Housed in a former ironmongers in the pretty market town of Holt is the wonderful Byfords – a true local gem and one of my favourite places to visit whatever the time of year. This charming family-run business is a café, bistro, shop and b&b all rolled into one very lovely ‘higgledy-piggeledy world of pleasure’, as they like to call it.

For starters, there’s a small deli selling local cheeses, homemade cakes (the carrot cake is not to be missed), organic ready-meals, olives, patés, home baked bread and many other delights. It’s hard not to leave empty-handed but once you’ve dragged yourself away, I highly recommend taking a pew in one of the inviting nooks and crannies.

Delicious food is served all day, and it’s a great place to sit with a large cappuccino and slab of millionaire’s shortbread whilst reading the paper. In the evenings, the place turns into a lovely restaurant serving fresh fish and other seasonal produce, and there’s also a fantastic jazz evening held once a month. For anyone visiting, it’s the perfect place to stay for a winter weekend or a summer break. The beach is just a few miles away and always a great place to take a walk after indulging in Byfords many delights.

Photo courtesy of Jim the Chin on Flickr