It has been an incredibly tough year for the hospitality industry, but there have also been plenty of success stories with these new bars and restaurants opening in Norwich.
While all are now temporarily shut due to Tier 4 restrictions in Norfolk, make sure to support them when they are allowed to reopen. Some also offer takeaways, which are permitted under the rules.
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1. Ten Bells
St Benedicts Street
The Ten Bells, previously run by gin company Bullards, was taken over by the team behind The Wildman pub in Bedford Street in December.
The distillery has been replaced with a kitchen with an Argentinian-style Solus grill and there are barbecue grazing plates on the menu, including short rib, chicken wings and smoked bone marrow on toast, and there is also a large cocktail menu with daily deals.
2. The Bridge Restaurant
Fye Bridge Street
The Bridge opened in October in the former home of the Spanish Torero Tapas Bar and has brought the flavours of Tuscany to Norwich, with dishes including pork ribs, wild boar and porcini mushrooms.
It is run by Stefano Lucchesi, who moved to Norwich from Lucca, a city in Italy’s Tuscany region, two years ago, Alessandro Frediani and Nicholas Bosi.
3. Chi
Chantry Place Shopping Centre
Chi opened in the food court at Chantry Place, formerly intu Chapelfield, in the summer and specialises in Asian street food.
Customers can choose a bao bun, Banh-mi, a type of baguette, noodles or rice as their base and fillings include braised pork, vegan panko sweet potato and beef short rib and takeaways are available.
4. L'Hexagone Bistro Francais
Lower Goat Lane
This French bistro opened in the Norwich Lanes in January and is run by couple Thomas Aubrit and Gemma Aubrit-Layfield, who met at a restaurant in France.
It serves authentic dishes such as beef bourguignon, French roast chicken and steak frites and the pair have adapted to the challenges of the past year by launching takeaways too.
5. The Gatherers
Muspole Street
The Gatherers opened in July and is a continental-style bistro with a completely vegan menu, served alongside a great range of cocktails and fine wines.
The dishes on offer are based on what is in season and for winter this includes wild mushroom ragout, roast celeriac pearl barley risotto and seasonal squash cataplana.
6. Christophe's Crêpes
Pottergate
Couple Chris and Lauren Smith had already run a popular crêpe van in Davey Place for eight years, but they decided to take the plunge and open their first shop this summer.
Alongside traditional sweet flavours, such as lemon and sugar and Nutella, banana and strawberries, they also offer savoury options.
7. Brix and Bones
London Street
The owners of popular bar and burger joint Gonzo's Tea Room opened a steakhouse above it in September, with locally sourced meats on offer and a large wine list.
Customers can select the weight and cut of steak they want from a blackboard and other options include beef short rib cottage pie, hay-smoked hake and beetroot risotto with breakfasts available too.
8. Boom: Battle Bar Norwich
Castle Quarter
Boom: Battle Bar opened in Norwich in July and is the first venue of its kind in the country, with activities including axe-throwing, 'crazier' golf and electric darts.
All food and drink is ordered via an app and it includes pizzas, burgers, loaded fries, beers and cocktails.
9. The Chick Inn at Micawbers
Pottergate
Two of Norfolk's top chefs teamed up this year to launch The Chick Inn at the home of historic pub Micawbers Tavern, offering rotisserie chicken and sides to eat in or takeaway
Roger Hickman runs Roger Hickman's Restaurant in Upper St Giles Street and Andy Rudd is head chef at Stoke Mill in Stoke Holy Cross and both places featured in The Michelin Guide 2020.
10. Sicily Trattoria
Bridewell Alley
Rocco Consiglio and Bruno Armenante opened Sicily Trattoria in July, offering authentic Italian dishes including pizzas, pasta and calzones.
The pair previously ran Sicily Market on Norwich Market, but decided to shut it in October to focus on the restaurant.
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