25 Years of Byfords
Celebrating 25 years of Byfords
This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Byfords as we celebrate our 25th birthday! For a quarter of a century, we’ve been serving the community of Holt with delicious offerings, beautiful bedrooms, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we’ll be inviting you to join us to celebrate with a series of exciting events and activities throughout 2025. Expect throw-back food specials, deep dives into history, and fantastic events.
Exciting changes are coming
We’re looking to the future and reinvesting in Byfords for the next generation. To celebrate 25 years of Byfords, we’re thrilled to announce 25 exciting improvements coming in 2025/26, all inspired by your invaluable feedback. These enhancements will focus on the areas you’ve told us matter most.
The first exciting changes have been announced, with many more to come throughout the year.
Our story
Iain and Clair Wilson brought the property in 2000, naming it Byfords, with a vision to breathe new life into the space while preserving its rich heritage. Turning it into a hub of hospitality, Byfords went from strength to strength, opening a Posh B&B above the restaurant in 2004, and later as a Store to complement the thriving restaurant.
Now, we have the pleasure of welcoming many guests from across the country to the bustling Café, Store, and Posh B&B. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Over the years, Byfords has continuously evolved, always striving to bring Holt the next best offering and adapting to meet the needs of modern times. Through it all, we’ve loved every minute of the journey and remain passionate about what we do.
However, our story is just one chapter in the long and fascinating history of Byfords. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also taking a moment to look back and honour the centuries that came before us, from the visionaries who transformed Holt’s oldest building to the team members and loyal customers who bring it to life every day.
Take a look at our timeline to find out more about Byfords’ rich history.
The Byford Family
Though we'd love to take the credit, Byfords was an established part of Holt much before our time. Brought by Henry Byford in 1901, the Byford family established an ironmonger’s shop in the building.
Under Henry Byford’s leadership, the shop becomes a staple of local life, supplying tools and household goods for the community. After over 40 years of ownership, Henry died in 1943, and the business continued to run under his name until the death of his daughter, Kathleen, in 1985.
After multiple name changes, renovations, and periods of vacancy, we were thrilled to give the building back its rightful name in honour of the Byford family.
A cornerstone of the community
The story of Byfords begins in the medieval period, with its oldest part, an ancient cellar, dating back to the 15th century. This cellar is believed to be the oldest building structure in Holt; one of the only parts to survive the Great Fire of 1708. We’ve learned a thing or two about standing the test of time!
Known for its charm, character, and signature “higgledy-piggledy” nature, the building has transformed dramatically since 2000. With additions and adaptations over the years, Byfords has grown into a space that celebrates both its medieval roots and modern hospitality.
A time for celebration
Byfords is proud to stand as a testament to resilience, community, and heritage. Our 25th anniversary isn’t just about looking back - it’s about embracing the future and ensuring that Byfords remains a beloved part of Holt for centuries to come.
We look forward to welcoming you as we celebrate this extraordinary milestone. Keep an eye on our social media to find out what we have in store.