It is said that when Hitler was planning his invasion of Britain, he chose the imposing, monolithic pillars of Norwich Town Hall for his victory speech. This may be apocryphal, but still, if that building can be associated with the encroaching darkness of fascism, then it’s a good thing that just 70 meters from the market is the Garnet pub, a shining monument to British values and perhaps alcoholism (perhaps the same thing) since 1861.
Winter or summer, basking under the soft yellow lamps or perched on the low stone walls out front, you’ll find a handful and a throng of merry punters smoking and rapping merrily into the wee hours.
Warm concern
Inside is the sanctuary of the wood-paneled bar, with a range of hardy scotch and local herbs on draft and a curated selection of wines.
Upstairs there is a cozy den with nooks and crannies to shelter in for a quiet meeting or a long overdue meeting. Climb back up to the top of the building, with its eclectic mix of furniture, for the biggest and loudest bands of the day – not to mention views across the historic market (never mind the scary pillars).
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Hitting the bricks
As for the food, the highlight is Garnet’s partnership with neighboring Brick Pizza, from where some of the best quality pizza in Norwich can be delivered to every table in the pub. Perhaps a bit at odds with the antique aesthetic, orders can be made from a QR code on the table, so there’s no need to risk losing a hard-earned table. A good pub indeed.
The Garnet, Market Place, Norwich
(Further reading: We should let Kanye play)
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This article appears in the April 15, 2026 issue of the New Statesman, The Angry Young Women
