walks and bushcraft and whittling workshops. There is a range of tempting food packages, with local ingredients, for guests to order, and a pantry that is stocked by the local farm shop.
week but there are those who come for longer,” says Charlotte. “We have a lot of guests from London but others come from much further away too. “I think people like the fact that we try to be as green as possible and that we are a conservation charity but at the same time we provide a luxury stay. We wanted to be able to offer high end, stylish accommodation and to allow them to experience for themselves this place of incredible beauty, which really has remained unchanged for generations.”
Your chance to stay at
SECRET MEADOWS
Wildlife photography by the Sinfield Nature Conservation Trust, accommodation by Craig Girling www.craiggirling.com, owl by Tony Fagan, butterfly by Amy Lewis and kingfisher by Kevin Sawford
“People tend to book three-night, weekend stays or four-nights during the
For more information call 01394 382992 or visit www.secretmeadows.co.uk
Uniquely Away has teamed up with Secret Meadows to offer one lucky reader a four-night, mid-week stay for up to six in a luxury lodge tent To enter our draw to win this magnificent prize, simply tell us where you read the magazine and send your name, address, email address and daytime telephone number to
secretmeadowscompetition @uniquelymags.co.uk or send a postcard to
Secret Meadows Competition, Uniquely Away, 12 Upper King Street, Norwich NR3 1HA
The competition closes on Friday 3 October 2014. The winner will be announced in the next issue of Uniquely Away. The usual Uniquely Magazines’ terms and conditions apply. For full details visit www.uniquelymags.co.uk. A date for the stay will be arranged directly with Secret Meadows and will be subject to availability. It must be taken before the end of 2014. The booking will be made in accordance with Secret Meadows’ terms and conditions. All competition entrants must be 18 years or older. No cash alternative is offered.
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Stuart Roy NORFOLK PAINTER
Original land & seascapes inspired by Norfolk CO M M I S S I O N S U N D E R TA K E N To view my work or visit my studio please contact me on 01638 510 098 | stuartroy50@btinternet.com | 07836 777 213
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Behind the Camera AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER JUSTIN MINNS SPECIALISES IN DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES
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“I grew up on the Essex Suffolk border, a stone’s throw from Constable Country and so have always been familiar with Suffolk landscapes. “Through my photography I like to capture some of the dramatic colour and conditions that occur in nature, especially at the start and end of the day when the coast and countryside has a completely different look. “I particularly enjoy photographing Suffolk and Norfolk because there are such diverse landscapes within easy reach of my home. Other parts of the country may have more dramatic scenery but I love the calm beauty of East Anglia and there’s something to be said for knowing the area you are shooting. “Suffolk and Norfolk are quite varied, the beaches especially change quite significantly as you travel up from the mainly shingly Suffolk coast, through the wide open, sandy beaches of North Norfolk, with their inlets and harbours, to the famous red and white cliffs of Hunstanton.
“For a photographer there is so much of interest along the Suffolk and Norfolk coast; fishing boats, old jetties and wornout sea defences all make great subjects but the real draw is the huge skies. If, like me, you enjoy capturing the magic of a sunrise, what could be better? “There are so many special beaches along the East Anglian coast but Hunstanton is probably my favourite because it is so unique. Below the impressive cliffs there is the wreck of the Sheraton and some unusual rock formations, and further along, at low tide, there is a lovely wide open space of rippled sand, punctuated by reflective pools and backed by sand dunes and beach huts. What is also unusual for this part of the world is that it faces west – perfect for sunset. “East Anglia often looks at its best in summer – for example, the cliff tops at Dunwich are carpeted with huge swathes of glorious pink and purple heather. Being out and about for the first and last hour of the day is especially rewarding in summer but that can mean getting out of
bed as early as 2am to be at a location in time for sunrise! “I am always working on improving my portfolio but I have just completed my LRPS, the first of three distinctions awarded by the Royal Photographic Society. If I am successful I will be working on the next level, the ARPS. “I also enjoy teaching and have been running one-to-one landscape photography tuition for just over a year now. My first small group workshops will start in September and will be held in Hunstanton. “My photographic style seems to evolve of its own accord but lately I have been enjoying working in black and white, particularly using long exposures to capture motion in the sky and water. Who knows whether this is a direction I will continue in? I am just enjoying the journey.” Beach Huts, Wells-next-the-Sea For more information visit www.justinminns.co.uk
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Bawdsey
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Walberswick
Aldeburgh
Bawdsey
Burnham Overy Staithe
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C R E A T I V E U N I Q U E LY
AWAY
H I G H L I G H T S
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G A L L E R I E S ,
Stephen Higton
Stuart Roy
Suffolk
Norfolk Although he “dabbled a little,” it was not until he moved to the US, and found himself with more time, that he really picked up his paintbrush again. “My wife pushed me hard and it just progressed from there. I am a great fan of Edward Seago and enjoy focusing on land and seascapes.”
To The Watch House, Blakeney (detail)
Stephen started exhibiting locally and before long was noticed by larger galleries in the area. He joined the Norfolk and Norwich Art Circle and has taken part in Suffolk Open Studios. His next solo exhibition, Impressions of East Anglia, will be held at the Gallery, Snape Maltings, from Saturday 26 July to Wednesday 3 September, and will feature more than 20 works.
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rtist Stephen Higton moved to Suffolk in 2008 for its spectacular scenery and since then has drawn endless inspiration from his surroundings. He is originally from Nottingham but, after rediscovering his love of painting while living in America, decided to set up home in East Anglia. “We moved to Suffolk because of its proximity to the coast,” says Stephen, whose wife Mita is a watercolour artist. “I did not know the area before we came but we were drawn here by the big skies and open landscape. “I had always painted as a child but did not have the opportunity to go to art school. Instead, I set off on the corporate ladder and worked in the paper industry for a while.”
“I originally worked in pastels but about four years ago moved over to oils instead,” he says. “I had not picked up an oil brush since the 1960s but it really seemed to work for me.” Stephen, who also teaches workshops, says he has not looked back since moving to Suffolk. He now spends as much time as possible out on the coast, with his camera and sketchbook. “I love being out in Blakeney and on the North Norfolk marshes, as well as the area around Snape, in Suffolk” he says. “I find the landscapes here endlessly inspiring and constantly changing.” Photograph of painting by Mita Higton For more information on Stephen’s work, workshops and exhibitions call 01379 388925 or visit www.shigtonart.co.uk
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s often as possible, artist Stuart Roy will head to the Norfolk coast. His favourite stretch is from Holkham down to Sheringham or Cromer, where he enjoys the vast open spaces. “When I first started painting, my work was much more photographic but now I find myself becoming more and more abstract,” he says. “I paint a lot of skies, seas and horizons and am interested in how colours mix together.” Stuart studied fine art at university and since then has worked in photography, design and advertising. “When I was working, I used to exhibit as well. I gradually moved from painting to photography and then back again. “When we moved to Norfolk five years ago I was kicking my heels a bit and so started looking at the kinds of paintings that were being sold in the area and decided to try to capture the land and seascapes myself.”
I T
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N O R F O L K
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Trevor Woods Gallery Plus
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Since then, Stuart, who works with acrylics on canvas, has sold his work through galleries such as Big Blue Sky, in Wells, the Fairhurst Gallery, in Norwich, and the Southwold Gallery, as well as John Lewis. He also sells his work through his own website.
orfolk artist Trevor Woods is mounting a major exhibition in Wells-next-the-Sea this summer, showcasing his recent Londonthemed work.
“My style has evolved. Although I do paint places, my aim really is to recreate the atmosphere of a scene rather than to represent it faithfully. I visit places and then put the different images together when I am painting.”
St Paul’s Reflected from an original painting by Trevor Woods
The exhibition, which runs at Gallery Plus, from Saturday 16 August to Sunday 31 August, will feature more than 40 pieces. “My work in general has three main subject areas – Norfolk, London and Italy, which all lend themselves to my style quite nicely,” he explains. “This year’s London-themed exhibition is a follow-up to one I did last year.
Drawn by the drama of North Norfolk, he likes to head up there as often as possible. “It is nice to have breakfast at a café on the coast and then to walk beside the sea,” he adds. “I know the big skies of Norfolk are something of a cliché but really their beauty is that there is nothing in the way.”
“I love London because it never stops – there is always something new to look at and its whole vibe is such a contrast to Norfolk.” Trevor, whose work often has an architectural dimension, started selling his pieces locally in 2001. He became a full-time freelance artist in 2004 and opened Gallery Plus, with his wife Jo, in 2009.
For more information on Stuart’s work call 01638 510098 or 07836 777213 or visit www.stuartroynorfolkartist.moonfruit.com
Working in acrylic and ink, from his studio at Gallery Plus, he is now known for his bold use of colour, clean lines and strong graphic style.
Beach Huts and Beach 2
“I like to try to mix things up a little and within this exhibition there are two minithemes. One is the London Underground. The other stems from a visit to Venice, when I noticed how everything was reflected in the water. That opened my eyes to seeing things a bit differently, looking at how some of the buildings in London were reflected in other ones.”
Iconic buildings featured in Trevor Woods’ London include the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral and the BT Tower. “Depicting some of these buildings reflected in others has made my work more abstract and moved it in a slightly different direction,” he adds. “I never like to stand still. “My work is constantly evolving and at the moment I am feeling very positive about it. I do want to keep moving forward and changing things as I go while also staying within my three main subject areas, all of which still inspire me.”
For more information on Trevor’s work, Gallery Plus and the exhibition call 01328 711609 or visit www.gallery-plus.co.uk or www.twoodsimages.co.uk
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A Major Exhibition of over 40 brand new paintings
SATURDAY 16th - SUNDAY 31st AUGUST
BT Tower Reflection . Acrylic and Ink. Trevor Woods
Brixham by Moira Huntly PPPS RSMA RI RWA
TREVOR WOODS’ LONDON
ANY PORT IN A STORM New exhibition of marine paintings to mark the 5th anniversary of Sea Pictures Gallery in Clare.
6th September - 13th October
www.sea pictures gallery.com Well Lane | Clare | Suffolk | CO10 8NH
|
Following the success of last year’s London-themed exhibition, Trevor is doing it all over again... but with a very different approach. Expect to see views you haven’t seen before, new painting methods, and a new sense of imagination, whilst always retaining his unique and instantly recognisable style. Signature pieces will include London skylines, the Underground and observations of public spaces.
01787 279024 Warham Road . Wells-next-the-Sea . Norfolk . NR23 1QA
Visit our website for opening times and for details of the latest show.
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm . Sundays 11am - 4pm
01328 711609 . info@gallery-plus.co.uk . www.gallery-plus.co.uk
“Capturing the essence of the Racing Thoroughbred” Thomas Lund-Lack
Steve Higton Exhibition Impressions of East Anglia Snape Maltings Gallery | 26 July to 3 September 2014
‘Steve Higton is the perfect artist to capture the magic of summer in our beautiful part of the world’
ArtActiv Limited, The Woodland Lodge, Red House Yard, Gislingham Road, Thornham Magna, Suffolk IP23 8HH +441379 783208| +447701 073453 info@artactiv.co.uk | www.absolutearts.com/lundlack
‘Impressions of East Anglia’ is Steve’s latest collection of oil paintings, inspired by the artistic traditions of East Anglia and the wonderful scenes around every corner of the coast and countryside. Snape Maltings Gallery are delighted to welcome Steve in the Gallery for the launch of the exhibition on Saturday 26 July between 12 and 3 pm, so please do come along and enjoy this perfectly summery collection. Snape Maltings, Near Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP17 1SR 01728 688 303 | info@snapemaltings.co.uk | www.shigtonart.co.uk
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Meg Witts
Hugh Webster
Emma Green
Art and design G
eoff Witts, owner of RE+new, admits he wanted to bring something new to Suffolk when he opened the doors to his Woodbridge establishment six years ago – but he had no idea just how successful the gallery side of his operation would become. With a love of art and design, Geoff’s aim was always to offer an interesting mix of original artwork, design furniture and stationery, but now representing around 30 acclaimed artists as well, RE+new enjoys a growing reputation as a modernist gallery. “I opened it very much as a shop,” explains Geoff, who has a background in hand-made stationery. “Gradually, however, my love of art and design has seen me take on more and more artists. “I would now say I represent some of the best artists in this area and am
very much on the map as a leading modernist gallery.” Opening RE+new on Easter Saturday in March 2008, Geoff says local people and visitors alike were intrigued: “Woodbridge was an absolutely perfect place for me to do something like this. It is pretty sophisticated, with a real pulse and a genuinely cosmopolitan mix of people. “On that first day of trading, people wondered if this was a shop, gallery or even just a smart office! But then later, a discerning young lady summed it up when she walked in, carefully took visual stock and declared: ‘This is a real treat for Woodbridge!” Today artists featured at the gallery include the likes of Honor Surie, Colin Slee, Hugh Webster, Bob Broadley, Lisa Berry, Emma Green and Meg Witts, as well as Dale Devereux Barker.
“This year has been particularly busy with solo exhibitions booked every month until December. These include Honor Surie (from Saturday 18 October to 8 November), as well as Corrie Barclay (from Saturday 9 August to Saturday 23) August and Sophie Elinor Martin (from Saturday 29 November to Saturday 13 December), both of whom are exciting new artists to have on parade at the gallery!” Next year, however, looks to be even more exciting. In addition to hoping to mount some much larger events in outside venues, Geoff has been invited to host and curate an exhibition in June for the Royal Academy Schools’ group of artists in East Anglia. “The gallery was selected carefully for its growing contemporary reputation,” he says. “This is a great endorsement, which should be fun and rewarding.”
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Bob Broadley
Honor Surie
Lisa Berry
RE+new in Woodbridge has made a name for itself as both a modernist gallery and a stockist of high quality design furniture
he design element to RE+new remains as strong as ever, with Geoff stocking 20th century furniture finds from auction houses and new design classics, as well as pieces by local craftspeople.
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Times How to Spend It design column a couple of years ago.”RE+new gallery is also an appointed stockist of Vitra furniture. This range is vast, and includes designers such as Eames, Arad, Foster, Panton and Prouvé.
“Dan Hussey was an early supplier with his now famous steam bent chairs. These were originally in ash but are more recently in sweet chestnut. Then there is Jim Parsons, who is also local and crafts both his big chair – a modern version of the Windsor chair – and his Sandling dining chairs,” says Geoff.
The gallery also features steel sculptures by Paul Richardson, whimsical metal pieces by Zoe Rubens and ceramics by both Kate Reynolds and Ursula Rubens.
“We are also very proud to represent local designer and maker Tim Germain. His finely crafted desk in spalted elm, black American walnut veneer, steel and glass, hit the Financial
“We still stock our bespoke stationery,” he adds. “This is hand-made locally in Suffolk, with quality paper and covered in a distinctive range of colours.” Photography by Geoff Witts For more information on RE+new, visit the gallery on the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge (open 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday), call 01394 386314 or visit www.replusnew.com
Invitations to private views at RE+new are deliberately informal, with anyone welcome to attend. These events are held on the first Saturday of each exhibition and details can be found on the website. Please contact the gallery if you would like to be added to the mailing list.
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Burnham Market Pine The best quality furniture for style and value
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Telephone 01328 738009 | Mobile 07917 202529 Tuesday-Saturday 10.00am-5.30pm, Sunday & Bank Holidays 11.30am-5.30pm
_7 Quay Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1BX No
Woodbridge Antiques Centre 17 Church Street, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1DS www.vanil.co.uk | 07702 877081 | mandy@vanil.co.uk
GLASSWARE | SILVERWARE | JEWELLERY | PORCELAIN | POTTERY PICTURES | CLOCKS | WATCHES | BOOKS | POSTCARDS | TREEN
www.woodbridgeantiquescentre.co.uk
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WWW.UNIQUELYECLECTIC.CO.UK
Rediscover the romance of roses at
Clare Antiques & Interiors With four floors of exhibiting space, Clare Antiques & Interiors is one of the biggest antique warehouses in Suffolk, housing a wonderful array of unique furnishings, objects and collectables for the home and garden Traditional cream teas available all summer long
01787 278449 | www.clareantiques.co.uk
THE MILL, MALTING LANE, CLARE, SUFFOLK, CO10 8NW
Open 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
‘Frilly Cuff’
Container Roses Garden Centre Catalogue Gardens Please quote ‘UA14’ when ordering a catalogue or placing an order.
01953 454707 www.classicroses.co.uk
London Road Attleborough Norfolk NR17 1AY
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It’s going to be a si Sarah Sinclair looks at spicing up some of
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lump garlic, juicy tomatoes and crisp onions – farm shops, markets and local grocery stores are likely to be groaning under the weight of fresh Norfolk and Suffolk fruit and vegetables this summer. Those with gardens and allotments might also have grown their own and many of us will be choosing to dine out at cafés, restaurants and pubs, where they source as much of their fresh produce as possible close to home. This summer you should be able to find aubergines, courgettes, onions and peppers, as well as beetroot,
beans, carrots, peas, new potatoes, radishes and a glorious array of lettuce, rocket and other salad leaves. Those with a sweeter tooth could also, of course, indulge in plums, strawberries, raspberries and an array of currants and other berries. As our tastes have moved towards spicier, tangier and zestier foods, we are also finding that fresh produce used to flavour dishes is increasingly being grown in Norfolk and Suffolk. Look out for chillies, garlic and all sorts of herbs that are now being cultivated in East Anglia.
TIME TO SALSA... INGREDIENTS 250g fresh tomatoes 1 small onion Three chillies One bunch of fresh coriander A pinch of salt A grind or two of black pepper One tbsp of lemon or lime juice METHOD Wash and chop your tomatoes into small pieces. Finely chop your onions, chillies and coriander and mix in. Add your lemon or lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with freshly baked crusty bread or tortilla chips.
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zzling hot summer! the vegetables on your plates this season
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t the Crawfish Inn, Thursford, Siropas Rangphet and his wife Mandy combine fresh Norfolk ingredients with authentic Thai seasoning to create their delicious dishes. Their restaurant, which is situated on the main Fakenham to Holt road, has a menu featuring more than 70 dishes, ranging from their famous hot and sour tom yum soup to creamy Panang chicken and sizzling neau pad beef. “I have always been in the food business – my mother has a Thai restaurant in London and my auntie
has a big restaurant in Bangkok,” explains Siropas, who opened the Crawfish Inn nine and a half years ago. “I always wanted to be a chef and to run my own restaurant.” He studied hotel management in King’s Lynn and, after meeting Mandy, decided on North Norfolk as a location for the Crawfish Inn. “We like it here because it is quiet and yet people still know to find us here,” he adds. Most of the ingredients used in Siropas’s dishes come from local
farms, while fish and seafood is from King’s Lynn. Some ingredients have to be flown in from Thailand as they cannot be grown in the UK but the Rangphets cultivate many of their own herbs in their garden. “We are known for many of our dishes, but perhaps our Thai green chicken curry in particular,” he adds. “People come from across Norfolk to enjoy our food and others like to make a visit while they are here on holiday.” For more information call 01328 878313 or visit www.crawfishinn.com
A taste of Thailand
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askets overflowing with fruit and veg, wheels of cheese piled high on the deli counter and beef from cattle that roamed the fields of North Norfolk. Back to the Garden is known for its organic produce and fresh local food that can be enjoyed on site in its café and restaurant or bought in its shop to be prepared at home. This summer will see the usual colourful display of baskets and boxes, as well as a spectrum of tasty seasonal dishes gracing the menu, explains general manager Chris Allen.
And the award-winning operation will also be organising its own major food event and taking part in the Holt Festival, from Saturday 19 July to Sunday 27 July. “We will be hosting a pop-up restaurant in the grounds of Gresham’s School. This will include a barbecue and hog roast, and we will have a wood-fired pizza oven too,” says Chris. “We will be serving seasonal produce from our farm and all the meat will, of course, be organic – we have just won a Gold Award for our chicken, lamb and beef. As usual, everything we prepare will be of the highest quality.”
Back to the Garden grows a full range of vegetables, from salad leaves through to squashes, root plants and all sorts of leafy greens, on its farm. As usual, this summer will also see baskets of apples and punnets of strawberries and other soft berries adorning the shelves. The shop prides itself on its chemical-free meat. Cattle roam for more than six months a year on meadows that run down to the River Stiffkey and on woodland pastures adjacent to the National Nature Reserve forest. The cattle and sheep enjoy a variety of grazing while the chickens, geese and turkeys are raised in an environment with plenty of shade.
Harvest festival
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“There will also be arts and crafts stalls, with items that have been made in Norfolk, and in the afternoon we will have a magic show for children.”
done 15 weddings this year and are always happy to discuss what we can offer those planning these sorts of special events.”
“We pride ourselves on our relationships with other local producers,” says Chris. “On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August, we will be hosting our own food festival here, with 12 of our suppliers taking part.
In addition to its normal café and restaurant, Back to the Garden will be setting up a pizza oven and laying on a hog roast and barbecue, serving the likes of its organic beef burgers, at this event too.
He adds: “It is nice to be able to take our skills to other places and to give people a chance to enjoy our fresh produce and exciting menus.”
“They will be setting up in our garden – rather like a farmers’ market – so that people can come and look at the produce, buy it and discuss it with the producers themselves.
“We find our food is very popular at these kinds of festivals,” says Chris. “We are also moving much further into catering for other outside functions, such as weddings, too. We have already
Photography courtesy of Back to the Garden
Meat from the farm is home-cured by Back to the Garden and sold with the fruit and vegetables alongside beer, cheese, wine and jam, all from other local producers.
For more information on Back to the Garden call 01263 715996 or visit www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk
Home-grown vegetables, fresh fruit and organic meat – Back to the Garden will be serving up a veritable feast of locally grown produce this summer
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L av e n h a m B r o o k T
H
E
w i n e s
&
vineyard
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orchard
p r o d u c e
red poll cattle
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farm shop
HOURGLASS BA R
AND
RESTAURANT
OPEN 7 DAYS FOR LUNCH AND DINNER
01328 856744
WWW.THEHOUR-GLASS.CO.UK SCULTHORPE, FAKENHAM, NORFOLK, NR21 9QD
A:
brook farm, cock lane, brent eleigh, suffolk, co 10 9 pb
T: 01787 248 590 • E:
info@lavenhambrook.co.uk
lavenhambrook.co.uk
W:
Deli
Café
Pick 'n' mix olives, freshly made salads, quiches and much more
Open 7 days a week 8.30am-5pm for breakfast and lunch, tea and cake (food served until 3pm)
Local and continental cheese and charcuterie
ORGANIC FOOD & DRINK
Shop Local independent wholefood store with everything under one roof Fresh, local, organic wholefoods
Bakery Made with organic ingredients for your fresh, daily baked real bread Sourdough, wheat-free, rye and much more
2-4 EARLHAM HOUSE SHOPS, EARLHAM ROAD, NORWICH NR2 3PD www.thegreengrocers.co.uk | 01603 250000 | eat@thegreengrocers.co.uk Monday to Saturday 8am–7pm | Sunday 9am–4pm | Free Parking
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Fruits of the sea F
reshly caught crab and hot roast salmon are always popular in Norfolk and Suffolk at this time of year, according to Daniel Eastwood, of Lowestoftbased Crystal Waters. The family-run business, which does all its own smoking, sells at markets across both counties (Southwold on Mondays and Thursdays) and in Cambridgeshire too. “We tend to do a lot of hot roast salmon in the summer months, as it is a good salad food,” says Daniel, who has run the business for 14 years now.
“Cromer crab is always popular too, as well as wild bass.” Everything is caught as close to home as possible and there is always an emphasis on seasonal produce. “As the summer progresses and September approaches, the mussel season will start again, and then we will be selling shellfish fresh from the North Norfolk coast,” he adds. Photography courtesy of Crystal Waters For more information call 01502 586866 or visit www.onlinefish.co.uk
Tastes of Norfolk A
fter tasting a jar of local marmalade made with brandy, David Channell decided to have a go at making the product himself. Today he not only has his own luxury orange marmalade with brandy, but also a whole array of other jams, sauces and preserves. “We have about 40 different products at Norfolk Preserves that we have developed in response to demand,” he says. “Everything is made with taste in mind – our jam, for example, is very high in fruit, which you can taste.” Products are sold by stockists across Norfolk and
Suffolk, and beyond. They are served and stocked by a number of bed and breakfasts and guest houses, such as the Old Station House, Hemsby. “In this area, people enjoy our products with their home-cooked breakfasts and like to buy them as souvenirs of their visit,” he says. “We are looking for outlets across the country, however, as we are finding people do enjoy a taste of Norfolk, wherever they are.” Photography courtesy of Norfolk Preserves For more information call 01493 330168 or visit www.norfolkpreserves.co.uk
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Full-bodied flavour A
t DJ Wines, at Monk Soham, near Woodbridge, in Suffolk, Derek Jones is winning wide-spread acclaim for his fruit wines. Here he makes strawberry, rhubarb, cherry and raspberry, which is sold in shops, farm shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as through his website. He also makes liqueurs and mead at the winery. “We have recently started hosting tasting experiences here,” he says. “These are for groups of up to 16 people and include a tour
round the winery and then a chance to try the different wines and mead. “The price is £6.50, which includes some Suffolk cheese, salami and bread to enjoy along with the samples of wine.” He adds: “People enjoy the opportunity to find out more about the process and to ask questions, as well as to try some flavours they perhaps have not tried before.” Photography courtesy of DJ Wines For more information call 07882 649833 or visit www.dj-wines.com
Farm fresh F
rom home-grown potatoes and other locally produced fruit and vegetables to meat from their own Suffolk-bred red poll cattle, Emmerdale Farm Shop is known for its range of fresh food. Situated at Darsham, near Saxmundham, the farm shop has also recently opened a tea room. Jeremy and Wendy Thickitt have run the business for 11 years now: “When I was younger, my father and I used to keep cattle and then ran a successful meat butchery business. I wanted to get back into rearing my own cattle,” says Jeremy. Today the Thickitts farm
a couple of hundred acres. They like to stick to traditional breeds, such as belted Galloway, Hereford, Angus and the red poll cattle. “As well as selling our own meat, we sell lots of other local produce. We make our own pies and Scotch eggs, as well as jams, pickles and sauces,” he says. “Customers can sit in our new tea room, where they can enjoy our home-made cakes, lunches and teas, while they look out of the window and watch the cattle grazing.” Photography courtesy of Emmerdale Farm Shop For more information call 01728 668648 or visit www.emmerdalefarmshop.co.uk
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&TOURS WINE & LIQUEUR
TASTING SESSIONS
DJ Wines is a small, in mate winery set in an idyllic rural loca on where I make delicious hand cra ed wines and liqueurs from local fruits and Monk’s Mead.
Our tas ng tour includes:
Proper village pub aiming to be an amenity, whilst being a destination location eatery, accessible to all
• 9 samples consis ng of 4 wines, 4 liqueurs and Monks Mead. • A selec on of local Suffolk cheeses, salami and cold meats • Tutored tas ng • Tour of the Winery • Explana on of the business
Excellent, good value chef prepared menu – ranging from light lunches to fine dining, complimented by an extensive wine list and perfectly kept real ales Consistent, high quality experience across every aspect of the pub To achieve the perfect fusion of a traditional village pub and a quality restaurant
Pride of the village HIGH STREET, BRINKLEY, NEWMARKET, SUFFOLK, CB8 0RA
www.brinkleylion.co.uk | 01638 507936 | gilesandjanie@brinkleylion.co.uk
Celebrating a Special Event? Looking for something a li le unique? We accept groups of 2-15 people
www.dj-wines.com Find us on f and u
LEARN MORE AT
FRUIT WINES & LIQUEURS HANDMADE IN SUFFOLK
Stroll through Warren Woods to the cliffs... take in the sun sinking into the North Sea... then enjoy the finest food Norfolk has to offer
{ C R O M A N C E } on the best beach in the world
To book call 01263 512 412 Terms & Conditions apply
enquiries@thegrovecromer.co.uk
Dine with us midweek and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine for each person
Photograph by Kate Royall
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SAVOUR THE DIFFERENCE Food is an essential ingredient to the whole experience at Norfolk’s Wroxham Barns W
hether they are seeking to buy goodies to take home as presents or to sit down to a full home-cooked meal, visitors to Wroxham Barns are increasingly treating the Norfolk attraction as a food destination. The award-winning venue is known for its locally sourced products, as well as those made and served in its restaurant. Director Ian Russell, who has developed the food and drink offering since he launched the business back in 1983, says today’s consumers have high expectations when it comes to eating out and it is therefore essential for Wroxham Barns to offer a top quality experience. “We have to be able to meet the expectations of the whole family, which is why we have something of a food and drink cluster here now,” he says. “Not only do people want to be able to eat well while they are here but they want to be able to shop for food and, if they are on holiday, take local produce home with them.” Wroxham Barns famously offers a whole family experience, including farm, play and craft-making activities,
as well as extensive shopping and dining. This year the Foolhardy Circus will also be returning. At the Fudge Shop, tasty treats are made on site, while the Norfolk Cider Shop sells its own traditional cider and apple juice. “Then we have the Pantry, which sells a wide range of speciality foods and drinks from local suppliers. We have, for example, 75 different local beers – a wider range, we believe, than
Scone Competition The competition at Wroxham Barns is on Sunday 28 September. There are five categories – plain, cheese, fruit, freestyle and children’s scones – entrants have to make four scones in the categories of their choice and bring them to Wroxham Barns by 2.30pm on the day. The children’s section, for those aged 12 and under, is for plain scones only. The competition is free to enter. Entrants need to complete a form, which can be downloaded at www.wroxhambarns.co.uk or requested on 01603 783762 or at info@wroxhambarns.co.uk
anywhere other than the Real Ale Shop in North Norfolk. We also have an extensive selection of pickles, chutneys and preserves.” The restaurant at Wroxham Barns, where visitors can choose between full table service or the self-service coffee shop, is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Here local ingredients include the likes of milk from Nortons Dairy, flour from Letheringsett Watermill and meat from Swannington Farm to Fork. And dishes featured on the menu this summer will include such delights as rare breed sausage and mash, with onion and Woodforde’s Wherry gravy and Swannington Farm pork and apple burger, with red cabbage coleslaw and Norfolk peer potato salad. “All our sandwiches and cakes are made at Wroxham Barns and we are seen as something of a scone hot spot too,” says Ian. “Our chefs make around 30,000 scones a year and we hold our own annual scone competition, which attracts several hundred entries.” Photography courtesy of Wroxham Barns For more information on Wroxham Barns call 01603 783762 or visit www.wroxhambarns.co.uk
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www.georgiancoffeehouse.co.uk
BEST INDEPENDENT FOOD AND DRINK RETAILER 2013/14 Beautiful barn with licenced restaurant and wonderful farm shop. Organic fresh produce and meats from our farm, artisan cheeses, charcuterie, deli-cooked meats and treats for all occasions.
Bespoke Cupcakes Weddings, Corporate functions Decorating workshops and Children’s Parties 07796352162 www.suffolkcupcakes.co.uk
Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 5.00, Sunday 10.00 - 4.00 Evening Dining Saturdays 6.00 - 9.00 (also Fridays for summer) Call Rhiannon or Alice to book or e-mail christopher@back-to-the-garden.co.uk
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Norfolk Farmhouse Ice Cream
Crawfish Inn
Ice Cream to suit your special occasion
Thai Restaurant and Bar
Fresh eggs and milk from our farm are used to produce the most luxurious ice cream YDULHW\ RI ÁDYRXUV RI LFH cream and sorbet can be made to cater for all your needs Ice cream cart, bicycle hire and tasting sessions are available for weddings, events and special occasions Farm shop also selling free range eggs is open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk Several different size tubs are available to cater for individuals, hotels, restaurants and pubs.
Tel:
01362 638116
Fax: 01362
637908
Email: info@norfolkfarmhouseicecream.co.uk Visit: www.norfolkfarmhouseicecream.co.uk Pound Farm, North Tuddenham, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 3DA.
Thai cuisine that’s worth the journey Booking: 01328 878313, Open: Tuesday-Sunday 6pm-Late Holt Road (A148), Thursford, NR21 0BJ
www.crawfishinn.com
Visit Norwich’s premier vegetarian restaurant for fine dining and easy eating meals or just coffee and cake! Open Tuesday to Sunday in the lovely village of Trowse The Street, Trowse, Norwich, NR14 8AH | 01603 622448 | www.rivergreencafe.co.uk
SPECIAL OFFER! Bring this advert along to get a free bottle of house wine with any 2 Fine Dining Main Meals purchased See website for full terms and conditions. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Only available Tuesday to Thursday. Valid until 30th November 2014.
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C HA
Emmerdale
FARM SHOP & TEA ROOM
NNELL’S
Norfolk Preserves
zen en
ea
d
Small but friendly farm shop specialising in locally reared meat (our traditional beef is home reared), locally grown seasonal vegetables and products from local suppliers and producers wherever possible We look forward to welcoming you soon 01728 668648
www.emmerdalefarmshop.co.uk Westleton Road, Darsham, Saxmundham, IP17 3BP Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
Started over 20 years ago, Channell’s Norfolk Preserves currently have over 46 products in their range We supply local farm shops and delicatessens throughout Norfolk and Suffolk and our products are also available to buy online No artificial colours or chemical preservatives are used Currently looking to increase our stockists in Norfolk, Suffolk and across the UK
01493 330168
www.norfolkpreserves.co.uk
82 Hamilton Road, Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 4LZ Our shop is open from 10am-3pm Tuesday to Friday (closed Saturday to Monday)
CRYSTAL WATERS TRADITIONAL FISHMONGERS AND SMOKEHOUSE
Erpingham Arms BASED IN LOWESTOFT BUT DURING THE WEEK WE TRAVEL TO VARIOUS MARKETS THROUGHOUT SUFFOLK AND ESSEX
F R E E H O U S E
Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner & real ale Superb new menu!
www.erpinghamarms.com 6 COOKE ROAD, SOUTH LOWESTOFT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK, NR33 7NA
| WWW.ONLINEFISH.CO.UK | 01502 586866 | SALES@ONLINEFISH.CO.UK |
| Telephone 01263 761591 | info@erpinghamarms.com | Erpingham Arms, Eagle Road, Erpingham, Norfolk NR11 7QA
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VINTAGE SUFFOLK
AWARDWINNING VINEYARD LAVENHAM BROOK HAS JUST OPENED A SHOP IN THE HEART OF THE ROLLING SOUTH SUFFOLK COUNTRYSIDE
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scooped a gold medal, while the Lavenham Brook Bacchus 2012 and the Sparkling 2011 each won silver. In the 2013 East Anglian Vineyards Association Wine of the Year Awards, the Lavenham Brook Sparkling 2011 won the Spear Trophy for Best Sparkling Wine
rom his vineyards in the quiet countryside close to Lavenham, Nick Thomson is winning more awards and seeing increasing success with his Suffolk wines. Now he has opened a shop at Brook Farm, where wine lovers can buy his bacchus, pinot noir and sparkling wine, as well as apple juice made with fruit from his orchards. “We wanted to make it easier for customers to buy our produce so we converted one of our barns into a shop,” he says. “We also stock a wide variety of other related items, as well as different drinks and other locally sourced produce.” The shop will be open from 10am to 4pm, every Friday and Saturday, as well as at other times indicated by a new flipboard next to the entrance on Cock Lane, at Brent Eleigh. Nick started the vineyard at Brook Farm, where he also rears red poll cattle and grows eight different varieties of heritage apples, back in 2003. Approximately 10 acres are now given over to the vines that bear the bacchus and pinot noir grapes.
“Our new wines for 2013 are now in stock too and our pinot noir rosé was awarded the Waitrose Trophy for the Most Outstanding Still Rose Wine in the 2014 UK Vineyards Association’s Wine of the Year Competition, which I really had not expected as we were up there with all the big players,” he says. eventually hope to be able to produce around 30,000 bottles a year.” But it is the quality of the wine that is also making a name for Lavenham Brook. In the 2013 UK Vineyards Association Wine of the Year Competition, the Lavenham Brook Symphony Pinot Noir Rosé 2012
Nick is keen for his customers to find out more about the Suffolk vineyard and the wine-making process. Tastings will be held at the shop and he hopes to be organising guided tours of Brook Farm before too long. “We want people to be able to come here, walk about in this beautiful setting to experience what we do at different times of year and then to end up at the shop to see all our wine and other produce, and perhaps take some home for themselves.” Words by Abigail Saltmarsh Photography courtesy of Lavenham Brook,
“In 2013, we made 10,000 bottles of still wine and 1,000 bottles of sparkling. This is a real progression for us – we do
except bottle by Nick Read For more information call 01787 248590 or visit www.lavenhambrook.co.uk
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Tatty Tides
Range of Seaside Clothing and Gifts
interiors and gifts from country to coast
a stylish and inspiring mix of hand selected pieces to enhance your country and coastal lifestyle 1a, Hoppers Yard, Bull Street, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6LN 01263 711505 - sales@tattytides.co.uk
e r e h e r e w u o y Wish
Discover your next British Coastal break at
www.aldeburgh-breaks.co.uk
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Beach beautiful
Discover the serenity of Suffolk’s spectacular shores... Walberswick by Justin Minns
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Covehithe
Pakefield
Quiet Covehithe Beach is off the beaten track, tucked away on the stretch of Suffolk coast between Southwold and Lowestoft. This often deserted beach is known for its grassy cliffs and soft sands. The path to the beach here passes the impressive-looking ruins of old St Andrew Church and its much smaller replacement, nestled inside. The way down is tricky as coastal erosion has more than made its mark here and the beautiful cliffs are still gently crumbling away.
Stroll away from the crowds and enjoy the big Suffolk skies at Pakefield. Here the pebble and shingle beach is the perfect place to get away from it all. The sandy cliffs are popular with fossil hunters, where finds have included wildboar jaws, ammonites and deer antlers. Pakefield is the site of one of the earliest known areas of human habitation in the country.
Photograph by Nick Read
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Walberswick
Southwold Denes
The pleasure of crabbing at Walberswick, in the River Blyth estuary and creeks, is well-known but those seeking more solitude ought to stroll down the beach. Walberswick has a long sand and shingle beach, backed by grassy dunes and surrounded by marsh and heathland. Behind the sands, the meadows and marshes are abundant with different species, and are home to otters, deer and a wide range of birds.
After a day of jolly seaside fun in the town itself, retreat into the dunes of Southwold Denes. This rural, blue flag, shingle beach is clean, quiet and secluded. To the south is the mouth of the Blyth River and to the north is Southwold itself. Behind the beach is marsh land, where in summer you will see all sorts of rare wildflowers and sea grasses.
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Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom Campervan Hire The road keeps on going, and the adventure never ends! Come explore Norfolk and Suffolk in style #becauselifesbetterinacampervan At this quirky 1940s-style tearoom in Southwold on The Suffolk Coast, you’re always guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome. The Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom is open daily from Easter to October and serves a range of tasty light breakfasts and lunches, and fresh homemade snacks.
North Road, Southwold, Suffolk IP18 6BH www.southwoldboatinglakeandtearoom.co.uk SouthwoldBoatingLakeAndCafe | @boatinglake
www.retrocampersnorfolk.co.uk hannah@retrocampersnorfolk.co.uk Sheringham, North Norfolk | 01263 821999
B RE AKFA ST | LU NCH | DINNER TEA | COFFEE | CAKES E AT I N & TA K E AWAY
Our menu includes breakfasts and comfort dishes, hearty, healthy salads with vegetarian & gluten free options available. You can enjoy our delicious homemade cakes with a fabulous fair-trade coffee or feast from our set menu in the evenings (remember to B.Y.O) 5 1 H I G H S T R E E T, S O U T H W O L D T 01502 726 157 E I N F O @ 5 1 - F I F T YO N E . C O. U K WWW.51-FIFTYONE.CO.UK |
@NO_51_SOUTHWOLD
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Summer in Southwold A spectrum of enticing seaside delights...
Enjoy the sight of the brightly coloured beach huts that line the beach Spend time on the sands or take a dip in the sea Tuck into delicious freshly caught seafood and tasty fish and chips Photography by Nick Read
Go crabbing in the harbour Take a stroll along the pier for a panoramic view back towards the town and out to sea Take the ferry over to Walberswick
Explore the high street, with its interesting shops, cafes and restaurants Enjoy a locally brewed pint in one of the town’s many pubs
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Largest independent stockist of Rowan Yarns in East Anglia STOCKISTS OF Rowan, Noro, Debbie Bliss, Louisa Harding Manos del Uruguay, Millamia, Artesano Fyberspates Jamieson’s, Shetland Spindrift, Sublime, Knit Pro KNITTING SURGERY On the second Saturday of every month, 10am - 12 noon. Knitting Groups on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons. Workshops and Classes. Small groups and one to one teaching available.
Bathsheba is a modern, boutique day Spa in the heart of Woodbridge. An oasis of calm, self spoiling and femininity in a warm, welcoming environment – a little bit of luxury just off the High Street. Bathsheba Spa offers ‘sensational’ REN massage and facial treatments, accurate and defining threading and tinting, Perron Rigot hot wax, luxury manicures and pedicures, gel nails and IBX, salt or sugar body scrubs, detox wraps and Mother-to-be treatments. “Summer Prep Package” now available please call for details. We also offer half day and overnight Spa packages with The Crown Hotel, Woodbridge.
refreshingly different with a traditional twist Number One Market Hill, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4LP Telephone 01394 386460 info@twistshop.co.uk www.twistshop.co.uk
www.bathshebaspa.co.uk 24 Church Street, Woodbridge, IP12 1DH Please call 01394 388813 for an appointment or treatment advice
Home of Bears, Gifts, Pottery and Toys
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Coastal Voyager RIB trips offers a variety of trips leaving from the beautiful Southwold Harbour including our signature ‘high speed blast’ around Solebay to relaxing river cruises, seal watching cruises, coastal cruises and pirate theme birthday parties! Up to 12 passengers all equipment provided FOR MORE DETAILS WWW.COASTALVOYAGER.CO.UK | 07887 525082
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trip to Southwold just would not be the same without a visit to the famous boating lake and tearoom. Situated opposite the pier, this is run by David and Penny Ball and has a nostalgic, 1940s’ style. “We love this area and Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom is such a part of the town – it has been here since the 1900s,” says David. “We have about 15 to 20 acres of marshland and
water here, which is an important habitat for birds.” From April until midOctober, children can take paddle boats out in front of the tearoom. Parents can watch them while enjoying home-made breakfasts, lunches and snacks. “We are famous for our cream teas, cakes and sponges. People love the tearoom because it is quirky and everything is homemade and served on
china,” he says. “We have created a cream tea island, with a living willow fence around it. This puts people right in the middle of everything, where they can sit and look over the water, as they enjoy their delicious scones.”
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the chance to have a rest before they carry on!” The site also includes a picnic and play area, café selling refreshments and a giant jumping pillow. There is even a go kart track within the maze. “The maze is open every day from 10am to 6pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm,” says Bella.
“On Saturday 30 August, from 6pm to 9pm, we will be holding a special torchlight evening in aid of Cancer Research. Booking is advisable but visitors can just turn up before 7.30pm.”
Photography courtesy of Southwold Boating Lake and Tearoom For more information call 07771 781739 or visit www.southwoldboatinglake andtearoom.co.uk
On the lake
In the maze
he Southwold Maize Maze offers family fun at Old Hall Farm, Reydon, just outside Southwold. Here Bella and David Hall are celebrating their 10th season of the giant puzzle, which opens every day from Saturday 19 July to Wednesday 3 September. “Every year we have a new design, which is marked out using GPS,” says Bella. “There is always a local theme – this year it will celebrate the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).” It takes about an hour to complete the maze, with stamp points along the way for children to find: “There is a bridge in the centre of the maze, which has lovely views of the River Blyth and the estuary – it gives people
Photography courtesy of Southwold Maize Maze For more information call 07801 065845 or visit www.southwoldmaizemaze.co.uk
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Tales from the sea A children’s story inspired by the Norfolk and Suffolk coast makes perfect summer reading
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uckets beside them and lines in their hands, children in Norfolk and Suffolk will happily spend hours crabbing in the summer months. Susie Mason, owner of gift and clothing company Gone Crabbing, was aware just how passionate her own children were about the pastime when she decided to launch her colourful range of products back in 2008. Now with shops in Southwold and Burnham Deepdale, and with more than 70 other stockists across the country, as well as a thriving online store, she has brought out a children’s storybook featuring one of her characters, Colin the Crab. “I launched it in June to coincide with World Oceans Day,” she explains. “It is a pop-up book that has been beautifully illustrated by Robert Crowther. “Children love Colin the Crab and so we
decided to bring him to life, along with his friends Sally the Starfish and Mike the Mussel.” The underlying message of the tale is to limit the number of living things collected at any one time, to ensure the water in buckets is kept cool and to return sea creatures close to where they were found. “We wanted to bring these important messages to those enjoying our beautiful beaches and coastal areas,” says Susie. “We have also been working closely with Plastic Oceans to highlight the impact of rubbish in the sea and will soon be putting a video on You Tube about it that people can access through our website.” Susie is also expanding her product range, introducing new characters, such as Neal the Seal, to join Colin, Sally and Mike, as well as Steve the Seagull and Shawn the Prawn. “We will continue to create these gifts and items of clothing that are synonymous with the iconic British
seaside holiday,” she says. “And we will continue to be inspired by the Norfolk and Suffolk coast – after all, Colin is a Cromer crab, the best crab of all!” Photography courtesy of Gone Crabbing For more information call 01328 838357 Colin the Crab can be bought at www.gonecrabbing.co.uk, as well as in Gone Crabbing stockists throughout the UK
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Carrick’s at Castle Farm G U E S T
H O U S E
Find us on the banks of the River Wensum at Swanton Morley, in the centre of Norfolk
Visit our website with live webcam
www.beachside-holidays.co.uk 01493 730279 | holidays@theseaside.org
01362 638302 | www.carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk
the
SWIMMINGPOND company
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION OF NATURAL SWIMMING PONDS The New Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Conventional Swimming Pools
• No chemicals • Attractive to wildlife • Clear water • Show Swimming Pond • Well established concept • on the continent • As seen on BBC
01379 688000 | Carpe Diem, Common Road, Bressingham, Diss, Norfolk IP22 2BD
www.theswimmingpondcompany.co.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHER DANIEL TINK HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF HIS FAVOURITE PLACES ALONG THE COAST
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Are you from Norfolk? Yes, I was born in Norwich in 1981 and still live there today. What inspires you about working in Norfolk? I consider myself very fortunate to live and work in Norfolk. It is a beautiful and unique place. There is no greater feeling than finding myself isolated on the North Norfolk Coast, with nothing but natural surroundings, space and light all around me, capturing that special moment forever. What do you find interesting about the county’s coastal towns and villages? I find the Norfolk coastline fascinating. Cliffs rise and fall only to appear again after variants of sandy beaches, meandering creeks, saltmarshes and sand dunes of marram grass. The towns and villages dotted along this dramatic coastline are full of character and charm. What will you be working on this summer? Having just become a father for the first time – to Charlie Daniel Tink – it is going to be difficult to fit in much landscape photography this year. So I am going back to one of my earlier subject matters, macro photography, on which I can work closer to home. Do you have any exhibitions or new books coming up? After producing seven Norfolk books with local author Stephen Browning in the short space of four years, we wanted to take some time out and come back in 2015 with a fresh perspective of Norfolk. I will also be back at Blakeney Quay in April and June 2015, where I have been exhibiting my work for the last five years. For more information on Daniel’s work email info@scenicnorfolk.co.uk or visit www.scenicnorfolk.co.uk
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A day out in Yarmouth here are few places that offer more traditional British seaside fun than Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk. Stroll along the Golden Mile to discover a colourful array of amusements, attractions, adventure golf, pubs and restaurants. This wide beachside promenade also has plenty of space for cyclists, the road train and the famous Great Yarmouth horse-drawn landaus. Take in Yarmouth’s Britannia Pier and Wellington Pier or enjoy the fairground rides and inflatables. When the sun is out, relax on the sandy beach, watch your youngsters enjoy a donkey ride or roll up your trousers and simply relax in a deckchair.
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Words by Sarah Sinclair. Photography courtesy of Greater Yarmouth Tourism / Keiron Tovell For more information on Great Yarmouth call 01493 846346 or visit www.great-yarmouth.co.uk
Y e s t e r d ay ’ s W o r l d ake a trip into the past at Yesterday’s World in Great Yarmouth. Located on the Golden Mile, the attraction chronicles British social history from Tudor times to the 1960s, explains general manager Ben Rowe. “This is a unique attraction,” he says. “We have 150,000 historical artefacts here set in different themed areas. We have recreated life-size street scenes and also feature interactive exhibits.” Displays include wax figures of King Henry VIII and other historical characters. There is a silent movie theatre, where classic films are screened and the attraction also features a restored,
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19th century carousel. Murder mystery evenings are soon to be held at Yesterday’s World. Details of these will be posted on the website. “We are also known for our Victorian tearoom, where waiters and waitresses, dressed in full costume, serve cream teas on bone china. “This is an ideal place for all the family to visit and, of course, because we are undercover, even if it rains, everyone can still have fun.” Photography courtesy of Yesterday’s World For more information call 01493 331148 or visit www.yesterdaysworld.co.uk
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The Old Pump House Luxury bed and breakfast accommodation
Discover Norfolk, in your own time
A warm welcome awaits you at The Old Pump House Bed & Breakfast in Aylsham Located 10 miles from Norwich it is a perfect base from which to explore the wealth of local attractions in the area including the Broads National Park and the beautiful coastlines of north and east Norfolk
Escape to North Norfolk and explore beautiful countryside, spectacular coastal walks, fine food and above all some wonderful holiday cottages.
“A happy stay in a beautiful house”
To find your perfect Norfolk holiday:
TripAdvisor review November 2013
Tel: 01328 856853
kettcountrycottages.co.uk info@kettcountrycottages.co.uk
enquiries@theoldpumphouse.com | 01263 733789 | www.theoldpumphouse.com H O L M A N R OA D , AY L S H A M , N O R F O L K N R 1 1 6 B Y
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EXCEPTIONAL EXOTIC EXTRAVAGANT Five star retreat near timeless Suffolk Heritage Coast | www.belle-grove.com | telephone 01986 873124 |
C O U N T R Y C O T TA G E S
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t White Horse Farm, in the heart of the magnificent North Norfolk countryside, visitors enjoy a touch of Provence, as well as traditional barn character.
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Here, near the village of Gunthorpe, close to Blakeney and Holt, owners John and Louisa Clark offer four luxury self-catering barn properties, as well as a stylish bed and breakfast suite, all with high levels of comfort and exquisite interior finishes. “We came here two and a half years ago
and upgraded the barns, giving them a French Provençal style that we felt went well with the original character features,” says John, who lives in the 17th century farmhouse. “We wanted to attract discerning guests, those looking for quality and comfort, in a very peaceful location.” Blackberry, Cowslip and Primrose Barn each sleep two guests while Walnut Barn sleeps four. They all have features, such as wood-burning stoves, oak beams and vaulted ceilings, which are
complemented by the likes of sumptuous king-size beds, Egyptian cotton sheets and fresh flower arrangements. “Guests staying in our bed and breakfast barn, Sweet Pea, which sleeps two, can enjoy a home-cooked breakfast in their room or in our new garden room that overlooks the grass tennis court,” he says. All guests can choose to enjoy the dining-in option, where delicious meals, from a seasonal menu, are served either in their barns or in the garden room.
P A R A D I S E Set in picturesque grounds of just under three acres, 17th century White Ho
rse
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“Louisa used to run her own catering company,” he says. “As well as offering guests the option of candle-lit meals in their barns, she can also cater for large parties wishing to book the whole venue for their special occasion.”
at Blakeney, 10 minutes from the market town of Holt and 45 minutes from Norwich,” John adds. “People come here to use the barns as a base from which to enjoy Norfolk or to just soak up the peace and quiet we have right here.”
The beautiful grounds at White Horse Farm are there to be enjoyed by guests. Those wishing to go further afield will also find plenty of footpaths across the surrounding farmland.
Photography courtesy of White Horse Farm
YOUR CHANCE TO STAY AT
WHITE HORSE F A R M
For more information on White Horse Farm Barns call 01263 860693
“We are just 10 minutes from the coast
or visit www.white-horse-farm.co.uk
F O U N D rse Farm is a haven of luxury, beauty and tranquillity Uniquely Away has teamed up with White Horse Farm to offer one lucky reader a three-night stay for two in luxury barn accommodation. The winner will be able to choose between staying in one of the beautiful self-catering barns or the exclusive bed and breakfast suite, where breakfast would be included. To enter our draw to win this magnificent prize, simply tell us where you read the magazine and send your name, address, email address and daytime telephone number to
whitehorsefarmcompetition @uniquelymags.co.uk or send a postcard to
White Horse Farm Competition Uniquely Away 12 Upper King Street Norwich NR3 1HA The competition closes on Friday 3 October 2014. The winner will be announced in the next issue of Uniquely Away. The usual Uniquely Magazines’ terms and conditions apply. For full details visit www.uniquelymags.co.uk. A date for the stay will be arranged directly with White Horse Farm and will be subject to availability. It must be taken before the end of February 2015. The booking will be made in accordance with White Horse Farm’s terms and conditions. All competition entrants must be 18 years or older. No cash alternative is offered.
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A more personal approach to cottage holidays
“In all our years of holidaying as a family, this was the best yet” “Superlative accommodation and superlative service” At Heritage Hideaways we like to think we’re a bit different from other holiday cottage companies. We pride ourselves on our personal service and with 85 holiday homes on offer, on the coast of Suffolk and Norfolk, you’re sure to find the hideaway to suit you perfectly. Call us on 01502 578278 or visit www.heritagehideaways.com
Boutique B&B and self catering cottages within easy reach of the Suffolk Heritage Coast 01728 660242 www.harelodgeholidays.co.uk
L U X U R Y L A K E S I D E H O L I D AY L O D G E S ON THE NORFOLK AND SUFFOLK BORDER
Loom & Weavers Cottages SPINNERS LANE, SOUTHWOLD Situated in an idyllic location – less than a 10 minute walk to the beach and minutes away from all other amenities. The cottages are the perfect base to enjoy the beauty of the area without compromising on comfort or convenience. A home-from-home holiday experience, whatever the weather! D O G S | C H I L D R E N | S H O RT S TAY S A L L W E L C O M E
Beautiful Lakeside self-catering Lodges in the peaceful Waveney Valley. Hot tub, sauna, fantastic lake views, spacious one bedroom lodges... The perfect place to relax, unwind and revive.
07952 792416 | kerrypace490@btinternet.com www.ownersdirect.co.uk/england/E6902.htm www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/southwold/188815
M I L L L A N E FA R M , M I L L L A N E , W E Y B R E A D, I P 2 1 5 T P
mail@weybreadlakes.co.uk | 01379 588 141 | www.weybreadlakes.co.uk
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Whether you are looking for contemporary chic or classic comfort, Suffolk Cottage Holidays’ stylish, luxury properties are the very best in Suffolk; our coastal and countryside cottages set in some of Suffolk’s most beautiful locations. You will find just the place for this year’s summer holiday in our portfolio of over 200 hand-picked properties. The Boat House, Thorpeness, (sleeps 6) is a beach style timber boathouse on the beach with use of a magnificent indoor swimming pool overlooking the sea. Large groups will love Bridge Farm Barns, Semer (sleeps 14). Set in rolling Suffolk countryside, the location is idyllic, with outdoor heated swimming pool, a fishing lake, children’s play field with play fort, and acres of meadow land. For many more lovely holiday properties visit our website
www.suffolkcottageholidays.com 01394 389 189 | www.visit-suffolkcoast.co.uk
coast, country & broads 450+ holiday homes
Fir Lodge & Spa PENTNEY LAKES
A palatial log house offering comfortable holiday accommodation and a spa for groups
01263 715779 | www.norfolkcottages.co.uk
07972 674908 | firlodge@hotmail.com | www.firlodgenorfolk.co.uk
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Wayside Cottage
SELF CATERING HOLIDAY COTTAGES IN SUFFOLK’S BEAUTIFUL BLYTH VALLEY
HIGH QUALITY HOLIDAY LET IN NORTH NORFOLK
Located on a quiet lane in the pretty village of Great Walsingham, 5 miles from the beaches of Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham. Furnished and equipped to a high standard perfect for total rest and relaxation. SLEEPS 4 | DOGS WELCOME | PARKING | FULLY ENCLOSED WALLED GARDEN
“Perfect location, amazing view, superb in every way”
07714 321656 www.waysidecottagenorfolk.co.uk susanne@waysidecottagenorfolk.co.uk
BUCKS FARM HOLIDAY COTTAGES, COOKLEY, HALESWORTH, SUFFOLK, IP19 0LX jo@bucksfarm-holidays.co.uk | 01986 784216 | www.bucksfarm-holidays.co.uk
Upper Langdales Farmhouse Cottages Creeting St Mary, Suffolk
Set in 80 acres of grazing meadows in the wonderful Blyth Valley Old Hall Farm Cottages offer three 18th century beautifully converted barns An ideal base to explore Suffolk, its world renowned Heritage Coast and the nearby Norfolk Broads INDOOR HEATED POOL (SEASONAL) | GAMES ROOM | OPTIONAL IN-HOUSE CATERING
www.oldhallfarmcottages.co.uk Old Hall Farm, Walpole, Suffolk IP19 9AU 01986 784345 | info@oldhallfarmcottages.co.uk
Retreat to our fabulous collection of lovely holiday cottages offering peace and tranquility in a beautiful location Relax and enjoy the serenity of Suffolk 01449 721246 | 07789 458923 | www.upperlangdalesfarmhouse.co.uk
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G R E AT E S C A P E S Discover the impressive halls, beautiful barns and high quality cottages of Norfolk and Suffolk for yourself. Mary Williams highlights some of the best holiday accommodation in the area
Blo Norton Hall
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tunning Elizabethan moat house Blo Norton Hall so inspired author Virginia Woolf when she visited that she decided to set one of her novels at the property. In the Journal of Mistress Joan Martyn, historian Rosamond Merridew comes across a forgotten manor house and decides to pay a visit, explains holiday lettings manager Sue McGrath. “Virginia Woolf found it very secluded here and used to enjoy cycling around the lanes in this part of South Norfolk,” she says. “There is still so much history here. The house dates back at least as far as the 16th century and was home to Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, who laid out the gardens.” The main hall, which is set in around 800 acres of farmland, has
eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms, and sleeps up to 16 people. It still features a grand dining hall, with its inglenook fireplace, and has been furnished with antique pieces, including a four poster bed. Also on site, however, are two luxury barn conversions, offering additional flexible accommodation. These are available to rent individually or along with the manor house.
“We can sleep up to 32 people in total in our four-star accommodation here. This is ideal for large groups wanting to holiday together or celebrate a birthday, anniversary or even a wedding,” says Sue, adding that Blo Norton Hall was awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 2014. “On booking, we supply guests with information about the area and we can help arrange activities on the estate, such as clay pigeon shooting, archery or pampering sessions. “Sometimes, however, they come here because they just want to relax, make the most of the space and enjoy the chance to stay somewhere with so much history.” Photography by Sue McGrath For more information call 0207 592 7660 or visit www.blonortonhall.co.uk
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Heritage Hideaways
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here is a distinct artist’s touch at Skimming Stones, in Southwold. This is one of the latest holiday cottages to be added to Heritage Hideaways’ superb selection, explains one of the directors, Marion Anthony. “Brian and Frannie are gifted artists individually,” she says. “Brian is a sculptor of great renown and a regular exhibitor at the Chelsea Flower Show. Frannie’s most recent enterprise is to create fabulous vintage tea parties. “The house has been beautifully renovated, with some wonderful features, including a polished concrete floor, calming shades of grey and blue and lovely bed linen.” The house has four bedrooms and sleeps eight people. On the ground floor, there is a twin bedroom, with a wet room adjacent, which is accessible for guests using wheelchairs and has views over Buss Creek. “There is a beautiful garden here, with
a wood-fired pizza oven, green roofed dining area and dry river bed garden,” she adds. “This really is an extra special cottage, which has been designed with care and attention, and very definitely an artist’s eye.” Photography courtesy of Heritage Hideaways For more information call 01502 724782 or visit www.heritagehideaways.com
Old Hall Farm
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hose looking to enjoy the beauty of the Blyth Valley and to experience a stay in an exquisite barn conversion could consider taking time out at Old Hall Farm. Here Lucy and John Winter have created three impressive holiday homes in buildings that were once part of their working dairy farm at Walpole, in Suffolk. “John grew up here and we bought the farm from his parents,” says Lucy. “We converted the barns, which are set around a courtyard, and also created
a play barn, with table tennis, a mini AstroTurf pitch for football, hockey or tennis and the indoor heated swimming pool, which is open from Easter until the end of September.” The Old Corn Mill, Henry’s Barn and the Old Dairy all still have traditional barn character, featuring the likes of exposed oak beams and brickwork. They can be booked individually or together for large groups.
“Henry’s Barn sleeps six and has lovely views over the Blyth Valley, the Old Dairy sleeps four and has a slightly more contemporary feel, while the Old Corn Mill sleeps six and has a vaulted ceiling over its open-plan kitchen dining area,” Lucy adds. Photography courtesy of Old Hall Farm For more information call 01986 784345 or visit www.oldhallfarmcottages.co.uk
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Kett Country Cottages
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mpressive holiday home Flitcham Hall offers those looking for a break in Norfolk the chance to experience grand country living. Recently taken on by Kett Country Cottages, this six-bedroom, fourbathroom house sleeps up to 14 people
and offers an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and generous grounds. Simon Barclay, managing director of the company, which is happy to work around times owners wish to use their properties themselves, says it is ideal for group holidays and family get-togethers.
“There is plenty of room to spread out here – you can seat up to 25 people in the dining room, and there is a games room and television room, as well as the main sitting room,” he says. “The house is in a quiet part of Norfolk, very close to the Sandringham Estate, and yet easily accessible from Norwich and King’s Lynn, with their fast trains to London.” Photography by Andrew Midgley For more information call 01328 887644 or visit www.kettcountrycottages.co.uk
North Norfolk Escapes
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or a seaside break in a fantastic coastal village, Beachcomber Cottage could be just the place. One of three exquisite holiday homes owned by North Norfolk Escapes, it has panoramic views of the beach at Overstrand. “When I first saw this house I thought it looked like an over-sized beach hut and I have tried to reflect that in the way I have renovated and decorated it,” says company owner Val Woodhouse. “There is some painted wood and some stripped wood, it is very light and the drawing room has a vaulted ceiling.” Beachcomber Cottage, which has been awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, sleeps up to six people. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a second television area on a mezzanine level, as well as a south-facing terrace and enclosed back garden. “Overstrand itself is a real gem,” Val adds. “100 years ago this was the
fashionable place to come on holiday from London – famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens spent a lot of time here and his influence can be seen in some of the buildings. “Today Overstrand still has that charm but is quieter than some other coastal
villages. With the huge sandy beach just a four-minute walk away, it is a great place for a seaside holiday.” Photography courtesy of North Norfolk Escapes For more information call 01263 768440 or visit www.northnorfolkescapes.co.uk
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Suffolk Cottage Holidays
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n the terrace at Sea View, in Walberswick, guests can soak up the sunshine and look out towards the glorious Suffolk coastline.
This newly refurbished Edwardian house has recently been added to Suffolk Cottage Holidays’ broad selection of holiday homes, offering
space for up to eight people in the quintessentially English village. “This is a perfect holiday home for the summer months,” says company director Lizzie Hammond. “Guests have the choice of sitting out on the south-facing balcony, with its glass rail, looking towards the sea, or enjoying the tranquillity of the walled garden.” Accommodation in the house includes a kitchen, dining area, two sitting rooms, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a dedicated nursery. In addition to the balcony, there is a terrace for outdoor dining. “It is just a stroll to the beach at Walberswick from here and, of course, guests can also cross the footbridge into Southwold,” she adds. Photography courtesy of Suffolk Cottage Holidays Ltd For more information call 01394 389189 or visit www.suffolkcottageholidays.com
Wheatacre Hall Barns
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here is a warm welcome for families at Wheatacre Hall Barns, close to Beccles, on the Norfolk and Suffolk border. This working dairy and arable farm features eight luxury holiday homes, all converted from former farm buildings by Joanna Burroughs and her family. The barns sleep between two and seven people and can be ideal for groups, as
well as individual families and couples. “We are very family-orientated here,” says Joanna. “Children can see the calves and chickens and watch what is going on in the fields. “We have a soft play area and games room, and families can hire bicycles. We also have a fitness barn and hot tub for the adults.” Guests can explore the countryside,
where the fields are full of wildlife in the summer, or head to the beautiful Suffolk coast. “It is very easy to get to the beach from here if they fancy a day making sandcastles at Southwold or an afternoon crabbing at Walberswick,” she says. Photography courtesy of Wheatacre Hall Barns For more information call 01502 677208 or visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk
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Upper Langdales Farmhouse Cottages
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urrounded by five acres of fields, where red deer wander, Upper Langdales Farmhouse Cottages offer the chance to soak up the serenity of Suffolk. Situated at Creeting St Mary, near
Needham Market, the pretty properties, which have been awarded a Gold award from Visit England, have been beautifully renovated by owner Johanna Prendergast.
“I live in the 400 year-old farmhouse and all four cottages were former farm properties,” she explains. “They all have a cottage style, and a boutique feel, and are designed to be somewhere people can come to simply relax.” Helped by daughters Romy and Ella, as well as colleague Rita Caraccio, Jo says maintaining the high standard of the one and two bedroom cottages is a team effort. “We want people to feel comfortable as soon as they arrive. They can enjoy their own cottage, relax in the Cigar Shack, which is a communal space, where they can sit with a cup of coffee and listen to music, or they can pour themselves a glass of wine and head outside into the sunshine with a book or to watch the wildlife out in the fields.” Photography by Johanna Prendergast For more information call 01449 721246 or visit www.upperlangdalesfarmhouse.co.uk
Wayside Cottage
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harming brick and flint house Wayside Cottage is located in the historic North Norfolk village of Great Walsingham.
Carefully decorated, it offers high quality accommodation for up to five guests, and welcomes dogs too, explains owner Susanne Erricker.
“It is a lovely, spacious cottage that is ideal for anyone who likes walking in the countryside, bird-watching or exploring Norfolk beaches – it is just 10 minutes from the coast at Wells,” she says. “It is right next to a field, with beautiful views down to the Stiffkey River. Guests can sit outside in privacy, enjoying a drink and taking in the views as the sun goes down.” On the ground floor of the cottage is a kitchen, dining area, sitting room and lounge. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and the bathroom. “Guests say they start to relax as soon as they walk through the door. This is one of those cottages that is a true retreat, somewhere to leave all your cares behind you and to feel completely at ease.” Photography courtesy of Wayside Cottage For more information email susanne@waysidecottagenorfolk.co.uk or visit www.waysidecottagenorfolk.co.uk
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A warm welcome awaits you when you stay at the
Old Station House B E D
&
B R E A K F A S T
BLO NORTON HALL & BARNS 4 Star Accommodation | 3 Stunning Properties
Blo Norton Hall is an impressive moated Elizabethan manor, situated at the end of an avenue of lime trees in the heart of the Norfolk Countryside. With 2 beautifully restored barns on the estate, Blo Norton offers flexible accommodation from 6 to 32 people over three dinstinctive and individual properties, making it the perfect setting for Group & Family Gatherings, & Special Events. info@blonortonhall.co.uk | 0207 592 7660 | www.blonortonhall.co.uk
01493 732022 | www.oldstationhousebandb.co.uk NORTH ROAD, HEMSBY, GREAT YARMOUTH, NR29 4EZ
THE ORIGINAL HOLIDAY DESTINATION
Luxury cottage holiday accommodation in the beautiful south Norfolk countryside, this sympathetic eight-barn conversion retains many original features. Each barn boasts its own private outdoor seating area and is situated on a working dairy and arable farm in a peaceful rural setting. All Properties are well equipped for a real home from home feel. Linen and towels are included, full central heating throughout, cooking and washing facilities, cots and highchairs for the little ones. Relax and unwind in the shared hot tub or have fun with the kids in the onsite games room. Fitness room and soft play area for little ones. Perfect for families and those who enjoy walking, fishing, golf and cycling, the local area has much to offer for guests of all ages.
Golf, Tennis and Boating Book your visit call 01728 454926 www.thorpeness.co.uk Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel, Thorpeness, Aldeburgh, Suffolk IP16 4NH thorpeness
@thorpenesscouk
Contact Joanna Burroughs on 01502 677208 or visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk
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t Weybread Lakes guests find sanctuary on the Norfolk and Suffolk border in three luxury lodges, all with beautiful views out across the water. Sally and Adam Chapman created the tranquil getaway, just a short distance from the market town of Harleston, after leading busy lives themselves and then seeking a lifestyle change. “We realised there was a need for somewhere like this that offered
short-term breaks for couples who were just looking for somewhere to relax,” says Sally. “We have some guests who come from London – we are just an hour and a half away – and others who travel from elsewhere in the country. Some live really quite close by but still want to experience the peace and quiet we have here.” At the moment, the couple have three luxury log cabins – Willow, Maple and Larch. They are also in the process of creating a new
contemporary cedar lodge, Heron. “The lodges all have large bedrooms, luxury bathrooms, stylish kitchens, designer sitting rooms, saunas and hot tubs,” says Sally. “They are each a little different and we do have some guests who like to stay in a different one each time they come.”
for a little longer to enjoy this beautiful location.” Carrick’s is already popular with those who enjoy walking and watching wildlife. The new 12-mile Wensum Way passes very close by. “Two miles of it goes along our river bank and it is particularly nice to
follow in the summer. On one of those perfect evenings, you can walk by the water, watch the sun go down and perhaps catch sight of a barn owl.”
Photography courtesy of Weybread Lakes For more information on Weybread Lakes call 01379 588141 or visit www.weybreadlakes.co.uk
Weybread Lakes
T
ucked away in an idyllic rural setting Carrick’s at Castle Farm offers four five-star bed and breakfast rooms, on the banks of the River Wensum. The guest house, which is open all year round, is also in the process of creating a two-person, self-catering suite, within the exquisite period house near Swanton Morley, in Norfolk, explains owner Jean Carrick. “This will have a bedroom, full private bathroom, with double-ended bath and separate shower, kitchen dining room and sitting room,” she says. “We hope it will appeal to those who might wish to stay with us
Carrick’s at Castle Farm
Photograph courtesy of Carrick’s at Castle Farm For more information on Carrick’s at Castle Farm call 01362 638302 or visit www.carricksatcastlefarm.co.uk
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A S PA C E F O R A
HAND-CRAFTED FIR LODGE NESTLES AMONG THE TREES AT PENTNEY LAKES, OFFER
I
t is not just the external beauty of log house Fir Lodge that appeals to those staying there but also the interesting design of its inner spaces.
and yet extremely comfortable, within a beautiful woodland setting.”
Co-designed and hand-built by owner Danny Wyatt, the unusual property, which now also has a spa, aims to give those staying there a sense of being at one with their surroundings.
Each log that went into the property was sourced from nearby woodlands and then hand-scraped to remove the bark before being hand-cut to fit together perfectly. English oak was used for the doors and other fittings while slats of western red cedar clad the roof.
“It was built to the highest quality from locally sourced Douglas fir and has fittings of English oak,” says Danny. “It is ideal for anyone keen to experience somewhere very natural,
“The building is 92 per cent carbon neutral and is heated through a woodpellet burner, also making it an extremely environmentally friendly building,” he says.
Pentney Lakes itself is a 275-acre estate of woodland and lakes in North West Norfolk, which largely features residential log cabins. It is a peaceful, beautiful rural setting, where guests can walk, ride bicycles and watch the wildlife. “Up to 13 people can sleep in the house, making it ideal for groups,” says Danny. “In addition to families, we often have hen and stag parties, activity groups and those celebrating special occasions staying here. It can, however, also suit smaller groups and couples too.”
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ALL SEASONS ING GROUPS OF GUESTS THE CHANCE TO GET CLOSE TO NATURE ALL YEAR ROUND
Inside, there are three bedrooms, as well as a sitting area, dining area and kitchen. Two additional futon-style sofas convert into double beds. The capacious upper level has an open plan living space, with two balconies. There is under-floor heating, a 42 ins Freeview television and a pool table. “Outside, there is a 14-seater hot tub and we now also have the private spa, which includes a steam room, sauna and therapy room.” Massages and pamper and beauty sessions can be arranged for those staying at Fir Lodge. Water skiing and
canoeing can also be organised, as well as fishing, horse riding and even carriage rides.
launched a new business, Ecolodgic, which uses a revolutionary new system to build log houses.
“We can arrange cocktail-making workshops and world-class, international 1-2-1 chef Anthony Hall can be booked to prepare, cook, serve and clear up any meals at Fir Lodge. He can do anything from one meal to catering for the whole break.”
“Pentney Lakes looks stunning in the winter, especially when the water is frozen,” he adds. “I have seen deer walk out across the lake at that time of year. This is a beautiful place to spend time, whatever the season.” Photography by Dibs McCallum and Jerry Tye
While Fir Lodge is a superb place to stay in the summer, it can be enjoyed all year round and mid-week breaks are also available, says Danny, who has recently
For more information or to book call 07972 674908 or visit www.firlodgenorfolk.co.uk For more information on Ecolodgic visit www.ecolodgic.co.uk
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Partridge Lodge – escape to the country A place for hearts to sing and minds to run free – Aaran and Sarah endeavour to make life easier for family holidays and special events here. With catering, play forts, fire pits and ping-pong, as well as a paddling pool, boating pond and tennis court – and even rabbits and chickens – there is plenty to keep everyone amused… And if you are not exhausted by that, then there are beaches, castles, churches, riverside villages and walks from the door. The DairyHall is a jaw-dropping, light-filled barn, with a vaulted ceiling, while our beautiful FarmHouse and smaller Granary, and the soon-to-arrive Stables, with their ancient timber frames, ooze character. All the holiday properties, which have wooden floors, logburners and bouncy sofas, turn pink at dawn and dusk, when explosive sunrises and sunsets pour through their windows. If you are a large group, why not take all four and have the run of seven acres of tree-lined meadows? Scotts Lane, Bredfield, Woodbridge, IP13 6BJ | 01394 382843 | www.partridge-lodge.co.uk
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Down by the riverside
Clear, clean and rich in minerals – chalk rivers are rare and yet provide vital environments for a rich diversity of plant and animal life Photograph by Gwen Baybrook
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here are only thought to be 200 chalk rivers in the whole world – and eight of these are in Norfolk. Varying considerably in size, the Babingley, Glaven, Gaywood, Stiffkey, Hun, Ingol, Heacham and Burn are all ecological treasures – and, together with the Mun, which is of significant interest for other reasons, they make up the Nine Chalk Rivers Project. Gemma Clark, community involvement officer for the project, says not only are local residents being urged to help protect these precious rivers but those interested can also spend time beside the clear waters to see for themselves just how beautiful they are. “The Gaywood, for example, is very accessible,” she points out. “Not only can you see the source at Grimston, near Kings Lynn, but you can more or less follow it on public rights of way all the way to its outflow in the River Great Ouse. “The Glaven is also very accessible, with some nice spots to enjoy at Bayfield, Glandford, Letheringsett and Hunworth.” The chalk beds of these rare rivers act as sponges, absorbing rainfall and filtering water. The constant flow of the clear water allows for rich biodiversity, providing nutrients for a spectrum of aquatic plants, molluscs, crustaceans, insects, birds and mammals. “These rivers are incredibly special habitats,” says Gemma. “The water passing through the chalk aquifers carries a lot of calcium, which is good for the invertebrates. Ecologically, this is essential because they feed the food chain above them. “These rivers are also fast-flowing, with gravelly bottoms, which makes them good clean drinking water for lots of animals, as well as perfect places for fish to lay their eggs.”
chalk rivers include the likes of water crowfoot, starwort, fool’s watercress and water parsnip. Insects to spot include mayfly, dragonfly, damselfly and caddisfly. Fish, such as trout, eel, lamprey and stickleback feed on these insects, while the likes of ducks, moorhens, kingfishers and otters live on the fish. The protection of Norfolk’s chalk rivers has really come to the fore with a recent £1.3 million award to the Norfolk Rivers Trust – with the support of the Norfolk Coast Partnership – from the Environment Agency’s Catchment Restoration Fund. “We won it because we proposed such a big project that would make such a huge difference,” says Gemma. “In fact, it is the second largest project of its kind in the country.” The aim of the project is to restore the rivers, which have suffered through pollution, silt run-off from roads and farms and over-straightening. Conservation measures include installing silt traps, reinstating natural bends and enabling flood plains to develop to store water. Gemma’s role is to encourage the involvement of local communities, organising events to help clear litter and debris, as well as to appreciate the beauty of the chalk rivers. River guardians are being sought to help look after the waters and the wildlife and to make sure the conservation continues long after the funding has ceased. “River guardians can be people living here or regular visitors to the area who want to look after these rivers for the future,” she adds.
Coast Partnership for their help with this feature. The Norfolk Coast Partnership, which looks after the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was instrumental in winning the Catchment Restoration funding to set up the Nine Chalk Rivers Project, and continues to support it.
01 Swan on Selbrigg Pond Photography by Gwen Braybrook
14 Hempstead Mill Pond Photography by Gwen Braybrook
02 River Glaven near Glandford Photography by Gwen Braybrook
15 Hopper leading to grind stones Photography by Gwen Braybrook
03 May Fly, Stiffkey Photography by Jack Perks 04 Gravel Bed, Warham Photography by Jack Perks 05 Bayfield Park Photograpy by Gwen Braybrook 06 Rose Hips, River Glaven Photography by Gwen Braybrook 07 Bayfield Hall Lake Photography by Gwen Braybrook 08 Toad, Wighton Photography by Jack Perks 09 Selbrigg Pond Photography by Gwen Braybrook 10 Damselle Fly Photography by Jack Perks
16 River Glaven, Glandford Ford Photography by Gwen Braybrook 17 Otter Photography by Jack Perks 18 Water over little weir Photography by Gwen Braybrook 19 Kingfisher Photography by Jack Perks 20 Hawthorn berries, River Glaven Photography by Gwen Braybrook 21 Brook, Bayfield Park Photography by Gwen Braybrook 22 Letheringsett Mill Photograph by Gwen Braybrook
11 Little Purple flower Photograph by Gwen Braybrook
23 River Glaven, Little Thornage Ford Photograph by Gwen Baybrook
12 Reeds, Selbrigg Pond Photography by Gwen Braybrook
24 Weir in Bayfield Park Photography by Gwen Braybrook
13 Blackberries, River Glaven Photograph by Gwen Braybrook
Where to see the chalk rivers RIVER GLAVEN Letheringsett Enjoy a picnic just past Letheringsett Mill. Glandford Natural seating has been provided in a meadow beside the river. You can reach it after a half a mile walk beside the river from Natural Surroundings, near Holt. Blakeney See where the river meets the sea in the Blakeney Channel. Follow the coast path for two and a half miles from Cley next the Sea to Blakeney. RIVER GAYWOOD
“We want to set up community groups that are sustainable so we can ensure the protection of these rare and very important waters for many years to come.” For more details of chalk river events, circular walks and how to become a river guardian
Aquatic plants growing in Norfolk’s
Uniquely Away would like to thank the Norfolk
please visit www.norfolkriverstrust.org
Gayton From here the Gaywood winds its way through the fields to Kings Lynn. Kings Lynn From Wootton Road there is an interesting two and a half mile linear town river walk to follow. South Quay, Kings Lynn Stand where Mill Fleet reaches the Great Ouse near the corner on South Quay at low tide, and watch the Gaywood flowing into the river.
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rom colourful buff orpington chickens to round-faced Gloucestershire old spot sheep, Church Farm at Stow Bardolph is home to all creatures great and small. The site, which is part of the Stow Estate, near Downham Market, in Norfolk, has developed over the past 10 years from a traditional farm into an exciting attraction. Debbie Benns, estate administrator, says the aim was to become a place where the whole family could enjoy a fun day out.
“We have evolved to become somewhere that has something for everyone,” she says. “We are still a family-run farm but we try to cater for a variety of different visitors too. We want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone.”
works hard to breed these animals to ensure their survival for the future,” says Debbie. “We want people to enjoy watching them, learning about them and touching them if they want to.”
The idea is allow people to get close to the animals, many of which are rare breeds. These include the likes of white park cattle, white-faced woodland sheep, golden Guernsey goats and Suffolk punch horses.
Among the many experiences on offer, therefore, are the animal encounters, when creatures are brought out for visitors to hold. This might include handling a fluffy chick, grooming a donkey, stroking a rabbit or guinea pig, petting a sheep or brushing a goat.
“We are part of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and are a conservation centre that
“There are also lambs to feed during lambing season (from February through
D OW N O N T
This year Church Farm at Stow Bardolph celebrates it 10th anniversary.
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to May) and all year round we usually have piglets that can be scratched by visitors.” Visitors can also book to take part in deer walks, when they could spot red, roe and muntjac deer, and can enjoy pony and tractor rides, as well as piglet racing. Church Farm, which has a gift shop, also has an adventure playground, indoor play area, ground-level trampolines and pedal tractor area. For rainy days, there is an undercover sandpit and one of the barns is filled with hay bales for children to climb on.
“When we first started out our café was little more than a kettle and slice of homemade cake,” says Debbie. “Now we have a beautiful big tearoom that has recently been extended, where people can enjoy lunches, snacks and cream teas.” Also part of the estate, and just a short walk from the farm, is Stow Hall Gardens. Here 20 acres of beautiful grounds are open every Wednesday throughout the summer and on certain Sundays.
at the farm throughout the summer. Visitors can find out more about these on-line and then come here for themselves to enjoy everything we offer,” she adds.
Photography courtesy of Church Farm at Stow Bardolph Church Farm, at Stow Bardolph,
“Full details of the gardens are on our website. We also have special events, including animal-themed weekends,
is open every day from 10am to 5pm. For more information call 01366 382162 or visit www.churchfarmstowbardolph.co.uk
T H E FA R M
Abigail Saltmarsh finds out more about the centre for rare breeds
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Designer Fashion at Great Prices Quality pre-owned ladies fashion and designer labels at an afforadable price
Creative Fashions and Accessories
Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm 8 Sun Lane, Newmarket, CB8 8EW | 01638 667778 6 Upper Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EW 01603 618718 | www.walkersofpottergate.com
www.thedressingroomnewmarket.co.uk
Stockists of Rundholz, Annette Görtz, Xenia Design and Lisa Tucci Shoes
thelegacydukesheadhotel Situated in the historic heart of the old town of King’s Lynn since Georgian times, the Legacy Duke’s Head Hotel offers visitors a charming atmosphere along with contemporary spacious accommodation. 77 well appointed ensuite bedrooms featuring flat screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, free wifi and a working desk. Rooms have either a walk-in shower or shower over bath. Turners restaurant features a seasonal a ` la carte menu using locally sourced ingredients. Lunch, afternoon teas and private dining are also available. 5–6 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JS | T: 08444 119 484 E: reception@dukesheadhotel.com | www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacy-dukeshead
SPECIAL OFFER: Why not enjoy a Sunday night break inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast with a pre-dinner glass of Prosecco on us. Based on two adults sharing a cosy or standard double or twin room. £99.00. Room upgrade supplements apply.
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The Midas Touch
WITH A FOCUS ON EXQUISITE PIECES AND PERSONAL SERVICE, FRANCIS WAIN AIMS TO INSPIRE THOSE WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT FINE JEWELLERY ACROSS NORFOLK AND BEYOND
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orfolk-based Francis Wain has a long history in exceptional jewellery but looks set to remain a glittering success well into the 21st century. Now with managing director Donne Kidson at the helm, the business, which has a heritage stretching back some 50 years, is determined to remain a strong presence in the world of contemporary jewellery. “We take a great deal of pride in being independent – it gives us the freedom to offer a very different kind of service,” says Donne. “Everything in our window has been individually chosen and a lot of our pieces are unique. We are able to
offer a bespoke design service and we know many of our customers by name.
maintaining its firm focus on customer service and high quality pieces.
“None of this will change as we move forward and grow the business. Buying jewellery is about the whole experience, choosing something special and feeling special. We are passionate about what we do here and that shows throughout the whole business.”
Donne has been with the business for about seven years now, working with Edward as his personal assistant, and later taking the helm, along with his wife Jules, when he died.
The jewellery establishment, which has been nominated for a national UK Watch and Jewellery Award, has two outlets, Norfolk Street, in King’s Lynn, and Nelson Place, in Dereham. It was started after the second world war by one Francis Wain, whose son Edward later took over, expanding the business, while
“It has been an exciting journey for me – one that really opened my eyes to the world of luxury jewellery. Who would not want to come to work to play with beautiful pieces and travel to Europe’s most prestigious shows to choose each individual item?” Jules has now decided to step down and it is Donne who will continue to move
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the business forward. Among her ambitious plans is the opening of a new branch in Norwich later this year and the refitting of the shop in King’s Lynn. “That will happen this September and will see us create a champagne bar upstairs, where customers will be able to spend as long as they like looking at pieces and trying them on,” she says. And she adds: “Another exciting venture is our sponsorship of a race day at Newmarket in June 2015.” Donne intends to build on the superb heritage of Francis Wain and its trusted reputation for all manner of new, antique and second-hand jewellery, as well as watches, among its discerning
customers. This will see it continue to develop its exclusive Francis Wain Collection, as well as to stock such premium brands as Picchiotti, Marco Bicego and Rolex. “Our bespoke design service will also remain very important to us; sometimes this involves having something new and special made and at other times it might be about having an existing piece (perhaps something that belonged to a relative, which has sentimental value) redesigned. We have a very good sketch artist who works closely with our customers.”
mother of the bride and bridesmaids, as well as the bride herself.“People spend time on the dress, decoration, food and music but do not always consider their jewellery when they’re getting married,” she points. “A wedding day is the most special occasion, so when better to enjoy wearing some truly beautiful, high quality pieces?”
Words by Abigail Saltmarsh Photography by Nick Read For more information call Francis Wain
She is also looking into the possibility of offering bridal hire jewellery, to the
01553 774499 or 01362 693117 or visit www.franciswainjewellers.com
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DreamMaker B AT H R O O M S
Easy and Affordable Bathroom Solutions Offering a friendly and personal service, DreamMaker Bathrooms repair, refurbish and restore any item of damaged sanitary ware including baths, basins, tiles and fittings. The work is carried out in-situ, thus avoiding the huge cost of removing and replacing the items, and our comprehensive re-colouring technique allows you to completely transform your entire suite to any colour that you desire. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
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Romark Jewellers ANTIQUE AND MODERN JEWELLERY
Visit our website for our extensive range of second-hand jewellery
www.romarkjewellers.co.uk 01284 704977 enquiries@romarkjewellers.co.uk 45 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LB Specialists in repair & restoration | Old jewellery bought for cash or part exchange
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Character and style A
t Burnham Market Pine, Gina Healey stocks a range of new and old furniture, all with character and style. She and her husband Tim were drawn to Norfolk after holidaying in the area. “The showroom in Burnham Market is full of pieces that are ready to buy but people quite often come up with their own designs for items they would like to have made,” says Gina. “I revamp a lot of existing pieces too, including garden furniture. “We have all sorts of things here – new, used and quirky!” The business, which stocks
a lot of reclaimed pine in its Creake Road premises, still has a workshop in Newark and sells to customers from all over the country. “Many of our customers are from Norfolk or have second homes here. Others come on holiday and then ask us to deliver to them where they are from,” she adds. “We are finding painted items are particularly popular at the moment, especially furniture with a distressed look or perhaps a waxed top.” Photograph courtesy of Burham Market Pine For more information call 01328 738009
V
isitors passing the Woodbridge Antiques Centre can now see more of the exciting pieces inside, explains owner Natalie Smith. New window displays hint at the wide variety of items showcased inside, in collections from antique and vintage dealers with different areas of speciality. “We now also have five new dealers and two new cabinets inside,” says Natalie. “Everything is nicely set out so people can easily see what we have and to ensure that prices are very clear.” The shop on Quay Street
has a wide range of pottery, silverware, glassware, jewellery, treen, clocks and watches. Natalie and her staff are always on hand to help people choose gifts for weddings, christenings and other special occasions. “Silver charm bracelets are particularly popular at the moment and we have a good selection of Moorcroft Pottery,” she adds. “We always have lots of interesting pieces, items that are quirky and different.” Photograph courtesy of Woodbridge Antiques Centre For more information call 01394 387210 or visit www.woodbridge antiquescentre.co.uk
Antique chic
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Bar and Coffee e Shop Available for fo or Rent L 300 Club Lottery Take a Tour Classes for al alll Ages Summer School S Open St Stagers tagers Costum Costume me Hire Costume e Talks
‘A Jewel in the centre centrre of Norwich’ Norwic ch’ For 90 years the Madderm Maddermarket market Theatre Thea has been bringing to Norwich the very best in n entertainment. entertainm The theatre produces twelve twellve Maddermarket Madde Theatre in house productions productio ons a year featuring WKH 1RUZLFK 3OD\HUV ZKR ZHUH Ă€UVW WKH 1RUZLFK 3OD\HUV ZKR ZHUH Ă€UVW established as a theatre company c in 1911. Throughout the year the Maddermarket M Maddermar also offers a variety of shows sho ows to suit every taste light t t from f li ht opera ope era to t rock k and pop, from the unusual unusua al to the unique. uni
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A GOOD SPORT
STA N D I N G
TA LL
WATERSPORTS ENTHUSIAST AND INSTRUCTOR BENJAMIN KEWELL IS PAS SIONATE ABOUT STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING IN NORFOLK Tell us a little bit about yourself? I own and run the Glide Surf School and Cedar House Surf Shop on Cromer Promenade, with my beautiful Brazilian wife Patricia Kewell. The Glide Surf School has been based on Cromer promenade, Norfolk, since 2007. Surf and Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) lessons take place to the east side of the pier. The Cedar House Surf Shop is an authentic surf shop run by experienced surfers, who are happy to offer advice. What is stand up paddle boarding? SUP is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Originating in Polynesia, it involves standing on a board and propelling yourself through the water using a paddle. It is a great sport, which promotes balance, core strength and a healthy lifestyle. The basics of balancing and positioning are straightforward to learn for all ages and abilities. There is no maximum age – the oldest client we had was 69 years old.
Is it a good group sport? It is a fantastic sport for groups, couples and individuals. Birthdays, youth groups, stag and hen parties and corporate parties are all welcome. We also provide subsidised lessons (by Surf Relief UK) for under-18s with disabilities. Is the sport growing? Yes. The sport is growing at a very fast rate. We first started teaching SUP at the surf school five years ago and have seen a dramatic increase in its popularity, especially in the last two years. Is summer a good season for stand up paddle boarding? The summer is a perfect time to start paddle boarding as the sea tends to be calmer. However, once you are hooked, with the advancement in wetsuit technology, you can SUP all year round. Some of my most memorable sessions have been looking back towards the coastline around Cromer covered in a blanket of snow, as well as cruising through sheets of ice on the Broads on a frosty winter’s day.
Where are the best places for the sport in Norfolk and Suffolk? Cromer of course! It’s one of the only places in the UK you can see the sun rise and set over the same sea in the same day. Norfolk and Suffolk also offer great weather variations - sunshine and black storm clouds, the still sea air and gale force winds, tranquil seas and northerly swells. There are so many amazing areas in the Norfolk and Suffolk area – if I told you them all it would spoil your chance of exploration! Is there anything else you would like to add? We welcome and encourage anyone to come and experience SUP in one of our lessons – and then to hire the equipment whenever they like. We are also soon to be launching our SUP club, which will enable people to move forwards with the sport and meet other like-minded paddlers. Words by Ruth Gaukrodger Photography by Patricia Kewell For more information call 01263 805005 or 07966 392227 or visit www.glidesurfschool.co.uk
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Abigail Saltmarsh suggests events for summer... ...in the Editor’s
Diary
Thursday 3 July until Sunday 3 August
Cley 14: A Creative Conversation Cley next the Sea Enjoy some exciting new works of art by artists with a Norfolk connection and explore Cley next the Sea at the same time. Cley 14: A Creative Conversation runs until Sunday 3 August. Taking place from 10am to 5pm every day in St Margaret’s Church, the village hall, Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Visitor Centre and many other locations, this year’s event from the North Norfolk Exhibition Project includes work from 43 different artists. Curated for 2014 by Polly Binns and Rod Bugg, it features pieces in disciplines including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, textiles, sculpture, mixed media and installation.
John Midgley
Ruth Philo
For more information visit www.cleycontemporaryart.org
Wednesday 16 July until Saturday 19 July
Shakespeare Festival Norwich Cathedral
Bronwen Sharp
Enjoy open-air Shakespeare within the beauty of Norwich Cathedral’s cloister. Set within the shadows of the 900-year-old building, the Shakespeare Festival returns for its sixth year this summer and features two of the UK’s premier touring companies. Comedy and romance are on
offer with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men presenting their action-packed version of the world’s greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet on Wednesday 16 and Saturday 19 July. Shakespeare’s Globe will also be taking to the stage, performing one of the Bard’s
For more information or to book call 01603 630000 or visit www.cathedral.org.uk/shakespeare
liveliest comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 July. Doors open at 6pm. Performances start at 7pm. Each production will include a 30-minute interval. Food and drink will be available at a barbecue and bar, provided by the Refectory.
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Monday 21 July
Mahotella Queens The Apex, Bury St Edmunds South Africa’s legendary Mahotella Queens are three doyennes who have been singing, dancing and sellingout shows worldwide since the mid-60s. Together with the Makgona Tsothle Band, and the late, great Mahlatini, they invented Mbaqanga –
a potent mix of various South African and imported styles. Theirs is an explosive sound, which not only changed the course of music in their country, but continues to captivate the world with its sheer musical magic. The trio will be performing at the Apex at 7.30pm.
For more information or to book call 01284 758000 or visit www.theapex.co.uk
Thursday 24 July
Martin Simpson and Dom Flemons Norwich Arts Centre
Alan Cole
English musician Martin Simpson and American guitar and banjo player Dom Flemons, from the Grammy award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, perform at 8pm at the NAC. Following an English Folk Dance and Song Society commission, the pair will be playing new collaborative material rooted in English and American folk traditions. This promises to be a night of top class musicianship and shared histories. For more information or to book call 01603 660352 or visit www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Saturday 26 July
Wednesday 6 August
Birdsong Walk Lackford Lakes
Chilli Festival Felbrigg Hall
Steve Aylward
Suffolk Wildlife Trust is organising a wildlife walk from 11am to 1pm at Lackford Lakes, near Bury St Edmunds. Join expert Paul Holness to learn to identify birds by sight and sound. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore a beautiful area in Suffolk. Bring or borrow binoculars For more information or to book call 01284 728706 or visit www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org
Now in its eighth year this fiesta is the hottest annual event at Felbrigg Hall. Browse stalls selling all things chilli-related and enjoy some of the best in regional produce too. While you are there visit one of the finest stately homes in East Anglia and enjoy the landscaped grounds. Gates open at 10.30am and last admission is at 4.30pm. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall
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More dates...
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Saturday 16 August to Monday 18 August
Aldeburgh Carnival Aldeburgh Spend three colourful days at the Aldeburgh Carnival. This year’s theme is mardi gras and kicking off the event on the Saturday is the carnival village, with stalls and side shows, including the steamdriven Galloper Ride, on Crag Path and Moot Green. Sunday’s fun begins with a mini marathon and goes on to include an egg boat race. On Monday, there will be swimming races in the sea, children’s land sports and the lifeboat launch, followed by the carnival procession. In the evening, there will be dancing, a Chinese lantern procession to the beach and then a fantastic fireworks display. For more information visit www.aldeburghcarnival.com
Tuesday 2 September to Saturday 13 September
West Side Story Theatre Royal, Norwich
national tour of the Phantom of the Opera, while the part of Tony will be taken by Dom Hodson, who has had a wide range of stage roles. West Side Story has seen global success, wowing
audiences around the world and enjoying sold-out performances in the likes of Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Berlin, Madrid and Beijing. Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo and
For more information or to book call 01603 630000 or visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
Juliet, it sees love blossom between members of rival gangs in parallel with an increase in hatred and violence between the two factions.
Alastair Muir
A brand new production of one of the globe’s favourite musicals is heading to the Theatre Royal in Norwich. Leading the cast as Maria will be Katie Hall, who was most recently seen in the
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Friday 5 September to Monday 13 October
Saturday 20 September
Any Port in a Storm Sea Pictures Gallery, Clare
The Pillow Maker New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Brixham by Moira Huntly
Any Port in a Storm marks the fifth anniversary of Sea Pictures Gallery in Clare, Suffolk. Contributing artists were asked to look at inlets,
Children’s show the Pillow Maker is being staged at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. Mr Pillowmaker comes from a long line of pillow makers. They have always used magical stuff to fill their super soft, super plump pillows for beds and heads across the land. But one day, Mr Pillowmaker finds his stuff box is empty and he doesn’t have anything to stuff his pillows with. The Pillow Maker is an interactive adventure show created for young families.
harbours and ports – anywhere a sailor could seek safety. Sea Pictures focuses on high quality, original, contemporary maritimerelated art. Many of its artists are members of professional bodies such as the Royal Society of Marine Artists, the Society of Women Artists, the Society of Wildlife Artists, the Society of Wood Engravers and the East Anglian Group of Marine Artists.
For more information call 01787 279024 or visit www.seapicturesgallery.com
For more information or to book call 01473 295900 or visit www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Sunday 14 September
Saturday 27 September
Elias String Quartet St Mary’s, Cratfield
That is All You Need to Know Norwich Playhouse
Blyth Valley Chamber Music presents Elias String Quartet at the church of St Mary’s, in Cratfield, East Suffolk. Part of the Concerts at Cratfield series, the performance begins at 3pm. The Elias String Quartet have quickly established themselves as one of the
most intense and vibrant quartets of their generation. The group features Sara Bitlloch and Donald Grant, on violins, Martin Saving, on viola, and Marie Bitlloch, on cello. The programme will include works by Haydn, Beethoven and Sally Beamish.
For more information or to book call 01728 603077 or visit www.concertsatcratfield.org.uk
During World War Two, the grounds of Bletchley Park housed some of Britain’s greatest minds. Decades later, as Bletchley’s secrets begin to be known, another group of groundbreaking volunteers gather to save the home of the Enigma code breakers. Idle Motion is one of the
country’s leading visual theatre companies. This is an insightful, innovative and immersive celebration of the people whose hidden heroism changed the course of history. The production is being staged at the Norwich Playhouse at 7.30pm.
For more information or to book call 01603 598598 or visit www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
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In the know Photography courtesy of Ian Wallis
Tell us about your move into ice cream? We have been selling ice cream here for the last 10 years. Soon we began thinking about making our own ice cream on site and the rest, as they say, is history! We bought some equipment and then went to Bologna, in Italy, to learn the art of gelato making.
Ian Wallis, owner of the Hunstanton Ice Cream Company Have you always lived in Norfolk? No, I was born in Leicester, where I trained as a chef. When my parents came to Hunstanton to run a pub and hotel, I took over the kitchen there. I then moved away for a while and met my future wife; we came back to the hotel together and took over the complete running of it for the next 10 years. What appeals to you about life in Norfolk? Life in Norfolk is definitely more relaxed than other places I have lived. The countryside is beautiful, particularly the coastal villages around the North Norfolk area. The people are warm and friendly, and if you are an outgoing person, as I am, they make you feel welcome in any situation.
When did you open your home-made ice cream parlour? It was in 2013, one of the wettest and coldest Aprils in history! We thought we must be mad, but soon realised that the way we display the ice cream drew people to the cabinet. Now every flavour in our 24-pan cabinet has been personally made by me. Do you buy your ingredients from local suppliers? Yes - our concept is that we produce fresh, locally sourced ice cream. People want a product that is local, home-made and artisan. We have local friends who will bring us fruit grown on their allotments to make into sorbets. We love telling customers who order these sorbets the story of how we get the fruit. It often feels like a community thing, the growers are really proud when we have their fruit sorbets on sale. Tell us about your flavours? We make flavours that you cannot find from other suppliers – Key lime pie, cherry cheesecake, rhubarb and ginger sorbet, the list is endless. Our gin and tonic sorbet even made it on to the Telegraph’s top 12 most unusual ice cream flavours in the world!
How has Hunstanton Ice Cream Company developed? We are now branching into wholesale. We have approached some quality restaurants in the area and started supplying them with some of our flavours. What are your most favourite places to visit in Norfolk? I love the North Norfolk coast. It is beautiful; there are great places to walk my dogs and some fantastic pubs to have a bite to eat. What would you suggest people do if they have one day in Norfolk? My perfect day would be to start off with a brisk walk on Old Hunstanton beach then head into the village for a fantastic lunch at the Lodge. On the way back, I’d have a pint in the Ancient Mariner and take in the fantastic view from the beer garden. Then I’d visit “Sunny Hunny” for a walk on the prom, before ending up in the Rose and Crown, at Snettisham, for dinner. Do you enjoy being part of people’s seaside holiday experience? Yes. We enjoy ice cream and understand that for a lot of people an ice cream at the seaside is a rare treat – we therefore want to make it memorable! If we can all work together to give people a great experience when they visit the coast in Norfolk, they will come back time and time again. For more information call 01485 533108 or visit the parlour on the Green, Hunstanton or www.hunstantonicecream.co.uk
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Suffolk Interior Design Service curtains • blinds • loose covers • lighting • flooring furniture • cushions • throws • sewing classes
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Tel: 01394 420782
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Toby Winteringham
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