5 charming cafes in Norwich

Accessible to all and open every day, Café Bar Marzano is in an ideal location at The Forum on Millennium Plain opposite the imposing church of St. Peter Mancroft.  With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great spot for watching any entertainment that may be happening at The Forum.

Café Bar Marzano is a popular place for a pit stop after some shopping, or for pre-theatre drinks.  You can choose from a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light bites, and breakfast in a spacious environment with a relaxed atmosphere, and it’s disabled friendly with plenty of space for anyone with mobility issues.  Should you visit on a Tuesday, you could always combine it with the Come Singing session at Millennium Plain from 10.45 am, or the Knit Stitch and Natter at 2 pm as detailed in our What’s on Where Guide.

Housed within a stunning Georgian building on St. Giles Street in the fashionable Norwich Lanes area, The Cherry Leaf is a bright space with 3 full height original Georgian windows.  Admirers of art will enjoy the works of local artists and photographers that are displayed within.

The Cherry Leaf has comfortable seating where you can enjoy a delicious homemade cake or have a spot of breakfast or lunch.  The Cherry Leaf’s appeal is in its detail – pretty lights in cosy surroundings; a home from home whilst being a stone’s throw away from the hub of Norwich city centre.  Great for a quick stop between shopping if you’re with your family, or somewhere for a rest if you’re having a stroll with an elderly companion.  You can even take your dog!  Closed on Sundays, The Cherry Leaf can be found at 50 St Giles Street.

Located just off the Norwich ring road, Hellesdon Barns is home to Bramleys Café and Cakery.  In an area of calmness and tranquillity that is also the location of a small selection of bespoke shops selling terracotta pots, curtains & soft furnishings, and plants, Bramleys has a warm atmosphere and friendly staff.

High quality tea and coffee is available, all from local suppliers, and extremely tasty cakes to suit all dietary needs.  Bramley’s do recommend that for Gluten and/or dairy free scones or sausage rolls, it is best to order in advance due to them being cooked to order.  Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays, Bramley’s is a great choice to visit if you are out with an elderly friend. Find Bramley’s on Hellesdon Hall Road.

With a quirky nursery specialising in tropical plants, Urban Jungle in Old Costessey has a café and shop set around a koi pond and it’s easy to feel as though you are in an exotic location as you sit in the café surrounded by greenery. Urban Jungle serves locally produced cakes and pastries as well as tea, coffee and cold drinks. It’s worth spending a bit of time on the site to explore the mature trees and prairie plants either before or after relaxing in the tropical surroundings with a cup of tea.  The café is open daily from 10.30 am – 3.30 pm and the Nursery from 10 am – 5 pm.

The car park is gravelled and although wheelchair access is possible, assistance may be required, and currently there are no disabled toilets at Urban Jungle.

If you fancy a leisurely stroll, it’s hard to beat Earlham Park.  Along the River Yare, the Park is ideal for its woods and wildlife, and is also home to the Earlham Park Café which has welcoming staff, clean seating areas and good service, and is disabled friendly with wheelchair access.

On a warm day, there is outside seating where you can enjoy a variety of snacks including sandwiches, afternoon tea and ice creams.  The café even sells dog treats for any hungry pooches that you may have with you!  The Café is closed on Mondays & Thursdays.  Close to the UEA Sportspark, Earlham Park Café is in a prime location for some refreshment, perhaps after a gentle session of Pickleball or Racketball for older people; full details of days and times are listed in our What’s on Where Guide.