Tell me about it. Poor old Norwich. All those people bypassing it on the way to Holkham or Wells … its most famous son Alan Partridge. But today sees the opening of REALITY, an exhibition celebrating the coolest British painters – including Freud, Bacon and Hockney – at the shiny modern Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (pictured) on the University of East Anglia campus on the edge of the city. And with Stephen Fry in town for the Autumn Literary Festival (from 8 October), it’s a tempting weekend-away contender.
Hmm ... culture overdose. What about a beer? The 16th-century Maids Head Bar is where Horatio Nelson had his first drink – try a local ale or wine from the local Winbirri Vineyards. The Birdcage in the historic Lanes area is a lively pub in a 19th-century building. Its recently renovated gallery space hosts everything from live poetry to DJs. Check out new creations on the menu for Norwich Cocktail Week, from 4 October.
And for the peckish? If the sun’s still out, try Delice, a new ice-cream parlour serving handmade treats close to the castle. For something more substantial, Grosvenor Fish Bar has won several awards, and diners can now eat in the hip cave-like undercroft, all wood floors and corrugated iron-lined walls. It’s not licensed but The Birdcage is just over the road and they’ll let you eat your chips there.
Any places stay for under £100? Plenty. Gothic House , a grade II-listed Regency house in the historic heart of town, is rather special with just two rooms for £95 a night. And 175 Newmarket Road has huge wooded gardens and comfy rooms from £65 B&B
Do I need a car? No there are good rail connections ... unless you’re on your way to Wells, of course.
