REVIEW: What it's like to eat at Aylsham's Hodson & Co.

Almost all the produce is locally sourced (within 28 miles) of the Hodson & Co. eatery based on Red Lion Street. 

And the same can be said for its furnishings; from the paint on the wall to the century-old rug on the floor, even the bespoke crockery the diners eat off.

Charlie Hodson outside his restaurant in Aylsham (Image: Denise Bradley)

Dishes are lovingly prepared over countless hours as ingredients are put through their paces being coated in spices, sieved to perfection, and blended and boiled into fine dining cuisine.  

Carrots alone take three hours to cook and hand-picked wine complements each dish. The simple celeriac becomes something of a delicacy after being infused with various flavours with the coffee is as exotic as coffee gets. 

So, with prices starting from £100 per person, is a meal here worth the price tag?

Spiced celeriac and almonds (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Owner and chef, Charlie Hodson, 52, is not only producing a fine-dining experience for his customers but he is trying to do something unusual and rather special - something he calls “collaborative partnership”. 

Originally opened by Mr Hodson as a cheese room with delicatessen, due to the economic downturn post-pandemic he was forced to adapt. 

Now, from Tuesday to Friday evenings, No.23, which is thought to be the smallest eatery in the UK, is open by appointment only.

Old Hall Farm butter chicken (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

And it is so much more than just somewhere to go for some nice grub.  

It really does have the wow factor when it comes to creating a home-from-home experience and it feels as if you’ve been invited as a guest rather than a paying customer. 

Of course, not everyone is going to be able to justify the cost but for those who can, you will be part of something more than just a meal.

Smoked scallop, salt and lime rubbed salmon with pickles (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

@donnalouisebishop Experienced the most delicious food in the stunning Hodson & Co. in Aylsham, Norfolk. Spectacular! #food #foodie #Norfolk ♬ Food - eas Ratta

• Mr Hodson is currently seeking confirmation that Hodson and Co. No. 23 is the UK’s smallest licensed restaurant. For more information or to book call 01263 735980.

​Seabass with cauliflower and tomatoes (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Hodson & Co. (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Norfolk pork and Vindy loo and carrots (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

White Lady cheese and crackers (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Hodson & Co. (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Bakewell tart and cocktail (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Expedition coffee and chocolate (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)

Hodson & Co. (Image: Donna-Louise Bishop)