Staithe N Willow: Staithe Tea Room & Café and Willow Holiday Cottage. — Restaurant in North Norfolk

If you're in the area or willing to make the drive, you must stop in here. Fiona and Alex have restored this cozy, riverside cafe to its former glory by providing delicious food and a great experience (with consistent opening hours - IYKYK 😉)

THE PLACE: I believe most of the building is the original structure built forever ago with a gorgeous, authentic thatched roof. There is outdoor seating available in the warmer months, but could be available year round -- we didn't ask because it was winter.

Inside is very clean and comfy with white walls and a wood-beamed ceiling. The table by the fire is our favorite, but there are several tables to choose from should you want to be further away from the fire. There is also a snug, semi-private room in the back if you're looking for that experience.

SERVICE: Whether you're waited on by Alex, Fiona, or one of their very friendly staff, the service is impeccable. Very attentive without being intrusive, and happy to make adjustments to fit your needs and quick to bring whatever you request. And Fiona and Alex (and everyone) are just the nicest people and consummate hosts.

FOOD: The food is tremendous. We've had two full English breakfasts and plan to go back for a third before we leave the area. Good portions made in-house or sourced locally from purveyors who care about the foods they make. You won't be getting out-of-a-box microwaved foods here.

We also enjoyed a Sunday lunch that wasn't limited to beef if you're wanting a Sunday lunch that's a little bit different. You can also get pork or turkey or vegetarian. Big portions with a good size Yorkshire pudding, hot gravy, and veg.

And their Pie Night was stellar. They have several savory pies packed with delicious meat with no air or space taken up by gravy. The gravy on the side is plentiful and comes hot in a gravy boat. And the pastry wasn't too thick and cooked to perfection. They also have other entree options, but I would get the pie.

If you're still hungry or just popping in for tea, I highly recommend their desserts, of which they have several. So far we've had the apple crumble with vanilla custard, the Scottish tiffin, and ice cream with chocolate sauce. (not all at once, this was over a few meals 😉)

PRICE: Of course, everyone's situation is different, but we found the prices very reasonable.

Dogs are welcome, but this is Britain so I'd be surprised otherwise. 🐶

So if you're in the area (or nearish) this is the perfect place for any meal of the day. I promise you won't be...

An amazing little bistro by the river side. A thatched cottage with little garden. We were staying in a house in the area for a few days and enjoyed breakfast at the S n' W bistro twice during our short stay. Both times we were made very welcome, even the dogs were shown the same care as they were presented with some sausage. (Obviously we were given it to give them if we felt it appropriate which was even more thoughtful) The menu was limited which was refreshing. There was a breakfast menu, light lunch and then menus for cake and drinks. Each with a perfect mix of delicious options. While we didn't have cake, it being breakfast time, they were displayed inside and looked heavenly. We had a vegetarian breakfast and a full English. The staff were able to explain exactly where everything was produced, much home made and local. I was very impressed with the veggie version, it was perfect. It wasn't an add on to keep the veggies happy. MOH had the full English and hardly spoke a word while eating. He said the sausage was divine. The portion size was perfect, a hearty breakfast for him without being ridiculous. Even the bread for the toast was locally produced and very tasty. I had oat milk for my coffee which was available. Both our coffees were perfect. A smooth easy morning coffee, not bitter or over roasted. There was decaf available, but only in a cafeteria. There is inside and outside seating. We enjoyed the garden as it was warm and sunny. Even the garden is well cared for with unusual blooms all around. I got the impression that every aspect of the menu, producers and surrounding is considered in great detail. This is clearly an establishment run by someone who is considered and thoughtful. We certainly hope to travel back and would do so, just to...

My family and I had such a lovely time here this weekend. We came for afternoon tea for my dad’s birthday and the food was amazing! Actually one of the best afternoon teas I’ve had and my dad absolutely loved it.

I’d never heard of here before, I travelled from Hertfordshire as my parents live in Norfolk. My dad loves an afternoon tea and so for his birthday I wanted to go somewhere on the broads as it’s lovely there and came across Staithe and Willow and I’m honestly so glad I did 🥰

Not only was the food amazing but the staff were so friendly too, the cafe itself is so cosy and welcoming. I can’t praise it enough, thank you for such a lovely...