25 changes for 25 years
Exciting changes coming to Byfords
To celebrate 25 years of Byfords, we’re thrilled to announce 25 exciting improvements coming in 2025/26, all inspired by your invaluable feedback. These enhancements will focus on the areas you’ve told us matter most. The first exciting changes are detailed below, with many more to come throughout the year.
1. New Restaurant Entrance
The Byfords queue is legendary, but we know it’s also a bottleneck. With customers queuing, bakers squeezing past, and toilet-goers navigating the crowd, it’s time for change. The restaurant entrance will be reoriented to use the original door at the front of the building, and the toilet corridor will become separate.
Completed March 2025
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2. New Cellar Stairs
Byfords' cellar, believed to date back to the 15th century, is thought to be the oldest part of Holt still standing. After 25 years of (just about!) making do with the difficult current stairs, we're building a beautiful, quirky, practical oak staircase.
Completed March 2025
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3. Daytime bookings
Byfords will move to a bookings-led system, enabling customers to reserve tables for breakfast and lunch and skip the queue!
Completed March 2025
Book a table
4. New cake display
Not only are we bringing a new and improved cake menu to the restaurant, but we're planning a fresh way to showcase our legendary bakes! Expect all the Byfords classics, including fridge cake, carrot cake, and delicious new extras, displayed at their very own station, just like back in the day.
Completed April 2025
Watch the video
5. Room 1 refurbishment
Room 1 remains one of Byfords' grandest rooms, combining timeless charm with the comfort and elegance of Byfords’ new signature style. A standout feature of the redesign is the striking freestanding William Holland copper bathtub, set within a truly spectacular bathroom adorned with luxurious Carrara marble tiles and characterful exposed brick and flint.
6. Room 2 refurbishment
The layout in Room 2 has been completely reimagined, with the bed repositioned to make the most of the space and the fantastic front-facing view. As soon as it was finished, we couldn’t believe we hadn’t done it sooner! This stunning room now boasts a spacious six-foot bed with a handcrafted oak headboard, cosy bay window seating, generous built-in wardrobe space, and a newly refurbished bathroom finished in elegant Carrara marble.
7. Room 3 refurbishment
Room 3 has always held a special place in guests’ hearts, so we've given it a thoughtful refresh while preserving the spacious layout that made it so popular. While the bathroom has been completely reimagined with a sleek new design, we couldn’t bear to part with the iconic leather headboard in the bedroom, so it proudly remains, taking centre stage in this wonderfully enhanced room.
8. Room 4 refurbishment
Tucked away on the first floor, Room 4 has had a full makeover: new windows, a gleaming new bathroom, and special touches that make it feel like your own private retreat. A standout feature of the redesign is a custom-built wall panel showcasing a cleverly designed revolving TV. Whether you're lounging in bed or relaxing in the seating area, you can enjoy your favourite shows in total comfort.
9. Room 5 refurbishment
Perched in the top-floor eaves of Byfords, Room 5 has been beautifully refreshed as part of the refurbishment. An extended dormer floods the space with natural light, while the redesigned bathroom now features a striking walk-in shower with Carrara marble tiles. Original beams and exposed brickwork remain, now paired with thoughtful updates for added comfort, like a plush armchair and a luxurious five-foot Vispring bed.
10. Room 6 refurbishment
Room 6 has undergone a complete transformation, including a reimagined entrance that allows for a far more expansive and luxurious layout. The result is a spacious top-floor sanctuary, nestled in the eaves and brimming with charm and comfort. A highlight of the redesign is the impressive new bathroom suite, featuring a statement bath, along with a separate, beautifully finished shower room.
11. New room larder
Fully stocked for your comfort. the new room larders come with Nespresso coffee, hot chocolate, a selection of teas, sweet treats, and fresh milk in the fridge - everything you need for a cosy stay. You’ll also find a handy welcome folder with all the essential info to help you settle in and enjoy your visit.
12. Residents Reception, Bar & Lounge
The guest experience has been transformed with the addition of Henry’s, our new residents-only bar and lounge. Where once there was no dedicated space to simply sit back and relax, guests now have an elegant, characterful retreat steeped in history. A nod to the old ironmongers that once occupied the space, everything from the quirky décor to the cocktail menu is thoughtfully curated to celebrate our heritage. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Norfolk.
13. Spa treatments
Tucked away at the top of the building, we’ve created a peaceful hideaway designed for pure relaxation - the Byfords Treatment Room. Residents can now book in with our expert therapist for a range of treatments, from soothing massages to revitalising facials, available Friday to Sunday.
Together with our newly refreshed rooms and the opening of Henry’s, we believe this marks an exciting new chapter for Byfords, one where your stay is truly elevated.
Another 12 improvements are on the way! Including...
Self-Catering Redefined
Our current self-catering apartment will be upgraded to match the quality delivered in the three Shirehall Apartments introduced last year (in the building opposite Byfords). Shirehall Apartments will now become part of Byfords, creating a combined offering of 16 bedrooms and four self-catering apartments.
Coming June 2025
New alfresco dining canopy
We’re elevating your Byfords outdoor dining experience with a stylish new canopy! Enjoy the same great food and warm atmosphere in an open-air setting whenever the weather allows. The space will be covered and heated, making it a cosy and comfortable spot all year round.
Coming June 2025
Refurbished snug and conservatory
Your feedback has told us that the snug is not quite right: a bit dark, drafty and not in keeping with the rest of Byfords. In addition, the wonderful conservatory needs a little TLC. With a recent coat of paint and refurbishment as the first step, we're now adding the history of Holt and Byfords to the walls to bring a touch of character to the space.
Coming July 2025