Norfolk cycle parkrun challenge stage 9. (Tall Orders, Thetford)

Tall Orders,

Thetford,

Mon-Sat 8:30-4:30, Sun 9-4,

Recommended

Hopefully you have been following my attempt (as suggested by my co conspirator Mark) to cycle from our local parkrun in Norwich to all 13 parkruns in Norfolk. Wherever possible I have also taken the opportunity to combine it with an appropriate cycle cafe review. The plan had been to do the majority of the rides over the summer months but due to holidays and other commitments we only managed to do two in that period meaning that as of today we still had five left. 

It was therefore dark when the alarm went off and still dark when I arrived at Eaton Park bandstand for le Grande Depart at 6.15. As always there were no big crowds, or in fact anyone, to see us off. Worse still there wasn't even Mark. When he did turn up he explained that his bike was stuck on the big front cog and he couldn't shift it. Using my limited bike maintenance skills (which usually consist of hitting the broken bit) I was unable to help having left all my hammers at home.

We decided he would just have to ride in the big cog and to show solidarity I said I would as well (and I did).

About to set off from our normal start point

The ride down was into a strong headwind and with the delay at the start we were soon behind the clock. Mark suggested we got into our now well tuned cycle train formation and offered to take first go at the front to shield me from the wind. After half a mile I felt it was my turn to take the next pull. I did, for about 4 miles, until Mark kindly did a second half mile stint leaving me to be the wind break for the rest of the 32 mile trip to Thetford.

Thanks to Mark's two half mile efforts we were able to arrive at Thetford in plenty of time. When we got there I was greeted by a chap asking if I was the Cake Crusader (which I am) and was somewhat taken aback by his knowledge. He explained the race director had seen my tweet saying I was coming and had let everyone know that a Z rated local celebrity (which I'm not) was coming today. It was a very warm welcome and we also got a special cheer when introduced on the start line as the two people from Norwich who had cycled there.

Start of Thetford parkrun where we got a special mention

The course is the most complex and varied todate with two laps of three different coloured zones (red, green and blue) although they are only coloured on the map and not, as I had hoped, in real life. It was a very enjoyable run and thanks to the inspiring start line applause I managed to finish in 3rd place, although as we know parkrun is a run not a race so that's not important (and if you believe that....). 

When Mark finally turned up the race director kindly took our end of race run photo and we set off for the target cafe impressed by what a nice and friendly parkrun Thetford was.

End of race photo. Mark has clearly not tried hard enough as he is able to smile

Today's target cafe was Tall Orders in the Thetford continental style pedestrianised area. This is the second cafe in the Norfolk area with this name (they are not connected) which is a strange coincidence.

Outside Tall orders

We decided to make use of the outdoor seating area so as not to have to lock our bikes. Inside the cake selection had the widest range of diary, gluten free and vegan cakes I had ever seen so got a reasonable effective cake selection (ECS) score. However I am a fan of gluten and diary so opted for the 'normal' lemon meringue cake while Mark went for a cheese scone with his americano.

Today's cake selection

I also bought two vegan brownies to take away as part of my search for Brownie of the year #BOTY (note: they were very impressive but slightly cakier than you standard brownie so just out of the running).

First ever Vegan brownie

Mark has now become an experienced cycle cafe reviewer so knew that his cheese scone should be warmed. He also knew that you must not request it to be, so there was some tension as we waited for our well earned refreshments to arrive.

Waiting for refreshments in the continental style outdoor seating area

Sadly it turned up cold (remember cheese scone hot, fruit scone not) although it was still a good one with plenty of cheese. My cake was fine but not spectacular as was my hot chocolate although Mark thought his coffee was excellent being nice and strong.

Refreshment selection

Tall Orders was a very pleasant cafe stop and I recommend a visit especially if you have any sort of food intolerance as they seemed to have it all covered.

With the wind behind Mark offered to take the lead at the front on the way home which was pointless in the conditions and he didn't even last very long before normal service was resumed. Hopefully he will have his bike fixed in time for our trip to Swaffham in 3 weeks.

Scores

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
6.4	7.8	6.7	6.5	7.6	7.00

Route

Click here to download 63 mile Norwich Thetford Loop gpx file for your gps

Spreading the word. (The Hideout Cafe, Halesworth)

The Hideout Cafe,

Halesworth,

Mon-Sat 9:00-4,

Highly Recommended

Things have been quiet on the new cafe front as it is nearly 6 weeks since I was able to review a new establishment. Unfortunately the holiday season has meant a lack of cycling guests and Cake Crusader rules clearly state that at least one cycling guest is required for an official cafe review to be undertaken. 

As follows on Facebook and Twitter will know I haven't been idle as their news feeds have been inundated with pictures of brownies as part of my search for Brownie of the year (#BOTY). (See here for latest news)

One of my current top brownies

Today Big George was available to pick up cycling guest duties having recently returned from a few days cycling in Yorkshire. He also turned up with a new bike, as he wanted one with disc brakes, so he was excited to be getting back on the cafe and cake trail (as long as he didn't have to eat any cake). It reminded me that I too have recently identified a gap in my bicycle collection which needs to be addressed and would make an ideal Christmas gift.

Today's trip would require a short car ride over the border to Suffolk. I'm not sure if I have ever mentioned it before but I published my first (and probably only) book earlier this year (still available on Amazon or at the Jarrold book department in Norwich) and I had heard a rumour that a second hand copy had been spotted in the information section of the Hideout cafe in Halesworth. I therefore planned a 45 mile route in the area to take in the cafe and see if it was true.

After loading our bikes into the car we headed off to Mendham where there was a community car park we could start our ride from. It was very windy and despite Big Georges recent hill training in Yorkshire it was still a battle to get any speed up into a very strong head wind.

A very dramatic and windy Suffolk 

Big George told me about how he had started to listen to mindfulness for cyclists broadcasts on his phone. He explained how it teaches you not to think about cycling into the wind as hard work but to be as one with the environment, blah, blah yawn, yawn.  Apparently this will help you relax and de-stress on your rides making it a more enjoyable experience. He then entered a zen like state while I continued to battle away being keen to get to the cafe as soon as I could.

As we got nearer to Halesworth we changed direction and the wind was now behind us and became both of our friends. We were pushed rapidly along and arrived in the town centre via a very nice stretch of off road tarmac cycle track.

Excellent off road section into Halesworth

We found the Hideout cafe at the start of the Halesworth pedestrianised area.

Outside the Hideout cafe in their outside seating area

After quickly locking our bikes it was straight to check the cake selection (which was a bit limited today but is often much bigger at busier times). Note: on a second visit in 2019 there was indeed a much bigger selection. I then over to the unit that was full of leaflets and tourist information. There under a pile of discount vouchers for the nearby zoo I found my book.

The Cake Crusader book now on full display in the Hideout cafe

I quickly took it out and stood it up in pride of place where I hoped it would get more attention. Although during the half hour that we were there it didn't.

The cakes are homemade on the premises. I ordered some date cake with my hot chocolate while Big George had an Americano and scrambled egg on toast. I pointed out that scrambled egg on toast is not cake but he said he might have some later although we both knew he wouldn't and he didn't.

My date cake

Our drinks were both good and strong and scored well with the cake being OK. Note on my second visit the cakes were excellent with Mrs Crusader rating her banana and chocolate cake as one of the best ever! I would Highly recommend a visit to the Hideout cafe especially due to the excellent selection of book in the local information area. If you do go please can you make sure the book remains in full view, thanks 😀.

Excellent drinks

From the cafe it was only a few more miles back to the car and while Big George got back into the zone I started planning how I was going to be able to track down more second hand copies of my book at local charity shops and jumble sales, I felt a spreadsheet coming on. I also wanted to visit the nearby Zoo as I now had lots of half price vouchers but unfortunately there wasn't time for that.

With a now full complement of cycling guests available again I have a number of rides coming up, starting this Saturday when I return to the Norfolk Cycle parkrun challenge with a visit to Thetford.

Scores based on two visits

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
7.1	7.35	6.55	7.6	7.5	7.22

Route

Click here to download 45 mile Mendham Halesworth loop gpx file to your gps

Norfolk cycle parkrun challenge stage 7. (Florence cafe, Kings Lynn)

Florence Cafe,

Kings Lynn,

Closed down

You may recall that my friend Mark was looking for someone to join him on an attempt to cycle to, then run, every parkrun in Norfolk over the year (there are now 13). So far we have done 6 but due to availability issues had had most of the summer off.

Yesterday we were both back on it as it was time to do the parkrun we had been dreading, Kings Lynn. Not that there is anything wrong with Kings Lynn but as the official Norfolk cycle parkrun challenge rules state; Each ride needs to start from your home parkrun, which means the bandstand at Eaton Park in Norwich. I had calculated that we needed to leave at 5.15 am to get to the start in time so got up very early. 

Looking surprisingly happy for 5:15 in the morning

We were very fortunate with the weather as there were clear blue skies and only a light wind blowing into us. As it was still early we risked going on some busier roads to help shorten the distance although felt that straight down the dual carriageway on the A47 was probably a step too far. 

Perfect cycling conditions with no traffic about

Despite it being nearly 50 miles we paced it rather well and got to the Walks in Kings Lynn just in time for the pre run briefing.

The parkrun is 3 laps of the park which include an out and back section where you have to turn 180 degrees around a lamp post. On the first lap I studied the slingshot technique used by the more experienced runners. On lap two my first attempt nearly ended in disaster as I hung on for more than the required angle flinging myself back across the path into the on coming runners before mastering the method on the final lap.

Mark entering the finishing funnel

You may remember that back in March I got an Achilles injury (not that I like to mention it) that has now eventually cleared up. However during this time Mark built up a substantial lead in the fastest average parkrun time comp (that he didn't know he had entered). Sadly Mark is now injured so I pulled back nearly 7 minutes on him yesterday thus halving the deficit on my spreadsheet and I'm back in the game.

At the end of the Kings Lynn parkrun

It was now time to check out the cafe but unfortunately the park's one didn't sell cake so after a quick search on google maps we found one that did. It was the Florence cafe just a 4 minute bike ride away.

Outside Florence cafe near the park

It was a bit dark inside, which had the counter in the backroom as one of  two indoor seating areas available. Here we found the cake selection which had some nice cakes but they had been baked as slices not a round sponge cake like I prefer. We ordered before returning to the front room.

A rather square cake selection

I had coffee and walnut square cake with my hot chocolate and felt they were both pretty good. Mark thought his ginger cake was good too but his latte was very disappointing as it had hardly any coffee in it. Mark now has several guest hot drink rating experiences under his belt so I trusted him when he said he could only give his drink a 4.3. 

Nice cakes but latte wasn't the best

Now fully refreshed it was time to head home and despite having wind behind it felt like a bit of a slog. We both admitted to being very tired at the end of the 95 mile round trip.

Today (Sunday) I will find out if getting up at 4.45am, riding 95 miles and doing Kings Lynn parkrun is good preparation for the Great Yarmouth half marathon which I have entered. (note: It isn't)

Scores

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
6.2	4.3	6.1	7.2	5	5.76

route to be published shortly

Soggy. (Angel Cake cafe, New Buckenham)

Angel Cake Cafe,

New Buckenham,

Mon-Sat 9:00-5,

Highly Recommended

I have cycled into South Norfolk a few times this year and noticed that the Angel Cake cafe had opened in New Buckenham. As it was time for this week's cafe cycle ride it looked like the chance to check it out.

Big George was to join me as my cycling guest. It was a lovely sunny, if slightly windy morning, so I wasn't too bothered that he was 10 minutes late for the start. I was still unbothered when Big George then had an early puncture delaying us further, but I should have been! 

Big George demonstrates how to change a puncture when you are not in a hurry

As I hadn't seen Big George for a while it was quite a leisurely ride as we caught up on urgent stuff by not listening to each other's latest news and time flew by until we found the Angel cake cafe in the High Street at New Buckenham.

Outside Angel Cafe in New Buckenham

The cafe has a downstairs and upstairs indoor seating area but we opted for downstairs so we could keep an eye on the bikes. 

The cake selection was a good one with 3 sponge cakes as well as many tempting tray bakes. I was pleased to see brownie available so I could try it out as part of my continuing search for Brownie of the year (#BOTY).

Brownie and drinks

Big George went for a cappuccino and egg sandwich. As an egg sandwich is not cake he played no further part in any cake based reviewing. I had finished my brownie before it arrived as eggs need cooking rather than being pre prepared like cake.

Big Georges egg sandwich

The staff were very friendly and our drinks were good ones. I liked the brownie although it was more like a chocolate cake so I gave it a high cake taste quality mark but it missed out on getting to the end of the year brownie off. 

Once Big George had finished his sandwich we both agreed that the Angel cafe was a very good stop and I highly recommend a visit.

As we got ready to leave I noticed that the sky was no longer blue and sunny but black and rainy. Big George smugly passed on his Cycling guest cycling top tip.

Cycling guest cycling top tip No 67. To avoid a soaking then don't be fooled by sunny skys at the start of your cycle ride but check the weather forecast and if required take a water proof.

I foolishly hadn't followed cycling guest cycling top tip no 67 like Big George.

But as I got ready for the downpour I suddenly realised what had been going on. The late start, the puncture, the leisurely ride down and the egg sandwich were all ways to slow the ride down and make sure the rain would arrive on our way home.

As the first drops of rain started Big George asked if we could stop as he smugly put on his waterproof jacket. 

Big George smugly putting on his waterproof jacket

Despite riding as fast as I could Big George's tactics had paid off as I was very wet by the time I got home. As we parted at the end of the ride I had to congratulate Big George on the successful execution of his plan (although he looked pretty soggy too).

Tomorrow I am doing the next leg of my Norfolk cycle parkrun challenge which means leaving Norwich at 5:15 to cycle the 45 miles to Kings Lynn for their parkrun. Hopefully by then I would have dried out.

Scores based on 2 visits

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
7.2	7.25	7.575	8.05	7.55	7.53

Route

Click here to download 38 mile Norwich Old Buckenham loop GPX file to your GPS

Good read (Garden Kitchen cafe, Hoveton)

Garden Kitchen Cafe,

Hoveton,

Sun-Friday 9:30-4 (Easter- October),

Recommended

New cycle cafes have been a bit thin on the ground this summer so it was good to be able to clock up another one yesterday. For this ride my cycling guests were Mrs Crusader plus Barry and Helen and their Summer Tandem.

We were heading out North of Norwich so met up with Barry and Helen and their Summer Tandem near the new North Norwich bypass at Spixworth. 

As we set off Helen said that she had finally started to read my book (even though it's been available since Christmas) and had to admit that it was probably the best book about cycling to cafes, mainly in the Norfolk area, she had ever read.

Barry and Helen and their Summer Tandem had just got back from a cycling holiday in Holland (where coincidentally some of my book is based) so they were in fine form keeping up an excellent pace all the way to Hoveton Hall where we found today's cafe stop the Garden Kitchen Cafe.

Outside the Garden Kitchen cafe by the entrance of Hoveton Hall

The waitress greeted us with some news. Firstly a number of today's tables were reserved and, secondly, as it was only 11:30 we could look at the menu but nothing gets cooked until lunch time starts at 12. It reminded me of the rather amusing story when Andrew (who is notoriously hard to please) tried to order a Hummus sandwich before 12:00 at Wiveton Hall. If you want to know what happened it's covered in detail in my book.

The cake selection glass display cabinet had a number of gaps (including brownie) keeping the effective cake selection score down. 

Half empty glass cake display cabinet

I opted for Ginger cake, while Chris and Helen went for lemon polenta cake and Barry a sausage roll (which isn't a cake and sooo last year). Between my cycling guests they covered americano, mocha and cappuccino coffee options. 

Some of the drinks and cakes on offer

The drinks all scored well and the cakes were well liked too but some of the most expensive I have had. It was a nice stop and I recommend a visit.

The courtyard area was beginning to fill up with punters from the Hoveton Hall gardens so we decided it was time to get back on the road.

Outdoor courtyard seating area before the crowds arrived

Helen was keen to get home so she could get back to my book as she said it was the sort of book that once you put it down you couldn't pick it up. Remember the Cake Crusader book is available on Amazon (paperback or Kindle)  and all good bookshops (as long as it's Jarrold of Norwich). 
Scores

Hot Choc Quality	Guest Hot Drink Quality	Effective Cake Selection	Cake Quality	Ambiance and Atmosphere	Café Rating
6.9	7.1	6	7.8	7.9	7.14

route

Click here to down load 26 mile Norwich Tunstead loop GPX file for your GPS