By Katie Thompson
There’s just something about the buzz of a beer garden, right? Whether you’re meeting friends for a catch-up, on a day out with family, basking solo in the sunshine or even looking for the perfect pub crawl. And with warm weather firmly on the horizon, Norwich has a great selection of beer gardens to choose from!
From whiling away your afternoon with a cold drink to a spontaneous pub lunch alfresco or an after-work pick-me-up, most are walkable from the city centre. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of the best beer gardens in our fine city!
The Ribs of Beef’s waterside terrace is a lovely spot in the summer months
The Ribs of Beef, Fye Bridge
Now you may not call it a garden, but The Ribs of Beef’s waterside terrace is a lovely escape from the city’s buzz. Located on the historic Fye Bridge, this hidden spot is so close to the water you can almost touch it- you can see why it’s so popular! With a refreshing drink or a crisp pint in hand, it’s time to put on your sunglasses and relax as the River Wensum flows by.
Norwich Theatre Playhouse Bar, St Georges Street
You don’t need to see a show to step foot onto the leafy terrace at Norwich Theatre’s Playhouse Bar (although that wouldn’t be a bad idea)! It feels both homely and lively thanks to its colourful seating, multicoloured lights and wonderful selection of drinks- which includes local ales, craft beers, spirits and a huge range of teas. Situated right on the river, this plant-filled spot will take you from afternoon to evening. And it’s dog-friendly!
Redwell Brewery, Trowse
Here at VisitNorwich, we love our local independents- and that goes for breweries too! Redwell Brewery (which is a 30-minute walk or 15-minute bus journey from the city centre) is a small batch brewery that produces a range of craft beers with locally grown malt. On slightly cooler days, you can enjoy one of these beers in their working taproom (which is a draw in itself!), but when the sun’s out we recommend their huge beer garden- accompanied by handmade pizza for their in-house pizzeria, of course!
Norwich Theatre Playhouse Bar’s terrace is popular among locals
The Garnet, Marketplace
You can’t get much more central than The Garnet. Overlooking Norwich Market, it’s rare to see this beer garden empty- locals and visitors alike can’t get enough. And in all weathers too! With plenty of benches around the pub, you can immerse yourself into Norwich’s bustling community- with views of the castle no less. And if you’re feeling peckish, just pop next door to Brick or your favourite market stall to enjoy tasty food with your drink!
Belgian Monk, Pottergate
Located in the heart of The Lanes, we’d forgive you for not expecting the Belgian Monk to have such a great beer garden. Just like its name suggests, this pub exudes all-things Belgium. So, while you’re here, it would be wrong not to try their best-selling cherry beer ‘Ter Dolen Kriek’. In their secluded garden, which offers some much-needed shade, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is decide which of their 45 beers you want to try next!
The Plough, St Benedicts Street
You could say The Plough boasts one of the best beer gardens in Norwich… It’s certainly bigger than you’d expect- with plenty of tables, both in the sun and in the shade, a large grassy area and terrace area. Whether you want a pint, a Pimm’s or a pineapple juice, an afternoon here is one well spent. And throughout the summer months, stop by for pop-up food stalls, garden parties and music nights!
A trip to Redwell isn’t complete without a locally brewed beer!
The Red Lion, Bishopsgate
When it comes to beer gardens by the river, Norwich has a great choice- including The Red Lion Bishopsgate. Just a 10-minute stroll from Norwich Cathedral, this pub has loads of outside tables to suit both large and small groups. It’s a peaceful spot, perfectly positioned along our riverside walk, close to Cow Tower and Pull’s Ferry, and beneath bushy green trees. Quench your thirst with the pub’s great selection of drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages, cocktails and wines.
The Rushcutters, Thorpe Green
The Rushcutters may not be in the city centre, but its riverside beer garden is a lovely spot for an alfresco lunch. With plenty of tables outside (and parasols for when it’s really warm), it’s easy to lose track of time here watching swans, canoeists and motorboats glide along the River Yare. (Plus, The Rushcutters is a great pitstop if you’re trying Pub and Paddle or after a few hours on the river with Bishy Barney Boats!)
The Garnet is one of the city centre’s best pubs
In the Golden Triangle
If you’re willing to walk that little bit further, then the so-called Golden Triangle, made up of the streets surrounding Earlham Road, Unthank Road and Newmarket Road, has lots of pubs and beer gardens waiting to be discovered.
In the shadow of The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, and close to the Plantation Garden, is The Temple Bar, whose beer garden is decorated with twinkling fairy lights. Just a short walk down Earlham Road you’ll find The Black Horse. Recently named the best pub in the UK and Ireland by Virgin Radio, their beer garden is a local favourite- and they have heaters for when it turns a bit chilly!
Along and off Unthank Road, you’ll be spoilt for choice! There’s the William & Florence, whose long tables are ideal for large groups, and The Warwick Arms, a buzzing pub whose garden plays host to live music and freshly made pizza. Close by, The York and The Unthank Arms offer a traditional pub feel that’s as welcoming to groups of friends as it is families of all ages, while The Eagle on Newmarket Road has a large sun kissed beer garden well suited to eating and drinking outside.
