After being named Norfolk's best restaurant in its first year, Stoke Mill has continued to grow in popularity over the last decade.

Friends Ludo Iaccarino, 51, and Andy Rudd, 45, became business partners at Stoke Mill Restaurant in Stoke Holy Cross, near Norwich, in September 2013.

Norwich Evening News: Stoke Mill Restaurant's signature cheese souffléStoke Mill Restaurant's signature cheese soufflé (Image: Stoke Mill)

It had already been in Mr Iaccarino's family since the 1960s and his father Rio, originally from Sorrento in Italy, ran it as a high-end dining spot with a retro feel.

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When Rio passed away in 2013, Ludo invited top chef Mr Rudd to join him in the business.

Norwich Evening News: Stoke Mill Restaurant in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Sonya DuncanStoke Mill Restaurant in Stoke Holy Cross Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Their wives Louise and Shuna, respectively, have also been involved since the start and Mr Iaccarino's mum Linda is delighted to see the restaurant thriving. 

Mrs Rudd, the front-of-house manager, said: "They used to play football together back in the day and Andy always wanted his own business.

"He would drive past the mill on the way to work at The Wildebeest and after Rio passed away they decided to run Stoke Mill together - less than a year later it was named best restaurant at the 2014 EDP Norfolk Food & Drink Awards."

Norwich Evening News: Andy Rudd, Ludo laccarino and Liam Nichols (L-R) celebrate 10 years of Stoke Mill Restaurant at a party for customers and suppliers Andy Rudd, Ludo laccarino and Liam Nichols (L-R) celebrate 10 years of Stoke Mill Restaurant at a party for customers and suppliers (Image: Stoke Mill)

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The pair sensitively renovated the 700-year-old watermill, which crosses the River Tas, to give it a more contemporary feel and the fine dining menu utilises seasonal and local ingredients. 

Norwich Evening News: The team at Stoke Mill Restaurant celebrates 10 years The team at Stoke Mill Restaurant celebrates 10 years (Image: Stoke Mill)

In the 1800s, Jeremiah and James Colman produced their now-famous mustard there. 

Stoke Mill is in The Michelin Guide and in May 2021, chef Liam Nichols joined the business to run the tasting menu restaurant Store in the back room.

Norwich Evening News: Store at Stoke Mill chefs Hazel Yuill and Liam Nichols celebrate earning a coveted Michelin starStore at Stoke Mill chefs Hazel Yuill and Liam Nichols celebrate earning a coveted Michelin star (Image: Supplied)

Less than two years later, Store was recognised with a coveted Michelin Star.

READ MORE: Store restaurant in Stoke Holy Cross earns Michelin star

Mrs Rudd added: "It was absolutely amazing and we still can't believe it.

Norwich Evening News: Store at Stoke Mill in Stoke Holy Cross serves a tasting menu Picture: FixrStore at Stoke Mill in Stoke Holy Cross serves a tasting menu Picture: Fixr (Image: Fixr)

"I think Stoke Mill and Store are so popular as Andy, Ludo and Liam are all very passionate.

"For us, one of the big highlights over the last decade was the success of our lockdown takeaways - a customer said we had more cars outside than a car boot sale as people collected their food."

Asked about plans for the next 10 years, she added: "To keep doing what we are doing and to retain our brilliant staff."