By Katie Thompson
No matter where you are in the UK, when the sun’s out we all want to make the most of it. And one of the best ways to do that is outdoor dining. Eating alfresco means a buzzing atmosphere, where everyone’s relaxed and enjoying themselves.
Luckily for us, Norwich is perfectly placed in the driest region of the UK, East Anglia. And we’ve not only got an amazing food and drink scene, but also plenty of outdoor dining opportunities- whether it’s spring, summer or unseasonably good weather, an evening after work, a weekend with friends and family or you’re searching for dog-friendly venues.
From fine dining beneath blue skies to casual food and drink under the sun- not to mention beer gardens, pubs to paddle to (yes, you get there by canoe), DJ sessions in an Art Nouveau setting and unique experiences made for memorable moments. These are our top picks for outdoor dining in Norwich!
The Last brings fine dining alfresco
Featured in both the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide, it’s safe to say that a meal at Benedicts will be unforgettable. And when you’re embracing a balmy evening alfresco on St Benedicts Street- one of the best spots in the city for eating outdoors, you won’t want it to end! Pair it with a crisp glass of wine and Benedicts’ Parker House Bread. (Top tip: if Nanny Bush’s Trifle is on the menu, keep some room for dessert!)
Across the river, The Last Wine Bar and Brasserie offers outdoor dining on St Georges Street in our buzzing Creative Quarter. If you like to eat in style, this is the place. The Last’s menu du jour changes seasonally- savour local produce with a sparkling cocktail or carefully selected wine from their extensive list.
The Maids Head’s courtyard is made for outdoor dining all year round!
And for fine dining with a historic legacy, look no further than the Maids Head. We’ll let you onto a little secret- nestled in the hotel’s heart is their sheltered courtyard, where you can indulge in the classic menu from their 2 AA Rosette restaurant WinePress. End your meal with a Norfolk cheeseboard and local Norfolk spirit. Plus, there are heaters for when it turns cooler!
For street food, look no further than Norwich Market
No matter your tastes- quite literally, Norwich is a city bursting with flavour.
In the centre, street food is the name of the game. Let your senses guide you through Norwich Market, where you’ll see, smell and taste delicious dishes from across the world, whether it’s Chinese, Mexican or Jamaican you’re after. Enjoy them at one of the many benches at the back of our bustling market and admire Norwich Castle while you munch on your lunch.
For the quintessentially British meal that is fish and chips, we recommend Grosvenor Fish Bar. Locals and visitors alike queue here for good reason! Think crispy batter and fluffy chips. And if you’re a seafood lover, there’s tuna, mussels, bass and more to try!
Plus, on Thursdays and Sundays across July and August, you can take outdoor dining up a notch with Norwich Summer Sessions. Enjoy live music and entertainment on the adjacent St Gregory’s Green (and across the city) for free!
Bask in the sun with a cream tea or light lunch on The Assembly House’s front lawn
When it comes to a mouthwatering lunch, take a seat on The Assembly House’s front lawn in summer. Under grand parasols you’ll feel like you’re on the French Riviera or shores of Lake Como. Tuck in to a menu of grazing boards, moreish sandwiches and Assembly House classics. And for those of us with a sweet tooth, treat yourself to a cream tea outside. (If pastries are more your thing, pay a visit to nearby Cafe Royal at Norwich Theatre Royal– a popular spot for your morning coffee.)
Speaking of lunch, The Cathedral of St John the Baptist should be on your radar. While you wouldn’t expect alfresco dining beneath this magnificent landmark, the cathedral’s Garden Cafe is one for those in the know. Enjoy homemade sandwiches, cakes and hearty breakfasts on their balmy patio bordered by colourful blooms and well-kept lawn.
One spot that will take you from lunch to dinner is Rivolo Lounge. Set along the river (easily accessible from Riverside, King Street and the train station), this relaxed cafe bar is made for light lunches, tasty main meals, coffee catchups and celebratory cocktails.
You can also eat alfresco with favourites like Pho and Giggling Squid (both in Tombland) and Rosa’s Thai (found in Chantry Place)- ideal for comforting dishes after a day in the city.
Gonzo’s is a go-to for rooftop drinks
For a day out doing something a little different or a well-thought-out gift for your loved ones, Norwich’s varied eateries, bars and attractions mean we’ve got loads of special experiences to choose from.
A rooftop terrace is always appealing and the top spot in Norwich has to be Gonzo’s. Absorb some rays (or take refuge in the shade) with a cocktail in hand, reimagined with Gonzo’s wit- we love the sound of a Kung Fu Pandan (smoky, with hints of toasted coconut and apple)!
And as home to the award-winning Two Room (voted the Best Dance Venue in Europe by BBC Radio 1, no less), you can expect a brilliant line-up of music and DJs. On summer weekends, their Sunday Saver Sessions offer affordable and intimate daytime parties for open air dancing- sign us up!
Where else can you drink in a working taproom like Redwell Brewery?
Elsewhere, Yalm is also heading outside with Alfresco, a series of live DJs, music sessions and pop-up bars. Think laid-back atmosphere and sips in the sunshine right in Norwich’s centre- glasses at the ready!
At Redwell Brewery, you can sip on locally brewed beer in their working taproom (Friday 3pm – 9pm, Saturday 12pm – 9pm, and Sunday 12pm – 5pm)! And we recommend a brewery tour beforehand- they’re fun and super informative, so you can really appreciate the work that goes into the beer you’re drinking.
If you’re partial to a pint (or two!), spend a relaxing few hours paddling along the River Wensum with Pub and Paddle. Just like it says on the tin, you can canoe or kayak along the rippling water, stopping off at waterside pubs in Norwich and into the Broads. And for your efforts? There’s pizza waiting at the Ribs of Beef when you’re done.
Make the most of these light evenings with a group of friends at Bowling House. Here you can sing your heart out at karaoke or knock down some pins in their retro bowling alley before a drink alfresco in their colourful hidden courtyard (remember to take a look at their food menu while you’re here).
And if you’ve still got energy to expend, in August you can combine local food and drink with incredible entertainment- including free circus school- at Rock N Roll Circus in Earlham Park!
The Ribs of Beef has a lovely waterside terrace
You might’ve heard the saying there’s a pub for every day of the year in Norwich. Well thankfully, that also means there’s a wonderful selection of beer gardens to choose from! As well as the aforementioned Redwell (whose beer garden sits over 350 people!), our favourites include the Ribs of Beef on Fye Bridge- thanks to their peaceful waterside terrace- and Norwich Theatre Playhouse Bar. This leafy terrace is a lovely spot to meet up with friends, losing track of time as the river flows by and twinkling fairy lights glow in the evening sun.
People watch with a pint at Sir Toby’s- then buy the bottle you’re drinking to take home!
And if you’re in the city centre, we suggest stopping by Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market. Whether it’s an after work treat or afternoon refreshment after a morning of shopping and exploring, this spot is as equally good for people watching as it is craft beer. Sir Toby’s is great all year round, too. When it’s warm, try a pint of their cherry beer, when it cools down, treat yourself to a glühwein.
Sir Toby’s also own Bier Draak, a continental beer bar known for its specialist import bottles. So why not try something new as you watch the world go by on King Street? With a snack platter to accompany, of course.
