The Suffield Arms Review: Mediterranean Tapas in North Norfolk
The Suffield Arms Review: By Rachel Ducker
Tapas always makes for a fantastic lunchtime and in theory, being able to go up to and tuck into a selection from one table and none of the fuss that sometimes accompanies a proper meal always screams out a relaxed lunch. I hadn’t had it for too long and then all of a sudden it appears practically on our door step during a family day out, what a result!
The restaurant in question is called The Suffield Arms. It’s operated by the team behind the famous, local The Gunton Arms (it is actually part of The Gunton Arms family), located roughly one mile from and opposite Gunton Station. It focuses mainly on Mediterranean food and tapas.
However, what I actually loved the most during our visit to The Suffield Arms during our lunch, more than I ever imagined possible to love about a restaurant. The fact that the entire concept of the lunch is completely unceremonious, unfussy and perfectly fussy.
Mediterranean Tapas Made for Sharing
Ordering up a selection for the whole table and tackling the range of plates seemed perfect, allowing the family to pick and choose at their own pace and in whatever order they preferred.
We picked a variety including prawns, halloumi and falafel along with the mussels. They were on the specials that particular day, which was a great reason to sneak in another plate for the table to try from.
Everything was beautiful, you could have one small thing then move onto something else before returning to the other, until eventually finding yourself ordering far more than you would ever imagine possible.
It was exactly what I love about Spanish food – plenty of delicious flavours without anything being overtly fine dining, although this doesn’t detract, just means if felt very much approachable.
A Family-Friendly Lunch Too
Navigating restaurants with young children is often trickier than I’d like but with the option to have kids portions at the Suffield Arms along with the a slightly Spanish twist in, meant they loved that they had their own dishes but were still part of ordering from the main tapas table.
It meant they were included, not excluded and that the restaurant still felt like a nice, grown- up place without making parents feel completely at unease having the children there.
And Obviously, We Had Dessert
Dessert is a MUST so we couldn’t leave without finishing our lunch off with sweet. The dessert menu contains your usual’s such as cheesecake and tiramisu and a great selection of ice cream for the children.
More Than Just a Restaurant
I’m a sucker for historical architecture and there’s lots to admire at The Suffield Arms. It dates back to 1886 originally built for all workers associated with the nearby Gunton Estate and later relocated opposite Gunton Station. It has a mixture of old and new style, that are brought together to compliment their heritage, yet there’s still space to make them feel more modern.
There are beautiful details inside such as Victorian features like original reclaimed floor tiles, William Morris curtains from 1870, original panelling and made-to-look-old decorations in part with modern painting and.
There is also an upstairs Saloon Bar that is open on weekend evenings only.
Is The Suffield Arms Worth Visiting?
Very much so.
It’s that perfectly rare kind of restaurant in North Norfolk where, the entire thing including the dining format, the setting and the quality of the food all come together.
Easy enough for a family lunch, but yet still has so much more to offer from drinks to cocktails and dining the rest of the evening.
I highly recommend that you check this place out if you are in the Norfolk area. Whether briefly while on holiday and visiting the nearby towns of Cromer. It is without a doubt a spot that we will all be sure to visit again very soon.
The Suffield Arms: At a Glance
Where: Station Road, Gunton, Norfolk
Food: Mediterranean-inspired tapas and sharing plates
Best for: Family lunches, date nights and relaxed dinners
Don’t miss: The daily specials and a good mix of small plates for the table
Family friendly: Yes, with children’s portions available
Drinks: Wines, beers and cocktails, with an upstairs Saloon Bar open on selected evenings
Nearby: Around one mile from sister pub, The Gunton Arms
Website: The Suffield Arms
