They’re back! For almost a month now, restaurants and pubs have opened their doors to the eager patrons who’ve been waiting over a quarter of a year for a refreshing draught pint or an exciting dining experience. More than anything, it’s wonderful just to have the chance to spend some time with our friends and family.

The inspiring reminder that we’re not alone has likely come with the stark reality that an entire city is trying to pack itself into the handful of venues that can accommodate outside seating, which is almost always much smaller than its indoor seating capacity. The lines outside stretching far beyond the doorstep. 

We’ve waited long enough. That’s why we at ABC Taxis has compiled a list of some of our favourite places in Norwich that you can have a safe, socially distanced meal or pint that are taking advanced booking. Say goodbye to queues and say hello to good friends, good food and, with any luck, good weather!

Gonzo’s Tea Room

This nostalgic yet exciting bar and restaurant is one of Norwich’s culinary prides. One of Big 7 Travel’s top 25 places to eat, top 5 chicken wings, and 50 best burgers in the ENTIRE country, you’d be missing out if one of the first stops of your post-pandemic food-crawls isn’t having one of Gonzo’s monster burgers. The bar and restaurant (gastropub, I think they’re called?) sports one of the most thrilling eating and drinking experiences with a rooftop venue, beautiful lighting and in-house DJ to accompany your dinner. 

Tipsy Vegan

Our Fine City is a constant contender in the many lists of vegan-friendly cities. One the eco-friendly heavyweights in Norwich is the fascinating Tipsy Vegan in its lovely corner of St Benedict’s Street. The variety of food is just stunning. If you ask us, the most intimidating part of the whole experience is choosing just one meal! Our solution? Tipsy Vegan’s tapas selection is a brilliant way to get a bit of everything and enhance the experience by sharing with your friends, potluck style!

The Rumsey Wells

Not just a fantastic pub, it’s long been one of Norwich’s favourite music venues. Now taking centre stage is Brick Pizza’s fantastic menu: The perfect food for hanging out with your mates! Norwich’s oldest pieminster is now serving a different kind of pie. Don’t skimp on the best selection of rum you’ll ever find.

Park Farm Hotel and Leisure

Should you desire to venture into Norfolk’s magical scenery, Park Farm Hotel and Leisure has the perfect sunset view to enjoy the splendid evening air. With stunning scenery providing the backdrop to a delicious outdoor meal made up of authentic Norfolk ingredients, Park Farm is undoubtedly the most romantic experience to have here in the East of England.

The Mitre

Venturing a little further from the city centre is one of Norwich’s hidden treasures for more reasons than just the food. This wonderful coffee house is just such a pleasant place to be with a friendly atmosphere and some most welcoming staff you’ll meet in your lifetime. Serving a classic pub lunches with that little bit extra to elevate the menu, there’s such an easiness to this place that few places can properly master. 

The Blue Joanna

Another vegan paradise (though not exclusively so), Blue Joanna boasts one of the most innovative menus to be found in Norwich. Home of the Korean Blue Taco, prepare for a dance of flavour accompanied with a vast selection of wines and cocktails. If anywhere in Norwich deserves a blue plaque, it’s the Blue Joanna.

The Artichoke/XO Kitchen

This dynamic duo stands proudly at the top of Magdalen Street as one of the fullest eating and drinking experiences to be had in the city. The Artichoke boasts a comprehensive rotating menu of beers and ciders served by a friendly team of knowledgeable enthusiasts. Meanwhile, it’s clear in the menu from the quality, the experimentation and the presentation that the kitchen staff have an immense passion for what they do. Forget everything you know about food and drink and let these guys take you for a ride.

So that’s our list! If we missed another favourite of yours please, please let us know. We love to discover more Norwich gems! Just as each of these venues have taken measures to bring us the safest experience, ABC Taxis have made sure that your ride to these venues are as COVID-free as possible. Also like these dining experiences, you can avoid disappointment by booking in advance. You can call us at 01603 666333, booking online, messaging us on Facebook Messenger or by downloading the ABC Taxis app.

From ABC, Bon appe-taxi!