Byfords is a delicatessen, restaurant, and a 'posh' bed and breakfast all rolled into one. We…read morestayed for a few nights in the B&B in February, tempted by the opulent rooms showcased on the Byfords website. Byfords is right in the centre of Holt, and as such car parking is at a premium. The car park only has space for eight cars, but has seventeen rooms, leading to a bit of scramble for a space, it can get quite competitive! Failing that there a few public car park spaces to the front of the deli, or a large public car park about 200 yards away. This factor over all others, disappointed us the most; for such an expensive B&B, it seems short sighted to have insufficient parking.
The room itself was an interesting mix of old charm and modern decor. A comfortable bed flanked by low beams and a rather impressive television, leading onto a small study area was complemented by a modern wet room with underfloor heating. Let down slightly by a dripping shower. Complementary biscuits, still/sparkling water, and tea and coffee were a nice touch, but strangely never replaced from one day to the next. The staff at Byfords were very friendly and helpful in all parts of the enterprise; as we arrived we were given a complementary coffee and choice of cake in the restaurant, a nice touch. Breakfast was served to the rear of the restaurant, and was impressive fare, particularly the smoked salmon and scrambled egg. The menu for breakfast was fairly comprehensive, and included such diverse dishes as kippers, as well as the legendary Byfords cooked breakfast. The only disappointing thing about the breakfast was the fact the venue was integrated within an open restaurant; call me old fashioned but paying a premium for the B&B room should mean there is a separate enclosed room for guests.
We had coffee and ate in the restaurant on several occasions. The coffee is their own blend and is an eloquent combination of strength and flavour; their cakes, pastries and hot snacks are also equally impressive: the moroccan lamb pasty being a particular triumph. The evening meals though were less consistent, the first night's calzone lacked flavour and was fairly disappointing, but the atmosphere of the Byfords restaurant has a rustic charm, which makes it a perfect romantic evening venue. However, the second's nights bubble and squeak with smoked haddock was almost perfect, what a difference! The last part of the triumvirate is the delicatessen, a bustling place selling all the pastries, pasties and sandwiches sold in the main restaurant, as well as takeaway coffees, olives, cold meats etc. This is the real hub of Byfords, selling thousands of scones per week. In summary, an experience that had plenty of pluses, but a few negatives, that reduced its overall star rating.
