The Drawing Rooms, Norwich Travel Guide

Free Guide: Art deco cocktail bar where prohibition vibes meet contemporary craft mixology in historic Norwich.

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A brief summary of The Drawing Rooms

Art deco cocktail bar where prohibition vibes meet contemporary craft mixology in historic Norwich.

An art deco cocktail bar in Norwich's historic Lanes, housed in a converted 1930s architect's office. Known for expertly crafted cocktails, quality spirits, and a vibrant atmosphere with classic R&B soundtrack. Dog-friendly throughout, open 11am–midnight daily with walk-in seating only.

1–4 hrsTime to spend

$$Mid-range

IndoorSetting

4 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

Restrooms
Drink options
Food options
Seating areas

4.4 Very good · 235 Google reviews

Plan your visit

Opening hours

MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuClosed
Fri11 am–12 am
Sat11 am–12 am
SunClosed

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: 23 Pottergate, Norwich NR2 1DS
Website

From Eve

Know before you go

Arrive early or during quieter hours (weekday afternoons) for better seating options, as the venue operates strictly on a walk-in, first-come basis with no reservations.
Ask the bartenders for personalized cocktail recommendations based on your taste preferences—they excel at tailoring drinks to individual palates rather than simply following the menu.
Bring your dog if you have one; the venue is fully dog-friendly throughout all areas, making it ideal for pet owners seeking a social atmosphere.
Visit during the cocktail club hours to take advantage of discounts on mix-and-match double gin and mixers, or explore their cocktail tree deals for better value.
Explore the building's architectural details—subtle hints of its original life as an architect's office are hidden throughout the split-level space.

Getting there

Walking from Norwich City Centre

From Norwich Market or the city centre, head toward St Gregory's Green. The Drawing Rooms is located at 23 Pottergate, just off St Gregory's Green in the historic Norwich Lanes. Walking distance is approximately 5–10 minutes depending on starting point. The venue is easily accessible on foot with no special equipment required.

Public Transport

Norwich has good bus connections throughout the city. Most central bus routes serve stops near the city centre, from which the Norwich Lanes are a short walk. No direct public transport stops at the venue itself, but the location is highly accessible from all major bus routes serving Norwich city centre.

Parking

Street parking is available in the Norwich Lanes area, though spaces can be limited during peak hours. Several paid car parks are located nearby, including those at the Norwich Market and surrounding city centre locations, typically a 5–10 minute walk from the venue.

Accessibility Note

The venue occupies a split-level historic building. Access to different areas may involve stairs. Contact the venue at drawingrooms@i2ihospitality.co.uk for specific accessibility information if needed.

Discover more about The Drawing Rooms

Art Deco Elegance in Historic Norwich

The Drawing Rooms is a vibrant cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Norwich's historic Lanes, just off St Gregory's Green. Occupying a beautifully restored 1930s building that originally served as an architect's office, the venue seamlessly blends period charm with contemporary cocktail culture. The split-level space features a carefully curated aesthetic with burnt orange, pastel pink, and dark green accents, complemented by subtle architectural details from its previous life. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated and playful, making it equally suited to midweek catch-ups or weekend celebrations.

Craft Cocktails and Expert Bartending

The bar's reputation rests on its commitment to quality mixology. Bartenders craft cocktails using premium spirits and liqueurs, with meticulous attention to detail—correct ice, appropriate glassware, and thoughtful presentation. The menu offers creative options including a famous cocktail club with discounts on mix-and-match double gin and mixers. Beyond cocktails, the venue serves excellent coffee and maintains a carefully selected draught line-up of beers and wines. Staff are known for their expertise and willingness to tailor drinks to individual preferences, offering recommendations based on taste profiles rather than generic suggestions.

Atmosphere and Entertainment

The venue pulses with an old-school R&B soundtrack that complements its eclectic, prohibition-inspired decor. The intimate, cosy ambiance is frequently praised by visitors, with the space feeling like a carefully curated house party rather than a formal establishment. The location on the junction of several lanes provides excellent people-watching opportunities, and the venue's energy appeals to those seeking both relaxation and social engagement.

Practical Information

The Drawing Rooms operates on a walk-in basis only—no reservations are accepted, and all tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Open daily from 11am to midnight, the venue welcomes well-behaved dogs throughout all areas, making it accessible to pet owners. The bar is conveniently located at 23 Pottergate, Norwich NR2 1DS, in the city centre, with easy access via the historic Norwich Lanes.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from

Google

By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 1am or at 2am or at 9am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated

Jan: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Feb: 50% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Mar: 63% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Apr: 75% of the busiest month
May: 88% of the busiest month
Jun: 100% of the busiest month
Jul: 100% of the busiest month
Aug: 88% of the busiest month
Sep: 75% of the busiest month
Oct: 63% of the busiest month
Nov: 63% of the busiest month
Dec: 75% of the busiest month

How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated

12am: 33% of the busiest hour
1am: 22% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
2am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
9am: 11% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
10am: 22% of the busiest hour
11am: 33% of the busiest hour
12pm: 44% of the busiest hour
1pm: 44% of the busiest hour
2pm: 33% of the busiest hour
3pm: 44% of the busiest hour
4pm: 56% of the busiest hour
5pm: 67% of the busiest hour
6pm: 78% of the busiest hour
7pm: 89% of the busiest hour
8pm: 100% of the busiest hour
9pm: 100% of the busiest hour
10pm: 89% of the busiest hour
11pm: 56% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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