All Things Considered

Wiveton Hall Cafe
Posted by Kate Sullivan

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.

Posted by Kate Sullivan on July 25th, 2007