Norwich has such a great vibe during the summer. I mean, it’s good all through the year, but there’s something about summer which makes it feel all the more special. Particularly on a warm, sunny day or evening. This month I’m spilling the beans on some of Norwich’s lesser-known things to do and places to be.
To drink and eat al fresco in Norwich is very good. Last summer Norwich had such a continental buzz with the city centre bursting with pavement cafes and bars. It was a sociable and friendly place to be, and people loved it. It made my heart sing to experience a thriving city centre and everyone enjoying themselves.
Saturday morning at St Giles Pantry on Upper St Giles in the Norwich Lanes, is a good way to start the weekend. Not only is the coffee seriously delicious (fluffy lattes in a big glass cup), but so are the cakes! And it’s a gorgeous shop front too, adding to the overall appeal. Open all day and into the evening, you can perch outside and, of course, inside too. It’s also a great place for sharing platters, wine, local beers, and gin and tonics. Their shop specialises in locally made products, so it’s good for buying presents and treats to take home.
This pretty little street is easily missed if you’re a regular around Gentleman’s Walk, Castle Quarter and Chantry Place. But I urge you, change your routine and make the short walk along St Giles Street to reach your destination, it’s very worth your while.
Many might not know that St Giles Pantry has a wonderful collaboration with one of our local vineyards – Flint. Special evenings take place – Friday’s at Camphill (every second Friday of the month) – where you buy a return bus ticket to the vineyard from Norwich (£15, purchase in store – what a great idea) and then at the vineyard, not only do you get express entry thus avoiding the queue, but there’s also live music and a dance floor, a bar in the barn, oysters, food stands, and wine, of course.
It’s a monthly mini-festival which attracts all ages and dogs are welcome too. All-in-all it’s a fabulous and fun night out full of dancing and letting your hair down. The bus leaves St Giles Pantry at 5pm and returns for around 11pm.
The terrace at The Ribs of Beef is possibly one of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Located in one of Norwich’s most historic areas, by Quayside, The Ribs of Beef sits on Fye Bridge, an ancient, stone structure bursting with stories (make a visit to the Museum of Norwich for Stories of Norwich). It’s a place to sit back and watch the world go by, or should I say sail, as you often observe people out on the water stand-up paddle-boarding, or canoeing. This is a great weekend lunchtime stop and the food has a good reputation too. The pizza is especially tasty by all accounts.
Are you yet to visit Botanical Bar & Kitchen at St Simon & St Jude church on Elm Hill? Operated by Curious Directive, summer evenings are a dream here in this magical garden setting. Think draped fairy lights, tables and chairs and pop-up pizza. It’s a wonderful bar and not to be missed on any night out. Perhaps pair this with dinner at The Britons Arms at the top of the hill, who are now open for evening meals Thursday to Saturday. Their gorgeous, hidden courtyard is not so well known. Keep an eye on their website for themed menus, the general menu includes dishes such as starter herb gnocchi with chestnut, spinach, and spring onion (£7.50) and mains such as fish pie with sauteed vegetables and cheesy mash top (£13).
In addition to the Botanical Bar and Kitchen, until 8 July, Curious Directive (who are also an international touring theatre company based in Norwich) have an incredible show and dining experience ton offer. Set onboard an Airbus A380 be part of the show by dining on a 7-course tasting menu whilst a performance goes on around you. I’ve been lucky enough to do this, it was a great experience and one I will remember for a long time. Tickets cost £45 and can be booked at curiousdirective.com.
Makers House is another gem. Located in The Norwich Lanes on St Benedicts Street (opposite Benedicts), there are ample on-street tables and chairs with a wonderful drinks menu. Their cocktails are particularly attractive. My favourite is the Spicy Fifty made from vanilla vodka, manzana verde, bird’s eye chilli, lime, apple juice. The chilli gives just the right heat; you can feel it, but it’s totally manageable.
Open on evenings from 5pm (Saturdays from midday) Wednesday to Saturday until 11pm (Friday’s and Saturdays until 11.30pm) they also have a tapas menu, offering a combination of French/Spanish cuisine found along the coast of California. In summer, they open on a Sunday between 11am – 5pm. The majority of tables are available for walk-ins but they do take bookings. The daytime menu includes a few brunch egg dishes to complement the tapas menu.
From 30 July, Norwich Summer Sessions hits the streets of the city centre every Sunday until 3 September. Bringing a host of free street entertainment and performance including Covent Garden entertainers and live music, you will find a buzzing programme over five different stages across Norwich on London Street, The Forum, Westlegate, St Gregory’s Green and Gentleman’s Walk. Formally known as Head Out, Not Home this summer series has rebranded to celebrate 10 years still going strong
One of the most popular days of the year to be out in Norwich has to be The Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre, this year taking place Sunday 9 July (11am-5pm). This is a day when the inside comes out. Venues, bars, restaurants, and shops spill into the streets with music and amazing pop-ups, stalls selling local art, jewellery and clothes plus theatre, performance, workshops and DJ sets. Its infectious atmosphere is for every age and attracts thousands of visitors. It’s another “don’t miss event!” In fact, the whole city is awash with activity that weekend as Norwich celebrates the Lord Mayor’s Weekend between 7-9 July.
Keep an eye on Norwich Arts Centre if you are not a regular. They have an incredible eclectic programme of music, comedy and more. Nationally renowned, it has a fantastic reputation for diversity and excellence, and for being able to spot a rising star before the rest of us! This July one of their events is the Norwich Arts Centre Summer Ale Festival taking place between 20-23 July.
Last year saw the first Summer Fest at The English Whisky Co in Roudham and it was so popular they’re doing it again. So, on Saturday 22 July, head over there between 10am-4pm for a free, fun event which includes mini tours of the magnificent whisky distillery with a free gift for all participants at the end of the tour. Plus, enjoy relaxing in the beautiful distillery gardens with live music and street food from the likes of Peaky Pizzas, Dirty Fryer Boys, Quack n Mac, Florencos Coffee and Dreamy Ice Rolls.
Finally, Plantation Garden gives us dreamy summer Sunday afternoons in a blooming, peaceful oasis. Entry is £2, and there’s a live music programme and homemade afternoons teas, think scones and jam in the sun!
It’s the perfect place to relax and let the children take a run around – a beautiful multi-generational few hours spent away from the everyday humdrum.
Other ideas this month
1. For an ideal day or evening out to the theatre the whole family can enjoy, don’t miss ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ at Norwich Theatre Royal. After a hugely successful run on Broadway, the Bikini Bottom is being brought to Norwich in this brilliant, bright, and hilarious brand-new musical. Running from 4 July-8 July with tickets starting at £28.50.
2. Glass House Dance present Dance-Along Cabaret at Norwich Arts Centre. Have you ever wanted to step into the movies and dance in one of the best musicals ever made? Now’s your chance. Don’t miss this spectacular opportunity, 25 July, 7pm, pay what you can afford (£6-£12.50) seated with room to dance! Tuesdays will never be the same again!
3. The Bishop’s Garden in Norwich is an incredible green space and is only open on limited days in the summer raising money for local charities. Don’t miss visiting on 9, 16 and 23 July. The gates open from 1pm to 4.30pm with last entry at 4pm. Admission price is £5 per adult. Accompanied children under 16 years and wheelchair users are free. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. There are also refreshments and plants for sale.
Full details of everything mentioned here and loads more ideas can be found at www.visitnorwich.co.uk
