Norwich has no shortage of independent coffee shops, but Bread Source on Bridewell Alley is one of those places I find myself returning to again and again.
I’ve been a fan of Bread Source since they opened their bakery on St Giles Street before covid. Their sourdough quickly became a regular purchase and over the years I’ve worked my way through a fair proportion of the pastries too.
These days, however, it’s the Bridewell Alley branch that I visit most often.
Tucked away beside an old flint church and only a couple of minutes’ walk from Norwich Market, it feels removed from the busiest parts of the city while still being a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle.
A coffee shop with atmosphere
One of the things I like most about Bread Source on Bridewell Alley is the atmosphere.
The café space is bright and welcoming, with light wooden floors, simple wooden tables and a Scandinavian-inspired feel. There’s usually a gentle soundtrack of upbeat music playing in the background and the rich smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air.
It manages to strike a balance that many coffee shops struggle with. It’s lively enough to feel vibrant and sociable, but not so noisy that you can’t hold a conversation.
There’s a bench by the window that’s perfect for people watching and plenty of seating where you can chat without feeling as though the people on the next table are listening to every word.
Coffee, cakes and excellent bread
I’ll kick this section off by saying that the coffee is consistently good.
As a dedicated black americano drinker, I can’t comment on the milk-based options, but the americanos are always strong, flavourful and served quickly.
Prices are towards the premium end, with an Americano costing around £3.40, but they’re not unreasonable for an independent city-centre coffee shop.
Alongside the drinks menu is a tempting selection of pastries, cakes, sandwiches and tarts.
My personal favourite is the cardamom bun.
The dough has just the right texture, while the sweetness is balanced beautifully by the gentle floral spice of the cardamom. Paired with a black coffee, it’s one of my favourite treats.
That said, the seasonal crumble-topped mince pies that appear for a few weeks each Christmas give them a run for their money.
However, Bread Source built its reputation on bread and it’s easy to see why.
A loaf of sourdough isn’t cheap at around £4.50, but it feels worlds apart from most supermarket alternatives. It’s light, chewy and makes fantastic toast. It’s one of those products where you can genuinely taste the difference.
An old favourite
Bread Source in Bridewell Alley has become one of my regular haunts over the years.
I often meet a former colleague there before work and it’s become our unofficial catch-up spot. It’s easy for both of us to reach, we can usually find a table and spend an hour putting the world to rights over coffee and pastries.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, which makes it equally suitable for catching up with friends, informal client meetings or simply sitting on your own with a coffee and watching the world go by.
The staff are always welcoming too. I’ve visited often enough that they seem to remember my usual order, which is both impressive and perhaps slightly concerning.
I’ve also used the coffee shop to catch up on work. There’s enough background noise to create a pleasant buzz without becoming distracting. I’ve spent many productive hours there working through emails or making notes between meetings.
The main drawback is the lack of plug sockets, so if you’re planning a full day of remote working you’ll need to keep an eye on your battery life.
To be fair, that’s probably no bad thing. Independent coffee shops aren’t co-working spaces and it feels only right to support them properly if you’re taking up a table for any length of time.
The Bread Source loyalty app
Bread Source has recently launched a loyalty app and it’s genuinely worth downloading if you’re a regular visitor.
New users receive a free coffee when they sign up and there are rewards available through referrals and repeat visits. If you’re thinking about downloading it and want to thank me for the tip-off, my referral code is 75124.
(Full disclosure: I’m sharing my referral code because I enjoy the coffee and would quite like a free one. They’re not asking me to do this!)
Things to know before you visit Bread Source
It can get busy, particularly around lunchtime, and there are times when finding a table requires a little patience.
Personally, I think that’s part of the appeal. A busy coffee shop is usually a sign that it’s doing something right.
If you prefer a quieter experience, earlier mornings tend to be the best time to visit.
Plus, the café is accessible and easy to reach from anywhere in Norwich city centre.
Which other coffee shops should I visit?
Think I’ve missed somewhere? Let me know your favourite Norwich coffee shop and see if you can tempt me away from Bread Source.
