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
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
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
4. Residents Reception, Bar & Lounge
The Store space will be converted into a stunning reception and bar exclusively for residents. This new area will offer a warm welcome and an elevated space to relax with drinks—perfect after a day on the coast or exploring Holt.
Coming May 2025
The Store will close permanently from Sunday, 23 February, but not to worry; takeaway pizzas will still be available from the restaurant.
5. Room Refurbishment
Rooms 1 to 6, the jewels in Byfords' crown, are much-loved but now ready for a refresh. After 20 years of welcoming guests, it’s time to reinvest and rejuvenate these rooms to ensure they continue to shine for the next 20 years. The family room will also be refurbished to become a beautiful new Posh Room.
Coming May 2025
6. 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.