Britons Arms
9 Elm Hill, Norwich NR3 1HN
At the top of Norwich's most historic street, Elm Hill, the Britons Arms is a long-standing Norwich landmark – for years Norwich’s most famous tearoom, run for almost half a century by sisters Gilly Mixer and Sue Skipper and nowadays in the Hans of one Richard Ellis, who has added more of a dining flavour, serving lunch every day and opening for dinner on Thursday–Saturday evenings.
It's remains a great place for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, but now you can enjoy an excellent lunch or dinner too, with a menu that features everything from rabbit ballotine to vegan sausage and mash. It's licensed, so you don't have to just drink tea or coffee, indeed you can just stop by for a glass of wine and a snack if you so desire. Richard is a local chef who makes the most of Norfolk ingredients and you couldn't hope for a more historic or cosy place to eat.
As for the building, Richard is happy to do quick tours if he has time. The Britons Arms is the only building on Elm Hill to have survived a 1507 fire, andis thought to have been originally a rare example of a beguinage, associated with the church of St Peter Hungate next door. It also has an atmospheric outdoor terrace where you cab eat, drink and be merry overlooking the churchyard.
