The Best Bars in Norwich

The Best Bars in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

From cosy autumn afternoons to evenings in the warm summer sunshine, we all love the promise of a well-deserved and refreshing drink- be it a crisp pint, glass of wine, cocktail, or non-alcoholic concoction!  

And here in Norwich, we’ve got a fabulous number of bars (and pubs) to suit all tastes. Whether you’re spending the day exploring the city, catching up with friends or even searching for an intimate first date spot. Drink in the City of Stories’ buzzing independents and tasty tipples with our guide to the best bars in Norwich! 

If you’re thirsty for more- check out our Eat & Drink page, where you’ll even find cool spots like Alchemista, a coffee shop also serving creative cocktails with a caffeine kick!

Image: Chloe Samways ©VisitNorwich

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Gonzo’s Tea Room, London Street 

Gonzo’s Tea Room is buzzing. Enter on the ground floor and you’ll be treated to a cosy space decorated with quirky prints, eccentric ornaments, and glowing fairy lights. Sip on a classic cocktail with a twist from the bar’s well stocked shelves. And in warmer months, enjoy an hour or two spent on Gonzo’s rooftop under sunny blue skies.  

It’s all about the atmosphere here. Expect an eclectic soundtrack of Afro rhythms, soulful beats, dancefloor fillers and more, delivered by a rotating lineup of local legends and international DJs in Gonzo’s signature offbeat style. So, if you want to make a night of it, you’re in the right place. Gonzo’s Two Room was voted the Best Dance Venue in Europe at the 2025 Radio 1 Dance Awards!

Chambers Cocktail Company, Wensum Street 

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Chambers is a favourite cocktail bar for those who love modern creations and moreish classics. In this cosy and characterful interior, sip on drinks blended with quality spirits, house infusions and fresh ingredients, alongside a considered selection of wines, beers and premium soft drinks. We love their ‘Freaky Friday’ menu- where two timeless combinations become one! 

Sir Toby’s Beers, Norwich Market 

At the heart of our fine city is Norwich Market, home to Sir Toby’s Beers. This craft beer bar and bottle shop sells over 100 different choices- from Norfolk real ales to stouts, lagers and more! We recommend trying their signature cherry beer- the perfect end-of-the-week pick-me-up on a Friday evening. And come winter, it would be rude not to treat yourself to a warming glühwein!

And if you’re exploring NR3, check out Sir Toby’s outpost at St Saviour’s Yard for even more opportunity to savour a crisp pint!

Bier Draak, King Street

Speaking of continental beers, Bier Draak specialises in Belgian, Dutch, and German keg beer and bottles. With 14 taps to choose from, this carefully curated selection is a bold celebration of tradition and flavour. It’s a small and intimate space which offers outside seating to really bring a sense of alfresco European culture to our fine city. Keep an eye out for specials and fun events like specialist tastings and festive Irish coffees! 

Beer Hatch, Wensum Street 

Another small-but-mighty Norwich name is Beer Hatch. This bottle shop is a champion of East Anglian real ales, lagers, ciders, stouts and more. Its intimate and friendly atmosphere invites you to stay a little longer. Stop by for a pint on draught- Beer Hatch has a rotating selection of Norfolk-based breweries, such as Duration, Ampersand and Stump Rat, ready for you to try. 

Redwell Brewery, Trowse 

For an authentic Norfolk brewery experience, Redwell Brewery is unique. Enjoy their locally brewed craft beer right in the working taproom! Their full range is vegan and gluten-free, so anyone can enjoy a drop. From fruity flavours to crisp pilsners and smooth pale ales- a Redwell craft beer is packed with personality. We highly suggest a brewery tour during your visit so you can fully appreciate all the work behind their beers when you drink them! 

The Tipsy Anchor, Bedford Street 

Tucked away on Bedford Street, The Tipsy Anchor is an unassuming gin bar, one of the smallest in the city. Inside, this stylish, industrial-inspired interior offers visitors a flavour of Norwich’s growing craft spirits scene, whilst celebrating the revival and heritage of Bullards. Sit outside in the sun, enjoy a tasting session, or cheers with one of their tempting gin cocktails, Bullards’ coastal lager or a refreshing gin and tonic.

11th and Social, Upper King Street 

11th and Social is a cool cocktail bar in buzzing Tombland, inspired by the world’s best bars. Ideal for a late-night drink with friends, it’s somewhere you can catch up until the early hours, whether you’re after a well-executed classic or something excitingly new (they even offer a ‘zero waste’ menu using the likes of spent coffee and mint stems). While American whiskey is the core of their creativity, you can enjoy an impressive array of cocktails (and mocktails) using all manner of spirits- from the Banana Oleo Daiquiri to the Sweet Carrotlime. 

Norwich Theatre Playhouse Bar, St Georges Street 

As one of the city’s most popular bars, a visit to Norwich Theatre’s Playhouse Bar is a must if you want to know Norwich like a local. Loved for its leafy riverside terrace festooned in twinkling lights and cool speakeasy-style interior (just look at the ceiling), the Playhouse Bar will see you from day to night across the year. And for any beer lovers, this is the ideal spot to try real ales from local breweries!

Yalm, Royal Arcade 

For groups, families, or friends, Yalm is a go-to- especially when you’ve got a range of tastes to cater to. And this goes for drinks too because Yalm has not one, but three bars! Relax in the calm surrounds of Skippers Bar, where lovingly created cocktails infuse a selection of spirits from around the world. Or perhaps a spirit is more your thing? There’s also a great wine list and 15 craft beer taps, both including local producers. So, sit back, order from the app and relax to the tune of a local DJ on weekends. 

Maids Head Hotel, Tombland 

Not only is the Maids Head Hotel a charming place to stay, this historic hotel is also home to a bar that has served Norwich since the 1200s. Full of character and panelled with Jacobean Oak, even Horatio Nelson is rumoured to have had his first pint here. And the best part? The Maids Head Bar is a fantastic showcase of local beers, spirits, and wines. Discover a new favourite with their beer flight or savour a refreshing cocktail in their sun kissed outdoor courtyard. 

Dick’s, Bedford Street 

In the middle of Bedford Street, Dick’s is a buzzing speakeasy-style bar. This intimate space is known for its natural wines and exciting cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a chilled evening with friends or a relaxed date just the two of you. Whether you’re searching for a zingy cocktail, tart orange wine, citrussy IPA, or even a cooling iced coffee, Dick’s has you covered. Top tip: check out their outdoor space! 

Tipsy Jar, Redwell Street and J.Doe & Co, Charing Cross 

Tipsy Jar is a go-to for friends. Here, you can really immerse yourself in the world of cocktail making by shaking your own chosen tipple! Each recipe is designed by their own in-house mixologist. From fruity gins to creamy Espresso Martinis to refreshing non-alcohol versions, each one using fresh produce with quality spirits. 

Meanwhile, Tipsy Jar’s nearby sister bar J. Doe & Co offers an introduction to whiskey (and other spirits) through their fun cocktail menu (use their code to find the right level for you) and ‘Taste the Dram’ monthly menu. 

The Drawing Rooms, Pottergate and Three Stories, Bedford Street

Perfectly placed for a post-shopping or pre-dinner treat, The Drawing Rooms is an Art Deco-inspired bar in the Norwich Lanes. Slide into their emerald-green booths as you take your pick of their extensive cocktail menu. Think sparkling, martini, long and short, with punchy flavours and options for ‘fauxtails’, beer, wine and soft drinks too, ready to be shaken or stirred in the glow of their burnt orange bar. 

Also in the Norwich Lanes, sister venue Three Stories is- you guessed it- three levels of delicious drinks, moreish food, live music and sport inspired by a trio of Norwich’s favourite venues- The Drawing Rooms, Ten Bells and The Wildman. Their basement bar is reminiscent of a Prohibition-era jazz club!

Birch, Guildhall Hill

Another go-to for Norwich natives, recently-opened listening lounge Birch is a popular spot for cocktails and vinyl. Head downstairs into their intimately illuminated space where you can order your tipple of choice from their up-lit bar from the comfort of your table. All to the soundtrack of Birch’s curated record collection or that evening’s vinyl DJ. 

Wine Bars 

The Last, St Georges Street 

Set in a beautiful old shoe factory, The Last brings fine wines to Norwich’s Creative Quarter. Think independent wineries, local vineyards and a sparkling selection that will transport you across the globe. Plus, the buzzing brasserie’s ever-changing list is a great excuse to come back again soon and for non-wine drinkers, their bespoke beer menu has been curated by a local CAMRA expert!

Melville & Sons, Tombland 

For a wine bar that knows what it’s talking about, head to Melville & Sons. Their wine list is extensive and ever-changing, complemented by a seasonal cocktail menu and carefully curated wine shop. Showcasing both well-known and emerging wineries, pair a glass of red, wine or rosé with thoughtfully created small dishes. Their sleek interior and outside dining channels Paris en terrasse, ideal for weekday evenings.  

Jarrolds, Exchange Street 

Not only is our independent department store Jarrolds home to an amazing food hall packed with local wines, beers, and spirits, its lower ground floor also houses two wine bars. When you’re in the mood for savoury, there’s the Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Bar, a delicatessen-style space which pairs the best Norfolk cheeses with exclusive local wines and expertly chosen worldwide flavours. And for a sweet tooth? Jarrolds’ Patisserie Wine Bar offers treats like locally made macarons with a glass of fizz! 

The Wallow, Exchange Street 

The Wallow is a wine bar like one you’ve never experienced before: complete with wine vending machines. All you have to do is head to the bar, top up your own Wallow card and pick your bottle of choice. With a selection of over 50 wines, more than 40 varieties and an array of different countries and regions, there’s really a tipple for every palate. And you can sample them beforehand! We suggest whiling away the afternoon sharing a delicious Wallow Board to accompany your wine. 

Other Options

Well-Known Names 

And if you’re out and about in Norwich, keep an eye out for ever-popular names like Cosy Club and Turtle Bay. Housed in a beautifully restored bank on London Street, Cosy Club’s characterful interior serves up beers, wines, cocktails and more in style. Meanwhile, you’ll find Turtle Bay on Swan Lane, ready with a slice of the Caribbean in our medieval city. From the sweet and tropical to the spicy and the smoky, take advantage of their 2-4-1 cocktails all day, every day! 

Pubs A Plenty 

As a city once known for having a pub for every day of the year, Norwich really has some special spots for a pint or otherwise. From waterside terraces at the Ribs of Beef and Red Lion Bishopgate to pubs popular with locals like the Plough and Ten Bells. Not to mention The Garnet for city centre people-watching and some great beer gardens in local neighbourhoods, like The Unthanks Arms and The Warwick Arms (both NR2).