It’s a crazy world we’re living in and every single day has been coined some sort of “National Day Of…” something or other.  Tomorrow happens to be National Chocolate Day and Champagne Day and with things to look forward to such as National Deep Fried Clams Day and National french dip day just around the corner. We’ve put together a guide of how you can really make the most of November.

National Calzone Day (November 1st)

Take the delectable aroma of garlic and tomato sauce and add authentic Italian ingredients to a thick layer of cheese and fold over to create a hot delicious parcel of flavour that is hard to beat.  Originating in Naples the Calzone dough is infused with butter and garlic and smothered in homemade sauces with Italian herbs and spices that give an unmistakably Italian authenticity to every calzone recipe.

Norwich boasts a multitude of fine Italian dining serving some exquisite Calzone.  Try Trattoria Rustica on Princes Street for a taste of true Italy, with the family-run business serving some of the most authentic Italian cuisines in the city.  Alternatively, Donnellis Pizzeria on Timber Hill is a great all Italian dining experience.

International Stout Day (First Thursday in November) 

Stouts were derived from porters in the 1700s, and since then have become one of the most sought after tipples.  They were so popular in fact that on November 3, 2011, stouts were dedicated an entire day to be celebrated and International Stout Day was born. Typically strong and flavoursome a stout is a beer that should be sipped and savoured.

Norwich boasts some award-winning stout creators such as S&P Brewery responsible for the Darkest Hour Stout brew that has been awarded CAMRA’s Silver Award for Norfolk Stout 2019 and is available at locations such as The Kings Head on Magdelen Street, The Leopard on Bull Close Road and The Trafford Arms on Grove Road.  Brewdog is located in the centre of the city on Queen Street and boasts a varied selection of stouts to please any taste.  Lastly, the Fat Cat is a great venue to enjoy home brewed stout and is located on Lawson Road.

National Nacho’s day – (5th November)

Nachos are hot, spicy, cheesy and very messy and since their creation has become one of the worlds favourite snacks. Originating in 1943, Piedras Negras, Mexico when wives of American soldiers visited the maitre d’hotel, named Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya and was asked him to feed them. All he had were some tortillas chips, shredded cheese and some pickled jalapeno peppers, the rest is history.

Celebrate international Nachos day in style in one of the many amazing Mexican restaurants Norwich has to offer. Two of the most notable being the Jive Kitchen & Bar on  Exchange Street, and Gringos Nacho Factory that hosts a Pop Up Service on Thursdays located all around the county and a pickup and sit down service in Gringos Mexican Tequila Bar on Prince of Wales on Fridays.

Homemade Bread Day (17th November)

November 17, sees homes filled with the irresistible aroma of homemade bread. Those who are experienced in baking homemade bread insist on using quality ingredients and making them with love. Homemade bread will enrich the flavour of any meals and is symbolised across cultures and religions around the world as something of great value.

Take Norwich’s very own ‘Bread Source’ the self-proclaimed artisan bakery selling artisan, additive-free bread, pastries and buns.  These guys take their bread making very seriously and are passionate about the detail involved in creating the perfect loaf.  Their baked goods can be found at the Bakery Counter, Marriott Close, at their bakery on Upper St Giles, Bridleway Alley and Norwich Market.   Also providing some tasty home-baked bread made with love are Crusty Corner Bakery in Norwich an independent family run Bakery offering delicious freshly baked bread, handmade cakes and lots more baked treats.   Crusty Corner is located on Bell Road, Norwich. 

Another artisan bakery centred in the heart of Norwich is Dozen Bakery on Gloucester St.  All of their bread is made using Marriage’s Organic Strong Stoneground flour, delicious French butter bakery boasts a fine selection of bread, pastries local and European cheeses, Norfolk honey, Norfolk homemade jams and chutneys and much more.

National Espresso Day (23rd November)

The word espresso (/ɛˈsprɛsoʊ/;) means ‘quick in time in Italian and derives from its origins of being a coffee expressly made to order.   It is traditionally made using the most freshly roasted and ground coffee beans.  Over time we have come to recognise the espresso as a strong brew served in a smaller cup.  Norwich boasts a vast selection of wonderful cafes to help you celebrate this day. Check out our list of 10 Irresistible Cafes And Restaurants To Visit In Norwich for a great guide of where to go for a coffee around the city.

Other Things To Enjoy

Along with all these wonderful ways to celebrate this November there are also some events happening that will get you in the mood for Christmas.  From Friday 13th November to Sunday 15th November @ the Norfolk Showground Arena. The Norfolk Festive Gift and Food Show host 3 days of festive shopping and food & drink. Widely enjoyed as one of the region’s number one Christmas shopping markets, This year will see certain restrictions put in place to tackle the spread of COVID-19 full loads of fun to be had by the whole family.

ABC Taxis are proud to have partnered with our friends at Roarr Dinosaur Adventure! And are now offering a discounted fare of just £15 one way for a 4 seater car and £22.50 for a 6 seater mini-bus from Norwich City centre.  A full list of events taking place at the park can be found on the Roarr Dinosaur Adventure Website

Having just secured a “lifeline” rescue package worth £3m from the government. Norwich Theatre runs Norwich Theatre Royal,  the Playhouse and Stage Two and has is again playing host to some amazing shows and performances in the lead up to the festive season.  Make sure you check out the Theatre Royal website for listings and booking.