Why Norwich is becoming the foodie capital of the UK (2024)

Cities such as London and Manchester have thousands ofrestaurants, but Norwich punches well above its weight for the number of incredible spots in such a small area.

The saying goes that Norwich once had a pub for every day of the year, which was actually double that with maps from the late 1800s showing a stonking 622.

The phrase would probably be more apt in recent years for the number of restaurants that have popped up.

Why Norwich is becoming the foodie capital of the UK (1)Dishes from Korean restaurant The Kimchi in Norwich. (Image: Newsquest)

You can truly eat around the world in Norwich -fromauthentic Korean dishes at The Kimchi to a taste of Italy at Benoli, owned by chef Oliver Boon who reached the finals of Masterchefs: The Professionals.

The fast-growing food scene has also attracted attention from renowned food critics, with Jay Rayner heaping praise on French bistro L'Hexagone in Lower Goat Lane last year.

Talking of the Lanes, there are incredible spotsaround every corner, from Grosvenor Fish Bar with the seating area in a bunkerto sweet and savoury sister businesses Figbar and Salt.

Why Norwich is becoming the foodie capital of the UK (2)Grosvenor Fish Bar serves delicious fish and chips in the Norwich Lanes. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2017)

If you are looking for a quick bitethen Norwich Market is a haven for street food lovers, with the recently launched New York-style sandwich stall The Bodega a huge hit.

A glowing example of collaboration on the market is between Sir Toby's Beers and Chilean stall Cocina Mia,with a joint seating areawhere you can enjoy empanadas and beer.

If you want local produce then the newly-revamped Jarrold Food Hall is the place to go, complete with a cheese room and freezer packed with fine dining meals by the owners of city restaurant Farmyard, which can be delivered nationwide.

Why Norwich is becoming the foodie capital of the UK (3)The seating area at Norwich Market is a collaboration between Sir Toby's Beers and Cocina Mia.

Veganism is also huge in the city,with the likes of Tofueri, which recently featured on The Hairy Bikers, and One Planet Pizza is nowstocked in Asda stores nationwide.

Those wanting to keep up to date on foodie newscan follow bloggers such as the Fry Up Inspector and Love Norwich Food, who have an almost infinite supply of content with all the new openings, revamps and menus.

Why Norwich is becoming the foodie capital of the UK (4)Brix and Bones is located above Gonzo's Tea Room. Picture: Chris Harvey Visuals) (Image: Chris Harvey Visuals)

In terms of awards and accolades, the likes of Benedicts and Farmyard in St Benedicts Street are regular fixtures and rising staropen-fire restaurant Brix and Bones, above Gonzo's Tea Room,was recently added to The Good Food Guide.

And the cherry on the top was the two new food halls that opened in late 2022 - Yalm in the Royal Arcade and Castle Social in the Castle Quarter.

Forget a fine city, Norwich is well and truly a food city.

Why Norwich is becoming the foodie capital of the UK (2024)

FAQs

What is the foodie capital of the UK? ›

Their data revealed Sheffield to be the Foodie Capital of the UK after achieving a weighted score of 99. Accor said: "This city distinguishes itself as a hub for food festivals and markets.

What city in England has the best food? ›

Our data crowns Sheffield as the foodie capital of the UK after achieving a weighted score of 99. This city distinguishes itself as a hub for food festivals and markets.

What does Norwich produce? ›

So if you have a favourite local product, ensure your cupboard is always well stocked, or treat a friend to the taste of Norfolk. Including your favourite local suppliers like Norfolk Gin, Bullards, Adnams, Gnaw, Black Shuck, St Giles, Booja Booja, Grey Seal and Candi's, Stokes and Orchard Fruits.

Why is eating out in the UK so expensive? ›

Restaurants are increasing prices as they try to boost profits following pandemic restrictions amid high food price inflation, rising wages and energy cost increases.

What is the foodie capital of the world? ›

1. Seoul, South Korea: 4,926 five-star restaurants. Our top food capital of the world is Seoul in South Korea. Cooks from this country have created more than 100 different ways to serve fermented cabbage — clearly, this is a culture that takes food very seriously.

What is the most popular food place in the UK? ›

popularity is the % of people who have a positive opinion of a dining brand. Find out more
  1. 1 Greggs79%
  2. 2 J D Wetherspoon59%
  3. 3 Burger King58%
  4. 4 Costa Coffee57%
  5. 5 Pizza Hut57%
  6. 6 McDonald's56%
  7. 7 KFC56%
  8. 8 Subway55%

What is the most eaten thing in England? ›

The Top 10 Most Popular Foods in the UK
  1. Most Popular Food in England: Yorkshire Pudding. ...
  2. Sunday Roast Dinner. ...
  3. Most Popular Food in the UK: Cornish Pasty. ...
  4. Fish and Chips. ...
  5. Most Popular Food in the UK: Full English Breakfast. ...
  6. Shepherd's Pie. ...
  7. Most Popular Food in the UK: Christmas Pudding. ...
  8. Steak and Kidney Pudding and Pie.
May 6, 2023

What are the top 3 foods in England? ›

filters
  1. 1 Fish and Chips86%
  2. 2 Roast Chicken86%
  3. 3 Chips85%
  4. 4 Soup81%
  5. 5 English Breakfast80%
  6. 6 Roast Beef79%
  7. 7 Mashed Potatoes78%
  8. 8 Bangers and Mash77%

What is the number one food in England? ›

Italian was the UK's favourite cuisine overall, with macaroni cheese and lasagne ranking as the top dishes. Indian food came second, with the iconic chicken tikka dish driving much of this interest. Fast food was next, showcasing Britain's love of quick, convenient meals without the hassle of cooking.

What is so special about Norwich? ›

One of the things that makes Norwich truly unique, is that it's the only English city within a National Country Park. The Broads are made up of 30 lakes across Norfolk, connected by rivers and dykes that create 200 miles of tranquil waterways.

What is special about Norwich? ›

An Ancient City with Modern Flair

Situated about 100 miles northeast of London, Norwich stands out for its rich heritage, notably with the presence of a magnificent cathedral and a colossal Norman castle that narrates stories of a bygone medieval era.

Why is Norwich city famous? ›

Britain's most easterly city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with annual festivals and some notable modern architecture – it's been recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature. Must-sees include the majestic Norwich Cathedral and the imposing Norman castle, as well as over 30 medieval churches.

Is food cheaper in USA or UK? ›

We have a home in both the USA and UK and even the more expensive supermarkets in the UK are much, much cheaper than even Walmart in the US. In particular, fresh produce is two to three times more expensive in the USA. This is a fact, not just opinion.

Is food cheaper in America or UK? ›

We analysed some of the most common items in a weekly shopping, looking for equivalent items where possible (such as value ranges and package sizes) and going by the current exchange rate via Forbes. The final score: 11 items were cheaper here in the UK, while three were less in the US.

Are groceries cheaper in the UK than the US? ›

During our visits in February 2023, we found that prices in the grocery stores were relatively affordable. However, some items, like eggs, were significantly cheaper in the UK and, overall, our shopping list would cost us far less in the UK. Here's a closer look at what we found.

Where is most food grown in the UK? ›

It is concentrated in the drier east (for crops) and the wetter west (for livestock). There are over 100,000 farm holdings, which vary widely in size. The main crops that are grown are wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits and vegetables. The livestock that is raised include cattle and sheep.

What is the famous food market in England? ›

The most popular food markets outside of London
RankMarketLocation
1Harewood HouseLeeds
2St George's MarketBelfast
3Mackie MayorManchester
4Baltic MarketLiverpool
6 more rows
Mar 25, 2024

Which UK city has the most food banks? ›

The numbers of food parcels distributed by the Trussell Trust up to March 2023 can be seen in the chart below: London was the region with the highest distribution of Trussell Trust food parcels in 2021/22, closely followed by South-East and North-West England.

What is the UK known for food wise? ›

British traditional food is full breakfast, Fish and Chips, the Sunday Roast, Steak, Kidney Pie, Shepherds Pie, Bangers, and Mash. Due to diverse cultures, Britain has focused on a wide variety of foods from different cuisines of Europe, India, and other parts of the world.

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