By Angela Green: London’s Nest announces opening of countryside sibling.
Nest Farmhouse, the countryside sibling to the Michelin-starred and Green Michelin-starred Restaurant St Barts and Nest in London, will open on June 5th. Nestled on a 1,000-acre working farm in Docking, North Norfolk, this restaurant with rooms will take its inspiration from the land it inhabits – guided by a literal farm-to-plate ethos.
Co-founders Luke Wasserman, Toby Neill, and Johnnie Crowe each have an individual connection and love for North Norfolk. In July 2022 and 2023, the trio ran a pop-up eight miles from Docking in the charming seaside village of Burnham Overy Staithe. An opportunity to cook what they love in a place they adore, the pop-up was an instant sellout, paving the way for Nest Farmhouse.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, menus available will be a seasonally changing a la carte offering as well as a daily changing special dish, a kids’ menu, and a Sunday roast. The kitchen is led by Grant Cotton, a Norfolk-born and bred, long standing employee of Nest. Grant’s knowledge and passion for all that is Norfolk shines through in the dishes he and Johnnie have created – from Scallops with Parsley and Garlic to Pork and Wild Mushroom Terrine – they are an homage to Norfolk’s land and sea ingredients. Seasonal specials will also shine a spotlight on local heroes when available, including the likes of local shot Venison and Dover Sole. As expected from Nest, the drinks are thoughtful too. All libations take into consideration their location and community, meaning local wine is courtesy of Cobble Hill and the beer from Woodforde’s is a stone’s throw away, with cocktails remaining seasonal and delicious.
Not known for its hills, the Nest Farmhouse is perched on Norfolk’s highest point in the village of Docking – commanding peerless views it offers a true sense of Norfolk’s infamous open skies. Housed in a former cattle shed it has been remodelled to reflect a chic New England coastal retreat complete with a sheltered veranda, ideal for those warm (but windy) days. The ground floor is split into two areas, with the dining room catering for 40 diners accommodating one end, and a comfortable soft seating area with a wood burner ideal for pre and post dinner drinks or just a nibble at the other. The two spaces are both served by an impressive bar which is located centrally at the back of the room, populated with bar stools, sitting at the bar is encouraged. From furniture to crockery and glassware— all have been carefully selected from independent local designers and artists. A natural colour palette enhanced with warm lighting and textured interiors makes for a welcoming space come rain, or shine.
Whilst sitting al fresco is not something you automatically associate with a Norfolk experience, Nest Farmhouse has you covered. For those wanting to maximise the long summer nights, a reeded pond complete with outdoor seating is a short walk from the front of the restaurant and is an all too tempting option. Meanwhile, the veranda surrounding the building will offer seating in the summer months, providing natural shelter from the wind – blankets are a given.
The best bit about Nest Farmhouse is you don’t need to leave. Complete with six bedrooms, you can stay as long as you like. Named after the surrounding foliage; Pine, Nettle, Elder, Damson, Sorrel, and Pippin, all put comfort first where King size beds, and Norfolk made, Austin toiletries deliver a spoiling experience. Complete with a breakfast tray for when you wake, and views you’ll never tire of, a stay here will ensure you leave replete.
An exciting addition to North Norfolk’s burgeoning dining scene, Nest Farmhouse is an ideal respite for locals during the quieter winter months and a must visit for those on a Norfolk Staycation. The Nest ethos is built on thought and consideration for the food and ingredients around us, nowhere reflects this better than Nest Farmhouse.