A permanent Food Hall at Norfolk Showground boasting a large farm shop and restaurant has been marked with a topping out ceremony.

Last week, Norfolk Business Board recommended the approval of £240,000 in grant funding from Norfolk County Council towards the construction of the facility, hailed by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) as a “flagship project for the county”.

Cllr Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, announced that award at the ceremony on Thursday 12 December and congratulated the RNAA on reaching its funding target.

Located near the entrance to the site which plays host to the Royal Norfolk Show, it will showcase food production and processing in the county and generate sales opportunities for local SME businesses.

The farm shop will stock a wide variety of local products, including butchery, pre-packed meat, fresh produce, delicatessen, frozen items, dairy, sundries, beverages, confectionery, everyday essentials, hampers, and gifts. The restaurant will focus on farm-to-table dining with fresh seasonal produce sourced from local farmers.