Culture in Norwich: Yalm
Culture in Norwich: Yalm
When you’re feeling peckish, we always recommend a visit to Yalm. This buzzing food hall boasts eight kitchens, including delicious pop-ups, so, no matter your tastes, there will be something to take your fancy! Each time you return, savour different dishes from budding small businesses spanning worldwide cuisine.
That’s not all- Yalm is known for their exciting events line-up, too. Think al fresco summer DJ sets, chilled jazz nights and creative workshops that collaborate with Norwich and Norfolk’s favourite local brands. And with their newest addition, social gaming space The Boardroom, this popular venue is cementing itself as one of the city’s top destinations for fabulous food and drink and all-day entertainment!
Here we find out more from Yalm’s Operations Director, Dan Searle.
When it comes to food, Yalm has so much choice that you’ll want to try a plate from every kitchen!
Tell us the meaning of the word ‘yalm’ and why it was the right name for you.
After much research, we discovered the word ‘yalm’, a forgotten Norfolk term which means ‘to eat hungrily’. The design and marketing process for us was key and so we spent lots of time on finding the right fit. This combination of a catchy four-letter word that had a nod to Norfolk dialect was absolutely perfect for us.
You’re surrounded by beautiful architecture and boast a bright upstairs space not even locals knew about before you opened in 2022! What made the Royal Arcade the right location for Yalm?
We are so humbled to be able to operate in such an architecturally important building. The Royal Arcade itself is stunning and being central within the city was important for us, with plenty of visitors and easy access. (Yalm endeavours to be accessible to all diners, with wheelchair friendly lifts opening access to both floors.)
To also have the space to operate so many kitchens on one floor was a big factor and it gave a collection of independent business the opportunity to operate in a prime site that perhaps would not have been achievable as a solo business.
In the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Arcade, Yalm is ideal for everyone- it’s accessible, social and dog-friendly!
Your food hall is known for showcasing local businesses. Why is that an important aspect of your identity?
East Anglia has so many great independent businesses and Norwich in particular has a fiercely independent food scene!
We really want to showcase these businesses because we’re 100% confident that it creates a customer experience that cannot be matched. It’s providing a great platform for Norfolk-based eateries to start and grow, as well as something really exciting for food and drink lovers.
Do you have any local names lined up for upcoming pop-ups?
We have lots of ongoing conversations with some really exciting new local food businesses, as well as some firm favourites that are looking to try something new in Yalm. Watch this space!
Our next pop-up with be an Indian grill from the guys at Waaghoba called Teekha. The menu will boast everything from traditional curries and Thali to grilled meats with incredibly fresh flavours and varying spice levels. We love what these guys do and cannot wait to welcome them on board. A date for your diaries- they’re starting on 7th May!
You’re expanding- how exciting! What can we expect from your new space?
We are super excited about our new space! It will see the ground floor extended into the next two retail units in the Royal Arcade.
We are knocking through to create an open plan space that offers booth seating to enjoy your usual Yalm experience, but with the addition of two 18-foot shuffle boards and three electronic dart boards! We wanted to create a space where people can meet up and play before and after dinner on the first floor, transforming the whole of the ground floor into a cafe by day and bar by night with more seating and plenty to entertain.
Al Fresco, launching again in May, is just one of many events Yalm holds throughout the year
Yalm is not just a delicious place to eat, but also a hub for community. This is underpinned by events like Al Fresco’s DJ sets. Are there any events we should look out for in summer 2026?
Working with local artists, performers and communities is something we love to do! Providing a central hub for all sorts of communities to come together over delicious food and drinks is what we are all about.
We have our summer campaign Al Fresco launching once again later in May. This will see extra tables for dining in the arcade, DJs and live acoustic music throughout the summer. We also have everything from all-day jazz events to hip hop karaoke in late summer too. Our program is always evolving.
Finally, if you were visiting Yalm for the first time, which dishes would you choose?
Visiting Yalm for the first time may seem a little daunting because there really is so much on offer. (Here at VisitNorwich, the variety of choice is one thing that we believe makes Yalm stand out.)
If it were me, I would take a couple of friends or the kids and give myself plenty of time, settling in with a cold beer and ordering a small plate or side from each kitchen. Then I could decide which is my favourite for the next time I come!
Yalm is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am. Keep an eye on their socials for upcoming events and pop-ups! Coming next, Teekha and Al Fresco, both launching in May.
