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Norwich is a fine city, home to a number of attractions, from history to entertainment, museums to theatres. It's also a lucky city since it has a good number of restaurants and general places to eat out, chain and independent. However Norwich doesn't publicise very well its best bars.
Often I hear my friends telling me they went out for drinks at Vodka Revs or Spoons, and don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with pre drinks at The Glasshouse or The Bell before your night out down Prince of Wales. But personally, I think we are very lucky in Norwich to have a number of thriving independent (and some chain) bars and pubs which pride themselves for their service, aesthetics and beverage quality. So, I've compiled this guide, to help you choose the perfect bar or pub for you to take your mates, a date or your family, depending on what features are most important for you!
For Cocktails
This Caribbean/Jamaican restaurant also serves lush cocktails. Though they are the standard cocktail price, Happy Hour is 2-4-1 and there is plenty of choice. The music and decor of course adds to the experience but being chain, you can find a turtle bay in most UK cities.
8 SWAN LANE NORWICH NR2 1HZ
Sun - Weds : 11:30-23:30
Thurs : 11:30-00:30
Fri - Sat : 11:30-01:30
For the Aesthetics
The picture doesn't cut it, the Playhouse Bar is 'hip and trendy'. Artsy and cool, it supports the next-door Playhouse Theatre which offers a regular timetable of drama, comedy, musical theatre and dance. Yet the bar alone features unusual drinks, art, films DJs and special nights too.
It serves a number of draft bees, wines, spirits, ales and even tea, coffee and cakes! Being by the riverside the garden is peaceful and chilled, but the most impressive part is the interior of the bar. It features The Red Wall exhibition space for local artwork, ‘The Tank’ home to the resident fish and the Ceilingopolis (look up)!
42-58 ST GEORGE'S STREET NORWICH NR3 1AB
Mon - Sat : 10:00-00:00
Sun : 12:00-00:00
Somewhere Cheap
Mischief
The hidden (wouldn't say ... the most attractive of the list) gem of Norwich, Mischief is super cheap with £3 triples and as many Tequila shots your heart may desire. It's only downside is that it can get super busy on peak nights and at peak hours, especially during the holidays when the Norwich locals are free from uni or school to gather there.
8 FYE BRIDGE STREET NORWICH NR3 1HZ
Mon - Sat : 12:00-00:00
Sun : 12:00-23:00
A place that has Drinks and Games
The Bicycle Shop
Tapas, live music and a cool atmosphere, the Bicycle Shop is located down the Norwich lanes and sells tasty and different food along with the usual drinks. Once a bicycle sell and repair shop, if you're visiting for drinks, the downstairs room has plenty of character and you can even play some board games - great place for a date.
17 ST BENEDICTS STREET NORWICH
Monday 12pm - 11pm
Tuesday 10am - 11pm
Wednesday 10am - 11pm
Thursday 10am - 12am
Friday 10am - 1am (no entry after midnight)
Saturday 10am - 1am (no entry after midnight)
Sunday 11am - 11pm
A Gin Place
Mr Postles Apothecary
Selling magical potions and eccentric elixirs, aka yummy cocktails, this 1820's bar also sells food and hosts live music.
Mon: Closed Tues & Weds: 12pm - 11pm Thurs: 12pm - Midnight Fri: 12pm - 2am Sat: 12pm - 2.30am Sun: 12pm - 11pm
With Atmosphere
Franks Bar
Franks Bar has a cool and relaxed atmosphere where downstairs you can enjoy a drink in the evening, upstairs is ideal for food and the courtyard is great in the summer. Though it doesn't have a huge amount of seating, Franks gives off a warm ambience, with candles at every wooden table and local artwork covering the walls. Hit Franks up for a drink, try their meals or sweet treats and coffee.
19 BEDFORD STREET, NORWICH, NR2 1AR
Mon : Closed
Tues – Thurs : 9.00am – Midnight
Fri & Sat : 10.00am – 2.30am
Sun : 10.00am – 10.30pm
Ales
Brewdog
If craft beer is what you're after, then although there are plenty of these located in the UK, at least you know what you're getting. Also serving decent food like their gourmet burgers, Brewdog is a cute location for a daytime or summer evening event.
1 QUEEN STREET, NORWICH, NR2 4SG, UK
Mon - Thurs 12pm - 12am
Friday 12pm - 2am
Saturday 11am - 2am
Sunday 11am - 11pm