The Daily Telegraph - Saturday - Saturday
LOCAL HEROES
Food insiders reveal their neighbourhood favourites
Richard Bainbridge, who was born in Norwich, has travelled the world working for some of the best Michelin-star chefs, but returned to his roots to open the critically acclaimed Benedict’s in 2015. Showcasing the best of the region’s larder, Benedict’s is all about simple food in an unfussy atmosphere – but when Richard isn’t at his restaurant, you’ll find him enjoying a bag of freshly fried chips on the green, or a cinnamon bun at his favourite bakery.
LA HEXAGONE
“For a date night I would go to this little French bistro that opened fairly recently. It’s a lovely couple who run it, making simple French food that transports you straight to Provence. I love that the menu is in French, and they even talk to you in French. It’s the place to go if you need a holiday, even if just for the evening.”
22 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich NR2 1EL; hexagonebistrofrancais.com
THE FAT CAT
“This is a real traditional boozer, the place to go to order a packet of pork scratchings and a pint of its own real ale. It brews its own beer, and always has 50 to 60 guest beers, too. Everyone goes there, from workmen to couples on a date and craft-beer fanatics. I think it’s the best introduction to Norwich there is.”
49 West End St, Norwich NR2 4NA; fatcatpub.co.uk
BREAD SOURCE
“I love this bakery, which has a few branches around the city. It produces the best sourdough, and the cinnamon buns are to die for. I love picking up something and munching it in the car park before heading into town.”
44-45 Market Place, Norwich NR2 1ND; bread-source.co.uk
MIKE, DEBS & SONS
“This veg stall has been at the market since 1967; they’re a real classic Norwich family and their produce is as local as you get. They work with loads of other local producers and farms and have always got something special. I always know exactly what time in the season it is depending on what’s on their stall.”
47 Market Place, Norwich NR2 1ND; norwichfruitandveg.co.uk
THE GROSVENOR FISH BAR
“For a treat, I love to take my girls to the Grosvenor for fish and chips. If they’re coming to see me at the restaurant on a weekend, we’ll sometimes wander over and get a bag of chips to share on the green. In my opinion, there’s nothing better.”
28 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich NR2 1EL; fshshop.com
As told to Pip Sloan