Don’t be fooled by its rural setting and elegant demeanour, inside The Suffield Arms is a heady concoction of styles that commands your attention. With its flamboyant artwork, old-school bar, Mediterranean tapas restaurant and sultry Saloon Bar, The Suffield has taken the village of Thorpe Market by storm. Having undergone an extensive refurb in 2021, the original 19th-century pub has been whipped into the 21st century by owner and London art dealer, Ivor Braka.

Throughout The Suffield you’ll find Ivor’s impressive art collection showcasing pieces by William Hogarth, Charles Gaines and Caragh Thuring, to name a few. But the building still retains its heritage and reminders of its past are evident in the leaded windows and period fireplaces.

Stepping up to the plate in the foodie world, the Suffield restaurant moves away from traditional British cuisine and whisks your tastebuds into a frenzy with a fusion of Italian, Spanish and Middle Eastern inspired dishes. Influenced by the seasons, the menu is a Mediterranean smorgasbord of tapas, pasta and large sharing plates, and the theatre-style kitchen injects an element of fun into the dining experience. Slink upstairs for an after-dinner cocktail in the Saloon Bar where you’re seduced into the arms of brushed velvet sofas.

Hugged by the Norfolk countryside and nearby beaches, Thorpe Market is a great base for outdoor adventures. While history lovers should head for Felbrigg Hall and Gardens, families with children can visit Amazona Zoo in Cromer. If shopping’s your thing, there are also plenty of shops to browse in the market town of Holt.