Diss Restaurant Guide

“Consistently great cooking from Paul Yaxley” that’s “reasonably priced”, too, makes this “absolutely delightful venue” – a Grade II listed former guildhall – “a destination for that ‘special occasion’ dinner”, with “attentive service” led by his wife, Sarah. Some fans, though, say “the cooking’s good but it would be nice to see the menu revamped more often”.

A “beautiful” 400-year-old barn conversion creates a “lovely relaxed atmosphere” for the “interesting food and own-produced wines” served on Wyken Estate, whose vineyard was planted in 1988. The café at the other end of the barn reopened after a four-year closure in September 2024, serving more relaxed lunches, and there’s also an open-air pizzeria knocking out wood-fired sourdough pizzas on Saturdays.

“A perfect local Italian in an historic town famous for its castle, college and Ed Sheeran” – Ruth Watson and her husband Dave and chef Rob Walpole co-own this “light and airy” “neighbourhood” venue. It’s an operation with all its buttons sewn on: service is “sprightly” and food is “expertly crafted from a cunningly designed menu” that delivers “authentic cooking at an affordable price”.