Whether you’re catching up with friends or heading out for after-work drinks, we had to recommend these nine exciting cocktail bars in Norwich for you to try
Located in the heart of the city but tucked away from the hustle and bustle is 42 King Street, the tapas and cocktail bar with a cool, laid back atmosphere.
There are lots of inventive cocktails to sample year round with specials changing often – best savoured over good conversation with friends.
2. Hawthorn, 2-4 St Benedicts Street
Hawthorn on St Benedicts Street, described by customers as a “hidden gem”, is a chic cocktail bar with evocations of the glamour of the past; a crystal chandelier, walls painted in a muted blue-grey and a distinctly grown up cocktail menu add an air of sophistication to the bar.
Although changing regularly, the cocktail menu sees creations such as the ‘You’re not in Kansai any more’, made with gin, umeshu (Japanese plum wine), violette, lemon and tonic.
3. Warwick Street Social, 2 Warwick Street
Stylish bar Warwick Street Social is dedicated to Norwich’s social needs from breakfast to late night cocktails. Laudable, minimalistic design coupled with perfect colour combinations make this your new favourite spot to catch up with friends.
Try an espresso martini while sampling the bar menu, that features lots of shareable foods, adding to the social appeal.
4. Frank’s Bar, 19 Bedford Street
It’s got to be mulled wine if you visit the trendy, Mediterranean style Frank’s Bar located on Bedford Street. With lots of tempting food on offer which is made from ingredients supplied by local producers, high quality ingredients also go into the cocktails.
Why not order an Elderflower Collins made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and elderflower liqueur? For a taste of the pudding favourite go for an Apple Crumble & Custard made with Zubrowka vodka, Galliano and apple juice. And with plenty of film screenings and live music events throughout the year, you will be well entertained too!
5. The Bicycle Shop, 17 St Benedicts Street
Bohemian décor, antique-style furniture and secret corners; with a speakeasy air, The Bicycle Shop on St Benedicts Street makes for a cosy spot to sip a cocktail.
Originally an actual bicycle sale and repair shop, this bar is known for its tasty food served upstairs and of course, its cocktails, prepared how you like behind the bar to be enjoyed in the candle-lit, red-curtain-clad basement.
6. The Playhouse Bar, 42-58 St Georges Street
The Playhouse Bar, on St Georges Street is tucked away next to the River Wensum and serving drinks to theatre goers and cocktail lovers in the cosy bar.
Whether you fancy a pre- or post-theatre tipple or just want a place to relax with friends, there will be gin and tonics with elderflower cordial, prosecco, screwdrivers, martinis and anything else you can dream up in abundance.
7. Jive Kitchen & Bar, 2a Exchange Street
Laid back Mexican street food joint Jive Kitchen & Bar serves exciting food packed with flavours from the markets of Mexico. You’ll want to order some beef nachos smothered in bacon jam, cheese, salsa and jalapenos to go alongside your cocktails.
The cocktail menu includes margaritas, dirty mules, Mezcal negronis and an El Diablo made with Reposado tequila, cassis, lime and ginger beer.
8. Mr Postles’ Apothecary, 2 Upper King Street
Head to the lively 1820’s themed Mr Postles’ Apothecary on Upper King Street for live music throughout the week to tap your foot to while enjoying cocktails with your friends.
Order a bubbly Rhubarb Crumble Kir made by mixing Chase rhubarb liqueur with prosecco; or a twist on bedtime milk with a Chocolate & Vanilla Russian made with vodka, chocolate and lots of sweet marshmallows.
9. Aroma, 5 Upper King Street
Aroma on Upper King Street is a cosy café/bar serving coffees and food in the day time and cocktails during the evening. The cocktail menu is substantial and augmented seasonally.
The bestseller is an espresso martini but we also love the sound of the cherry and thyme gin sour made with gin, maraschino liqueur, cherry jam, lemon juice, simple syrup and a hint of thyme – yum!
