Where to Eat Alfresco in Norwich

Where to Eat Alfresco in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Norwich is soaking up golden rays; the skies are a sea of clear blue. When the weather warms up, lunch, dinner or a drink and nibbles under the sun is an easy way to boost anyone’s mood.   

From traditional beer gardens, leafy patios and heated hidden terraces to buzzing seating that’s reminiscent of European city life. Whether it’s an after-work treat or weekend catch-up with friends, Norwich has plenty of outdoor seating waiting for you to pull up a chair. (We’ve even worked out where the sun is and when, so you don’t have to!)

So, if it’s pub classics, refined dishes or sharing platters on the menu, this is where to eat alfresco in Norwich! Sunglasses at the ready!

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Marketplace 

If you’re visiting Norwich and want to eat alfresco, surely you start at Norwich Market, right? With a myriad of multicultural stalls, this melting pot of flavours has aromas to entice everyone. When you’re feeling smug with your choice, head to the tables at the back of the market and tuck in. This is a buzzing spot that’s always busy with locals. Keep room in case something else catches your eye- we don’t want any food envy!  

Add refreshment at Sir Toby’s Beers– we love a pint of their cherry beer! People watch as you slurp your noodles or munch on a NYC-style sarnie in a seat at their bar. 

Nearby, recline under a parasol surrounded by Georgian grandeur on The Assembly House’s glorious green front lawn. It’s a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in an Agatha Christie. The only mystery you’ll be solving here, however, is whether to indulge in the gooey Posh Cheese on Toast or a fresh antipasto grazing board. 

And if you’re looking for familiar favourites, head to Chantry Place. Here, you’ll find reliable restaurants like Wagamama and Ask Italian with outdoor seating. Thanks to eateries on both sides, one of them is often guaranteed to be in the sun! We recommend a table at Rosa’s Thai where you can settle down with a zingy Thai salad or authentic Pad Thai (sun from early afternoon).

Tombland 

For food and drink surrounded by character, head to Tombland, the heart of our charming Cathedral Quarter (which is also home to the peaceful riverside terrace of the Red Lion Bishopgate).  

At the Maids Head Hotel, the oldest site of hospitality in the country, you’ll find a quaint courtyard, decorated with greenery and historic features. Here, you can pop in for a coffee or treat yourself to a mouthwatering afternoon tea. Once the sun has set, cosy blankets and heaters are on hand to keep you warm and make the most of sitting outside. 

For elevated plates accompanied by sophisticated cocktails, buzzing wine bar Melville & Sons feels both relaxed and cosmopolitan. The menu includes the likes of delicate beef carpaccio, fresh linguine alla vongole and silky lemon posset. Sitting outside on green and white wicker chairs facing the medieval streets of Norwich, you’ll feel akin to sitting on a Parisian terrasse.  

When Asian flavours take your fancy, take a seat outside Pho (great for a warm spot not in direct sunlight) for Vietnamese street food, including the eponymous national dish of the country, finished with zingy fresh herbs. At a table on nearby Giggling Squid’s large terrace, you’re at the heart of the action (sun from 12pm to 7pm). Watch the world go by as you treat yourself to Thai-inspired bites and fiery curries.

The Lanes 

In the Norwich Lanes, you’ll encounter some of the city’s best eateries (including award-winning fish and chips at Grosvenor Fish Bar– we recommend taking away a box of crispy battered cod and golden chips and relaxing on the grass of St Gregory’s Green). 

At fine dining restaurant Benedicts, you’ll get a flavour of Michelin-level dishes, each one carefully crafted to reflect the nuances of seasonal and local produce. Soak in the last rays of sunlight sitting alfresco on St Benedicts Street with a crisp glass of wine in hand, admiring the delicacy of wild garlic velouté, tender Norfolk lamb loin and creamy British cheeses. 

To really make the most of the warmer weather, head up to Gonzo’s rooftop terrace for a creative cocktail and some of the biggest and most popular burgers in the city. They’re utterly moreish, packed with flavour and served with a stack of their homemade redneck fries.

NR2 

For a real community feel, head to Norwich’s NR2 neighbourhood, where popular local pubs stand proudly on street corners. Whilst there are plenty of beer gardens to soak up the sun across the city, some of our favourites are right here amid traditional terraced houses. There’s The Warwick Arms (with its own outdoor bar!), where you can taste stone baked pizza with real Italian heritage from Luca Pizza; The Unthank Arms, whose grassy garden is ideal for pub classics; and William & Florence, illuminated by glowing fairy lights and kept warm with heaters when it starts to cool down. 

One of Norwich’s hidden gems, The Cathedral of St John the Baptist’s Garden Cafe opens onto a sun-drenched patio surrounded by beautiful borders and sweet-smelling flowers. Watched over by the cathedral’s impressive tower, the Garden Cafe is a slice of quintessential England. Start your day right with a hearty breakfast or piece of homemade cake! 

Just minutes away, Bowling House’s ‘secret’ garden is bursting with colour- pastel picnic benches and bright bunting bring the energy of the bowling lanes outside. After a round or two, gather your friends for a feast of hearty dishes- from loaded nachos to juicy burgers and slow cooked ribs. 

And while it may come under the NR1 postcode, we couldn’t not mention Redwell Brewery! This small batch microbrewery is famed citywide for their locally made beer, as well as their fresh stonebaked pizzas and incredible roasts! Bask in the sun in their large beer garden- it’s ideal for a get together with friends, whether for lunch, an afternoon treat or evening out.

In Norfolk 

When you’re exploring everything our county has to offer, embrace lunch surrounded by Norfolk’s picturesque countryside. 

At The English Distillery, take a seat outside at The Grain Kitchen (sun from 9am – 4pm). Under the glowing sun (or a shady parasol) and sheltered from any breeze, tuck into a delectable selection of small plates, including crispy squid with garlic and chilli, pesto and mozzarella arancini, and whipped ricotta and tempura broccoli. 

Boasting sweeping views of their 18-hole championship golf courses, the terrace at Barnham Broom’s Sports Bar is ideal for a relaxed lunch outdoors- it’s bordered with fragrant lavender and flowering blooms. Savour delicious sandwiches, salads and mezze boards with a Mediterranean twist.