Frank's - Norwich

Walking around the lovely town of Norwich, we came across this small bar. It's got a quaint atmosphere with seating on main floor, upstairs, and outside. We opted to sit outside, but the outside seating area was extremely small. Be prepared to be cramped anywhere you sit as the inside is limited for seating space as well. Nonetheless, the waiters were very nice and attentive. While my business partner drank a **** mary (he said it was the best he'd ever tasted), I ordered a pint of Adnams Ghost Ship. I like my beers a little on the hoppy side, so this choice was perfect: not too hoppy, but still carries a citrus taste. With a menu heavily slanted towards brunch, I ordered the traditional English breakfast and was satisfied. Not the best I've ever had, but certainly worth recommending to the casual visitor.

Franks is an amazing hidden gem. Great food in a relaxed atmosphere. Later on, this turns into a hip bar. Free wifi too!

I am actually in love with Frank's Bar whether it's the super-friendly staff, the cosy and kooky surroundings or the awesome food. Located in a little space in Norwich's Lanes it stands out straight away as the kind of place I like to visit. Inside it's ramshackle junk shop tables, board games, magazines and books create a really nice atmosphere and another room out the back means that even though Frank's is popular it's not usually overcrowded. During the week they serve food which goes down a storm if you're hungry whether it's the superb patatas bravas or the tasty sausage sandwich with an onion marmalade. Saying that I have had a few meals here which haven't been quite to my taste like the Thai curry but the menu rotates quite often so there's always something new on offer. The best time to come in for food is on a Sunday when the mood is very relaxed and they do an excellent Full English breakfast, a vegetarian breakfast and the legendary blueberry pancakes. There are very few places in Norwich I would rather sit down and read the paper on a Sunday morning. Now I realise Im jabbering on so I'll speed up. They've got a great selection of wines and other drinks. I can't say anything about what it's like in the evenings since Ive never been but Ive seen photos and it looks great. Sunday afternoons they show themed films in the backroom Just go there. Unless you're scared of being seen as twee or hipster. In which case maybe not.

We headed to Franks on the recommendation of the friends we were meeting and it proved to be the perfect spot to while away the hours on a Saturday morning and afternoon. From the moment you step in the door you feel relaxed. Aromas of cake and coffee embrace you and the staff were super frirendly, even if they were always busy serving customers in this popular little place. A huge range of teas and coffees, delicious cakes (the warm almond croissant was the best I've ever had. No joke), and the food was fantastic too. Between us we had a beef ciabatta, warm root veg salad and homemade houmous. Really very, very good. Familiar and interesting music piped out, and everyone around was chatty and in good spirits. Quirky decor with local artist works on the wall and big old wooden furniture. Just a delightful place to be to start the weekend. You'd find this kind of place in Broadway Market in London, only the Norfolk twist made it even more warm and welcoming with none of the LDN pretence. Delightful.

Frank's, located amongst the knickknackers and indie clothes stores of the Norwich Lanes, fits right in its little niche. Its pretty but nondescript exterior gels well with both its ambiance and interior design: vintage tables and chairs, hand worn wood, well thumbed books and lovingly bedraggled boardgames. As such, this really is a place you'd be happy to while away a cold afternoon. The friendly staff don't seem at all bothered if you waft in and spend an hour over a paper or book with a coffee. Scooching is actively encouraged and you can often be pleasantly surprised by the clientele you might find sat next to yourself. They also have a movie night. The food is good. It was fantastic, but seems to have slipped a little. It's fairly expensive, but it's all ethically sourced and interesting fare. As hangover busters go, there are few better options in Norwich than a stack of blueberry pancakes or a good fry up at Frank's. Yet it really comes into its own when the sun's set. They have a great selection of spirits and can usually recommend a hearty cocktail, as well as seasonal booze (i.e. mulled wine) and an array of beers and wines. Again, it's not cheap, but the convivial air and superfine barmaids are definitely worth the extra cost. There's no air of sleaze, and as everyone's always seated, it's not the kind of place you go to get shitfaced and hit on someone. At most, you might find yourself playing jenga with them. Personally, I consider that a plus. Add to that the fact that it's open later than anywhere comparable in town, and hey presto you have a perfect destination for when you've just finished a night out and it's been an unsurprising disappointment but you still have a bit of a buzz and twenty quid burning a hole in your pocket.