Who would’ve thought Norwich would be home to the Best Dance Venue in Europe? We are a city of mavericks after all.
That’s where Gonzo’s comes in. Hot on the heels of winning this prestigious award (ahead of some of the most iconic dance venues in Europe, we might add), there’s more to Gonzo’s than meets the eye. Whether you’re here to dance the night away, appreciate quality food, or catch up with friends over a few drinks on their roof terrace- it doesn’t matter what your music tastes are or what your age is.
Here, we speak to owner of Gonzo’s, Mike Baxter, about this thriving venue at the heart of Norwich’s nightlife scene.
Gonzo’s is a go-to for rooftop drinks in Norwich
Haha well, we’d love to say we came on board with this grand plan or that we were cool enough for grand visions, but a lot of our growth was very organic. We started with the one small room and as opportunities came up to take on other parts of the building we ran with it. For us, as each room came together, it was all about making sure that each floor stayed unique and appealed to different customers and yet still knitted into the fabric of the rest.
Gonzo’s attracts people of all ages and tastes – why do you think this is?
We came into the business back in our twenties and now well into our forties, we’ve been privileged enough to grow up in it. We’ve grown up alongside a lot of our customers, so as their tastes became more discerning, so did ours. Life may have started out with Jägerbombs and dance moves, but now we’re also big fans of a glass of good red and a comfy chair too! Either way it’s important to know you’re never too old to dance and never too young to get into good wine!
Fun, independent, and music-loving.
In your 20s or your 40s, whether you love to dance or prefer a relaxed glass of wine, an evening in Gonzo’s is one well spent
Incredible. Vindicating. Surprising. Disbelief. Honoured. Take your pick. It’s been an amazing few years for that little venue. We were told ‘no’ a lot in the beginning. People called us crazy and there were initially a lot of hard conversations to bring big acts to Norwich. However, a few artists and agencies at the beginning were beyond supportive and their initial enthusiasm and support is a huge reason we’re here. It’s just amazing for us to talk about a little 200-person room in Norwich being named the best in Europe…
We try not to typecast it by genre and over the last few years we’ve been lucky enough to host some of the biggest names in music, while also giving up–and–coming acts their first big sets. Obviously house and electronic acts sit at the core of what we do, however you’ll also find reggae sound systems, classic disco DJs going all the way back to the days of Studio 54, and junglists and DnB DJs from the early days of rave culture. We’ve hosted DJs from 18 years old to 78 years young, so for us, the important part is to play great music and make the people dance.
Gonzo’s Two Room: The Best Dance Venue in the UK and Europe Credit: Max Ivory
Everyone goes out on a Saturday now, like the entire city all at once, it’s mad. We grew up working in restaurants and bars and Sunday was always a big day for people who work in the industry to go out and have a few drinks after serving them all week. We really want to bring that culture back.
At the same time, I’m a parent now- it’s hard working at night- and the other parents I know still want to go and see DJs, have a little boogie and still get home in time for the babysitter. The Sunday sessions are 100% for our friends in the industry and for those who want to enjoy the festival-like feeling of dancing in the sunshine while avoiding the madness of a Saturday night.
Ben behind Wild Paths has been a main part of our team for years now. He had the vision for Wild Paths when we first met and we’re super proud of the work he’s put in to get it going. His roots and success in the music industry come straight back here to Norwich and it’s so important to support that. If we don’t support people before they get airplay, then we should play no part in their success when they do. I think that’s a huge part of every music scene. Without supporting independent acts early in their journey, we wouldn’t have the right in describing ourselves as an arts–focussed venue.
Gonzo’s is a destination for dance, drinks and food! A home to brilliant burgers and fine dining at Brix and Bones
Several very talented chefs and a very friendly front of house team.
Our head chef George Wood has put together an incredible team and each dish is cooked over fire using local ingredients. This was part of our “growing up”. Being in restaurants all your life, your tastes certainly refine and you’re lucky enough to try a lot of wonderful food and amazing wine. We wanted to create something like that for Norwich, but without stuffy service or white tablecloths. It had to be done sympathetically to Gonzo’s and to us that means fun. So yes, the food is high end but it’s still comfortable to be there with friends.
We’ve had lots of offers to expand and do this and that, but Norwich is home. As for Norwich expansions, keep your eyes peeled and we’ll see what comes next.
Because Gonzo was a good boy who liked walks by the cathedral and scratches on his butt.
Gonzo’s is open daily from 12pm until the early hours. You can book a table or discover upcoming events via the Gonzo’s Tea Room and Gonzo’s Two Room websites.
