She mysteriously only goes only by a single name, but is well known in the county for her signature pineapple tag. Now her urban mural work is part of an exhibition at Norwich Shoe Factory until 4 Sept, alongside three other local contemporary artists. We couldn’t wait to hear all about the favourite places of the lady with the spray can. Take it away, Knapple!

Growing up in Norwich and then raising my own children here has been an absolute pleasure – I mean, yes, I yearn for the vibrancy of London sometimes but it’s only two hours away by train and I get to come back to the serene beauty of Norfolk when I’m done. Some of my favourite places are in the absolute middle of nowhere but I’ve compiled a few that are easier to find…

Anglia Square car park and Pottergate underpass, Norwich

Being a graffiti artist, of course my favourite places would include Norwich’s ‘legal spots’: Anglia Square car park (above) and Pottergate underpass. The whole of Anglia Square has been threatened with redevelopment for years now and yet it still stands, against all the odds and all the developers’ plans. The HMSO (below) is still tall, glassy and full of asbestos – will she ever come down? We just don’t know. The graffiti hall-of-fame car park is a popular photoshoot spot with bloggers, car enthusiasts and fashionistas, all flocking there for the perfect backdrop.

Christophe’s Crepes, Norwich

Packed with indie shops and eclectic characters, the Norwich Lanes always feels like home – and Chris, owner of Christophe’s, is one of those guys who makes it feel even more welcoming. We first worked together last year on a wall inside the shop and some branding. He then asked if I could paint the wall outside in the seating area and – as my favourite saying is “I’ll paint anything if you let me” – of course, I obliged. But let’s talk food, the crepes are to die for, and they’ve recently been recommended by the Fry Up Inspector (the anonymous Norwich-based food blogger) so you know it’s good. I suggest taking a friend and ordering one savoury and one sweet so you can share and get a bit of both!

The Ffolkes, Hillingdon

Another place I’ve worked recently is the stunning Ffolkes pub in Hillingdon. It’s not just a pub though, you can sleep, eat, play, drink and get married here, but not necessarily in that order. The branding throughout is seriously on point, and they’ve recently completed some funky apartments with outdoor baths and also the craziest crazy graffiti golf course you’ve ever seen, which is where I came in to work my magic. The pub interior is the perfect mix of contemporary and cosy, there’s a fully enclosed children’s playground, and I can confirm the ‘all you can eat’ brunch buffet is as good as that sounds. They pretty much do it all here: DJ’s, street food, events – you won’t want to leave!

Yoga Tree Studios and Acorn Cafe, Norwich

If you’ve been in Norwich recently you must have noticed the GoGoDiscover Dinos! This yearly trail by Break Charity is such a great event and draws huge crowds. I was really honoured to have my design picked by Clapham & Collinge Solicitors this year. Their office is on All Saints Green and opposite is another one of my favourite places, the beautiful Yoga Tree Studios and Acorn Café. The yoga studio is upstairs in the light and airy attic, they run wellbeing events and there’s a yoga teacher to suit every style. I suggest a Hatha yoga if you’re a newbie as its slow, restorative and a good place to start. After your session you can enjoy a cuppa with some handmade cake downstairs, surrounded by a changing gallery of local artists.

Red Lion, Bishopgate in Norwich

Another of my hobbies is paddle boarding. Yes, I know everyone is doing it… and we all LOVE it! You can hire one or launch your own at many sites in Norwich and Norfolk. My favourites include Norfolk Paddle Boards at the Red Lion pub on Bishop Bridge – they are the nicest guys and the pub does a banging Sunday roast, which is ideal after building up an appetite on the water. Another site is the Gibraltar Gardens where Norwich Paddleboard Hire are situated. The team are so helpful, and the pub garden is a great spot to relax afterwards. If you fancy more of a rural paddle Summer Sup at Coltishall does canoe hire too – it’s great exercise and the scenery is just unbelievable.

Norwich Shoe Factory, St Mary’s Works, Norwich

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I personally think Norwich Shoe Factory is stunning. Situated in the front of St Mary’s Works, this venue for hire is perfect for displaying contemporary art – I mean, to be honest, anything looks good in here. I’m lucky enough to be displaying art myself until 4 Sept with three other local female artists. The building is under construction, which for me is perfect as I love a concrete floor and exposed steel joists. There is always something happening here with back-to-back events and exhibitions, so keep an eye on their socials.

Moosey, Labour in Vain Yard, Norwich

Moosey is back with a physical gallery in Norwich after a few years hiatus – and boy are we glad. We missed their sleek space and opening night parties, which are a great chance to grab some culture and a drink whilst mingling with friends old and new. This contemporary gallery set in the heart of Norwich never disappoints; the quality of art is second to none. Bringing in artists from all over the world at different stages of their careers is pretty exciting for our small city and long may they continue.

The Green Grocers is my favourite shop and café rolled into one. I’m here at least three times a week for organic groceries and eco-friendly refills. They sell everything you need to be as sustainable as possible, from scrubbing brushes to local kombucha. The café arguably serves some of the best food in Norwich and the staff have become friends over the years (I still haven’t forgiven you for leaving Andrew!). Situated in the centre of NR2 at Earlham House shops, it’s basically an institution and we cannot live without it.

Lastly, my favourite holiday destination in Norfolk, we go every year without fail, it’s Hemsby. I don’t know what it is about this place but it’s just so relaxing – it could the familiarity, the lack of phone signal or that time has stood still a little here and you can enjoy places like the 50s-inspired Hollywood Diner. The neon lights of the amusements are otherworldly as they cast their glow on the streets at night. Even on its busiest day it feels like everyone is in their own little world and you can just sink into anonymity. It’s literally a happy place and you can physically go there!

You can catch Knapple’s exhibition Perspective at The Shoe Factory Social Club in Norwich until 4 Sept. You can also check out Knapple’s website here.

My favourite places: Knapple

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