Miles from almost anywhere on the Norfolk coast is a tiny tearoom, in an old flint house at the side of a country road. But walkers, seal spotters, bird watchers and locals know Poppylands as a haven of cosiness and nostalgia.
We first wrote these words in what seems a long, long time ago. So much has happened since 2018 but for Poppylands it’s still the 1940s!
Dad’s Army meets The Good Life
Run by the enthusiastic Darren and his family, Poppylands is a 1940s themed café in the village of Horsey packed with wartime memorabilia and serving rations like bread-and-dripping, fish finger sandwiches and generous slices of home-made cake.
The dishes may be nostalgic, but don’t be misled; the portions are good, the food freshly cooked (many ingredients are produced on the family’s small holding next door) and the prices reasonable.
On our first visit we dropped by for a warming coffee after a brisk walk on the dunes to see the colony of Grey Seals, but Pork Belly couldn’t resist a “dambusters” breakfast bap packed with sausage, bacon and egg, served by a good-humoured waitress who even took our order, as Pork Belly requested, humming the Dambusters theme tune!
Quirky and unique are over-used words in reviews, but nothing else accurately describes this venture. The family took the place on (from a taxidermist with a display of teddy bear heads. Don’t ask, they do things differently in Norfolk!) and set about transforming it into a comfy café with wood burning stove, replica forties decorations (many of which can be bought in the gift shop) and genuine artefacts from the past.
Staff are very welcoming, dressed in traditional forties work-wear, and everywhere you look the restaurant is full of nostalgia.
Outside seating at Poppylands
The decor changes regularly as Darren rotates new pieces from his vast personal archive into the café’s display cases, continually evolving the indoor look and the outdoor reconstructed period railway station.
It’s rather popular and can get a tad busy. As all the food is freshly prepared, that might mean a wait at busy times, but you can while away the time humming along to Vera Lynn and Glenn Miller and thanking your lucky stars you no longer have to do the laundry by hand.
Every time we visit, Poppylands continues to grow and develop its 1940s theme.
The menu’s been extended too – with a very popular afternoon tea, including a gluten-free option, and a substantial Sunday lunch (booking advised). Of course, you can get crowd-favourite historic food, notably authentic wartime items like Spam or corned beef sandwiches alongside massive homemade cakes and fresh scones.
Wartime recipes
Many wartime recipes were vegan because of meat and dairy rationing, and Poppylands includes plant-based 1940s inspiration for people with dietary restrictions or those who really want to experience authentic home front cuisine. You can try the “Vegan Blitz” Breakfast, a hearty, plant-based spin on the classic fry-up, featuring vegan sausages and traditional sides.
Pork Belly highly recommends the King George VI breakfast with sumptuous sausages from a local butcher and great British chips.
Since our last visit Poppylands also hosts themed events and immersive dining such as interactive dinners. These dedicated ticketed events include the highly popular ‘Allo ‘Allo night with live comedy and commemorative events with special menus and extended decor for anniversaries, such as the national VE Day celebrations.
More information about Poppylands
The tearoom is on Waxham Road, Horsey NR29 4EQ
Poppylands Tearoom is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 3:30pm, and well-behaved dogs are warmly welcomed upstairs and outside.
Last Orders: The kitchen stops taking food orders at 3:00pm daily.
In keeping with the owners’ nostalgic approach, they don’t do much promotion online, but see their Facebook page for updates.
Bookings can be made by calling 01493 393393 and with a £10 refundable deposit you can secure your table.
Additional photos ©Dinky Pix
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Where to next?
• Nelson’s Norfolk
• The Manor at Hemingford Grey
• Vegan Treats
What a wonderful idea…we MUST visit…especially in these turbulent times, a great taste and experience to savour, so many of us long for this era.
Looking forward to visiting and eating the food pictured in mouth watering photos.
Hi Barbara, We agree it’s a wonderful idea and a great place to visit. Part tearoom, part museum. We try to get back there every time we are in the area.
Very nice place for afternoon tea good friendly service
We couldn’t agree with you more, an absolute Norfolk gem.
Just went to poppylands after the seals , well worth a visit great food and drink , just one of tbe best places ive been to if u like dads army it will take u back just go
Glad you like it as much as we do 🙂