The Hoste, Burnham Market, Norfolk

It’s safe to say that any excuse to get out of London and into the countryside is always very welcome and having never been to Norfolk this invitation resulted in two very excited girls on a weekend road trip.

Before I get to the restaurant a few words about Burnham Market – it’s everything we might have imagined it would be. Billed as Norfolk’s most lovely village, it’s easy to see why. We arrived at about 5ish and even on a cold autumn evening the small square lined with independent butchers, bakers, fish mongers, book shop etc was so charming that we had to leave our bags in the car and go and explore before everything closed. The village is only a mile or two from the coast but we didn’t get a chance on this visit, next time though.

So, on to the lovely Hoste. The original building dates back to the 17th century and the restaurant is a lovely wood paneled room with low lighting and candles. To start we went for the Norfolk Coastline Assiette which was a tantalizing mix of dressed Cromer crab, Letzet’s smoken salmon, loose Brancaster oysters, lobster risotto, fish cake with sauce and potted shrimps. Simply put, it was amazing, and would have made a lovely lunch on its own, but as we were there for a slap-up meal, this was just the beginning.

For the main course I had the roast hake with creamy polenta, spinach and chorizo - all dripping in anchovy butter, with the firey chorizo lifting the richness to make it a perfect combination. My dining pal went for sea bream with purple potatoes topped with calamari and broad beans. The night was a fish extravaganza.

After a well deserved break to gossip and finish our bottle of Favola Prosecco we chose our puddings – Cambridge burnt cream with lavender short bread and raspberries for me. A really special dessert: floral, creamy and with a bit of zing.

We chose to stay over at the hotel so we could indulge in the Hoste’s spa treatments the next day. If you’re looking for a long weekend or just a place for lunch or dinner, I would highly recommend this little gem of a place.

Divine Room, £240 based on two people sharing, including full English breakfast and VAT.

Christmas day brunch is £95 per adult and £50 per child.

New Year’s Eve dinner is £115 per person.

The Hoste is also offering hotel deals over the festive season.