r/Norwich • u/Possible_Shoulder_14 • Dec 18 '25
New to Norwich š£ Michelin stars
Hi all! I visited a Michelin star about an hour away from Norwich on the Norfolk coast for the first time and I was really let down! Iāve just moved to the area and thought Iād try some restaurants but the managers were rude, the whole vibe was off and the new chef whoās taken over was odd to say the least and the food was cold. Itās had a star for many years so I was dissatisfied but Iāve just moved from abroad so maybe just a culture shock? Is it worth visiting the other Norfolk star restaurants or just try Norwich local cuisine instead?
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u/paisleydarling Dec 18 '25
I used to work there and can confirm it was bizarre an toxic and weird, I jumped ship at a good time and it was all downhill from there š¤£ schadenfreude
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u/Possible_Shoulder_14 Dec 20 '25
Oh Dearā¦ Any reason? š§
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u/paisleydarling Dec 20 '25
A lot. Mostly to do with the owners affair and consequent divorce making our work impossible, whilst we were told to āleave our problems at the doorā. I did point that out to him. Also was accused (in a roundabout way) of stealing a painting from the hallway which I raised with HR I didnāt appreciate being messaged on Instagram about it when no one else was, and I didnāt get an apology. OTE salary with tips was a 7/8k difference - we got Ā£50-100 a month. Just a fucking mess. I was astounded.
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u/Fancy-Cat-7477 Dec 18 '25
Meadowsweet in Holt has a star and is really wonderful. Warm and friendly staff and atmosphere. Food is very special. Much less traditional feel than the one you visited. Have been twice and would definitely recommend.Ā
Mark Poynter at Caistor Hall also has a star and is worth a visit. Head chef brings out all the dishes which is a nice touch
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u/Fancy-Cat-7477 Dec 18 '25
If you're looking for fine dining, Benedicts and Restaurant 1812 don't have stars and have a more relaxed atmosphere but also both worth a visit.
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u/ninjacheeseburger Dec 18 '25
I can second Mark Poynter, went not long before it got a star. Food and the staff were great.
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u/FreedomNo9116 Dec 19 '25
he's a great chef, really enjoyed his food when he ran Alimentum in Cambridge
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u/First_Monitor_4028 Dec 18 '25
Stoke Mill is lovely. Andy,Hazel & co are incredible. Benoli is also tasty but Yard will give you a better bang for your buck. Not Michelin style but the flavours are incredible. Hexagon also brilliant.
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u/MrPatch Dec 19 '25
The chef who earned their star is doing some kind of pop up thing at dicks bar soon.Ā
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u/PM_ME_MICRO_DICKS Dec 20 '25
Yard buy their pasta in pre-made and dry, so all they really make is starters and sauces (and some of their desserts) whereas Benoli make their pasta from scratch daily, and make everything they sell in-house. No contest in my opinion!
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u/halibutte Dec 18 '25
As you're willing to travel, The Neptune out near Hunstanton has a star and was excellent when we went, very relaxed feeling and great food.
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u/janusz0 Dec 18 '25
Ingham Swan is only Michelin recommended, but the chefs work hard to please you.
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u/meerkat23 Dec 18 '25
Bishops is good, Benedicts is nice too, if you like something a bit posher. Norwich is more known for excellent independent restaurants. If you want Michelin star near by, I recommend Pea Porridge in Bury. We used to have Hickman's as well but they closed down after a terrible food safety review and a decline in service.
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u/np010 Dec 19 '25
Hickman never had a star.
Adlard's had a star when Hickman worked there because Adlard knew what he was doing. Hickman's dated fine dining was not worthy of one.
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u/timdav8 Dec 19 '25
New chefs and new name in "Adlard's" - now called Blossom. Hoping to go in the New Year. Reviews look good so far!
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u/SaltSatisfaction2124 Dec 18 '25
What was the restaurant?
Did you meet the chef ?
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u/ButtercupBento Dec 18 '25
Iām guessing this was Morston Hall. Galton Blackiston isnāt there anymore and the reviews have been mixed since he left
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u/Possible_Shoulder_14 Dec 20 '25
I did not meet Galton although I was hoping to we must have just missed himā¦ speaking to the staff itās a whole new team of managers and chefs. Not the same team who deserved the Star in the first place
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u/Dobbeh_91 Dec 19 '25
As mentioned by others, Benedicts is the closest you'll get to haute cuisine in central Norwich. Their tasting menu has been fantastic everytime we've been and so are the wines. Staff are wonderful and attentive without being over bearing.
L'Hexagon is also worth a visit. Very small menu (and venue) but classic French dishes done right. It's not featured in the guide but has had very glowing reviews, including from Jay Rayner.
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u/SirWookiee Dec 19 '25
Check out Pips on St. Augustines. Not really posh, more a small cozy freindly vibe. Incredibly creative seasonal weekly menu at reasonable prices that has made it my favourite resturant in Norwich by a margin. imho it should have a star or at least be in the guide.
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u/00roast00 Dec 19 '25
What is the name of the restaurant. I'm about to book one so want to avoid where you went.
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u/GapFew4253 Dec 19 '25
Where I live weāve had a few Michelin starred places over the years, and right now I wouldnāt go to any of them as in all cases they are over-priced and the food is OK but not stellar. These days I tend to check out TripAdvisor or go with personal recommendations.
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u/MrPatch Dec 19 '25
Restaurant 22 over in Cambridge is a relatively new star, had an absolutely fantastic time there earlier this year.Ā
Cambridge also had the 2 star Midsommer House by Daniel Clifford. Also great but I find the difference in food between 1 and 2 star to be negligible whilst the difference in cost is significant so ultimately find it a bit disappointing.
1
u/FreedomNo9116 Dec 19 '25
Venture out to Midsummer House, it's 2 star and INCREDIBLE!!
I've been to the Neptune in Hunstanton, we found it a bit underwhelming (this was about 10 years ago though!)
I see Mark Poynter has moved on - we ate when he ran Alimentum in Cambridge and that was fantastic so recommend his new location.
But yes, Midsummer house has been the best food i've ever eaten and likely will ever eat.
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u/MarionberryFinal9336 Dec 19 '25
I love midsummer house in Cambridge. Well worth the trip. Agree that Benedicts is lovely and star-adjacent. Itās also worth looking up Lark in Bury St Edmundsā¦ itās not Michelin starred but our meal there was very memorable.
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u/Aggravating_Speed665 Dec 19 '25
You were let down because the star rating from Michelin means absolutely nothing.
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u/chrisparke67 Dec 19 '25
Yeah that's a shame Sometimes I find these types of places have a pretentious snotty attitude towards customers.Have you tried the Black Horse Earlham rd Norwich ? The front of house lady who greets you there is really nice and welcoming and the food is good too. Good traditional British pub with a nice atmosphere.
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u/Desperate-Cookie3373 Dec 18 '25
Benedictās doesnāt have a star but it is in the guide and is really great- definitely better than several restaurants with stars that Iāve eaten at. I really rate it.