A guide to great Norfolk food
Our Food Lover's Guide to your Norfolk Stay
When you stay with us at East Ruston Cottages, you're not just stepping into a haven for you and your dogs — you're also surrounded by a wealth of mouth watering and impressive local Norfolk food shops, independent bakers, fishmongers and butchers. Norfolk's rich agricultural and coastal heritage means that everything from fresh produce to delectable seafood is right on your doorstep. Here's a guide to some of the must-visit spots to tantalize your taste buds while you're here and to give you some inspiration for some meals to cook in your holiday cottage. We know them all well - regularly visit and know that many are already very popular with our repeat guests!
Bakers: Freshly Baked Goodness
Scratby Bakery (Scratby) This friendly bakery is a must-visit for fresh bread, pastries, and sweet treats. Popular with locals and visitors. Their traditional recipes and warm service make every visit a delight. The prices are very reasonable and much of it is cooked on site – breads, cakes, biscuits and more. Don’t miss their Norfolk plum bread! They do very good value lunch packages and sandwiches you can take down to the beach or come back from a morning walk and pick up a breakfast roll. An easy walk from Brig Cottage and Woodpecker Lodge.
Scrumptious Bakes (North Walsham) Famous for their beautifully decorated cakes and delicious bakes, Scrumptious Bakes is perfect for a special treat or celebration. Their attention to detail and creative flavours make them a standout in the area. If you are coming on holiday to celebrate and would like a cake – we definitely recommend ordering from them and they do delicious afternoon teas too. Easy to reach from many of our cottages but closest to Swallowdale, Farthing Cottage, Rooster Barn and 1 Paynes Cottage. Only has a Facebook page but email lovely Beccy to tell her what you want and she will create it with love and enthusiasm!
Bread of Haven (Ridlington) There isn’t a physical shop to visit but a micro-bakery you can order their weekly freshly baked bread. If you are a bread lover, this is for you. It’s top notch. They only have a Facebook page but you can email them to find out what they are baking for the week you are here and get your order in. You can often find spare loafs at the Happisburgh Village shop on Friday (not for long though - Sue usually swoops in to get them!!) We promise you won't be disappointed! It is the best and very, very difficult to resist!! Think dunking fresh crusty bread in home made soups, think poached eggs and avacado on their sourdough or just slathering it with fresh butter and home made local jam!!
The Craft Bakery (Mundesley) Having already launched in Cromer, Sheringham and North Walsham, this family run bakery opened the relatively new addition to the village in 2024 and it has gone down a storm!
Fishmongers: The Freshest Catch
Dabs and Crabs (Ormesby) They have a great selection of locally sourced seafood, Dabs and Crabs is perfect for those looking to enjoy Norfolk’s coastal flavours and it is based in Hirsts Farm Shop so you can shop for other things to go with your fish dinner! Pick up some Cromer crab or fresh fish to prepare back at your cottage or make the most of their fish platters. They sell wet fish and smoked, frozen too (top tip; Thursday is their discount day for frozen fish). You can walk there from Woodpecker Lodge and Brig Cottage. A short drive from our Winterton Cottages too!
Fair Maiden Fish Shop (Happisburgh) This fishmonger is a bit of a legend in the area renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood and no-nonsense fishwife, Kirsty! Don't let her fish-wifery put you off! She has a cracking sense of (rude!) humour! From smoked fish to succulent prawns, Fair Maiden has something to please every seafood lover. The smoked haddock is the best ever - think smoked haddock risotto or with a poached egg on for brekkie - and the pots of crayfish, prawns and cockles are perfect for a snack. Opening hours can be a bit limited so check in advance by calling 01692 652160 but definitely worth a visit, particularly if you are staying at White Cottage or The Crib as they are a short walk away. Cash only but you can also pay by bank transfer if you can do it on your phone app while you are there.
Farm Shops: Fresh and Local
Hirst’s Farm Shop (Ormesby) This well-stocked family run farm shop is a treasure trove of fresh produce, locally sourced meats, and homemade goodies. Whether you’re after seasonal vegetables or handmade pies, Hirst’s has you covered. And the cafe is a very popular place for breakfast and lunch with locals and visitors alike. Dog friendly of course. And on the other side of the car park you can often see sheep and cattle, lambs and calves. It's a working farm for sure but one that completely nails the cafe and farm shop too! We have "meetings" there often!
Cooks Farm Shop (Ingham) Known for its wide selection of local produce and pantry essentials, Cooks Farm Shop is perfect for stocking up on everything you need for your stay. Don’t miss their fresh eggs and delicious homemade jams, fresh veg and fruit, cakes and biscuits and so much more.
Meales Farm Shop (Stalham) Another family run farm shop, Meales offers an excellent variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and locally produced goodies. It’s the ideal spot for finding unique Norfolk flavours and their cafe, Vera's, is very popular too. If you have a weakness for plants - don't go outside!!! You have been warned! We can't visit without coming back with plants!
The Tacons (Rollesby) Another small local farm shop with plenty of choices. Pick your own fruit options are very popular in the summer! Definitely worth a visit if you are staying close by in our Winterton and Scratby cottages. We LOVE their asparagus!
Butchers: Premium Local Meat
Causeway Butchers (Ingham) This traditional butcher shop is celebrated for its locally sourced meat and friendly customer service. Their homemade sausages and Norfolk beef are highly recommended. On the road to Sea Palling so well worth a visit if you are heading to the beach there. Open 9 - 2.
Tavern Tasty Meats (between Trunch and North Walsham) Renowned for their award-winning sausages and high-quality cuts, Tavern Tasty Meats is a butcher’s shop you don’t want to miss! Their commitment to local sourcing ensures freshness and flavour in every bite and their friendly team are fun and very helpful! They sell all sorts of other extras... including local gin! Just down the road from Rooster Barn, Farthing Cottage, Swallowdale and 1 Paynes Cottage.
Cawdrons Butchers (Stalham High Street) SOOO much more than just a butchers! They have queues for their hot meat roll counter every day - the smell will absolutely tempt you - and their fresh and cured meats are excellent. They source locally where they can and know their job well. Just like a family butcher should. Now they also have opened up a shop next door where you can buy all sorts of other things for your holiday - it's a small supermarket with a really good range of everyday items (wine is an everyday item when you are on holiday right?!) and several freezers full of Cooks ready made meals. The shop will deliver to local areas and you can get 10% off your first delivery order if you use the Snappy Shopper app.
Mulberry Marsh (East Ruston, just outside Stalham) Mulberry Marsh is another one of our really specialist and local food producers selling very high welfare, home produced beef and venison as well as eggs and honey. It's not really a shop, more a shed with a fridge and freezer and honesty payment system (card as well as cash) Their meat is exceptional and couldn't not be reared more closely to their home and shop if you tried. Their Instagram account is great fun and really does show you how passionate they are about the welfare of their animals!
Celebrate Norfolk's Food Producers
Norfolk is home to an incredible array of local food producers offering everything from chutneys and teas to sweet treats:
- Candi’s Cupboard: Handcrafted chutneys and sauces made with seasonal Norfolk produce. Perfect for adding a burst of flavour to your cheese and cracker platter... and so much more! If you think that carrots, parsnips, beetroot, juniper or celeriac can't be right in a chutney - well think again!!! Candi has been producing the most gorgeous chutneys and sauces for years and we are TOP fans! Always have Spiced Carrot Chutney and Norfolk Crier Onion Marmalade in the fridge and now that she has introduced the steak sauces..... well, think Mulberry Marsh steak and her chilli steak sauce and you have a perfect holiday meal! You can buy direct from her website but also find them in most of our local farm shops and more.
- Norfolk Tea: A local favourite, this tea is a comforting choice for a cozy afternoon in your cottage. Norfolk is a bit old skool, traditional, happy to drink tea at all times of the day and this is why Norfolk Tea is so popular! Tea bags, loose leaf and infusions, all can be enjoyed on your holiday here. Shop either from the website or from SO many of our local shop too!
- Norfolk Cordials: So many gorgeous fruity flavours! Made with only UK grown fruits and they have been around for years! Again you can buy from their website or find them in many of our local shops.
- Norfolk Honey: Keep your eyes peeled for all sorts of local honey suppliers - selling from their garden gates!
And there are SO many more places to find our fabulous local produce .... have a look at this page for inspiration!
Fish and Chips: A Classic Coastal Treat
Kingfisher Fish and Chips (Walcott) Known for their crispy batter and perfectly cooked chips, Kingfisher Fish and Chips is a favourite for visitors to the area. Enjoy their delicious offerings with a sea view (benches right outside looking at the sea or get even closer and take them to the sea wall - might have to fend off the odd seagull of course!) or take them back to your cottage. Closest to Rose Cottage, Seaview Cottage and Malthouse Farm Barn.
The Mermaid’s Catch (Sea Palling) Located just a stone’s throw from the beach, The Mermaid’s Catch serves up fantastic fish and chips, with generous portions and fresh flavours. It’s an ideal spot for a post-beach meal AND they do lobster! How many fish and chip shops offer that! Plus it has the benefit of being right next to 2 local cafes and the village arcade. You can have a proper old skool seaside experience here!
Broadland Fish and Chips (Stalham) Excellent fish and chips and offering classic takeaway meals that are perfect for a seaside picnic or to enjoy at your cottage after a day out exploring. Closest to our East Ruston Cottages.
Winterton Fish and Chips (Winterton - you might have guessed!) Another offering of excellent fish and chips. Within walking distance of our Winterton cottages so pretty perfect for that first or last night meal!
Gluten free fish & chips (Bacton) very popular for it's fabulous gluten free options! The food is cooked to order and even has vegetarian are catered for as the food is prepare in vegetable oil.
Whether you choose to dine on the beach, soaking up the coastal atmosphere, or take your meal back to enjoy in comfort, fish and chips are a must-try during your stay.
Make the Most of Your Stay
Why not use your holiday as an opportunity to cook up a Norfolk-inspired feast? With so many incredible local ingredients available, you can prepare meals that celebrate the very best of the region. Our cottages are fully equipped for cooking, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a homemade meal with your dogs curled up beside you. Or, sitting with their head on the table waiting for scraps!!
We’d love to hear about your foodie finds! Share your experiences in our Facebook group or tag us on Instagram with your culinary creations. Whether you’re savouring a bakery treat, grilling up a butcher’s steak, or indulging in some fresh seafood, Norfolk’s vibrant food scene is sure to leave you hungry for more.
We need more ideas from you..... what are you planning on cooking while you are here, using our local goodies? Or what have you enjoyed making when you have been here? We can put your recipes on here for others to enjoy!
