Feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep in the bed that was as comfortable as it looked, it was time for breakfast. There were interesting and unusual options on the menu. I opted for the American style pancakes with fruit compote and when it arrived the portion was huge. As other dishes were delivered to nearby tables I noticed that the other choices were also huge.
We had a few hours available before our ‘Afternoon Seas’ lunch, which was part of Mr C’s ’special birthday’ present in 2024. Circumstances got in the way so we only managed to enjoy the present just – before his next birthday. The ’special lunch’ was in the Assembly House which is why we chose to stay there.
We walked into town to find the lovely art shop that is part of the Jarrold’s department store. There were a lot of things to tempt me but I have enough colouring pencils and resisted the urge to add a new make of pencils to my collection. I bought a few smaller (useful) items that will enhance the enjoyment of what I already have.
There is currently a GoGoSafari animal trail around Norwich and I took the opportunity to photograph the sculptures that we saw on our morning walk. Our walk took us past the colourful market stalls where Mr C bought his first Christmas present when he saw the perfect present of 2025 for one of his friends. Our walk took us past the model shop where on our previous visit Mr C had made a purchase. He didn’t need anything new this time but couldn’t resist going inside because we knew they stock a few board games.
I saw Castle Combo which looked interesting but rather than impulse buy I researched it on the Board Game Geek whilst having an Elderflower Presse in a nearby café. The game had a favourable write up so I purchased it before we returned to the billet to freshen up for the main event of the day, the long awaited ‘Afternoon Seas’.
The ‘Afternoon Seas’ lived up to our expectation, the service was impeccable and the food was both delicious and beautifully presented. After our indulgent lunch we chilled out on the patio next to our room before walking back into town to visit the Cathedral.
It was good to see the Cathedral without the scaffolding that had surrounded the organ on our previous visit. Now the building felt complete rather than split into two halves and I was able to feel and enjoy the atmosphere of the space within.
We then returned to the billet where I had a refreshing shower to wash away the afternoon heat before another lazy chill out on the patio. Well, a chill out was the intention but it was interrupted by a rather noisy demonstration in the nearby square.
Our evening meal was in the Gem of Norwich which serves Turkish cuisine. Mr C had miscalculated how far the restaurant was in relation to where we were staying. It was a long walk… The menu was extensive, I chose chicken salad which I thought would be a light option. I was wrong, the portion could easily have fed two people and the dish Mr C chose was just as large which, unusually, left him over faced by his portion. From where I was sitting, I could see most people were going home with doggy bags. The food quality was excellent but for me it wasn’t the best dining experience due to the enormous portions.
On the way back to our billet we returned to the Murderers Arms for a nightcap which we enjoyed sitting outside in the warm evening air.
I like the giraffe from the safari trail and afternoon seas looks rather filling! I would love to visit Norwich Cathedral.
I managed more of the Afternoon Seas than I thought I would. It was nicely done
I hope you get the chance to visit Norwich Cathedral.
The Afternoon Seas looks as delicious as it sounds and I would be able to eat nearly everything on it! I’m very tempted to take us up to Norwich now but it will have to wait for next year.
The GoGoSafari trail looks lovely – I love those kinds of things.
I do my colouring with Staedler Fineliners – they make for very bright designs where the colours pop.
Isn’t it amazing how too much food can spoil a meal? I often order a children’s meal at our local Turkish and they are very kind about it.
I can recommend the Afternoon Seas. We booked in advance and had to say we were having Afternoon Seas rather than the more traditional Afternoon Tea. We we the only ones sampling the savoury, fishy option.
During lockdown Johanna Basford (whose books I like) did live colouring sessions where she tested different colouring pencils. I already had a full set of Polychromos which I got on offer at half price. I added a set of Castle Arts and Arteza pencils to my collection. They all work slightly differently and I love experimenting with them. I have few gel pens to add highlights.
The gentleman who served us in the restaurant suggested that when we returned we should order a few small plate options rather than a main meal. We have never had a problem in this style of restaurant before.
What? They served you “fish fingers” instead of proper cod?
I feel ripped off now!
Wait? They didn’t give you jellied eels either?
I have to say these “Afternoon Seas” are very Un-English.
It was delicious
The food served before Mr C looks tempting ????????
Resisting urge to buy more things one we have already is hard ,but you did it ????
Place looks marvellous ????????
Sorry for enormous portions of dinner didn’t appeal you
The food and service (served before Mr C) was amazing. It was well worth the wait of almost a year.
I am always over faced by large portions and hate leaving food. The fact that Mr C who never leaves anything was unable to eat even half of his dish of food tells how large the portions were.