by Katie Thompson
When it comes to gift-giving, there’s nothing better than unwrapping a totally unique treasure that you know has been created with love and care. And at no other time is this truer than at Christmas. Especially, if like us, you love an independent.
Then it’s just as well Norwich has so many to choose from! Our City of Stories is bursting with independent spirit. Add a little (read: a lot of) festive cheer into the mix and you’ll find the perfect gift for friends and family no matter what they’re interested in. Whether it’s books or beauty, vintage fashion or jewellery, here are our recommendations for shopping Norwich’s independents this Christmas.
Once you’ve ticked everyone off your list, why not take a look at our guide to the best Christmassy events our fine city has to offer? Don’t forget if you’re not able to visit in person you can shop and support local online!
Atwin’s has a wonderful selection of sustainably designed pieces
In Norwich, there are independents aplenty when it comes to fashion and accessories- including some really great established menswear stores, too. Here, you’ll find vintage and reworked styles alongside a selection of luxury labels, Norfolk names and lovely accessories.
Firstly, it’s a no-brainer to dip into Jarrolds. Their fine selection of familiar favourites and emerging names means you can pair classic styles with playful pieces and tie it together with a chic scarf or, well, tie!
From here, head through the Lanes and down Bridewell Alley to Atwin. Atwin’s a womenswear and lifestyle store that has a wonderful selection of sustainably designed pieces. Think quilted cotton jackets and 100% wool jumpers and hats (perfect for wintry weather!). Plus, they’ve just expanded upstairs, so now there are even more rails to peruse. Keep an eye out for their own range, too!
No outfit is complete without the perfect pair of shoes, right? Head south via Castle Street to Loake Shoemakers on White Lion Street for supple leather boots (with a pair of gloves thrown in for good measure). Or head east to London Street and opt for Bowhill & Elliott’s stylish velvet slippers handcrafted right here in their store! You can even add bespoke embroidery and monograms for the ultimate gift.
While You’re Here: Norwich Lanes is the area for unique eateries aka the perfect shopping pitstop– we recommend a seasonal sage and onion infused waffle from The Waffle House!
For a sparkling selection of eye-catching jewellery and contemporary watches, visit Dipples
Is there anything more special than a bespoke piece of jewellery made with its wearer in mind? We’re sure you’ll agree. And we know just the place to find it.
Start at Sonkai, an independent fine jewellers situated at the heart of The Royal Arcade. When you visit, you’re likely to get a glimpse of the designers at work in their workshop within the store. See them craft exquisite pieces with delicate jewels, some inspired by Norwich and Norfolk like their subtle Pebble range. How special!
And for another sparkling selection of eye-catching jewellery and watches, wander along Norwich’s cobbled lanes to Dipples on Swan Lane (less than a 5-minute walk away). Step into their gorgeous store (once you’ve made it past their beautiful window display!) and browse at your leisure. This fifth-generation family business is here to help with all your needs.
While You’re Here: A love of shiny things doesn’t have to mean jewellery. In the Museum of Norwich’s shop, you can find wonderful blown glass baubles from Norfolk’s very own Salt Glass Studios. Now, there’s the perfect decoration to jazz up your Christmas tree!
Sir Toby’s Beers’ stock is updated weekly!
The City of Stories is brimming with delicious food and drink with a plethora of places to take a seat. And we think one of the best gifts you can give is a taste of Norwich (quite literally!).
Begin on St Benedicts Street, home to a myriad of multicultural restaurants, cafes and delis. We suggest visiting Benedicts– and not just for their fabulous fine dining experience (they do gift vouchers, by the way). Whether they’re a breakfast-lover or a dab hand on the BBQ, for the foodies, it has to be a Benedicts hamper (visit Chef Patron Richard Bainbridge’s website for everything sold in his R.Bainbridge Provisions store).
Next on the list? Norfolk real ales and craft beers! Cut through Pottergate and up Lower Goat Lane to the edge of Norwich Market. Opposite our glorious flint Guildhall, you’ll spot Sir Toby’s Beers. Lined up along the wall, explore the many beers they have on offer- their stock is updated weekly! And for Christmas, what better than one of their Craft Beer Advent Calendars?
End your exploration of our city’s delights downstairs in Jarrolds’ food hall and deli. Here, you’ll be wowed by the local delicacies on offer (their fresh pastry selection includes sweet treats from Macarons and More and savoury tarts by Richard Bainbridge). There’s indulgent chocolate from the likes of Gnaw and Booja Booja, as well as a fantastic variety of local tipples to get you into the Christmas spirit! These include Bullards, St Giles and The English Distillery. You can even cater to different tastes by building a bespoke gift hamper!
While You’re Here: People watch while perched at the bar on Sir Toby’s Beers stall- with a warming glühwein in hand, of course! And on your way home, stop off at The English Distillery in Roudham, just off the A11, where you can stock up on your own Norfolk-made whisky!
Find intricately woven rugs and jewel-toned bedding alongside colourful trinket dishes, floral placemats and wooden block stamps at Country and Eastern
With the festive season comes dark evenings and the perfect excuse to get cosy. So, a little addition to your decor is the perfect present to admire when you’re spending more time at home. And Norwich’s independents have a great selection of homeware to do just that- from prints and ceramics to candles and soft furnishings.
Tucked away off Bethel Street, you’ll discover one of Norwich’s hidden gems: Country & Eastern. This beautiful museum shop is part of The South Asia Collection and housed in a former Victorian skating rink (don’t forget to look up!). The museum is sprinkled with decorative items to purchase- including intricately woven rugs and jewel-toned bedding alongside colourful trinket dishes, floral placemats and wooden block stamps. A gift from Country & Eastern is unique and preserves cultural techniques!
Heading across the marketplace in front of City Hall, you’ll come to Labour in Vain Yard. This is home to Moosey Art, a contemporary art gallery which supports emerging designers. One of the gallery’s limited-edition in-house screen prints would make a special and playful gift for any art enthusiast. Meanwhile, Lisa Angel and Elm (just around the corner on Lower Goat Lane) are ideal for those thoughtful stocking fillers and Secret Santa presents. Their seasonal homeware, plant pots and ceramics are great gifts for smaller budgets.
Don’t forget to pop into The Granary– part of Jarrolds and located just behind the department store- on Bedford Street for stylish contemporary furniture and fun yet practical home accessories. And for that extra dopamine hit, try Lazy Lobster. This is The Royal Arcade’s newest homeware store and perfect for brightly coloured and witty prints, ceramics and more!
While You’re Here: After discovering the amazing displays of The South Asia Collection, visit The Forum where you’re sure to find even more treasures at one of the city’s many Christmas markets.
