Where to go for a Christmas cocktail in Norwich

PUBLISHED: 17:20 16 December 2016 | UPDATED: 17:22 16 December 2016

Samuel Mathewson

Head to Norwich for Christmas cocktails (Yelp Inc., Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

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1. Lust and Liquor, 2-4 St Benedicts Street

Located in the arty district in Norwich at the top of St Benedicts Street is Lust and Liquor, which is inspired by the owner’s love for North and South America with lots to choose from including authentic American BBQ or Mexican-inspired tacos and burritos. Along with great food, there are inventive cocktails inspired by cities from around the USA and beyond.

The wintery Sloe Gin Fizz at Lust and Liquor is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Made with Haymans sloe gin, Cointreau, bitters, lemon, whites this cocktail finishes with a warming spice flavour that’s bound to leave you feeling Christmassy. Happy hour, with 2-4-1 cocktails is available every day from 5pm – 7pm.

2. 42 King Street

Located in the heart of the city, but tucked away from the hustle and bustle, is 42 King Street, the tapas and cocktail bar with a cool, laid back atmosphere.

There are lots of inventive cocktails to sample year round but during the colder days indulge in a Winter Punch with Christmassy spices and orange. Sip your punch in the chicly decorated surroundings as you while an evening away with friends.

3. Frank’s Bar, 19 Bedford Street

It’s got to be mulled wine if you visit the trendy, Mediterranean style Frank’s Bar located on Bedford Street. With lots of fantastic food on offer with an emphasis on supporting local producers, high quality ingredients also go into the cocktails.

For a festive tipple why not go for an Elderflower Collins made with gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and elderflower liqueur? For a taste of a winter pudding favourite go for an Apple Crumble & Custard made with Zubrowka vodka, Galliano and apple juice. And with plenty of film screenings and live music events throughout the season, you will be entertained too!

4. North, 7-9 Fye Bridge Street

Sister bar to Frank’s is North on Fye Bridge Street, serving mulled white wine alongside the cocktail menu, it’s sure to be a jolly Christmas whichever sibling you choose.

5. The Bicycle Shop, St Benedicts Street

Bohemian décor, candles and cosy corners. What better setting to sip a festive cocktail than The Bicycle Shop on St Benedicts Street?

There are often events in the plush red curtain-clad basement of the bar with a “speak easy” vibe that makes a secretive place to sip on some drinks with friends.

6. Platform Twelve, 12 St Benedicts Street

Exuding all the sophistication of a Parisian bar, Platform Twelve – also on St Benedicts Street – is a piano bar that hosts musicians and special events alongside great coffee and cake and of course, cocktails!

Indulge in some classic cocktails and seasonal specials too.

7. Mr Postles’ Apothecary, 2 Upper King Street

Head to the lively 1820’s themed Mr Postles’ Apothecary on Upper King Street for live music throughout the week to tap your foot to while enjoying Christmas cocktails with your friends.

Why not try a bubbly Elderflower Kir made by mixing elderflower liqueur with prosecco? Or a twist on bedtime milk with a Chocolate & Vanilla Russian made with vodka, chocolate and lots of sweet marshmallows.

8. Gonzo’s Tea Room, 68 London Street

Relaxed bar in the day serving tasty food, turned dance club at night, Gonzo’s Tea Room on London Street is good for cocktails all day long. During the colder months, escape to the sanctuary of this colourful and eclectically decorated bar and enjoy good music and great cocktails with the dedicated festive cocktail menu offering some inventive mixes.

Try a Pumpkin Frapp made with pumpkin spice Bailey’s, vodka, milk and espresso; a Christmas Collins comprised of sloe gin with lemon juice, blood orange and tea vodka topped with soda for a festive fizzy treat; or why not enjoy a Christmas favourite, a Kir Royal with Chambord and prosecco?

9. The Birdcage, 23 Pottergate

The Birdcage, located in the artsy Norwich Lanes is a welcoming bar with fascinating miscellany dotted about culminating in a cosy and homely bar with live music and great events alongside delicious drinks.

Escape the hectic high street during the run up to Christmas, hide away in The Birdcage and sip on a festive cocktail.

10. The Playhouse, 42-58 St Georges Street

Head to The Playhouse or more specifically, The Playhouse Bar, on St Georges Street tucked away next to the River Wensum which serves theatre goers and cocktail lovers alike delicious drinks within the cosy bar.

Whether you fancy a pre- or post-theatre tipple or just want a place to relax with friends, there will be gin and tonic with elderflower cordial, hot cider and much more.

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