Nightlife in Norwich

Nightlife in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

As the sun sets over the Norwich skyline, glowing bars, buzzing venues and lively line-ups entice us in. From chilled catchups over a cocktail to energetic evenings packed with entertainment, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an early bird or a night owl in the City of Stories.

So, if a riotous round of crazy golf takes your fancy or a sing-it-loud karaoke session is more your thing, Norwich has loads to choose from for an unforgettable night out. Read on for our top choices below!

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Find Friendly Competition at Mulligans

Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition now and again?  

So, when you’re faced with a challenging pop culture-themed 18-hole crazy golf course and a selection of other incredible games, Mulligans is a great night out with friends! From electro-darts to shuffleboard, American pool to ping pong (or there’s beer pong if you like a bit more of a challenge). Get ready to show off your skills- it’s game on! 

And while you’re there, munch on a mouthwatering selection of food, including sticky wings, dirty fries, nachos, and hot dogs. Winner’s treat? 

Laugh Out Loud at Norwich Arts Centre

A cultural mainstay in the City of Stories for over 45 years, Norwich Arts Centre is an award-winning multi-arts venue with an alternative programme of entertainment. This includes new music, theatre, live art, poetry, dance, and comedy. Here, you’re sure to see a show that’s innovative, exciting, and unique!  

This welcoming and inclusive space is a go-to venue for touring comedians, from well-known names like Johnny Vegas and Jake Lambert to leading ladies from the Edinburgh Fringe like Rosalie Minnitt and Kemah Bob. This is the place for a hilarious night out full of clever storytelling, laugh out loud jokes and witty stand-up.     

Be Entertained at Epic Studios

From comedy to concerts, fascinating talks to fan events, Epic Studios’ varied live entertainment line-up really does have something for everyone. It’s hard not to anticipate a night out here!

Start your evening in the buzzing Green Room and treat yourself to a relaxed pre-show drink in stylish, backstage-inspired surroundings. Perhaps a cocktail takes your fancy? Or there’s local favourite Strangers for coffee lovers. (If you’re feeling peckish, you can even tuck into a selection of tasty dishes!) Then it’s time for the main event! From big name comedians like Maisie Adam to intrepid explorer Simon Reeve, by way of local band The High Points and more, immerse yourself in Epic Studios’ cultural space, start-of-the-art sound systems and all.

Sip on a Cocktail or Craft Beer

There’s no shortage of wonderful local bars and pubs in our fine city. For a chilled night out with friends or perhaps a romantic digestif, a refreshing tipple and cosy interior is all you need.  

Some of our favourites include Bier Draak– a must for any beer connoisseur, The Warwick Arms– a local pub made for relaxed pints with friends, and Redwell Brewery– home to Norwich-brewed beverages you can enjoy in a working taproom! 

We’ve got plenty of lovely bars for a cocktail or glass of wine, too. Set in the beautiful architectural gem that is the Royal Arcade, Yalm offers seasonal specials alongside classic flavours at Skippers bar, while another citywide favourite is Chambers. This intimate venue is ideal for creative flavour combinations and knowledgeable staff. And when it comes to familiar favourites, you can’t go wrong in the stylish surrounds of Cosy Club or with the variety of Turtle Bay. 

Go Out-Out at Gonzo’s

As one of Norwich’s most popular clubs, Gonzo’s Two Room was voted Best Venue in Europe at the BBC Radio 1 Dance Awards 2025. This intimate space sees a mix of local DJs and international names attract many a music lover that it regularly sells out. 

And throughout the year, award-winning Wild Paths also presents fantastic line-ups at Gonzo’s and Voodoo Daddy’s (as well as their anticipated October festival). Each one spotlights some of the best local and Norwich-based acts. From new-wave jazz, hip hop and RnB to indie, post-punk and more, a night out with a Wild Paths event is a go-to for any music-lover, as well as going out-out with friends in one of the city’s best independent venues!

Belt Out a Tune at Bowling House

Bowling House is more than what it says on the tin- and all under one roof!  

Their dark wood bowling lanes add a little retro feel to proceedings (whilst making it a slightly more even playing field!) and you can pay per game (adults from £7) or lane (£44 per hour, up to 6 people) depending on how long you want to play.  

Then you can feast on their tasty menu for some well-deserved food and drink before a round on their new dart boards or singing your heart out all night long in a private karaoke booth. There’s an incredible 80,000 songs to choose from! And if you want to come back for more, Bowling House’s hilarious bingo events are always a sell-out.

Spend a Night at the Theatre

Here in Norwich, we’re lucky enough to have a number of theatres right on our doorstep. From West End shows and up-and-coming productions at Norwich Theatre Royal and Norwich Playhouse to community theatre and live music at the Maddermarket (not forgetting drag and performance at Norwich Puppet Theatre!).  

With shows ranging from classic musicals and family favourites like Hamilton and SIX to beautiful ballets by Matthew Bourne, operas, orchestras, sell-out comedy and award-winning plays, it’s always an exciting night out.

And you can make a whole evening of it, too! At Norwich Theatre Royal, tuck into a delicious pre-theatre menu at Prelude (the table is yours for the night!) or stop for a waterside drink at the speak-easy style Playhouse Bar (whose leafy terrace is lovely in summertime).  

Enjoy Entertainment at Castle Quarter

Castle Quarter isn’t just a shopping centre, but a go-to for a fun night out thanks to its five floors of leisure and entertainment.  

Here, you’ll find themed crazy golf at Putt Putt Social- a great way to start your evening- next to Retro Replay arcade and Vector VR, where you can immerse yourself in dozens of games and experiences. There’s tenpin bowling at Superbowl UK and favourite Boom Battle Bar. Here, electric darts, shuffleboard and axe throwing are the norm!  

And if that’s not enough, try to beat the clock at Escape Hunt or lose yourself for a few hours with a cinematic masterpiece at Vue. 

Wander with a Walking Tour

What better way to get to know Norwich than with a walking tour? And it doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a visitor to the City of Stories because there are loads of unusual, interesting, and sometimes spooky, tales to tell!  

Norwich Story Walks’ Weird and Wonderful Story Walk (£10 pp, 7.30pm – 9pm) offers a unique perspective on our fine city, taking you from our medieval marketplace, through the winding Lanes, to Tombland and back again. Not all is as it seems, so you’re sure to have some stories to tell afterwards! 

And if you like things a little spookier, try Norwich Ghost Walks (£15 pp, 7.30pm – 9.30pm). There are two terrifying routes to try- the Elm Hill Walk and the River Walk. Explore the oldest parts of the city and discover haunting tales along our cobbled streets. With over 900 years of history, you might even spot a spirit yourself!  

All tours take place between April and December.