A milestone anniversary - celebrating 30 Years!
Celebrating 30 years of The Wildebeest | Stoke Holy Cross | South Norfolk
The Wildebeest marks a major milestone – 30 years!
Special £30 Menu Release
Signature Dish
Special Edition Ales
The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross is celebrating 30 years this September with a month-long anniversary celebration. Original records show that the building dates back as far as 1837 and was damaged by enemy action on 8th May 1942. Once the Red Lion, a traditional village pub, it caused quite a stir in 1994 when it was transformed into a gastro pub with an African theme under the direction of Norfolk hospitality operator Henry Watt. Marking the anniversary, Chef Patron Daniel Smith and his kitchen team have launched a culinary celebration of this milestone anniversary featuring some of the Restaurant’s favourite growers, vintners and brewers – sharing their gratitude to the farmers, suppliers and customers who have had a hand in its long history.
As The Wildebeest looks back on three decades of success, it invites people to join in the celebration and dine from their £30 for 30 years Anniversary Set Menu. In addition there’s an Anniversary Signature Dish combining an old school Wildebeest customer favourite with a more modern twist… Chargrilled Fillet Steak, Dijon Mustard Crust, Pont Neuf Chips, Saffron Aioli, Red Pepper Purée, Lamb’s Leaf Lettuce (£40pp).
(Please note this is a standalone dish that features on our A La Carte Menu)
What’s more, in partnership with Great Yarmouth’s renowned Lacons Brewery, The Wildebeest is thrilled to introduce new additions on the bar, honouring this special anniversary with two exclusive brews available from 6th September:
The Wildebeest Anniversary Ale (3.6 ABV): A real ale fit for a momentous occasion, available on pump.
The Wildebeest Session Pale Ale (3.8 ABV): A refreshing amber ale, perfect for any celebration, served on draught.
Lacons Brewery is famed for its commitment to local ingredients, using long-preserved yeast cultures handed down through generations of brewers. The foundation of every beer is the Norfolk-grown Maris Otter barley from Crisp Maltings.
Daniel told us just what this special anniversary means to The Wildebeest …
“We’re thankful. 30 years is a long time in the restaurant business and whilst it has only been under the direct ownership of G&D Ventures Restaurant Group since April 2015 it’s still a major milestone for the business. We have modernised The Wildebeest, taking it away from its African-style decor and introduced a more neutral and sophisticated colour palette which makes for a more relaxed dining experience. Also, I can safely say that no two days are ever the same and the challenges are always present. The Wildebeest has played host to so many occasions and happy meals over the years; birthday and anniversary meals, weddings, marriage proposals over dinner, lunch meetings and so on. Events and occasions that help to create memories and shape people’s lives have happened here.
My own career has developed here in this very kitchen. I worked as Head Chef then Executive Chef under the Animal Inns Group for over 10 years (2000-2010) and much of that time was spent at The Wildebeest. I look out in the restaurant and see many of the same faces today that I have seen for over two decades. The ongoing public support and appreciation for The Wildebeest and what we do is humbling, and I’m very thankful for that. From our regular guests to those who are trying us for the first time, we strive to ensure all diners enjoy a consistent and memorable experience with us.”
The team at The Wildebeest regularly hear amazing comments from diners about how they have been coming to The Wildebeest for many years and how it has been a part of their own personal history.
He says “I’m proud to be at the helm of an energetic and endlessly talented kitchen. We always look to strike a balance between what’s new and trending in the culinary world and what our customers have enjoyed for years. I hope people will consider dining with us as we celebrate three decades of success. Cheers to 30 years of unforgettable dining experiences and to many more to come”.
