The seventh Norfolk Restaurant Week is set to be bigger and better than ever before

This year's seventh Norfolk Restaurant Week is set to be bigger and better than ever before with over 80 of Norfolk's popular restaurants signed up already. New participants include The Victoria (Holkham) and Norwich's vegan destination Erpingham House, as well as The Black Horse (Castle Rising), Timbers Country Lodge (Fincham) Sculthorpe Mill (Sculthorpe) and The Iron House (Norwich).

Loui Blake, owner of Erpingham House says: "We're incredibly excited to be participating in Norfolk restaurant week for the first time. Our intention is to offer diners some never-before-seen dishes and offer an insight into plant-based dining, proving healthy and sustainable food can be delicious!

"We're seeing a dramatic spike in the demand for vegan food, with Norwich often quoted as one of the best hubs nationally. We hope through restaurant week we can offer local diners a taste of something to inspire them."

Ben Hunter-Watts, The Victoria's managing director, says: "Michael Chamberlain, our head chef, has participated in Norfolk Restaurant Week in his previous position prior to taking on the running of the kitchen here at the Victoria. He is excited to have the opportunity to this year showcase the fantastic local and estate-raised produce he is so passionate about using here at the Vic on his restaurant week menu."

There are also social as well as economic benefits. According to founder Martin Billing, Norfolk and [sister event] Norwich Restaurant Week are not just about participating restaurants having the chance to showcase their skills to a wider audience, or indeed about diners enjoying outstanding food at wallet-friendly prices but that "good food brings people together, it being a big social occasion and a reason for people to get together," he says.

Leading independent holiday lettings agency Norfolk Cottages, is headline sponsor for the second year running. Matt Frost, Norfolk Cottages general manager says: "We know that Norfolk's reputation for outstanding local produce and rich food and drink scene is one of the reasons our discerning customers choose the county as a holiday destination.

"We also see a 15% increase in visitor numbers over the fortnight, further demonstrating the fact that Norfolk is a year-round destination."

The event runs from October 28 until November 8.

Restaurants will offer either two courses for £12 and three for £17 or two courses for £18 and three for £23

Updates on Norfolk and Norwich Restaurant Week at norfolkrestaurantweek.co.uk