L'Hexagone Bistro Français
Authentic French bistro in Norwich Lanes: simple, heartfelt classics from a family team in an intimate haven. Onion soup, steak frites, crème brûlée—pure provincial France in Norfolk.
Tucked into Norwich's vibrant Lanes, L'Hexagone is an authentic French bistro run by husband-and-wife team Thomas Aubrit and Gemma Aubrit-Layfield. Since opening in 2020, it serves heartfelt, simple French classics like onion soup, bavette steak frites, and crème brûlée in an intimate, welcoming space. Short menus emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients with a compact all-French wine list. Perfect for lunch or dinner, bookings essential for this tiny gem.
A brief summary to L'Hexagone
- 22 Lower Goat Ln, Norwich, NR2 1EL, GB
- +441603926886
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Book ahead—tiny space fills fast, max 6 per party. Phone or email during off-hours.
- Opt for downstairs for Lanes views; upstairs for more space. Pass through kitchen for chef's welcome.
- Try crème brûlée or panna cotta—dessert stars. Pair with French wines from owner's hometown picks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Discover more about L'Hexagone
Discovering L'Hexagone
Nestled on Lower Goat Lane in the heart of Norwich's historic Lanes, L'Hexagone Bistro Français captures the essence of a provincial French eatery. Opened in early 2020 by Frenchman Thomas Aubrit, whose family legacy includes a cook mother and butcher uncle, and his English wife Gemma, this tiny spot feels like a hidden Parisian neighborhood bistro transported to Norfolk. The dark-painted downstairs room offers intimate seating with Lanes people-watching, while upstairs provides a bit more space for relaxed dining.The Menu and Cuisine
Thomas crafts dishes from childhood memories, focusing on simplicity and bold flavors. Lunch features pocket-friendly options like generous croque monsieur, soupe à l'oignon, or salade lyonnaise. Evenings extend to herby prawn skewers, sea bream with beurre blanc, bavette steak, or chicken leg with tarragon sauce and frites. Desserts shine with velvety crème brûlée—hailed as the best this side of the Channel—and vanilla panna cotta with sharp fruit purée. Vegetarian choices include tartine of butternut squash and Roquefort. The all-French wine list is compact, well-priced, with personal references from the owner's hometown.Atmosphere and Service
This family affair exudes warmth and charm. Gemma manages front-of-house with instinctive hospitality, while Thomas greets guests through the kitchen. Diners rave about the heartfelt service, cozy vibe—like eating in a friend's home—and consistent excellence. The minuscule space seats around 20 upstairs, fostering a loyal following. No fuss, just attentive care.Practicalities
Open Tuesday to Thursday for lunch (12-2pm), with Friday and Saturday adding dinner (6-9pm). Closed Mondays and Sundays. Book ahead via phone or email, max 6 guests per party. Prices are reasonable for quality: onion soup £10, steaks around £30, wine from £26/bottle. Dietary needs accommodated upon request.Why Visit
L'Hexagone stands out for its authenticity in Norwich's dining scene. It's not flashy but delivers glorious, honest French fare that punches above its size. Ideal for couples, friends, or solo diners seeking comfort food with soul.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Quakers Religious Society Of Friends
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Discover 350 years of Quaker serenity in Norwich's heart: a Grade II* classical haven for silent worship, community gatherings, and timeless social reform values.
Norwich Guildhall
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Discover Norwich's medieval civic soul in this chequerboard flint icon—England's grandest provincial city hall, whispering tales of governance, justice, and craftsmanship since 1407.
Memorial Gardens
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Serene Norwich terrace of war remembrance with Lutyens' iconic memorial, blending formal gardens, history, and city heart tranquility for reflective escapes.
Norwich War Memorial
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Lutyens' poignant cenotaph in Norwich's Market Place honors World War fallen with timeless stone and flame, inviting reflection in a garden terrace opposite City Hall.
St Giles House
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Discover historical elegance at St Giles House, a Grade II* boutique hotel in Norwich's vibrant center, blending Baroque charm, modern luxury, spa indulgence, and proximity to theatres, castle, and markets.
Norwich BID
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Discover Norwich BID: Heart of city improvement, where businesses unite to create a thriving, event-filled destination for living, working, and exploring vibrant Norwich.
St Peter Mancroft
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Norwich's Perpendicular Gothic jewel: soaring tower, medieval glass masterpieces, and hammer-beam splendor in the heart of the market square—a timeless civic icon.
Norwich Lanes
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Wander the award-winning Norwich Lanes: a historic maze of cobbled alleys alive with independent shops, eateries, theaters, and creative energy that captures the city's artistic soul.
The Royal Arcade
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Discover Norwich's crown jewel: a 125-year-old Art Nouveau arcade brimming with independent boutiques, artisanal crafts, and vibrant food halls in the city's pedestrian heart.
St Andrew's Church
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Sir Thomas Browne Statue
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St Giles on the Hill
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Duke Street | Norwich University of the Arts
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Norwich Spiritualist Church
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Discover spiritual enlightenment at Norwich's historic Spiritualist Church, where healing, mediumship, and the Seven Principles guide seekers toward eternal progress and communion with spirits.
St. George's Bridge
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Elegant Portland stone bridge by Sir John Soane spanning Norwich's River Wensum—a serene historic crossing evoking centuries of industrial heritage and quiet reflection.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Maddermarket Theatre
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Discover Norwich's intimate Elizabethan playhouse: a 1921 gem hosting vibrant community theatre, professional tours, and ghostly tales in a historic chapel-turned-stage.
Brownies & Coffee
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Strangers' Hall
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Jarrolds
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Undercroft Gallery
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Norwich's raw underground art haven beneath Memorial Gardens, showcasing uncurated exhibitions, handcrafts, and local talent in a flexible city-center vault.
Norwich Market
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Discover Norwich's 1,000-year-old market heart: vibrant stalls brimming with global street food, fresh Norfolk produce, crafts, and buzz under iconic awnings—a sensory feast in England's trading gem.
The South Asia Collection
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Journey into South Asia's artistic soul in Norwich's historic rink-turned-museum, where 10,000 treasures of textiles, crafts, and paintings await amid artisan shops—free and enchanting.
Norfolk Heritage Open Days
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Unlock Norfolk's hidden histories for free during England's largest heritage festival—tours, workshops, and stories from 11-20 September 2026 at venues county-wide.
East Gallery
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Norwich Science Festival
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Norwich Games Festival
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Eight days of free gaming celebration for everyone, from retro arcades to VR experiences and indie games.
The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
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Discover Norwich's beating heart in a medieval prison turned treasure trove of industry, stories, and hands-on history amid the charming Lanes.
Soho Fine Art Norwich
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St Margaret's Gallery
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Castle Fine Art, Norwich
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Essential places to dine
L'Hexagone
0.0 km
Authentic French bistro in Norwich Lanes: simple, heartfelt classics from a family team in an intimate haven. Onion soup, steak frites, crème brûlée—pure provincial France in Norfolk.
Moorish Falafel Bar
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Norwich's beloved vegan falafel bar serving Mediterranean-inspired plant-based fast food with generous portions and authentic flavors.
Grosvenor Fish Bar
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Quirky grotto-dining fish and chips haven in Norwich's lanes—generous portions of battered classics in an eccentric, unforgettable setting that divides opinion on quality.
Biddy's Tea Room
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Quirky Norwich tearoom brimming with 60+ loose-leaf teas, towering homemade cakes, and build-your-own afternoon teas in a cozy, Victorian-inspired nook.
Christophes Crepes Norwich
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Freshly crafted crepes in Norwich's historic lanes: sweet, savoury, vegan delights made to order with local flair and unbeatable taste.
Wild Thyme
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Hidden vegetarian haven in Norwich's Labour in Vain Yard, serving fresh, vegan-friendly breakfasts, lunches, and cakes in a cozy bare-brick space above a wholefoods shop.
The Copper Kettle
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Cozy Norwich cafe serving hearty, tasty meals with friendly service—ideal for breakfast or lunch in a charming lane setting. 4.3 stars from 230 fans.
Belgian Monk
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Alchemista Coffee Potions
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Yard
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Paolo's Restaurant
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Chia brunch
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Soyokaze
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GOZO Restaurant
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J.C. Pinto
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Giggly Goat
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Quirky art gallery and craft haven in Norwich's historic Lanes, brimming with affordable handmade treasures from local artisans.
Fire and Flux Ceramics
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Main Source
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Mod One Ltd
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DOHPE Vintage
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Nova Silver
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Elm.
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St Gregory's Church
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St Gregory's Antiques and Collectables
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The Cuppie Hut
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Imelda's Shoe Boutique
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Vintage Apparel
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Devecchio Bakery
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80s Casual Classics Norwich
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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First Draft Bar
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Hawthorn
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Sir Toby's Beers
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The Deli and Wine Bar at Jarrolds
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Elegant wine bars in Norwich's Jarrolds Food Hall, pairing artisan cheeses, charcuterie, patisserie with fine wines for the perfect shopping interlude.
The Patisserie Wine Bar at Jarrolds
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The Holloway
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Norwich's tiniest creative gem: a bookshop by day, intimate music cellar by night, brewing community, coffee, and unforgettable gigs in historic Lanes.
The Wallow | Self Service Wine Bar
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The Walnut Tree Shades
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Bullards - Tipsy Anchor
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Tipsy Jar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Platinum Lace Norwich
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Sugar & Spice - Strip Club and Lap Dancing Norwich
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Mantra
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Pure Gold Bar and Gentlemen's Club
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Sultry strip club in Norwich with talented dancers, private dances, VIP rooms, and a safe, relaxed vibe on Prince of Wales Road—perfect for adult nightlife adventures.
The Cabana Club
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Dive into Norwich's pulsing nightlife at The Cabana Club, where disco beats and vibrant crowds create unforgettable nights of dancing and revelry on Prince of Wales Road.
Fluke
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Experience Norwich’s vibrant nightlife at Fluke, where great music, affordable drinks, and a lively crowd come together for unforgettable nights.
Mojo's
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Mojo's: Norwich's gritty, no-frills nightclub pulsing with late-night beats and authentic urban energy.
Popworld - Norwich
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Entice Gentlemen's Club
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Norwich's premier gentlemen's club blending sophistication with affordability in the city centre.
KUDOS Bar and Nightclub
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Loft Nightclub
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Norwich’s vibrant gay nightclub with over 30 years of inclusive nightlife, music, and community spirit in the heart of the city.
The Adrian Flux Waterfront
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Norwich's riverside rock haven: epic gigs in a historic warehouse, from Nirvana to club nights, with killer sound and Wensum views.
Ceroc Fusion - Canary Social Club
1.4 km
Swing into modern jive at Norwich's friendliest dance night: no partner required, expert guidance, and freestyle fun on a sprung floor every Monday.
The LCR
3.5 km
Norwich's explosive live music and nightclub epicenter at UEA – intimate gigs with superstar acts, thumping club nights, and unbeatable student energy.
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
