Norwich may be known for its Cathedral, the Norman Castle or the cobbled Tudor street of Elm Hill. But you may be surprised to know that, over the last few years, a slew of great cocktail bars have blossomed in its winding streets. You can enjoy an elegant cocktail Ă deux in an intimate bar or take a group of friends for a more lively night out, but Norwich has something for every lover of good cocktails.
Home base
If you’re looking for places to stay for your trip then Norwich has two great Travelodge hotels close to the centre of the action. Norwich Central Riverside is ideal for those looking for a more lively night out, while Norwich Central is in a quieter location, but still within easy walking distance of an evening’s entertainment.
Cocktail week
If it’s cocktails you’re after, then Norwich Cocktail Week runs in early October, making it a great time for a visit. A wristband costs ÂŁ8 and gets you discounts on cocktails in some of the cityâs top bars.
Chilled out
Whatever time you visit, the Norwich Lanes in the city centre is the perfect place to start an evening with dinner and drinks. These winding streets are full of great places to eat and drink. Franks Bar is a hip and relaxed venue thatâs great for vegetarians, serving food from tapas to locally-sourced main courses. Try the apple crumble-and-custard cocktail with your dinner.
Or pop next door to Bedfords Bar, which serves locally sourced British food and fabulously made classic cocktails with a twist in a unique 17th-century space. It’s also worth popping downstairs to check out their 14th-century crypt bar in the cellar with its beautiful vaulted ceiling.
If you want a more classic dinner then The Birdcage is a lively bar that serves quirky cocktails and conveniently lives next door to one of the UK’s best fish & chip shops, Grosvenor Fish Bar. You can buy your chips and pop across to Birdcage and enjoy them with a cocktail in the bar.
Sophisticated
Alternatively, if you want a more sophisticated dining experience then Pinocchio’s on St Benedicts Street is an elegant Mediterranean brasserie that serves cocktails on request.
As the evening wears on, Gonzos Tea Room is a great place for a relaxed drink with friends. Its high glass ceiling, eclectic decor and lots of seating make it a great place to chill out. For a more intimate venue, 42 King Street is one of Norwich’s hidden gems. It has a wonderful cocktail menu that changes regularly, as well as classics on request. Keep in mind that the bar is small, with no standing space, so it’s worth calling ahead and booking a table.
Traditional
The Ten Bells is another great place to see out your evening. It has a lively and more traditional pub vibe, and specialises in well-made cocktails with a seasonally changing menu. A recent favourite has been the Cereal Offender, made with Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereal milk, peanut-infused Buffalo Trace and maple syrup.
Good morning!
If a good nightâs sleep isn’t enough to help you get over all those cocktails then, thankfully, Norwich also has one of the top places in the UK for breakfast! According to the English Breakfast Society, Pandora’s Kitchen on London Street is the place to go the morning after the night before to shake off those cobwebs and set you up for a day of exploring.
