By Katie Wilson
Londoners may already be familiar with neighbourhood restaurant Nest in Old Street and the Michelin-starred Restaurant St Barts, hidden in Smithfield Market.
Though the latter is the first London restaurant to be awarded a Michelin Star for its food and a Green Michelin Star for its sustainability ethos, it seems the team were not content with conquering the capital’s restaurant scene.
So you’ll find their latest venture, which is very different to anything they’ve done before, a stone’s throw from the North Norfolk coast.
Set on a 1,000 acre farm, Nest Farmhouse is more than a place to eat. Due to its country meets coast location, it makes sense it’s their first restaurant with rooms. And The Boutique Handbook team were among the first guests to visit…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Nest Farmhouse on a sunny August afternoon, it’s clear this is a very different offering to what the Nest team – led by co-owners Luke Wasserman, Johnnie Crow and Toby Neill – have previously been known for.
The first thing you notice on the drive there is the colours of the landscape. Lush green and golden fields lined with trees and hedgerows. Wildflower meadows greet you as you reach the restaurant, as does a reeded pond dotted with ducks, where guests can enjoy waterside drinks during the summer months.
Next thing you become aware of, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is the quiet. It’s really peaceful here. And while it feels inland, you’re just 15 minutes from the beach.
The building itself, which was once an old cowshed, isn’t traditional in its design. It has a more modern feel, taking inspiration from the veranda-style homes of New England. This is intentional to help combat the British weather and means you can still sit outside and enjoy those stunning views.
THE ROOMS
There are only five bedrooms at Nest Farmhouse, giving it an exclusive and boutique feel. All are above the restaurant on the first floor and, like the decor throughout, have been designed in collaboration with Lulu Carter Interior Design.
Some rooms overlook the garden and pond, others the farm and forest. We stayed in Nettle, the only dog-friendly room. Whichever room you pick – all are named after plants – you’ll get panoramic views across the fields beyond and private balconies. These wrap around the full length of the building, but are divided by plants and furniture so each room has its own private outdoor seating area.
The relaxing theme continues with the neutral decor of the bedrooms. Ours had varying hues of calming greens, like the Nettle it is named after. Guests will welcome the king-sized beds, blankets in case you want to cosy up even more, a Smeg kettle and real milk to make a hot drink and thoughtful extras like fans in the room.
Our bathroom came with a bath and separate shower. Toiletries are courtesy of organic brand, Austin Austin. But the best thing about the rooms at Nest Farmhouse has to be the views. Not just from the balcony, our bedroom window was a delight to look out of while sat with a cup of tea before dinner. If you’re lucky enough to get blue skies and sunshine when you visit, you’ll see what we mean.
FOOD AND DRINK
As the countryside sibling to Nest and Restaurant St Barts, Nest Farmhouse is a chance for the team to really put into practice their produce-led cooking and offer a true farm-to-plate restaurant experience. Who better to do that than local boy and head chef Grant Cotton, who has worked at the group for the past five years.
The food is an homage to Norfolk’s land and sea ingredients, as well as highlighting the excellent seasonal British produce sourced from farmers and growers on their doorstep. Everything is made in-house, from the butters and breads to the ice creams.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday (like the rooms), guests can book a table for lunch and dinner. The menu changes regularly, but when we visit, starters includes delights like Wells Crab with BBQ Green Beans, Nectarines and Elderflower (£15).
For mains, there was a choice of Monkfish with Curried Crab Sauce, Brown Shrimp, Fennel Bhaji and Cucumber Relish (£30), BBQ Pork Chop with Purple Kale and Chorizo Butter Sauce (£24) and Crispy Salt Aged Duck Leg with Bean and Vegetable Cassoulet and Salsa Verde (£25).
There is always a Farmhouse Sharer, which we went for. On our visit it was Herdwick Lamb served with Crispy Sweetbreads, BBQ Seasonal Greens and Crispy Potatoes (£68 for 2). Puddings came in the form of a Summer Fruits Terrine with Buttermilk Ice Cream (£13), Chocolate Tart (12) and Doughnuts with Blackberry Jam and Elderflower Custard (£10).
The drinks get the same treatment as the food, with a focus on local suppliers. Beer comes from Norfolk’s Woodforde’s Brewery, while wine is from nearby Cobble Hill Winery and Vineyard, who offer tours and tastings. Sunday roasts and children’s menus are also available.
Of course the food is the focus in any restaurant, but we really loved the expansive views from the windows at Nest Farmhouse. The dining room itself is split into two areas; the restaurant and the bar at the far end, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap. The decor is calming and neutral, yet stylish. Expect dried flowers on the tables and vintage crockery, adding to the farmhouse feel.
If you’re a hotel guest, the friendly team – who will go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need – will reserve you a table in the restaurant at the time of booking. Breakfast is included in all stays.
EXTRAS
In the future, we’re told there are plans for three more rooms. An on-site deli and farm shop is also in the works, but won’t be added straight away.
OVERALL VERDICT
For a foodie getaway by the sea that’s just two hours from London, Nest Farmhouse is an exciting addition to Norfolk’s restaurant scene. We love that it’s thought about catering for locals in the quieter winter months, as well as out of towners visiting for a staycation.
Rooms start from £150 a night, including breakfast
Book a stay at Nest Farmhouse here
*The Boutique Handbook visited as part of a complimentary PR stay, but we always give honest reviews
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