Norfolk Food Hall opens to showcase best produce from the county

The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA) confirmed that the new venue includes a 3,500 sq ft food hall and a 220-seater restaurant with an outdoor space. 

The facility will be the largest in the county, with at least 70% of all the products sourced from producers in Norfolk and Suffolk.  

It has also been designed to inform and connect people to the produce grown within Norfolk, with interpretive boards and information illustrating the county’s vibrant and dynamic food production industry. As well as a showcase, the Norfolk Food Hall will provide a hub for product development and for communities coming together. 

Managing director of the RNAA, Mark Nicholas, said: “The Norfolk Food Hall is unique in the way it tells the story of farming and the amazing people who produce our food and drink. 

“It’s a really challenging environment for farming now, and anything we can do to connect the general public and farming is only a good thing. So much of what is produced in the county is of the highest standards in the world, from malting barley and wine to livestock and cheese, and we want to make sure people are aware of how this happens and be proud of their county’s farming achievements.” 

‘Promoting exceptional farmers and producers’

Mr Nicholas added that RNAA is uniquely placed to create a food hall that is not only a fantastic opportunity to buy top-quality food but where people can support farming through their spending.  

“As a charity we reinvest all the surpluses made from our projects back into our charitable objectives, which in turn supports the promotion and education of food, farming and the countryside all year round.  

“We are hoping that the success of the Norfolk Food Hall will become a virtuous circle, as the more we are supported by the community, the more we can promote and support our exceptional farmers and producers.”  

General Manager of Norfolk Food Hall, George Brentnall, said: “I am excited to see the Norfolk Food Hall farm shop and restaurant become a vibrant hub, directly connecting people with the exceptional food and drink produced right here in Norfolk.  

“Bringing this vision to life has been a fantastic team effort, fuelled by the passion and dedication of everyone involved. We’re incredibly excited to open our doors to all on May 22nd and offer a unique experience that tells the stories behind Norfolk’s produce and the people who make it happen.” 

What’s inside? 

The new food hall contains a butchery counter by Tony Perkins Butchers, a delicatessen counter with takeaway coffee and cake, fresh produce and a range of groceries from chocolate and beer to biscuits, wine and local snacks.  

The 220-seater restaurant provides a menu of locally sourced dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and Norfolk Food Hall special blend coffee, along with cakes and scones made in the kitchen. 

Visitors are also able to enjoy use of outside seating, a children’s play area, and access to green space at the Showground for exercising dogs and enjoying the fresh air. The full Showground Trail is scheduled to open in September. 

The Norfolk Food Hall is located on Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT and will be open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 6pm (restaurant closes at 5.30pm), Sunday between 10am and 4pm (restaurant closes at 3.30pm). 

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