Looking for a peaceful spot to enjoy a coffee in the heart of Norwich city centre? The Yard might be for you…
So, I’m going to start this article by pointing out that The Yard and Yard are different places. Yes, it’s confusing, but it’s worth knowing about them because they’re both worth a visit.
This article is about The Yard, a café, bar and relaxed place to work just off Red Lion Street in Norwich city centre (older readers may remember it as Loose’s Cook Shop*).
I’ve visited The Yard a couple of times in recent years, either meeting friends or clients, because it’s a beautiful space to chat without it feeling too formal.
The glass frontage lets in plenty of light, so even when the weather’s bad it still feels bright and airy. But because The Yard sits back from the main street, it also feels surprisingly secluded and quiet. It’s a little oasis in the city centre.
On my most recent visit, that was exactly what I wanted. I needed a walk to get away from my computer, but once I’d stretched my legs, I fancied sitting somewhere with a coffee and escaping into my novel for a while.
The space and atmosphere
The Yard is relaxing place to sit.
At the front, there are plenty of plants and a mixture of both comfy chairs and more upright seating. Further back, the space feels a more enclosed and cosy, with painted brick walls, exposed bulbs, artwork and a huge Chesterfield sofa. There’s a slightly industrial feel, but the lighting keeps things feeling welcoming.
Air was playing quietly in the background during my visit, which was accompanied by the sound of fingers tapping laptop keys as people worked around me. Everyone seemed respectful of the space, keeping conversations muted and getting on with their own thing. It gets busy at lunchtimes, but people are generally happy to share larger tables if it gets crowded.
Coffee, brunch and cocktails
I ordered a small decaf Americano for £3.80 at the counter, then took a table towards the back while the staff brought it over.
The coffee arrived in a stylish black ceramic cup and saucer, which somehow managed to feel both elegant and substantial. More importantly, the coffee itself was good and strong.
The menu includes brunch-style dishes such as bagels and eggs, alongside cakes and pastries. There are also teas, matcha and other coffee options, including decaf.
I was tempted by the food, but I’m attempting to be healthy during the working week, so managed to resist on this occasion.
The Yard also serves cocktails, but I don’t think my clients would appreciate me returning to my desk half-cut after lunch so they will have to wait until my next visit.
A good place to work in Norwich
The Yard isn’t officially a co-working space, but working here certainly seems acceptable.
There were lots of people using laptops during my recent visit. There’s access to Wi-Fi and power points, and nobody’s in a hurry to move workers along.
That makes it a useful option if you work remotely and need a change of scenery, particularly because the atmosphere feels calm without being silent.
I’d happily bring my laptop here for a couple of hours. Equally, it works well for an informal client meeting because it feels polished enough for business without becoming stiff or corporate.
Practical details
The Yard is open from 8.30am until 5pm and sits just off Red Lion Street, opposite the former Debenhams building.
It’s also only a short walk from several of the main city-centre bus routes.
Is The Yard worth visiting?
Yes. The Yard is one of those places that works for lots of occasions without trying too hard.
You could stop for a solo coffee and a read, meet a friend, have an informal client meeting or bring your laptop and work for a while.
For me, its biggest appeal is that it gives you somewhere calm to escape the busyness of Norwich without leaving the city centre.
And I suspect I’ll be back with my laptop before too long.
*I still miss Loose’s. You can’t get cake decorations like that in the city anymore.
