Norwich

Let’s start with the O.G as many of you will convoy ‘up city’ for your big Christmas shop. Take note and plan your refreshment breaks accordingly…

For all-singing, all-dancing shopping, head to Jarrolds where everything you could possibly want or need to gift can be found under one roof, along with some top-notch dining spaces. Start your shop the right way with a café au lait and a fresh, flaky pastry from the French inspired Café Benji on Floor 1. On the lower ground floor, there’s The Cheese & Charcuterie Bar which is the perfect place to perch with a reviving glass of fizz while the shopping is on pause. Choose from an extensive selection of cold cuts, continental cheeses and wines. And on Floor 2, check out The Bay Seafood and Wine Bar serving up your daily dose of Omega 3s – caviar, oysters, cured salmon, poke bowls, fish pie – from light bites to main meals.

Taking to the streets? Take your pick from the six kitchens and three bars in trendy indoor food court Yalm (no booking required, just stumble in when your limbs start screaming). The Muddy Award winning Ber Street Kitchen has you covered for brunch, lunch and lush cakes, while you can always rely on Strangers Coffee to keep you caffeinated (we’re here for their specialty Christmas Blend). All coffeed out? Head to wellness café ORA, where you can grab a matcha or smoothie before mooching round the other delights in the Royal Arcade. And Norwich institutions, The Assembly House and (the original) Biddy’s Tea Room are our recs for a spot of afternoon tea.

Potentially the most tasty place of them all: Norwich Market. Travel the world via your tastebuds as you roam the stalls. Why not go to Chile for some empanadas, China for a loaded bao bun or Jamaica for some Jerk Chicken? The benches at the top of the market are perfect for watching the Christmas rush while you tuck in.

Want to sample some street food but prefer to be seated inside? The Garnet (above), overlooking the market, allows you to eat food purchased from the stalls inside their quirky and rather tall pub (providing you buy a drink, of course). Or order pizza from the market straight to your table using the Brick Pizza app – I know, high tech, eh? Hot tip: bag a sought-after window seat for lush views over the iconic striped stalls. Enjoy!

Holt

Heading to Ho-Ho-Holt (sorry)? Make a beeline for Byfords as you’re sure to find a bit of what you fancy there, from pre-shopping brunches to post-shopping dinners. Considered to be the oldest tearoom in Norfolk, The Owl Tearooms provides the perfect pitstop during a day of pounding the high street thanks to their homemade cakes, pastries, light bites and warming drinks (mmm, the Swiss Miss hot choc sounds amazing). Low on time? Grab yourself a coffee and lush pastry on the go from Cross Street Union.

If you’re taking in the twinkly lights while late-night shopping, duck into Chubby Seal for a craft(y) beer in between shops (certainly helps the gift inspo flow!), or sashay over to Star Plains Stores to stock up on posh provisions for your cheeseboard while enjoying a nibble and a tipple in their cheese and wine lounge. And when you call time on your shop, curl up in the cosy Feathers (above) for dinner or a glass of red by the fireplace.

King’s Lynn

There’s a whole host of spots to drop anchor whilst sailing round the shops in King’s Lynn. A lovely mid-shop stop-off, the Bank House (above) puts on a scrumptious afternoon tea, housed in one of Lynn’s impressive heritage buildings. Nearby, the Rusty Krab Rum Shop & Bar revives many a parched shopper. If carb-loading is your only route through a marathon gift-buying sesh, we recommend a quick burger at Liquor & Loaded followed by a sweet treat at Waffleopolis and don’t hold the Nutella! Or there’s the Muddy Award winning Whatahoot Gin Distillery and Bar on King Street where you can check off some items from your festive booze shop in their floor to ceiling gin store before rewarding yourself with a cocktail in the bar – we’ll have Tawny orange negroni please.

Aylsham

Searching for that perfect present in Aylsham? There’s plenty of cutesy, kooky places to rest when you want to hit pause on the shopping. If you like fish, head over to M’s of Aylsham for some fresh fish tapas and a cocktail – perfect shopping fodder if you ask us. Fuel up on the freshest cakes from artisan bakery Bread Source (with its appropriately Christmassy name!). Time for a rosy lee? Aylsham shoppers take your pick between Biddy’s Tearoom’s quirky, vintage vibes, expansive list of teas and homemade sweets, or Seventeen, a deli and coffee shop which doubles as a wine bar at weekends. Speaking of wine, head to The Porters Arms (sister pub of Norwich’s The Malt and Mardle) or  The Blind Pig, a cosy bistro and wine bar. And it’s worth jotting on your shopping list ‘book table at Black Boys Hotel’ as it’s a popular spot for hearty pub grub, and the cosy dining room is just the T after a long day of buying gifts. 

Harleston

If you’re heading to Harleston, start your shop at Soul Café where you can load up on fresh seasonal bakes or a full English breakfast if you’re going all out (might be a good sweetener if you’re dragging hubby round with you, just saying).  The Apiary is also a good shout for a coffee or a toasted sarnie, they also sell fresh fruit, veggies and other Norfolk-made goodies which is great if you’re pulling together a hamper for gifting. In a hurry? head to The Tudor Bakehouse for one of its famous saussie rolls on the go. And swish bar, restaurant and hotel, JD Young (above) is a lush place to end your shop with its pretty as a picture decor and fab food and drinks menu to boot.

Burnham Market

Shoppers rejoice! You’re just as spoilt for choice with cafés, restaurants and bars in Burnham Market as you are with gorgeous indie shops. Muddy favourite Tilly’s Café will boost your shopping stamina with their tasty selection of homemade cakes and marshmallow-ladened hot chocolates. Over at Socius, choose from an array of small plates for a speedy nibble which won’t cut into your precious shopping time. Why not try a cocktail to celebrate your shopping success? The Cherry Bakewell sounds amazing!

On the green, The Hoste Arms is a blissful spot to rest tired limbs, with their welcoming inglenook fireplace and warming drinks menu. Meanwhile, swanky bar and restaurant No.Twenty9 (above) offers the perfect retreat in their cosy lounge and festive courtyard where it’s fairy lights galore. The bakery, No.Thirty3, is THE place to go for decadent hot chocs and gourmet baked goods.

Fuelling more festive fun? Check out our favourite twinkly bars for a Christmas catch up, festive afternoon teas and private dining rooms for festive feasting.

Gift inspo running dry? Check out our local gift guide for ideas or gift a hamper or experience.