Benedict's in Norwich has been announced as the winner of the Restaurant of the Year Award, sponsored by VENI Project, at the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2023.

Richard and Katja Bainbridge have been the proud owners of Benedicts in Norwich for the past eight years. 

The family passion that powers this small but mighty neighbourhood restaurant shined throughout the judges’ experience of Benedicts and it felt like every detail had been carefully considered. The service was friendly and personal but in no way intrusive, the wine list interesting, and good value, and the food was simply excellent. 

“Right from the beautiful canapés, we were carried through a ‘how to’ of Norfolk produce: skilfully prepared plaice, incredible bread that was steaming hot from the oven, delicious aged Bungay dairy beef, before finishing on a perfectly executed Norfolk fruit and herb custard tart dessert,” said the judges.

“We left very happy, satisfied, and a little bit emotional. Norfolk is richer for the Bainbridges.”
Benedicts’ chef and owner Richard Bainbridge said: “To be recognised by such a prestigious award is incredible and to be in a room full of our peers was incredibly humbling.

“To know that we are not alone in these incredibly difficult times and to see we have such a vibrant food scene within the county was so reassuring for the future of the food and drink industry within Norfolk.”

Finalist: STORE @ Stoke Mill

STORE is a small five-table restaurant located in the back room of Stoke Mill, the former Colman’s mustard factory in Stoke Holy Cross.

The low key, cool younger brother of the main restaurant, STORE combines French food with English classics and other influences to create its tasting menu and wine pairings. 

The judges described STORE as a “truly exceptional restaurant” where every detail 
is thought about.

“The food, as you’d expect, is fantastic and several dishes were simply sublime,” said the judges.

Finalist: Roger Hickman's

Roger Hickman's is an independent, modern British fine dining restaurant that can be found on Upper St Giles Street in Norwich. It prides itself on celebrating local produce, cooked using classical methods by the skilled team of chefs.

“The all-white dining room with linen tablecloths offers rare luxury in current restaurant fashions,” said the judges, adding that the service was attentive and the food was delicious, with a firm nod to Norfolk produce.

To find out more about all the winners, please click here.

For more information on the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards, please visit norfolkfada.co.uk