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

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 once-in-a-lifetime Bayeux Tapestry events to mark the European Year of the Normans to restaurant refurbishments, new shops, festival line-ups and unmissable offers. And in Norfolk, there’s incredible wildlife and whisky worth waiting for! 

So, whether you’re a history buff, bookworm, foodie or enjoy exploring Norwich’s attractions, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!

Image: Nick Warner

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See Bayeux Tapestry Casts at Norwich Castle 

Did you know that 2027 is the European Year of the Normans? Marking the thousandth anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth and the arrival of the great Bayeux Tapestry in the UK, the Bayeux Around Britain tour will arrive at Norwich Castle this autumn. This is a rare display of hand-painted plaster casts from the original embroidery, including depictions of William I and Harold Godwinson, alongside a life-sized 3D-printed replica which invites you to touch and feel the impressions. 

Bayeux Around Britain is on display at Norwich Castle from 12 November – 10 January 2027 and is included in admission.

Platter Opens at John Lewis 

Following an exciting refurbishment, John Lewis’ level 2 restaurant (previously The Place to Eat) has reopened! Serving up coffee, cake and moreish light bites to delicious main meals like pizza, curry, fish and chips, and more, Platter is modern and inviting, a great place to meet friends and family in the heart of Norwich. 

Platter by John Lewis is open Monday – Saturday from 9am and Sunday from 10am.

Beaver Kits Born at Pensthorpe 

What could be more special than Norfolk’s first wild beaver for hundreds of years? Two wild beaver kits, of course! Recent footage has confirmed the young animals living alongside Norfolk’s established free-living pairing, marking a major milestone for the native species in the county and the UK. 

Pensthorpe’s beavers are wild and live within a secluded area of the reserve away from public access. Why not visit this amazing 700-acre site to see a whole host of other amazing wildlife?

The English Distillery Launches New Whiskies 

Here in Norfolk, we’re home to some of the country’s best malting barley. And at The English Distillery, you can savour this and the county’s other special grains with two new bottles. The Norfolk Corn Whisky showcases the power of maize with a little rye for notes of toffee, hazelnut and caramel, while limited-edition The English Spitfire marks the 90th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire and supports Walking with the Wounded. 

The English Distillery’s bottles are available online or shop in-store at their Roudham distillery.

Get £5 Crazy Golf at Mulligans 

When you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity during term time or want an exciting, mid-week afternoon with friends, Mulligan’s new crazy golf offerhas it covered! For just £5 a round per person, you can test your skills before 5pm every Monday – Friday from September to November. All you have to do is use the code GOLF5 when you book. 

Mulligans’ 5 Before 5 offer is available from 4 September – 16 October and 4 – 30 November before 5pm.

Bowling House Now Home to Dedicated Comedy Club

Set to open its doors this October upstairs in Bowling House: The Lanes Comedy Club! This will bring a dedicated home for live comedy to Norwich for the first time.

Launched in partnership with Hooma Comedy, expect stand-up, big laughs, some questionable decisions and incredible comedy at this brand-new event. It’s an intimate venue, showcasing high-quality live comedy at the heart of or fine city. From local stars and emerging talent to TV names (including Felicity Ward and Iain Lee) and even the British Comedian of the Year competition, you’re sure to leave smiling.

The Lanes Comedy Club launches at Bowling House from 9 October. Book tickets via the Lanes Comedy Club socials!

The Cat House Welcomes New Residents 

This month, The Cat House has welcomed two new cats to their friendly feline fray. Making guest appears throughout September, big-eared Oriental Wally Olyphant and energetic Abyssinian cross Bojangles are sure to bring joy to any Cat House visit! Bringing double the cuteness, say hello and be ready for plenty of chin scratches. 

Meet Wally and Bojangles at The Cat House from Wednesday – Sunday.

Sir Toby’s Beers Announces Three Venues Quest 

Hear ye, hear ye! Sir Toby’s Beers have announced a medieval-inspired bar quest between their popular venues on Norwich Market, at St Saviour’s Yard and Bier Draak on King Street. Titled Trial of Three, participants will journey from tavern to tavern, solving riddles, puzzles and challenges to collect stamps and claim their prize! 

Sir Toby’s Beers’ Trial of Three takes place on Saturday 24 October. Find out more on their socials.

The Sainsbury Centre Shares Latest Exhibition Season 

Next up in the Sainsbury Centre’s exhibition seasons? How Do We Find Love? celebrates the complexities of human relationships, desire and intimacy. You can see The Last Human Kiss (spotlighting one of humanity’s most enduring acts) and Ecstasy and the Aftermath (reflecting on how deep connections are formed, broken, remembered and mourned,) from November. 

The Sainsbury Centre’s How Do We Find Love? season takes place from 11 November – 30 May 2027.

Inaugural Darkest Chapter Line-Up Announced 

As Norwich’s newest festival, Darkest Chapter is a celebration of dark, uncanny and horror storytelling. Having just announced their line-up, which includes Unhallowed Gifts: Uncanny Stories of Cursed Objects, The Art of Foreboding: Folk Horror, and Ghosts in My House: Hauntings & Queer Desire, we recommend booking your event tickets as soon as possible! 

Darkest Chapter takes place on Saturday 7 November. Book tickets via the National Centre for Writing website.

Jarrolds to Stock Fairfax & Favor 

If you love to support Norwich and Norfolk-based brands, Jarrolds is the retail destination for you. Even more so this September, with the launch of Fairfax & Favor on the independent department store’s ground floor. Known for their expertly crafted leather bags, boots, mens- and womenswear, the brand adds a sense of British charm, style and character to Jarrolds’ offering. 

Fairfax & Favor launches in-store in Jarrolds from 25 September.

Bath & Body Works to Open in Chantry Place 

With wellness no longer a topic solely reserved for the new year, there’s something undeniably inviting about the promise of a fragrance, body care and home scents store opening. Bath & Body Works in Chantry Place, to be exact. Delivering an interactive sensory experience, you can expect dedicated product testing areas, seasonal collections, curated gifting and more. 

Bath & Body Works will open on Chantry Place’s lower ground floor from November.

Loake Launches Free Loyalty Scheme 

Championing British-made footwear and leather accessories, Loake’s love of quality craftsmanship and customer experience is underlined with their new Members’ Club. Earn points with every purchase, reap rewards on your birthday and access exclusives, including personal shopping experiences and even tours of their historic factory. 

You can join Loake’s Members’ Club in-store on White Lion Street, Norwich or online.