Award-winning. Iconic. A must-do experience. That’s just what comes to mind when we think of Norwich Market. One of the largest and oldest open-air markets in the UK (its history stretches back 900 years!) and situated in the centre of the city on Gentlemen’s Walk, there’s something for everyone.
With so many colourful stalls and incredible smells, we’ve no doubt your eyes and taste buds will be tantalised by it all. And we won’t blame you if you have no clue where to start exploring! But that’s where we come in. We’ve put together a guide to all the market has to offer, so you can enjoy one of Norwich’s iconic spots with ease.
For the early riser…
Love to get out and about in the early hours? Maybe you have a busy day of exploring planned and you’re ready and raring to go? Whatever the reason – if you’re looking for breakfast with a twist, head over to Norwich Market.
Reggie’s is home to the ‘belly buster’ breakfast, where you can buy any combination of breakfast items to enjoy in a roll, bap or sandwich. We’re already drooling over the idea of sausage, egg and bacon to start off the day. Grab your food and sit on Market Place, watching the city slowly come to life in front of your eyes.
Eat your breakfast whilst sat on the benches at Market Place.
If you like something a little lighter to start your day, order a traditional Turkish breakfast pastry from Delight. Perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee as you explore the rest of the stalls. Or you can walk a couple minutes up the road to St Peter Mancroft. Take in Norwich’s largest medieval parish church as you enjoy your food.
St Peter Mancroft is only a short walk from the Market.
In the colder months, you can head to Deb’s Tea Stall when it opens at 7am. Just in time to grab some warming drink and food, find a nice spot to sit, and watch the sunrise.
For the fashion lover…
Norwich market is the perfect place to head to if you’re after affordable and unique fashion. And if you’re an eco-conscious shopper, there’s plenty of sustainable fashion stalls to check out. Lovering & Co boasts a hand-picked selection of vintage and retro clothing and accessories. With stock including a large offering of Levis, Harris Tweed, Kimono’s and cycling jerseys, you can grab a bargain and get a lasting memento of your visit.
A top pick from us has to be Taxi Vintage Clothing. With clothes dating from the 1940’s to the early 1990’s, there’s a fantastic array of American and European retro styles. Pick up a new pair of dungarees or an authentic denim jacket and enjoy the thrill of finding that unique piece that completes your wardrobe perfectly.
For the romantic…
Looking to treat your partner? Or want to surprise them with a tear-jerking declaration of love? Well, everything you need to make that moment extra special can be found at the market.
Start off by making your way to Pond’s, or Cary’s Flowers. Pick out a fresh bouquet of colourful and sweet-smelling flowers that are sure to impress. For a sweet treat to add to the pot, pop into the Cuppie Hut for some homemade cake, or stop by Bread Source for a little pastry heaven. And if you really want to make a splash, make a last stop at Olivia’s or Norwich Goldsmith’s for a new piece of jewellery. You could even get something engraved with a loving message.
Cary’s Flowers at Norwich Market
For lunch, brunch and everything in between…
With such a variety of food on offer, you could practically eat your way around the world! Visit Bun Box for Japanese inspired street-food, Cocina Mia for authentic Chilean or Falafel & Friends for some vegan and veggie options. There’s Indian Feast, Taste of Shanghai and China Wok for more international choices, or you can visit Lucy’s Fish and Chips or Henry’s Hog Roast for a traditional English supper. Whichever flavours float your boat, take your lunch with you as explore the city or stop and have a picnic in the sunshine.
There’s an abundance of choice at Norwich Market when it comes to food.
Trying something new in the kitchen? The market is also home to some of the best places to get local ingredients for cooking! Whip up a Michelin star worthy meal at home to experience something new and get your taste buds singing!
For some famous Cromer crab and other locally sourced seafood delicacies, City Fish is the place to go. Look out for special catch-of-the-day offers on this friendly stall. Want to try something a bit different? Paul’s Family Butchers has a large array of meats available (including the classic favourites) and are a game specialist. Pick up pheasant, poussin, and guinea fowl to impress your friends when it’s your turn to host the dinner party. And don’t forget to ask for suggestions on how to cook their produce – they’re happy to help with that too!
For the essentials, turn to CJ’s Fruit and Veg and Herbs and Spices to find the perfect ingredient to give that little kick to your food. Or head to The Orient Express for a massive selection of Asian foods and spices. We’re not joking – they have over 1500 stock items!
From fresh fruit and veg to herbs and spices – you’ll find what you need at Norwich Market.
For a fancy evening…
We all love an evening with friends. What’s better than catching up, reminiscing, and laughing so hard it makes our jaw ache? To make one of those night’s even more memorable, it’s as simple as grabbing the right drinks and snacks to enjoy.
The Cheeseman offers a fabulous and large selection of cheeses. 140 varieties to be exact! Ranging from international, to locally sourced options, all are top quality. While you’re there, pick up some biscuits, local chutneys, and pickles to create the perfect grazing board.
There’s something for everyone at Norwich Market
To accompany your cheese selection, speak to brother team Ben and Tom at Substrata Wines. As wine specialists who only stock wine they have tasted and loved, a recommendation from them is guaranteed to be good – and the perfect addition to complete the evening!
If wine isn’t your thing, Sir Toby’s Beers has the best selection of Norfolk real ales, imperial stouts and the most recently brewed craft beers from around the world. Purchase a gift pack to take away, or take a seat at their licensed bar which serves drinks from midday.
Want to discover more fabulous food and drink in Norwich? Check out our Eat & Drink page, or our Restaurants in Norwich listings to get some inspiration.
