As the owner of recently closed restaurant Woolf & Bird warns people to support independent businesses for fear Norwich could become 'beige', we take a look at some of the brilliant independent eateries that help keep the city colourful.
• Figbar, St John Maddermarket
Dessert definitely can't be described as beige or boring, and Figbar has an abundance of desserts and takeaway treats waiting to be devoured. From brownies to pana cottas and pies, you'll find everything you need to satisfy a sweet tooth here thanks to owners Jamie and Stephanie Garbutt. You can also find them at Cake By Figbar on Norwich Market.
• Brick Pizza, Market Place
Priding themselves on making 'proper pizza', Brick Pizza located in the very centre of the city, just off from the market, has a very specific menu comprised of everything from the traditional to the gourmet. Their menu offers something for everyone, including the Emiliano which is topped with mozzarella, gorgonzola, porcini, rosemary and Norfolk ham, as well as the vegan, which features tomato, vegan cheese, olives, onions, peppers and mushrooms.
• Frank's Bar, Bedford Street
This cafe bar in central Norwich offers a range of great food and drink as well as live entertainment. Visit here for nibbles and cocktails with friends on a weekday evening or for a slap up brunch on Sunday with family.
• Namaste India, Opie Street
An authentic, Indian, family-run restaurant, this Opie Street-based establishment serves a range of vegetarian food from different regions of India. The place is small and cosy and the food is full of flavour. Highlights on the menu include dosas (filled savoury crepes) and the vegetable korma.
• No.33 Cafe bar, Exchange Street
No.33 is an award-winning cafe which offers breakfast all day as well as a range of other goodies, including decadent cakes in a wide variety of flavours. Located on Exchange Street, business is always booming, with queues down the street throughout the morning as people drop by for lunch and brunch. Menu highlights include sausage, bacon and potato hash, macaroni cheese, American style pancakes and the posh sausage sandwich.
• The Belgian Monk, Pottergate
The Belgian Monk opened in December 2000 with the objective of creating something different in Norwich, and create something different it did. The establishment offers a full Belgian experience complete with beers, traditional food and a warm atmosphere. Highlights here include mussels, waffles and the Wittekerke Rosé - the first original rosé beer.
• The Wallow, Exchange Street
If you love wine, you'll love this cosy spot on Exchange Street where the walls are covered in self-service wine machines. Simply top up a Wallow card, insert and try the tipple of your choice. As for food, you'll be tempted by charcuterie and cheese boards, as well as a range of daily homemade specials, from casseroles to stews and freshly baked cakes.
• Biddy's Tea Room, Lower Goat Lane
If you love nothing more than a cup of tea and a slice of cake then you'll be in your element at Biddy's. The vintage tea room effortlessly combines cosy and quirky, to create a place ideal for an Alice in Wonderland style Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Drop by for an afternoon tea, complete with decadent cake and finger sandwiches or one of the brilliant homemade sausage rolls or scotch eggs.
• East Twenty Six, Exchange Street
East Twenty Six provides a fresh take on traditional tapas, with their menu consisting of sharing plates for friends to enjoy. Visitors are able to sample a great selection of food as staff recommend sharing around 4 of the small plates between two people. Menus change seasonally, but current items include cauliflower shawarma with caramelised onions and hummus smoked lamb shoulder.
• The Bicycle Shop, St Benedicts Street
Despite the name, The Bicycle Shop doesn't actually sell bikes. Instead you'll find good and drinks and live music events inside their walls. The menu is relatively small but filled with goodies - the sharing boards are a particular highlight, as are the small tapas style sharing plates.
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