Wiveton Hall Cafe

I was very excited to receive a text message from Ali Yetman last week, declaring that the new eatery she is involved with, will finally be opening on July 23rd. That was Monday, so I headed north.

I have mentioned before in a previous post about the husband and wife team Ali and Peter Yetman - Peter, now brewer of delicious beer and Ali, still fabulous chef. Ali had just started her restauranteur retirement after 18 years of running 'Yetmans' in Holt, North Norfolk, when their eccentric friend and local land owner of Wiveton Hall, Desmond MacCarthy asked if she would cook in his new Cafe venture.

Wiveton Hall Fruit & Farm Cafe  is located between Cley and Blakeney and is situated over-looking one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Norfolk. The cafe building is a converted 1950s barn, with views of ripening artichokes, red currants, raspberries, strawberries, broad beans and the beautiful marshes.

The idea behind the Cafe is for Ali to use Desmond's high quality, home grown produce and create delicious, seasonal lunches for both the hungry PYO fruit pickers coming to the farm or for anyone who is desperate to eat Ali's fabulous food again (me).

Everything about the Cafe works. The decor is Mexican bright, kitsch and clashing with enough chairs to seat approximately 30 inside and many more outside shaded by pine trees. The counter inside is ladened with cakes, meringues, biscuits and scones to accompany various different types of tea and coffee.

I ate pea, broad bean and parmesan tart followed by gooseberry fool. It was so delicious that I am willing to drive an hour to eat it again and again. You have to go if you are passing or visiting the area, not just to pick quality produce but also to taste what delights Ali can create with Desmond's seasonal supplies.

Wiveton Hall Cafe is open 7 days a week until September.