The Best Beer Gardens in Norwich

The Best Beer Gardens in Norwich

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!

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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!

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, classic and seasonal cocktails and wines. 

Redwell Brewery, Trowse 

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– like table lager Kett’s Table. On slightly cooler days, you can enjoy one of these beverages 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 from their in-house pizzeria, of course! 

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!

Two other, more urban beer gardens worth noting are the Lamb Inn and The Weavers Arms. Both are popular with locals, with the Lamb Inn showing live sports outside and The Weavers Arms prepared for all weathers with heaters and canopy decorated with fairy lights. Elsewhere, St Saviour’s Yard is home to Sir Toby’s NR3– sip on a local craft beer or continental bottle in the sun, accompanied by a slice of East Dough’s NYC-style pizza.

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. (And it’s a spot where the sun lasts well into the evening.) 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! 

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.

And if you plan on enjoying an afternoon with Pub & Paddle next door, why not opt for their Pub, Paddle and Pizza route? Two fresh pizzas from The Ribs of Beef will be waiting to reward you!

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 after a few hours on the river with Bishy Barney Boats!) 

In the Golden Triangle 

If you’re willing to walk that little bit further, then the Golden Triangle in NR2, as well as the Silver Triangle in NR3, where The Whalebone’s beer garden is a go-to for locals looking for a buzzing atmosphere, boasts plenty of pubs and beer gardens waiting to be discovered. 

In the shadow of The Cathedral of St John the Baptist and close to 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. Named 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! And close by on Stafford Street is Belle Vue, home to a hidden beer garden that’s bigger than you think!

Along and off Unthank Road, you’ll be spoilt for choice! At the top of Unthank Road is The Georgian Townhouse, whose grassy beer garden claims to be the largest in the city and boasts its own bar, wood-fired pizzas, loads of seating, the occasional DJ set and a play area.

There’s the William & Florence, whose long tables are ideal for large groups, creating a welcoming sense of community, while its different levels mean you’re more than likely to find a secluded seat in the sun, and The Warwick Arms, a buzzing pub whose garden plays host to live music and a relaxed atmosphere. They have a wonderful selection of drinks too, including £5 Espresso Martinis all day, every day!

A short walk away, The Unthank Arms offers a traditional pub feel that’s as welcoming to groups of friends as it is families of all ages (we recommend treating yourself to a delicious pub meal while you’re here), as does The York, while The Eagle on Newmarket Road has a large sun kissed beer garden well suited to eating and drinking outside.