Courtyard Cafe — Restaurant in North Norfolk

Busier than usual on account of the Christmas market.

Queued up at 1048, didn't get served until 1105; to be told they are no longer serving breakfast. I reordered my partners food accordingly to be told they didn't start serving lunch until 1130; so an expected 30 minute wait before the food was to be prepared. I tried to discreetly request any variant of a sausage bap from the breakfast menu; suggesting a sandwich or panini etc. Again discreetly trying to explain my eating limitations due to my autism.

Nikki was at least polite in trying to direct me to other eating outlets in the courtyard but the elderly lady working alongside her was rather abrupt about the whole matter repeatedly stating "breakfast ended at 1100". I left the situation rather taken a back and frankly embarrassed I had even attempted to share my circumstance; something I've never until now felt I should have even to explain to an eating establishment. (Most are just happy to serve or assist).

Note: the children's menu still served the sausages and they were happily making/ serving sandwiches and panini's. Clearly they don't take dietary or eating requests into account.

The whole incident causing me a significant about of embarrassment and genuine upset, my partner swiftly requested a refund and we left promptly.

We have visited the nature reserve many times and this is the first time trying the cafe. Certainly won't be visiting again.

If you have dietary requirements or more likely children with such, I would certainly not consider visiting. Otherwise it's the most convenient eatery if you're visiting the...

Nice café at Pensthorpe Natural Park. Pleasant and well set out with seating both indoors and outdoors. Obviously geared up for large numbers, we found the queuing area, where you choose you food and drinks a bit cramped, given all the other space available.

We only wanted something simple as we were eating later, so my mistake was to go for a cheese scone and tea. The tea was very welcome but the scone was disappointing... Not bad but rather heavy, quite edible but it didn't taste fresh. Made a mental note not to ask for a scone again.

Otherwise, my wife was happy with what she had and the meals looked pretty good, as they came out to other people. Always a bit of a downer when you order something you're not impressed with.

We'd use the café again and certainly plenty of other people were doing so. Worth a stop-off if you are at Pensthorpe...

Good place to meet friends for coffee. The staff are friendly and coffee is always hot. Plenty of snacks, sweet and savoury, to tempt you. The cafe does tend to be noisy, with hard floors and solid wooden tables and chairs (not very comfortable). Everywhere is accessible. Toilets are always clean. Plenty of parking if you arrive early. The courtyard is a fair walk from the parking, but there are always birds to see en route! It's well worth visiting the exhibition space - where there's a "GoGo Hare" and also the gift shop. The children's indoor and outdoor play areas look tempting. Sadly I'm too old...