Wiveton Hall café and shop in Norfolk closing in November

A café and shop at the site of a historic hall in north Norfolk are closing after 17 years.

Wiveton Hall, near Cley, is a 17th-century Jacobean manor house and the owner Desmond MacCarthy has lived there all his life.

It has been in his family since 1944 when the house and farmland were sold to his grandfather Captain Dick Buxton.

Mr MacCarthy, who starred in the BBC2 documentary Normal For Norfolk, opened a café and farm and gift shop at the site in 2007 to diversify.

The first chef was Alison Yetman, who previously ran Yetman's restaurant in Holt, and in 2011 Delia Smith said it served Britain's best food.

Customers sitting outside the café at Wiveton Hall (Image: Antony Kelly)

But he has now made the tough decision to close the café and shop amid economic pressures.

He said: "There has been an increase in costs, with electricity very high, and it has been harder to recruit staff.

"Despite having a very busy summer, it is difficult to run a business 12 months a year if it is seasonal and only profitable for a few months."

The café serves breakfasts and lunches using homegrown produce and cakes and pastries made on-site.

The shop stocks everything from conserves to cards and a sale is currently running.

The shop at Wiveton Hall is also closing (Image: Antony Kelly)

Mr MacCarthy added: "People love coming to the café with its wonderful view over the marsh and out to sea.

"It has fed my social promiscuity and I have enjoyed meeting lots of interesting people.

"I would like to thank all our loyal customers and hardworking staff who helped me make it possible."

The final day of opening will be Sunday, November 3.

Mr MacCarthy and his team will continue to host events and weddings at the site.

There are also holiday cottages and glamping is offered through Amber's Bell Tent Camping.

Café and shop at historic hall site closing after 17 years