11 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Norwich
Where to Go at Night in Norwich
There are plenty of things to do after dinner in Norwich, not just for those craving a pint but also families looking to explore the city after sunset. Beer culture is alive and well here, thanks to historic pubs specializing in locally brewed ales and ciders.
The city’s large student population ensures that big-name bands stop here, while open-air festivals draw in music lovers from around the world. Several arts and cultural centres also organize various events throughout the year, including comedy, theater, classical and modern dance. Our guide to the best places to go at night in Norwich gives you plenty of options for a fun evening in the UK city.
1. Tombland
End the day barhopping in the heart of Norwich
Good for: Nightlife
Tombland is where you’ll find most of Norwich’s night-time activities. The area comes to life after dark, offering a mix of chain pubs, little drinking dens, and upscale restaurants set among pale-grey buildings and quaint streets. Many of these venues have outdoor seating, excellent for people-watching on a summer evening.
Notable places to go at night in Tombland include All Bar One, Mr Postles’ Apothecary, and Gonzo’s Tea Room. If you like clubbing, Mantra Club & Lounge plays a mix of tunes, with an outdoor area and quieter upstairs bar.
Location: Tombland, Norwich, UK
Tombland
2. Riverside Entertainment Center
A convenient complex near the River Wensum
Good for: Families, Nightlife
Riverside Entertainment Center has plenty of restaurants and bars, some on a piazza overlooking the River Wensum. Some of the most popular places to eat in this complex include Nando’s and TGI Friday’s, but you can also enjoy Italian favorites at Bella Italia or Asian dishes at Riverbank Chinese Buffet. The Queen of Iceni, located on the riverside terrace, is a great place for real ales and pub food.
If you’re visiting with kids, Riverside Entertainment has a bowling alley and a trampoline park. There’s also the ODEON movie theater if you want to catch the latest movies. Located in Koblenz Avenue, the complex is within a 5-minute walk of Norwich Station.
Location: Koblenz Ave, Norwich NR1 1WT, UK
Open: Daily from 6 am to midnight
Phone: +44 (0)1603 630211
Riverside Entertainment Center
3. Norwich Theater Royal
Catch a wide range of performances at this 18th-century landmark
Good for: Couples, History, Nightlife
The Norwich Theater Royal is a historic performance venue on Theater Street, opposite The Forum. While it opened its doors in 1758, it has undergone many reincarnations, now offering an eclectic mix of modern and art deco features.
The Norwich Theater Royal can seat up to 1,300 people at a time. You can also find 2 function rooms, 2 bars and a restaurant as well. Every year, it puts on around 400 performances, including opera, ballet, family-friendly shows, musicals, and modern dance.
Location: Theater St, Norwich NR2 1RL, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1603 630000
Norwich Theater Royal
4. Norwich Arts Center
Catch international acts at this award-winning events hall
Good for: Nightlife
The Norwich Arts Center is a modest yet well-loved theater and art gallery on St. Benedict’s Street, just under half a mile east of the city centre. Established in 1977, it occupies the former St Swithin’s Church that dates back to the 15th century. The venue is relatively small, accommodating about 300 people for standing concerts and 120 for seated events.
The award-winning Norwich Arts Center hosts more than just concerts, as you can also enjoy comedy, theater, dance, visual art, and literature performances throughout the year. It also has a gallery displaying art exhibitions and installations.
Location: 51 St Benedicts St, Norwich NR2 4PG, UK
Open: Box office: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)1603 660352
Norwich Arts Center
5. Adam and Eve
Enjoy a pint at Norwich’s historic pub
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Adam and Eve is one of the oldest pubs in Norwich, opening as a brewhouse in 1249. It lies on Bishopgate, in the shadow of the Norwich Cathedral, with a pretty exterior decked with colorful hanging flower baskets. The pub also has a garden with picnic benches that are usually packed during the summer.
Adam and Eve specializes in back-to-basics food and local ales. Must-tries include the Yorkshire pudding and deep-fried brie. The pub is also the starting point of the Norwich Ghost Walks, a weekly tour that usually takes place between April and December.
Location: 17 Bishopgate, Norwich NR3 1RZ, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm, Sunday from noon to 10.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1603 667423
Adam and Eve
6. The Murderers Pub
Enjoy real ales by independent breweries from across the UK
Good for: Nightlife
The Murderers Pub is one of 2 original 16th-century coaching inns in Norwich. Also known as The Gardeners Arms, this historic pub sources beers, lagers and real ales by independent breweries across the country. You’ll find 25 real ales on tap, with must-tries like the Ghost Ship, Smooth Hoperator, and Dark Horse Stout.
Live music is played in The Murderers Pub’s lounge on weekends. Several large screen TVs all around the pub show the latest sports events, including tennis, soccer and rugby. The Murderers Pub is also famous for hosting 2 beer festivals every year, usually in May or June and the end of October.
Location: 2-8 Lumber Hill, Norwich NR1 3LB, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1603 621447
The Murderers Pub
7. Norwich Ghost Walks
Quirky personalities lead this popular night tour of Norwich
Good for: Nightlife, Unusual
The Norwich Ghost Walks offers a rather morbid perspective of the city’s historic landmarks and ancient streets. Established in 1998, the tour is organized by The Guild of Shadows – a group of interesting characters with names like Le Morte, the Jack of Crows, the Witch Physician, the Night Reaver, and the Keeper of Secrets.
You can choose to tour the Norwich Castle, Elm Hill, or River Wensum (Mondays in summer only), each of which includes real-life stories, tragic events, and reported ghost sightings. All walks last around 2 hours and start from outside the famous Adam and Eve pub.
Location: Adam and Eve, St Martin-At-Palace Plain, Norwich NR3 1RZ, UK
Phone: +44 (0)7831 189985
Norwich Ghost Walks
8. Maddermarket Theater
Catch musical recitals in a former chapel in Norwich
Good for: Nightlife
The Maddermarket Theater plays host to a wide range of musical programs and recitals, along with various classes and workshops. Established in 1921, it occupies an Elizabethan-style venue that was originally a chapel. The theater can accommodate a little over 300 people.
You can enjoy high-quality performances from the comfort of vintage 1930s movie theater seats, including highbrow dramatic offerings. Besides 12 in-house productions by the Norwich Players, the Maddermarket Theater also hosts contemporary music concerts, stand-up comedy, theater, and talks throughout the year.
Location: Saint John’s Alley, Norwich NR2 1DR, UK
Open: Box office: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +44 (0)1603 620917
Maddermarket Theater
9. Norwich Playhouse
A prominent Norwich venue for theater, comedy and music
Good for: Families, Nightlife
The Norwich Playhouse mixes highbrow cultural offerings with family-friendly shows. This 300-seat performing arts venue is very popular for showcasing theater productions, comedy acts and live music – it has hosted legendary names such as Stephen Fry, Mark Watson, and Tim Minchin.
The Norwich Playhouse has an onsite bar with a large beer garden. Known as The Playhouse Bar, it serves real ales from local breweries, German lagers on tap, and imported wines, as well as tea and coffee. This prominent theater is around 520 yards northeast of the Norwich Cathedral, across the River Wensum.
Location: 42-58 St Georges St, Norwich NR3 1AB, UK
Phone: +44 (0)16035 98598
Norwich Playhouse
10. The Garage
Your little ones can take part in various classes at this creative space
Good for: Families, Nightlife
The Garage in Norwich serves as the city’s creative space and performing arts venue. You can take part in various workshops and classes, such as ballet, street dance, acting, and musical theater. There are also Pilates and Zumba sessions if you want to keep up with your fitness routine.
The Garage has an intimate theater that can accommodate around 113 people – its stage often hosts local and national productions in theater, dance and music. You can find the venue in Chapel Field North, just a short walk of the Norwich Theater Royal and Chapelfield Gardens.
Location: 14 Chapel Field N, Norwich NR2 1NY, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1603 283382
The Garage
11. Movie theater City
A Grade I-listed movie theater north of Norwich Castle
Good for: Nightlife
Movie theater City is one of the oldest independent movie venues in England. It occupies a 16th-century merchant’s house that’s adjacent to Stuart Hall on St. Andrews Street, about 520 yards north of Norwich Castle.
The Grade I-listed arthouse movie theater only has 3 screens but offers a wide range of genres, including mainstream and family movies, documentaries and foreign language movies. There are also special screenings for people living with dementia or autism, the elderly, and parents with babies. You can enjoy light snacks, brunches, and afternoon teas at The Dining Rooms & Bar, Movie theater City’s onsite dining venue.
Location: St Andrews St, Norwich NR2 4AD, UK
Open: 15 minutes before the start of the first movie
Phone: +44 (0)1603 625145
Movie theater City
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