Heydon Village Tea Room, located near Aylsham, has been named winner of the Best Coffee Shop/Cafe award at the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards 2024.

Read on to find out more about the winning business and the finalists.

A quintessential English tea room, this café in Heydon offers a range of nostalgic dishes featuring ingredients from Norfolk suppliers wherever possible.

The traditional afternoon teas are renowned for their variety and intricacy, featuring cakes, scones and teacakes all baked in house. It also offers light lunch options and Norfolk-produced wine, beer and cider.

Heydon Tea Room impressed the judges with its clear menu, especially for dietary needs, and detailing use of 15 local suppliers. 

The “welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and thoughtful touches like hot water for tea” earned high praise. 

The judges added: “The delicious cakes and local produce showcased upon entry add to its charm and class.” 

After receiving the award, Heydon Village Tea Room’s owner Cindy Halls said: “It means so much. It’s incredible. I don’t know how to describe this feeling!

“This is a completely new era for Heydon Tea Rooms. We’re going to get better and better and continue improving from where we are now.”

 

Finalist: Danomeys

Danomeys is a casual café and deli in Norwich that pays homage to ethnic and street food culture from London and around the world, with unique hot and cold snacks. 

In the recently introduced deli, customers can buy meats, cheeses, Brick Lane Beigels, antipasti and retail items from local and national suppliers.

Judges commended the “unique menu” with delightful details and daily cakes on the counter. 

They also praised the “warm, welcoming service and attention to detail”. 

Finalist: Lime Kiln Kitchen 

Lime Kiln Kitchen is a dog-friendly coffee house and eatery in Thetford Garden Centre, inspired by travels near and far. 

The kitchen serves fresh, lovingly made food and a range of drinks. 

It also prides itself on exceptional service, receiving great reviews and a number of awards since its launch.

Lime Kiln’s use of local produce impressed the judges, as well as its menus with clear vegetarian options and a display board detailing local sourcing.

They said the café offers “professional, slick service”, along with thoughtful touches.

Finalist: Salhouse Farmshop & Café (Black Barn Farm)

Salhouse Farm Shop & Café strives to provide excellent food at fair prices with second to none customer service. 

The menu includes breakfast, light bites and lunch, made using as much local produce as possible. 

The judges commended the “solid breakfast menu”, with the majority being gluten free. They also praised the lift up to the café, which makes it accessible for all.

To find out more about all of the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2024 winners, please click here.

Keep an eye out for details of next year's awards at norfolkfada.co.uk