The real reason we love Norfolk (and Gennaro Contaldo Does too)
Norfolk isn’t just another county to tick off the map for Gennaro Contaldo. The Italian chef, famed as Jamie Oliver’s mentor and a close friend and collaborator of the late Antonio Carluccio, has quietly woven this corner of England into the fabric of his life for more than five decades.
Gennaro first set foot here in the early 1970s, newly arrived in England and heading straight for the wild marshes of Titchwell with binoculars in hand. A passionate birdwatcher, he was immediately struck by the peace, space, and distinctive natural beauty of the landscape. In stark contrast to the bustle of London, Norfolk offered a sense of calm that proved unforgettable—a sense of home away from home. The rest, as they say, is history.
Why Norfolk Endures
For Gennaro, Norfolk’s appeal goes far beyond open skies and quiet roads. It’s about connection, to nature, to food, and to a slower rhythm of life. Whether fishing at dawn, foraging along hedgerows, or simply watching the seasons shift across the fields and fens, there’s a grounding quality here that continues to draw him back.
Living in East London, Gennaro and his family wanted a weekend and holiday retreat that felt restorative without being remote. Somewhere easy to reach, yet distinctly different from city life. Norfolk proved the perfect balance: a straightforward journey from London that delivers a true sense of escape.
The Best of Norfolk, According to Gennaro
If you only had a couple of days to explore the county, Gennaro’s itinerary captures its rich variety:
- Holt, for antique browsing and independent boutiques
- Cley-next-the-Sea and Blakeney Point, ideal for seal spotting and invigorating coastal walks.
- A three-mile stroll along the Holkham sand dunes, where sky, sand and sea feel endlessly expansive.
- A cultural stop in Norwich, with its cathedral standing in quiet, dignified grandeur.
From charming market towns to untamed coastline, these places showcase why so many visitors and locals fall under Norfolk’s spell.
Where to Eat and Sip
No day in Norfolk would be complete without indulging in its local flavours. Gennaro’s favourites include:
- French’s in Wells, famed for its classic fish and chips
- The King’s Arms in Reepham, perfect for a traditional Sunday roast
- The Parlour in Binham, ideal for a summer lunch or afternoon tea with views across the priory
When it comes to producers, his choices read like a Norfolk foodie map: fresh eggs from a neighbour’s free-range hens, exceptional pork from a nearby smallholder, and ice cream from Dann’s Farm Shop in North Tuddenham. For smoked fish lovers, The Cley Smokehouse and the thoughtfully curated Picnic Fayre deli offer true tastes of the coast and countryside.
A Sense of Community
What makes Norfolk truly special isn’t just the scenery or the food, it’s the people. Gennaro often speaks of the genuine warmth and friendliness he encounters, whether out shopping or simply strolling through town. There’s an easy-going welcome here that reflects the county’s relaxed pace of life.
A Home for Inspiration
Norfolk’s influence even finds its way into Gennaro’s kitchen. While his roots remain firmly Italian, he loves incorporating local Norfolk ingredients into his cooking. His home in Dereham has become a creative hub, hosting cookbook photography, and filming, where countryside calm meets culinary inspiration. Every crew member, he notes, seems to leave feeling refreshed.
Norfolk in Three Words
Peaceful. Rural. Friendly.
It’s a description that captures not just the land, but the lifestyle and the people who make Norfolk so beloved. And for those lucky enough to call it home, whether for a weekend, a season, or a lifetime, it’s a place worth rediscovering again and again.
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