There are lots of reasons to visit Wroxham Barns – the craft shops, the wonderful Willow Tree Delicatessen, Junior Farm – you can even camp or glamp during the summer.

But for us it was the Courtyard Cafe which drew us there on the way back from the coast. On a Saturday lunchtime, it was buzzing with family groups and hungry cyclists who had popped in for a pitstop.

It’s a cute spot, with beamed ceilings and Bake Off-style bunting.

You pick a table (there are plenty), choose what you want and then order at the counter.

Options on the menu include everything from posh cheese on toast, soup and homemade sausage rolls to ciabattas, jacket potatoes and burgers to pork, stuffing and apple sauce baguettes and red Thai vegetable curry.

I homed in on the ciabatta menu and went for brie and cranberry (others include falafel and sausage and caramelised onion chutney), while my friend chose the posh fish finger sandwich (actually goujons, which is perhaps what makes it posh, plus tartare sauce and baby gem lettuce). Despite it being the height of the lunchtime rush, we didn’t have a long wait. Both were huge – generously filled and accompanied by crisps, coleslaw and dressed salad.

The only disappointment was there there was no room for cake. Maybe next time.

wroxhambarns.co.uk

Our review visits are unannounced and we pay for our own meals

You can combine a visit to Wroxham Barns with a lovely six mile walk that takes in the Bure Valley Railway. The start and end of the route is on Station Road in Wroxham, (close to the tourist information centre) which is only a five minute drive from Wroxham Barns.

Click here to view the details of the Wroxham, Coltishall and Belaugh walk