Food review: The Ratcatchers in Cawston, north Norfolk

Despite being shut for a number of years, when it reopened in 2019 it quickly regained its followers and has continued to do so ever since. 

The building both inside and out is unquestionably stunning and has been designed with high spec finishings and furnishings. 

It is also a beautiful little suntrap in a quiet and rural corner of the county – a real ‘get-away’ place enjoyed by passersby and regulars alike. 

Our server – Bryony – was extremely pleasant and welcoming and offered us a few options of where to sit. We opted for a light corner in a room near the sun patio. 

As we visited on a Sunday, we were given the options of roast dinner as well as a limited version of their menu and choices from the special boards too. 

For a starter, I opted for the buffalo baked feta (£7.95) while Mr W. tucked into a fresh water crayfish cocktail (£8.50). 

I’d never eaten baked feta before, and if you haven’t either then I’d suggest getting yourself down to The Ratcatchers. It was divine. Confit garlic brought together heritage tomatoes and was topped with aged balsamic with a mini baguette on the side. The flavours packed a punch.  

The other half was equally pleased with his choice and praised the subtle smokiness that ran through the Marie Rose sauce. 

Soon after our mains arrived; A vegetarian wellington with all the trimmings (£16.50) for me, and a steak burger with hand cut chips (£16.95) for Mr W. 

This was a roast dinner like no other. There was a generous portion of roasties, with a variety of vegetables cooked to enhance each and every flavour on offer.  

It also came with a giant light and fluffy Yorkshire pudding and, the icing on the cake, a sweet potato and mushroom infused wellington which would satisfy the taste buds of even the heartiest meat-eater. 

Mr W.’s steak burger was exquisite (he allowed me a nibble) and was full of all the flavour and more that you would expect from a steak burger. It was the winning dish. 

Although we did take a look at the dessert menu, which I was told changes regularly, we decided we were just too full for another bite. 

Perhaps another time though? As I’m sure we will be back. 

Setting   

Set in the heart of north Norfolk’s beautiful countryside, the building has undergone extensive refurbishment and looks almost like a piece of artwork itself inside. The bar is also pleasant with an art deco vibe. 

Value   

There is no way around it, this is an expensive place to dine. The food is stunning though, with generous sized portions and fresh ingredients worthy of the price tag. There are some nice options if you just fancy a drink and a bar snack or two, and this place is also a winner if you want somewhere special to go. 

Drinks   

Wine seems to be the staple here and there are some great selections of red, white, rose, and sparkling. The bay also has draft beers and ales, and its cocktail menu is a winner – especially the mocktails for the designated driver and non-drinkers. 

Between our starter and main, I enjoyed a virgin mojito which was perfect for Norfolk’s recent heatwave. 

Toilets   

They are spacious, clean, light and include homely touches. 

Accessibility   

The car park is completely flat and tarmacked, there is a wide ramp on the side of the building for wheelchair users and the main restaurant section and bar area is wheelchair friendly. There are also food options for a variety of dietary requirements and the staff are knowledgeable about the ingredients too. 

Service  

The staff were exceptionally pleasant and made us feel right at home. It is worth pointing out that there is a cancellation charge of £15 per person if cancelled within 12 hours of the booking. We fell foul of this and had to put in a call to have this rectified, which the staff were able to do. There is also a discretionary service charge of 10pc added to the bill. 

Highlight   

The building itself is lovely and light with many unique features to look at while dining, but the highlight for me had to be the starters menu. There were many options which I’ve not traditionally seen before, and I’d love a return visit to try them all. 

In summary  

A quirky county restaurant with oodles of character. It is well worth a visit for those who like to relax and take in their surroundings as much as those who enjoy some decent grub with their loved ones. 

Disclaimer  

Our food reviews are always independent. They are the opinion of the reviewer based on their experience of the venue when they visited. The establishment is not aware of our visit, is not informed we intend to write a review and bills are paid by the reviewer. The choice of places reviewed is also independent and is not based on venues which do or do not advertise in our publications.