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Hours
Sun
8:00 - 18:00
Mon
8:00 - 18:00
Tue
8:00 - 18:00
Wed
8:00 - 18:00
Thu
8:00 - 18:00
Fri
8:00 - 18:00
Sat
8:00 - 18:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travellers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Cafe, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
“Ordered jacket potato and tuna and a crab baguette (as well as two sausages f...”
“... sandwich and 2 of us ordering the Cromer crab special, sandwich and salad.”
“Bistro menu was interesting, included local speciality, crab.”
“... meal, fresh salad, lovely hot new potatoes, coleslaw and dressed crab.”
Can a vegan person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
Established in 2005, independently owned & located in the North Norfolk coastal town of Cromer. Renowned for Fresh Cromer Crab & Norfolk Sausage Rolls alongside a full menu.
PRICE RANGE
£4.00 – £11.00
CUISINES
Cafe, Seafood, British
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
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4.5
859 reviews
Excellent
623
Very good
193
Average
28
Poor
9
Terrible
6
D J
Cromer2 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
We have been regular customers of the Old Rock Shop Bistro for several years now and the food and service is always outstanding. This weekend we ordered a takeaway meal for two with a set collection time. I was early to collect but they found somewhere for me to wait, ensuring social distancing was adhered to. The food was freshly prepared and neatly packed in boxes that were but in a paper bag for easy transportation. The food was, as normal, very good and the takeaway service lived up to their normal high standards.
Written 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amb32rcg
Cromer1 contribution
Jan 2021 • none
We have enjoyed meals and snacks at the Old Rock Shop Bistro since they opened.
Our recent takeaway meal for Burns Night was very tasty and ready for our collection time.
We frequently enjoy takeaway coffee and snacks which are well presented and delicious.
Written 25 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
Thank you for your unwavering support, amb32rcg!
We know it's well over a decade now and we're very pleased to have been able to continue the routine in some form throughout the last few months.
Looking forward to seeing you for Valentine's,
Kindest Regards
Sam
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 27 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mrs welshy
Cromer26 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
We had the continental breakfast delivered for 4 people on Sunday 17th January, it was delivered on time and it was absolutely delicious, the coffee was piping hot as was the hot chocolate. Everything was just amazing, the lovely pastries, gorgeous fresh fruit and the baguettes with butter and jam. Such a treat. We will definitely be ordering this again.
Thanks to everyone for brightening up a lockdown Sunday!!
Written 19 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
Hi Lorraine B,
Thank you so much!
We're really enjoying our Weekend Breakfast Deliveries and it's being so well supported by our local customers.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review, we look forward to seeing you on the doorstep again soon.
Kind Regards
Sam
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 27 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Foodie
7 contributions
Nov 2021 • none
We live in Cromer and came for breakfast, we normally go to one of the other cafes in town but after hearing this was a good place and the food looked lovely in the pictures i was so so disappointed in the food and service. We arrived the waitress couldn't answer my question on whether we just find a table and then go to the counter or if we waited. We sat looked through the menu and ordered coffees and food, the drinks came out and our breakfast came out a while later. I had ordered the croque monsieur - well it was nothing like what it should be. It was a bland tasting ham toastie. My family had eggs and bacon on toast with extras that were missed off the plate so we had to wait for them. The food took so long to come out as we were in a hurry to get to a football match I didn't have time to raise the issues nor wait for the food issues to be sorted out.
Written 18 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
Hi lovefoodie37,
I'm really sorry to see this. We are still bringing some new staff up to speed which and this sometime causes a little confusion but I'm not offering this up as an excuse as it simply shouldn't have happened.
if you feel comfortable with making yourselves known to me I'd be very happy to try and set things right as best we can - you're welcome to email me directly via sam@theoldrockshopbistro.co.uk if you'd like.
Apologies again, hopefully we'll see you in the future.
Sam Grout
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 24 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PMC
Norfolk4 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
Delivered on time . Bacon baguette & coffee hot and continual platter included a great selection of fresh fruit. A real treat as we can’t currently go for a coffee. Well done.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
Hi PMC,
Thank you for taking the time to review your recent breakfast delivery, we're glad you enjoyed your choices!
Looking forward to seeing you again soon,
Sam
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 27 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WhitlocksEnd
523 contributions
May 2022 • none
Took advantage of the Great British Rail Sale to travel from the Midlands to enjoy a Cromer Crab Sandwich.
We thought the obvious venue to savour this delicacy would be the appropriately named Crab Pot. We hot footed from the station to this cafe only to be greeted by a surly member of staff who rather rudely informed us they had run out of crab!
How fortuitous this was as we walked across the road to the Old Rock Shop Bistro where we received a very warm welcome. Ordered our delicious crab sandwiches which were accompanied by a couple of local beers. Couldn’t resist sampling the delicious cakes on offer.
What a great establishment, very friendly staff and patrons. Highly recommend a visit when in Cromer.
Written 28 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
Hi WhitlocksEnd,
Thank you for your kind review, I'm glad we were able to send you back to the Midlands having enjoyed your Cromer Crab!
In defence of our neighbours, demand for Crab is possibly the highest it's ever been and there is only a finite amount to go around each day.
We are supplied by two local family fishmongers and we're in the fortunate position to be able to buy large quantities owing to the amount of people that come to us to sample their Cromer Crab! This means we rarely run out, but it does happen, so we'd always recommend reserving in advance wherever possible to avoid disappointment...especially if visiting later in the day.
I'm very glad that we took a hand in you not leaving Cromer disappointed - thank you very much for your kind comments regarding our team & produce (the beer is from Panther Microbrewery).
Kind Regards
Sam
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 27 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lesley S
Cromer9 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We had a 3 course valentines dinner for two delivered by Sam. He went the extra mile to get our food to us despite the weather with most roads into our village blocked by snow. We both had creamy stilton mushrooms to start, chicken for me with salmon for my husband and fruit of the forest cheesecakes to follow. All were received piping hot (except for the cheesecakes & ice cream of course!) and beautifully presented. The cheesecakes were particularly divine. Light & fluffy & gorgeously sinful! I have to say that we were very impressed and we look forward to sampling more of their wares.
Written 16 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet F
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • none
Sam delivered a really super afternoon tea two weeks ago. Lovely selection of goodies, nicely presented and excellent value. Just looking forward to some more
of Sam's delicious takeaway meals, which are delivered to us. After 10 weeks in isolation I can now rely on Sam to cook some meals for me, hooray!!
Written 25 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert C
147 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
Nice little cafe, can get very busy so advisable to book ahead.
Plant based milks available, catering for vegetarian/vegan could be improved upon.
We found the staff to be be friendly and courteous, nice to find a dog friendly cafe but take your own water if your dog is like ours and won’t drink out of a communal bowl outside as they won’t give you water inside.
The cakes and bakes look very inviting and they do have the tiniest of cakes if your watching your weight!
The music played is at a good level and we found it to be varied to suit most tastes。
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim B
Cromer329 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
These are difficult times: but the loyal staff at The Bistro have made considerable efforts to maintaining an excellent service. For a time we were able to be back and to "eat-in". Now we are back to takeaway goodies or "click and collect". There is even a delivery service. The team are working hard to ensure we can enjoy home cooking. The daily display in the window makes it all the more tempting to queue up, pop in and take home some delicious savouries and/or cakes. Keep up the good work: so glad to be able to support you. It can't be easy right now. Thank you Sam, Rachel and all the team.
Written 26 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
Thank you for such a kind review, Tim B!
Since we first started out in 2005 we've always maintained that our customers make us what we are and if that were ever in doubt then 2020/21 has certainly been proving it - the support has been fantastic!
Thank you so much for all your comments, I'll make sure they're passed on to the rest of the team - considering we set the window up how it is on whim the amount of positive comments has been amazing.
Looking forward to seeing you again very soon,
Kind Regards
Sam
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 27 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
337claire123
Kent67 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
We went to this nice little Bistro for breakfast.
We were pleased to see Porridge on the menu, as it’s not offered very much, I chose porridge with cinnamon stewed apple and toasted pumpkin seeds, my husband chose cranberry and white chocolate.
It arrived hot and plentiful and was delicious. I’ve never had porridge done that way before and will certainly be making it myself.
Will be going back to sample the other delights this Bistro has to offer.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin O
Cromer3 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
Thought we’d treat ourselves to a breakfast in lockdown to cheer us up, so ordered a Continental Platter for the wife and a bacon baguette for myself. We were given a delivery slot of 8-9am and Sam arrived bang in the middle at 8:30 to deliver our treat. My baguette was lovely and warm, packed with bacon and the coffees were nice and hot. The wife said the pastries and fresh fruit were exceptional. All in all a brilliant experience which we will definitely be repeating. Our thanks go out to all at the Bistro for brightening up the start to yet another weekend in lockdown - you’re doing a brilliant job.
Written 12 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark M
Bedford163 contributions
Sept 2023 • couples
Nice venue and dog friendly. Great coffee.
Ordered bacon and scrambled egg plus egg and mushrooms on sourdough. Sadly the bacon was so burnt and crispy I had to tell the staff it was inedible. To give credit they brought me two more bits of bacon but rather than redoing the breakfast the bacon was brought separately and by that time the egg was cold. Why send out food that is obviously burnt - have pride chef.
I will give them the benefit and go back as the venue is nice.
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam Grout
Hi Mark0966,
Thank you for your honest review, please accept my apologies for the not so good side of it. Our kitchen team takes a lot of pride in the food we serve, but of course occasional mistakes do occur. They'll have left you with your food rather than re-doing the whole order so as not have left you sitting hungry any longer than was necessary, especially if you were dining with others...but we will certainly take your comments into account as we perhaps should have asked.
Hopefully you will find things better on your return which I am very pleased to see you intend to - greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Sam
The Old Rock Shop Bistro
Written 15 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bridget H
Cromer7 contributions
Jan 2022 • none
As always, we had a warm welcome and have just had a lovely meal, we asked for a doggy bag for our desserts as we can never eat a full meal. Tonight was Burnes night and we had booked our meal previously. . Thank you Sam and team for a good meal and evening. PS:. Next is our regular Saturday breakfast!
Written 25 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SamRockShop
It was an absolute pleasure to see you both, Bridget H!
After two years of no special evenings it was great to be back & very pleased to see you enjoyed it.
See you again soon I'm sure...
Sam
Written 28 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin M
Lancaster46 contributions
Sept 2020 • none
My wife, self & daughter dropped in today, we were in Cromer just for the day & were determined to enjoy some crab!
Owned & run by brother & sister, with some great staff too, it was a demonstration of how things are when you get everything right, it’s not easy I know, but why can’t more places do it!
From our greeting, showed us a table, all Corvid compliant, our service was prompt, polite, very efficient, our food was gorgeous, 3 crab baguettes produced very quickly ( check first, it’s not always available I’m afraid)
Teas & coffees, with refills for c. 1/2 price, it really was the most enjoyable lunch, it’s a pleasure to see a team well led & on top of their game.
Congratulations, well done & best wishes for the future, you have a great, customer focused business.
Kevin, Denise & Katie Morley, from Lancaster.
Written 22 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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