Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lit-lovers">Lit lovers</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Unknown.png" alt="" class="wp-image-55463" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Unknown.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Unknown-800x534.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Unknown-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Just when you thought Norfolk&#8217;s lit scene couldn&#8217;t get anymore, well, lit, a new, fantastic, four-day banger of a book festival is announced! <a href="https://theforumnorwich.co.uk/whats-on/norwich-book-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Book Festival</a>, dubbed an inclusive celebration of stories and the ways they impact our lives, balls into <strong>The Forum</strong> this autumn (<strong>Thu 24 &#8211; Sun 27 Oct</strong>) and with it, a whole host of award-winning novelists &#8211; Naomi Wood, Joseph Coelho, Alison Weir and Andrew Miller to name a few. Tickets and the full program of events will be revealed soon, watch this space.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Untitled-design-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Untitled-design-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Untitled-design-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Untitled-design-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Untitled-design-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.holtbookshop.co.uk/news-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Holt Bookshop</a> are rounding off a summer of superb events with a biggie. Journalist and critically acclaimed debut author, Harriet Constable, will be chatting about her novel <em>The Instrumentalist</em> &#8211; a searing story of music, ambition, genius and exploitation in 18th Century Venice. If that wasn&#8217;t enough the evening will be rounded off with music from Norwich Baroque who will be performing key pieces from that time including work by Vivaldi who features heavily in the book (if you know, you know). Tickets are available <a href="https://www.holtbookshop.co.uk/news-events">here</a>, though it has just been announced, they are sure to sell out quickly. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dame-on">Dame on</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="810" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Owen-Evans-announced-as-new-Norwich-Theatre-Royal-panto-dame-photo-Norwich-Theatre-13.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55492" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Owen-Evans-announced-as-new-Norwich-Theatre-Royal-panto-dame-photo-Norwich-Theatre-13.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Owen-Evans-announced-as-new-Norwich-Theatre-Royal-panto-dame-photo-Norwich-Theatre-13-800x648.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Owen-Evans-announced-as-new-Norwich-Theatre-Royal-panto-dame-photo-Norwich-Theatre-13-768x622.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Norwich Theatre Royal</strong> have just announced this year&#8217;s panto Dame, give it up for one half of the Nimmo Twins, Owen Evans! That&#8217;s right the local funny man has ditched his comedy pal, Karl Minns, for stockings, a bustle and fake eyelashes in this year&#8217;s festive production of <em><a href="https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/aladdin/">Aladdin</a>.</em> He is joining Joe Tracini, Lisa Maxwell and West End stars Tarik Frimpong and Meesha Turner for what looks set to be another cracking panto season. Tickets are available <a href="https://norwichtheatre.org/whats-on/aladdin/">here</a> with the show running from <strong>Sat 7 Dec &#8211; Sun 5 Jan</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-change-is-afoot">Change is afoot</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Store-at-Stoke-Mill1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-40582" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Store-at-Stoke-Mill1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Store-at-Stoke-Mill1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Store-at-Stoke-Mill1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Store-at-Stoke-Mill1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Having snagged a Michelin Star for <a href="https://www.stokemillstore.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">STORE at Stoke Mill</a> for two years on the bounce, chef Liam Nichols cooked up his final service at the Stoke Holy Cross restaurant on Sat 25 Aug (sob). The starred chef is jetting off to South East Asia to expand his culinary knowledge, meaning STORE as you know it will cease to exist. It will however begin operating as a private dining room from September 2024 with chef Hazel Yuill at the helm, while <a href="https://www.stokemill.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stoke Mill Restaurant</a> is upping the ante on its menu selection by introducing a new tasting menu, watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-foodie-openings">New foodie openings</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-20-at-11.38.11.png" alt="" class="wp-image-55508" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-20-at-11.38.11.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-20-at-11.38.11-800x384.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-20-at-11.38.11-768x369.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Dreaming of Paris? Whether it&#8217;s down to the Olympics or <em>Emily in Paris</em>, <a href="https://www.jarrolds.co.uk">Jarrolds</a>  have answered your prayers en Français, wrapped them in pastry and smothered them in melted chocolat courtesy of its new French inspired <a href="https://www.jarrolds.co.uk/departments/restaurants/benjis-restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Café Benji</a>. Recently opened on Floor One of the swish department store, after an extensive refurb, the café with it&#8217;s rustic, reclaimed wood, bistro tables and crowd pleasing menu of French fancies &#8211; Croque Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine and no end of sweet treats &#8211; makes the perfect shopping pit stop. Berets optional.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/2-16-1000x667-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55511" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/2-16-1000x667-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/2-16-1000x667-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/2-16-1000x667-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>From France to Italy next as PizzaExpress at The Forum has just swung open its doors again after closing for a serious glow up. If you need an excuse to go and have a nosy, kids eat free until Sun 1 Sep and they&#8217;ve also <a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/norwich-forum-events-centre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spruced-up their summer menu</a> as well with fare including Dynamite Dough Balls and various Buddha Bowls, which sound a bit healthier than pizza. Oh, and some jazzy G&amp;Ts for the grown-ups &#8211; go on treat yourself, it&#8217;s 5pm somewhere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop-til-you-drop">Shop &#8217;til you drop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1423" height="1308" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/455334271_517759177445339_8043043219310868639_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55515" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/455334271_517759177445339_8043043219310868639_n.jpg 1423w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/455334271_517759177445339_8043043219310868639_n-800x735.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/455334271_517759177445339_8043043219310868639_n-1000x919.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/455334271_517759177445339_8043043219310868639_n-768x706.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1423px) 100vw, 1423px" /></figure>



<p>Norwich&#8217;s Art Nouveau gem, the <a href="https://royalarcadenorwich.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Arcade</a>, is welcoming not one but two new shops to its already thriving retail haven. First up exotic plant shop <a href="https://bleafplants.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOor5LD9VlxTAqJ3KNeyo3UFH9gczdjM3KpdqagtCv4_YNfigWAnt">B&#8217;Leaf</a> (love the name) opened at the weekend and it&#8217;s already convinced us we need another house plant to add to the collection (currently eyeing up one of <a href="https://bleafplants.co.uk/products/philodendron-pink-princess-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these</a>).</p>



<p>And next up, selling &#8220;cool stuff&#8221; it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lazylobsternorwich/">Lazy Lobster</a>. This quirky interiors store is coming soon to the old Langley&#8217;s site in the arcade and will be selling a diverse range of  joy-sparking home decor and gifts likes mugs, books, candles, vases, lighting fixtures, trinket dishes and prints. We should mention though, no crustaceans, the name of the shop references embracing laziness and slower living which we&#8217;re here for.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="977" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/454870602_17957946548799856_4503527959993185265_n-977x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/454870602_17957946548799856_4503527959993185265_n-977x1000.jpg 977w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/454870602_17957946548799856_4503527959993185265_n-781x800.jpg 781w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/454870602_17957946548799856_4503527959993185265_n-768x786.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/454870602_17957946548799856_4503527959993185265_n.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 977px) 100vw, 977px" /></figure>



<p>Sticking with interiors, we&#8217;re super excited that <a href="https://norfolkluxuryfurniture.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk Luxury Furniture</a> has opened at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackbarnfarmsalhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black Barn Farm</a>&nbsp;in Salhouse (our bank balances, not so much). The formerly online only selection of curated homewares has been upping the swoon factor in homes since 2022 so we&#8217;re more than jazzed that owner Laura Ruddy has made the move to a bricks and mortar store. Spoiler alert everything is just as stunning in the flesh, current obsessions include this <a href="https://norfolkluxuryfurniture.com/collections/chairs/products/villi-lux-lilac-chair" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chair</a>, this <a href="https://norfolkluxuryfurniture.com/collections/coffee-table/products/belvedere-nesting-coffee-tables-with-marble-and-tinted-glass">coffee table</a>, oh and this <a href="https://norfolkluxuryfurniture.com/collections/mirrors/products/cosmos-antique-silver-round-mirror">cool mirror</a>. See for yourself, the shop is open daily 930am-3pm.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anyone-for-padel">Anyone for padel?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman.jpg" alt="Woman's legs on padel court" class="wp-image-46931" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/01/padel-woman-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It seems like everyone and their aunt is hitting the courts and playing padel at the moment. The tennis/squash hybrid is taking the world by storm and very soon, us folk in Norfolk will be able to get in on the hype too thanks to <a href="https://www.blazingpadels.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blazing Padels</a> (ob-<em>sessed</em> with the name) the newest addition to <a href="https://sallemoorhallfarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salle Moor Hall Farm</a>, nr Norwich. Opening at the end of September, it will become Norfolk&#8217;s first dedicated padel club. Found in a converted cowshed and featuring two state-of-the-art indoor courts, meaning year round play, after a game or two it&#8217;s then across to the pub opposite for a drink to celebrate (or commemorate) your game. More (balls) and info to come.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-aaand-relax">Aaand relax</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="817" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/21722848706.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-55542" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/21722848706.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/21722848706-800x654.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/08/21722848706-768x627.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Bring your stress, knotty shoulders and a pint glass with you to the UK&#8217;s first Beer Spa which has officially opened at <a href="https://www.norfolkmead.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Norfolk Mead Hotel</a>! That&#8217;s right the peaceful Georgian country hotel near Cromer has ramped up the relaxation and incorporated beer into one of the treatments now available at its swanky new spa. Not a gimmick (we swear) apparently soaking in a tub of vitamin and antioxidant-rich blend of Malt &amp; Hops is good for you &#8211; the beer tap next to you, not so much but we&#8217;re game to try! Luckily you don&#8217;t need to be a beer drinker to enjoy the <a href="https://www.norfolkmead.co.uk/spa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rest of the facilities</a> which include a Thermal Suite, complete with hydro-therapy pool, herbal steam room, experience shower and foot spa, aromatic sauna and hot tub. Bliss. </p>


Superflash! Hot local openings and must-read news for book worms

You may also like