Review of Old Town Beach Cafe, Hunstanton: Dog-friendly cafe punches above its weight with delicious, quality food

If a wintry stroll on Hunny beach leaves you in need of some warm, filling sustenance, then you’ll be in luck.

Having discovered Old Town Beach Cafe on Facebook, my partner Shane and I decided to call in for a late lunch on Saturday as we were in the area to see friends later that evening.

We arrived just before 3pm and could immediately appreciate that it was a popular place as there were only a few tables left – and we were in the minority as this dog-friendly cafe boasted pups and hounds in abundance.

As we were greeted by the friendly staff at the counter, we were warned that the kitchen was closing at 3pm (with the cafe itself shutting at 4pm), so we had to get our skates on and make our choices pronto.

Unfortunately for my poor decision-making skills, there was a huge choice for vegans (which I am not ungrateful for – it was great to see!).

I could have gone for one of several different options (breakfasts, chilli, curry, baked potatoes, burgers, sandwiches and more), but I chose the vegan bubble and squeak, with Richmond sausages (vegetable and soya were also available), scrambled tofu, fresh tomatoes (or tinned), baked beans and fried bread (toast and bread and dairy free butter were also options) for £10.

Shane decided straight away that he also wanted something from the breakfast menu and had the ‘mega breakfast’, consisting of bacon, sausages, eggs, hash browns, baked beans and fried bread (he also had a choice of breads options) for £10.50.

As for drinks, Shane had a regular tea and I chose a tropical green tea – these cost a total of £3.70.

We did have to wait for around half an hour for our food to arrive, but appreciated that we had ordered just before the kitchen was preparing to close and that it was really busy in the cafe. Plus, it gave us time to admire our surroundings – including the many four-legged friends and the cosy interior, which provided a reprieve from the cold sea air.

When the food did come, it certainly looked the part. Both of our plates were full to the brim of freshly made goodness.

The vegan bubble and squeak – of course featuring mashed potato and cabbage – was soft and flavoursome, complemented deliciously by the scrambled tofu (which gave eggs a run for their money), beans, sausages and fried toast.

The crunchiness of the toast gave a good contrast to the rest of the meal. It was overall a filling and delicious plate of food. The only thing I would change is to ask to have something instead of the tomatoes next time (as I’m not their biggest fan) – if I don't try something else instead!

As for Shane, he said his mega breakfast was a nice cooked breakfast, and it was clear the kitchen had used quality ingredients.

We both said we’d be keen to return to try some more options – including the cakes and themed food nights (there was recently an East Asian evening that I’m gutted we missed).

In summing up Old Town Beach Cafe, I’d describe it as a dog-friendly cafe with the beach on its doorstep, catering for all (including vegans and those who are gluten intolerant), and I’d go as far to say that, thanks to its incredible menu, it punches above its weight.

It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere to eat after spending time at the beach.

Ratings out of five:

Food: An almost overwhelming amount of choice, but that can only be a good thing when the quality is so good. ****

Drink: There was a decent selection of hot drinks – much more than just a few teas and coffees. ****

Decor: The cafe had a cosy and welcoming feel to it. ****

Staff: Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. ****

Price: The quality and homemade nature of the food was reflected in the price, but it was still very reasonable. ****