by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories. From mouthwatering menus at Norwich foodie favourites to just-announced festivals, line-ups, awards and arrivals. Or maybe you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay?
Whether you’re a craft-beer connoisseur, animal-lover or Shakespeare supporter, keep on reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city. (It’s time to get your diary out!)
Treat yourself to the new Rosette menu at WinePress!
The Maids Head’s 2 AA Rosette restaurant WinePress is starting the year on a high- with a delicious new dinner menu from their new Head Chef. Norwich-local Alastair Grand is here to stay, elevating WinePress’ fine dining experience even further- think French classics with a modern twist. Yum!
You can book the Rosette Menu at WinePress now (2 courses £48.75, 3 courses £60).
The National Centre for Writing is a welcoming and warm space
Housed in the historic Dragon Hall, the National Centre for Writing has just been awarded Place of Sanctuary status thanks to its dedication to supporting individuals fleeing violence and persecution. This safe, inclusive, and creative space offers initiatives like family welcome days, writing workshops for young women, and community cooking courses- why not see for yourself?
The National Centre for Writing reopens on Sunday 6 April.
Banham’s baby chicks Pudding and Humbug arrived late last year!
It’s almost impossible not to fall in love with baby animals, right? And at Banham Zoo it’s no different. In late December, the zoo welcomed the arrival of two critically endangered black-footed penguin chicks- aptly (and rather adorably!) named Pudding and Humbug.
You can meet Pudding and Humbug for yourselves when visiting Banham Zoo, open from 10am Monday – Sunday.
Enjoy a night of Shakespearean comedy at Norwich Cathedral this summer!
If music be the food of love, play on. Or perhaps that should be theatre? Twelfth Night will take centre stage at Norwich Cathedral’s open-air theatre for the 2025 Shakespeare Festival. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return to perform Shakespeare’s best-loved comedy- Elizabethan costumes included!
Twelfth Night is on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 July, with tickets on sale now for £22.
Yalm’s Hello Sailor pop-up showcases the best of British seafood
Hello Sailor! Yalm’s latest pop-up is perfect for any seafood-lover. You’ll find Hello Sailor Fish Bar upstairs (12pm – 10pm, along with all other vendors) with a menu showcasing the best of local and British seafood- including the iconic Cromer crab. To make it even more special you can book a table (up to 6 people). And don’t forget to keep an eye out for their upcoming private dining events?
Hello Sailor Fish Bar is open from February to April at Yalm Foodhall.
Why not visit Norwich’s first Craft Beer Festival?
It’s no secret that Norwich is home to some great bars and breweries. And this May, Sir Toby’s Beers are bringing us Norwich’s first Craft Beer Festival. This two-day festival will not only celebrate craft beers, but also a specially curated selection of IPAs, stouts, pale ales, and more. Plus, you can expect street food, garden games and DJs!
Norwich Craft Beer Festival is taking place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May at The Waterfront, with tickets from £9.
When you’re so close to landscapes like this, it’s a no-brainer to stay at Holkham
If you’re looking for a unique getaway on the Norfolk coast this spring, then Holkham’s brand-new Shepherd Huts are the answer. You can opt for self-catering or bed and breakfast (with views over the meadow), there’s a patio and BBQ for warm evenings, and they’re dog friendly. This is a luxuriously cosy stay for any solo-travellers, couples, or friends.
Holkham’s Shepherd Huts are available from 28 April, from £540 for two nights.
Tuck into cuisine from around the world at the recently revamped COSMO
COSMO has reopened after a 6-week transformation- meaning new decor, more seating, and a wider range of food. Settle down in one of their new booths- or their space dedicated to large groups if you’ve a reason for celebrating- and tuck into cuisine from across Asia, Europe, and South America.
You can book a table at COSMO via their website.
NNF is always a city highlight
Promising a 17-day programme like never before, it’s time to check out the festival’s full line-up! From free quiet reading outdoors (Page Against the Machine), a candlelight performance (Compline by Candlelight) at Norwich Cathedral and family stuff (Little ‘nn’ Fest) to paid-for music and performance, visual arts, and literature you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Tickets to the Norfolk & Norwich Festival are on sale Friday 21 February (some free events need to be booked in advance).
