5-Minute Catch-Up: What’s New in Norwich?

23 May 2025

5-Minute Catch-Up: What’s New in Norwich? 

by Katie Thompson

There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From celebratory milestones to summer dining and news from the city’s fantastic museums. Not to mention special events marking our county’s rich history! 

Whether it’s a tour with tasty food and drink or the return of a critically acclaimed show, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city! 

Image Credit: Chloe Samways


Benedicts Celebrates Their 10th Anniversary!

Happy 10th birthday to Benedicts!

As one of the city’s most popular fine-dining destinations, Benedicts celebrates their 10th anniversary this June! Thursday 19 June marks the big milestone, so stay tuned for any special celebrations. In the meantime, why not book a table and treat yourself to their mouthwatering menu? 

Benedicts are open between Tuesday and Saturday. Book a table via their website! 

Yalm Welcomes Summer with Alfresco Dining 

Yalm is ready for summer with alfresco dining and a brand new pop-up!

Summer’s rolling in, so make the most of the warm nights with Alfresco at Yalm. Launching on Friday 30 May, embrace live DJs, music sessions and pop-up bars for laid-back evenings in the heart of Norwich. Plus, Yalm’s newest pop-up The Jerk Chicken Project is serving succulent Jamaican-style chicken and dishes bursting with flavour every day for 3 months from 30 April. 

Alfresco at Yalm launches on Friday 30 May at 6pm- keep your eyes on their socials for more! 

Speaking of alfresco dining, Tombland’s Giggling Squid have also launched their summer outdoor dining meu: Thai Under the Sky! You can book a table via their website. 

The English Distillery Announces 18th Birthday Celebrations 

Celebrate The English Distillery’s 18th birthday this September!

Did you know The English Distillery was England’s first whisky distillery in 100 years? Officially opening in 2007, this year they celebrate their 18th anniversary! They’ll be marking the occasion with a free-to-attend birthday party. With live music, delicious food stalls and behind-the-scenes distillery tours, it’s going to be a fun-filled day! 

The English Distillery’s 18th Birthday Party is taking place on Saturday 13 September from 10am – 4pm. Book tickets here– it’s free to attend. 

Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana Returns to Norwich Theatre Royal 

This new take on the Nutcracker returns to Norwich

After receiving critical acclaim, Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions’ co-production Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana is returning to the city as part of its second UK tour. This colourful Cuban take on a festival classic is full of exuberant choreography and a unique version of Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score. 

Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana returns to Norwich Theatre Royal on 10 & 11 February 2026. Tickets are on sale via Norwich Theatre’s website. 

Silver Wings Project Honouring WWII In Full Swing

Mark 80 years since the end of WWII with the American Library’s project Silver Wings

Did you know Norwich is home to the UK’s only American Library (located in The Forum)? As 2025 marks 80 years since the end of WWII (not to mention 85 years since Dunkirk), there’s nowhere better to commemorate the lives, legacy and resilience of the US Army Air Forces who were based in the county during this time.  

The Silver Wings project includes creative writing workshops, model plane building, and archival object handling. A 10-day exhibition at The Forum and 1940s-style street party will take place as part of Heritage Open Days. 

The Silver Wings exhibition will take place at The Forum from 12 – 21 September, with a street party on Saturday 13 September. 

The Maids Head Launches Street Food Sundays 

The Maids Head’s Street Food Sundays are sure to be delicious!

As home to 2AA Rosette fine dining restaurant WinePress, the Maids Head Hotel is always a go-to for amazing food in the city. And on Father’s Day (15 June), they’ll be launching their Street Food Sundays menu!

The Maids Head’s Street Food Sundays launches on Sunday 15 June. 

Music & Tea Sundays Starts at Plantation Garden 

An aerial view of Plantation Garden in summer. It's a bright sunny view with lots of bushy green trees in the background. Areas of green lawn are dotted with umbrellas and leafy plants. Visitors walk along the gravel pathways between each lawn, one couple with a pushchair.

A sunny Sunday afternoon at Plantation Garden with music, tea and cake… what could be better?

Every summer, Plantation Garden’s Sunday Music Program is the perfect excuse to pay a visit to one of Norwich’s beautiful hidden gems (£2 entry). And it’s back for 2025- starting on Sunday 15 June until September. It’s time to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon in gorgeous surrounds listening to live music with a home-baked cake and cup of tea in hand. 

Plantation Garden’s Music & Tea Sunday Program is on every Sunday from 15 June – 7 September, 2pm – 4pm. 

Strangers’ Hall Is Now Open on Saturdays 

Strangers Hall

You can now discover the secrets of Strangers’ Hall on Saturdays

As one of Norwich’s oldest and most fascinating buildings, Strangers’ Hall offers a glimpse into life spanning the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian times and beyond. It’s a great day out for families, friends and groups alike and now Strangers’ Hall will be open on Saturdays- so it’s easier for everyone to enjoy! 

Strangers’ Hall is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday from 24th May. 

Norwich Castle Acquires Gold Coin Hoard 

Norwich Castle is now home to the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold coins

Norwich Castle are the proud new owners of the largest Anglo-Saxon gold coin hoard. With 129 coins made up of different designs and mints, the collection was unearthed in West Norfolk and will mark the reopening of the Castle’s Anglo-Saxon and Viking Gallery as part of their Royal Palace Reborn project. 

You can visit Norwich Castle every day from 10am – 5pm. 

A New Food-Based Tour from Cheryl Cade 

Cheryl Cade Tours: a group sit at an outdoor table with drinks in hand

Beer, sausage rolls and pastry- you can’t go wrong!

Cheryl Cade’s tours are always a great way to learn about Norwich, its history and its pubs- and try some tasty treats along the way. Cheryl’s latest Beer, Sausage Roll & Pastry Tour (from £53) combines two of her most popular, travelling from historic Tombland, through Norwich Market and onto Upper St Giles. Sign us up! 

Book your space on Cheryl Cade’s Beer, Sausage Roll & Pastry Tour via her website.