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The Cafe at Brovey Lair - Ovington

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Restaurant-with-rooms, with a difference

You may be a seasoned Weekender, but we can almost guarantee that you’ll never have stayed anywhere like this before. A hundred times more foodie than other B&Bs, and yet more homely than a restaurant-with-rooms, The Café at Brovey Lair essentially offers five star food in what can only be described as a home-from-home.

Hidden away in the unassuming Norfolk village of Ovington, Brovey Lair is home to Tina Pemberton – former international food critic and now outstanding chef. Tina and her husband Mike have turned their house into a stylish restaurant with two smart, en-suite guest rooms, and are offering some of the best food you will find in East Anglia. Dinners are comprised of four set courses that change daily, depending on what Tina fancies cooking (and often including any particular requests you may have discussed with her when you book). Her cooking style is perhaps best described as Mediterranean-Asian fusion, but seafood is definitely a speciality and almost always on the menu in fresh and vibrant dishes such as Indian-spiced baked halibut on saffron and cardamom rice, or teppan-grilled Cajun spiced swordfish. Fish-tastic. The wine list is also superb.

After an astonishing dinner, it’s almost a relief to have a cosy bedroom in the building to crash out in. The bedrooms are light and airy, with views onto Brovey Lair’s extensive gardens and the heated swimming pool (which, in the summer, is at your disposal). Beds are big and comfy, with top-notch linen, and together with the soothing sounds of the Weeping Willows outside (oh, and your happy happy stomach) will guarantee the best night’s sleep you’ve had in ages.

And then it’s breakfast! More fantastic food from Tina’s kitchen includes a uniquely exotic take on the classic B&B brekkie, with Mexican huevos rancheros and salsa and mozzarella omelette, sitting alongside Californian-style fruits and waffles

Where is it?

Ovington sits slap-bang in the middle of Norfolk, so is perfect for exploring. It’s only a short drive west to The Brecks - a huge stretch of landscape including tranquil forest, open heathland and agricultural land. Famed for being one of the driest parts of Britain, the Breckland heaths bear more than a passing resemblance to the Serengeti at the height of summer (although you’re more likely to spot a few sweaty deer than a herd of charging rhinos...). The flat, scenic landscape is perfect for cycling, or you could saddle up and explore on horseback. The Middle Farm Equestrian Centre in East Harling (20 minutes’ drive from Ovington – Tel: 01953 718756) offers riding lessons and hacks through The Brecks.

The vibrant city of Norwich is a 40 minutes drive east of Ovington, and is a great place to spend a day. Read The Weekenders Guide to Norwich for a full round-up of things to see and places to eat.

Alternatively, you could drive less than an hour north from Brovey Lair and enjoy the beautiful North Norfolk Coastline at pretty Wells-next-the-Sea. From its long sweeping beach bordered by pine woodland, along the little harbour with small fishing boats and children fishing for crabs, past the higgledy-piggledy shops on Staithe Street, to the tree-lined park with its fine Georgian houses, quiet pubs and restaurants, Wells has managed to remain an unspoilt seaside resort – quite an achievement.

Where can I eat?

Well, that’s a no-brainer. Tina’s cooking is the best for miles around and the star attraction at Brovey Lair.

For a delicious lunch, or a great place to pick up picnic supplies, the café and farm shop at the Elveden Estate (www.elveden.com Tel: 01842 898068) are fantastic. The 23,000-acre estate, belonging to handsome Elvedon Hall, produces some of the best fresh produce in East Anglia, including fruit, veg, meat and cheese. The award-winning Elveden Café and Restaurant serves great sandwiches filled with Elveden produce, plus more substantial dishes such as fish pie and hand-made burgers. Delicious and all within a half hour’s drive from Ovington.

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A hundred times more foodie than other B&Bs, and yet more homely than a restaurant-with-rooms, The Café at Brovey Lair essentially offers five star food in what can only be described as a home-from-home.