North Norfolk Nosh

Part of North Norfolk's attraction is that it is becoming a bit of a haven for foodies. It's a long trek from the big cities, so day-trippers are mostly from Norfolk or Cambridgeshire. However, quite a few "celebs" hang out here now and the week-enders, who own so many of the flint "fisherman's" cottages, are often up for some "posh nosh". Burnham Market has become "Little Chelsea by the Sea" and it boasts some very upmarket shops and a splendid hotel; the Hoste Arms. This year they have opened a Moroccan Restaurant next door. We go there to window-shop and to have a beer on the green.

Just down the road, at Thornham, there is a fascinating older pub with lots of character and reasonably priced food. The Lifeboat Inn lies right on the coastal footpath and has a caravan park out the back. Its a good place to take children and it is just a short walk to the creek and then you can follow the sea-wall all the way round to Holme Bird Observatory.

Thornham also boasts a couple of more unusual eateries. At a pick-your-own organic farm you can dine at the Yurt Restaurant. We had salads with prawns, pie and other local produce, washed down with local beer or cider. Then we went to their roadside stall and bought a punnet of strawberries and a pot of cream which we ate at one of their picnic tables. Perfect!

Only a hundred yards away there is the Thornham Deli where you can dine inside or out. It's a good place to shop for treats, especially cheeses and cakes. The village playing fields and play-park are next door and so you can blithely snack on your purchases while the kids go berserk. You don't have to worry about the other, more sedate diners.

But, for the real Norfolk thing you can't beat Cookie's Crab Shed at Salthouse. Three of us had enormous platters of fresh, local seafood and salad for only £7 a head. Watching Dan deal with crab, prawns, smoked and pickled herrings and anchovies was a lot of fun. I don't think he has ever seen so much unfamiliar food on one plate before, but he ate it!

There are dozens of other places to eat, especially in the coastal villages. My only tip is to avoid the pubs on the main road and look for something special. I'm sure you will find it.