The Best Bars in Norwich

1 September 2023

The Best Bars in Norwich

As autumn slowly rolls in, that means its time to start thinking about the best places for cosying up with a good drink while escaping the cold outside. Maybe you’re looking for somewhere to stop off for pint or glass of wine while exploring the city? Somewhere with a great atmosphere to catch up with friends? Or even that perfect first date spot?

Whatever you’re after, with Norwich’s abundance of bars and pubs – there’s something to suit every need! And if you need even more recommendations, don’t forget to check out our ‘Bars & Beers‘ page under ‘Eat & Drink‘.

Gyre & Gimble, Charing Cross

If you favour a bar that has plenty of choice, Gyre & Gimble is the ideal place to be. We’re pretty sure it has the largest drink menu in Norwich. Seriously, it’s huge, and you have to see it for yourself. Plus, every drink on the menu is 100% zero waste! Every bit of their ingredients are used, so you can drink with the added bonus of a clear conscience.

Gyre & Gimble even make a range of their own delicious gins and vodka – everything tastes better when its homemade! Expect lots of bold and unique flavours here, it’s a great experience, and we’re sure you’ll be back for more time and time again.

We recommend…

• Taking your time to explore the extensive menu. Find a drink that really suits what you want, there’s something perfect for everyone!
• Trying your own hand at gin making with Gyre & Gimble’s Gim Academy days! Here, you’ll be guided through making your very own gin, and you get to take your very own bottle home. They even keep the recipe on file, so you can go back and buy more of your creation!

The Playhouse Bar, St Georges Street

One of the most popular haunts in Norwich, especially for students, The Playhouse Bar is known for its great drinks, lovely outdoor seating, and creative decor. They serve real ales from local breweries, have art draped from floor to ceiling (literally – look up when you’re in there), and there’s a great vibe all-round. It’s a guaranteed great night out.

We recommend…

• Taking your dog with you. Not only is The Playhouse Bar a dog friendly venue but your pup has the chance of being named dog of the week on the bar’s Instagram!
• Making the time to try out their huge range of teas! There’s plenty to choose from, including the choice of a mystery tea, great for when you can’t decide.
• Renting a hot water bottle on those colder nights! These first come, first served bottles are sure to keep you warm while you enjoy a pint.

Yalm, The Royal Arcade

Housed in one of the City of Stories’ most iconic buildings, The Royal Arcade, you’ll find Yalm. Across two floors, a huge range of award-winning vendors awaits, from cafés to incredible restaurants offering plenty of cuisines, and, most importantly for this blog, a bar.

If you’re feeling old school, you can head up and order from the bar, or you can simply find a table, scan the QR code, and order completely from your phone! Expect cocktails, 15-taps of beer, then even local and international wine and spirits!

We recommend…

• Checking out their restaurants menus! Everything from Yalm is so good, we’d recommend taking a look for anything that might take your fancy.

The Cosy Club, London Street

With a bar and restaurant in the restored old National Provincial Bank, drinks at The Cosy Club are bound to feel as luxury as it looks, an evening spent here is truly special. Take in the original glass domed ceiling, all while sipping on a cocktail. They have a delicious food menu too, if that takes your fancy!

And maybe if you head downstairs you’ll see the old vault doors… Or, you could book for twelve people or more and see the inside for yourself!

We recommend…

• Booking your table between 4pm-8pm on Sundays – Thursdays to get two cocktails for just £11.95!

The Ribs of Beef, Wensum Street

For a more relaxed drinking experience, get yourself a table at The Ribs of Beef. A popular staple of the city, this 18th century free house has just about everything you could want from a good pub.

Enjoy up to nine real ales and craft beers on cask, including five frequently changing Guest Ales, regular live music, a pub quiz, sports on multiple screens, and a gorgeous riverside jetty.

We recommend…

• Trying out a craft beer while watching the football, rugby, cricket, whatever sport takes your fancy! It’s always a great time to be at The Ribs of Beef when there’s sports on.
• Grabbing a table outside on those rare warmer days, the riverside seating goes perfectly with a glass of something sparkling!

The Wildman, Bedford Street

Close to the Cathedral and the Norwich Market, The Wildman is a perfectly placed watering hole for explorers of the city. With carefully crafted cocktails, coffees, and soul music in the evenings, you could almost spend a whole day here drinking, snacking and relaxing.

The Wildman are fully equipped for any sports fan, with large TV screens and a fully stocked kitchen to rustle up your favourite snacks! They’re also dog-friendly, so it’s worth bringing the pooch along.

We recommend…

• The cocktail club every day between 4pm-8pm. Where all cocktails and any double gin and mixer are only two for £12!

Gonzos Tea Room, London Street

Coffee, cocktails, and burgers. There really is no better combination. Tucked away on London Street, you might have to look twice when looking for the doorway to Gonzos Two Room. But once you’ve been inside and seen it for yourself, you won’t make that mistake again!

In this laid back bar, you can find a large selection of tasty cocktails, which feature a blend of classics as well as cocktails totally unique to Gonzos! Stay late enough, and watch the tables clear, the disco balls glow, and the DJs play, as it turns into a two-floored nightclub! It’s definitely worth sticking around for.

We recommend…

• Booking a table on its rooftop terrace. With covered seating areas and fire pits, the rooftop is the place to be come rain or shine.
• Sampling their delicious burgers (they come with a mountain of fries to enjoy too!).
• Visiting between 3pm – 6pm every weekday for half price wings! (Bank holidays excluded).

Sir Toby’s Beers, Norwich Market

For a totally unique bar experience, stop off at Sir Toby’s Beers stall at Norwich Market. At just over four square metres, it’s one of the smallest in the country, and possibly even the world! But make no mistake, they make the most of this room in a really impressive way.

Home to over 100 different beers, including beers on tap, you can choose to stand at their bar, sit just around the corner on their tables, or take them away to enjoy in the comfort of your home! With Bavarian lager, craft sours, craft stouts, and plenty of IPAs, why not treat yourself to something new?

We recommend…

• Signing up for their subscription boxes. Get a handpicked box of craft beers from Sir Toby’s delivered straight to your door. From £34.95 every month, two months, or three months.

The Wallow, Exchange Street

Our top pick for the best ambient music (we’re talking absolute classics from the 1980’s onwards), The Wallow is also a haven for wine lovers. With over 50 wines from over 40 distinct varieties, their collection is made from an array of countries and regions, leaving something to be found for every palate.

The Wallow even have self-service wine dispensers! Simply head to the bar, where you’ll be given your own Wallow card, top it up with however much you choose, then you’re free to pick and pour your wine from their dispensers! Samples are available beforehand too, so you can make sure you’ve made the right choice.

We recommend…

• Treating yourself to a sharing board. Antipasti, cured meat, fish, cheese and chutneys – there’s nothing better to graze on as you enjoy a merlot or pinot grigio.

Want to discover more fabulous food and drink in Norwich? Check out our Eat & Drink page to get some inspiration.