The Core Café Italian deli sandwich shop opens in Holt

The Core Café has opened its doors in Holt’s Appleyard courtyard, bringing a taste of Italy to north Norfolk.

The artisan Italian deli sandwich shop is inspired by the time that owner Nick Bruce-Lockhart spent working in restaurants and cafés in Florence – and one special sandwich shop.

The Core Cafe in Holt's Appleyard courtyard, with owner Nick Lockhart and chef Angus Duthie (Image: Adam Baker)

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“I spent six months working in a restaurant and café, but the inspiration for the Core Café was a sandwich shop I went to during the day which is absolutely outstanding,” Mr Bruce-Lockhart said.

“The stuff they produce is on another planet. We’ve tried to recreate that with the same produce and sandwiches on offer here.

“One of our employees was recently on holiday in Florence. We sent him there and he came back and said it was by far the best sandwich he had ever had in his life. He could see why we wanted to be inspired by it.”

The Core Cafe in Holt's Appleyard courtyard (Image: Adam Baker)

Owner Nick Lockhart with a delivery of the cafe's fresh bread (Image: Adam Barker)

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The Florantine-inspired menu features a selection of traditional Italian deli sandwiches made with fresh, crispy schiacciata bread.

The café uses locally sourced ingredients from Holt’s Krusty Loaf Bakery and P&S Butchers, as well as premium wines from southern Italian wine merchant Via Vigna.

“Our first week was steady but once the word spread around town that there was a new place to go it’s really taken off,” Mr Bruce-Lockhart said.

“I think the highlight for everyone has been the Italian bread that we’re having specially made.

“We’re deliberately using fresh local produce. Everything produced by the kitchen is freshly made to order.”

Food on offer at The Core Cafe (Image: The Core Cafe)

In the evenings, the café is open as a tapas restaurant, hosting Holt’s Casa Blanca’s Iberian cuisine.

The café’s mezzanine floor is also now hosting wine tasting events.

Food at The Core Cafe (Image: The Core Cafe)

Inside The Core Cafe (Image: Adam Baker)

Inside The Core Cafe (Image: Adam Baker)

Inside The Core Cafe (Image: Adam Baker)