CAMBRIDGE CATALYST ISSUE 04

OUT OF OFFICE

Rewind a couple of years and the house was almost derelict; brought back to life by an ambitious renovation project overseen by owner Alison Thompson, who dreamed of transforming it into a luxurious boutique hotel"

your own apples to take home. This spot is also home to Norfolk’s probably most famous chip shop, Eric’s, which recently opened a branch in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, and puts a modern spin on the traditional chippie with Japanese-style fish burgers, deep-fried jam sandwiches and battered king prawns. Hot tip: the gherkin fritters are a revelation. A windswept walk along the wild beaches of Holkham or Brancaster will work up an appetite for dinner: both are a short drive away. Where to eat This part of Norfolk has a deserved reputation as a gourmet destination. Its abundant coastline yields excellent seafood especially, but from gastro pubs to microbreweries and patisseries, there’s excellent eating options in all directions. One of the best pubs in the area, the multi-award-winning Duck Inn, is handily located around ten minutes away from The White House (in Stanhoe). A friendly atmosphere and polished interiors, combined with

great Full English, fluffy pancakes, and smashed avo and poached eggs on sourdough, all cooked to perfection and served in the beautiful, light-filled breakfast room. The verdict Despite the fact that the hotel is almost full on our visit, it never once feels busy, in fact, it feels very much like you’re swanning about in your very own glamorous country estate: a giddily enjoyed novelty which lasts the whole weekend. There’s no shortage of lovely places to stay in north Norfolk, but The White House team has created something truly special in its offering, combining the relaxed atmosphere of an Airbnb rental with the luxuries of a five-star hotel. It’s also worth noting that the whole house can be hired out for group gatherings, creating a private party pad with serious wow factor.

exquisite pub grub and local ales, make it a must-visit. We also tried The Hero in Burnham Overy, which is equally smart. City dwellers: be aware that Uber has definitely not yet found its way to this corner of deepest East Anglia, and you’ll need to get organised and pre-book taxis, or run the risk of getting stranded at your dining venue (although many do have lovely bedrooms, so perhaps not a huge disaster). Breakfast is the one meal of the day served at The White House, and they make sure it’s perfect, offering a

ABOVE Breakfast at The White House

is served in a beautiful,

light-filled room overlooking the gardens

The White House, 3-7 Sussex Farm, Burnham Market, King's Lynn PE31 8JY stayatthewhitehouse.co.uk

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ISSUE 04

cambridgecatalyst.co.uk

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