Christmas Gifting the Norfolk Way

So, myself (Zena) in association with Tastebuds, have come up with ideas for Christmas presents, at the same time while keeping it local.

Experiences

What sort of a business woman would I be if I didn't plug my Food and Drink walking tours? All of which, available in voucher form. Choose from a bespoke tour for 2 valid for 6 months to a pay-as-you-go self-guided food tour ticket which is only £12.50, and giving you access to 13x £10 dishes in 8 local independent food businesses around the city. This can include a free matcha tea experience and discounts across Norwich. Well, enough of me!

The chocolate experience in Emporium Norwich is a real chocolate lovers treat (and my idea!), at just £25.90 per person, an alternative to afternoon tea. When you book ahead including a hot chocolate and around a dozen chocolate tastes, all made in-house by Marcela - a Brazilian chocolate Queen. Also available as vouchers. 

Many places offer boozy experiences like Gyre and Gimble in the Royal Arcade, where you can make your own bottle of gin to take away.

Or Archangel Distilleries where you can enjoy a gin tasting and tour.

Fancy wine? Chet Valley Vineyard offer all sorts of experiences, including grape picking.

You'll find many vineyards, fin distilleries and brewery's offering experiences all-year round, all over Norfolk. As well as bars offering masterclasses in cocktails like Postles Apothecary and Chambers, both in the city.

Or why not mix an experience with food like Bowling House, where you can get a voucher to cover a few games, while enjoying their fabulous cocktails and food menu - last year their nachos were celebrity endorsed! 

Barcadia offers cocktails, house fries and more married together with retro arcade games - who doesn't love Pac-Man? 

Vouchers

Talking about afternoon tea in Norwich, there is no finer surroundings than the Assembly House, and knowing they have 13 chefs working on their afternoon tea daily, it is all fresh. They are famous for their scones, cooking over 200 a day. Served  days a week and sometimes available as a drop in. Plus, they offer all alternatives like vegan and gluten free alternatives, for just £32 per person.

Most restaurants around Norwich will offer vouchers like Le Hexigone, an award-winning French bistro down the lanes. A perfect gift so loved ones can try somewhere new. 

Other places to think about are The Steam Packet, Brix and Bones and Boston House (which has the best Sunday roast in Norwich in my opinion) all a treat with great food.

Hampers

Then there are the hampers....

St Giles Pantry only stock Norfolk produce from a 40-mile radius and make a shop full of hampers at Christmas time.

As do Jarrolds and dedicated companies such as the Norfolk Hamper Company, Norfolk Hampers and A Little Bit of Luxury Norfolk. All tailored to your likes and budget. 

Or, make your own from Norwich Market, Bare Food Deli, St. Giles or Jarrolds. Plus, whack some booze in from Gyre and Gimble's shop in the Royal Arcade, they are a secret off-licence selling interesting bottles from all over the world.

Booze

With at least 6 Norfolk gins to choose from including the original Norfolk Gin and 3 epic cocktail companies: Mindful Mixology, Doxi and Canary Cocktails, plus beer companies such as Barsham Brewery and award-winning wine like Winburri - they all offer package deals and delivery to your door.

Or, why not send a case from CH Wine Merchants? 

But, if you go into Jarrolds food hall, you'll find 50% plus off Norfolk booze-makers including miniatures and gift packs. Whilst in the city, grab Norfolk cans and bottles from Sir Tobu's on the market and Beer Hatch, near Fife Bridge. 

Norfolk food-makers

• Crumpetorium's crumpets - delivery offered along with gift packs
• Risky Biscuits - delicious biscuits for both adults and kids
• Gnaw Chocolate - with fantastic offerings
• Emporium Norwich - for excellent Brazilian brigadeiros
• Simply Roasted - a fab box of crisps including truffle flavour
• Chilli Willy's - spicy chilli oil - paired well with Simply Roasted crisps
• ADHD Chilli sauce - it does what it says on the tin
• Sweet Smiles Norfolk - delicious sweets with vegan offering

I mean, the list just goes on forever.

Alternatively, you could drop by Norwich Market and fill a box or hamper with goodies from Dottie's Sweets, And Eat It cookies, The Chocolate Bar Baker, spice stalls or Asian goodies from Orient Express. 

Talking about Asian goodies, Lucky Fortune on St. Stephens sell just about everything sian, including my favourite coffee sweets - Kopiko. Plus, Ikaewon Korean in Castle Quarter for Asian sweets, kimchi and more.

Kitchen equipment and cook books

This bring me back to Jarrolds again to their food hall which is next to their book shop. Other book shops in Norwich include Book Hive. A new kitchen shop has opened in Chantry Place shopping mall, but there is also a kitchen shop in the market. 

Alternatively you can buy Braydeston Knives made in Norfolk, wooden platters from Pure Love Personalised Gifts or request a personalised printed apron from one of the many printing shops around Norfolk.

You may think I must be out of ideas, but I have barely started. I feel I must bring a close to this epic Norfolk gift list....

Norfolk Cheese

We have so many amazing cheeses made locally, you can make up your own board from the biggest local selection from The Cheeseman on the market (which is in fact a woman), or buy direct from the farms like Fen Farm Dairy, Mrs Temples or Fielding Cottage - but don't forget to pick up crackers!

There is one crack in the armour, there is barely any local cheese biscuit manufacturers, and certainly a gap in the market. There is The Bon Bakery - who make excellent bruschetta style biscuits. 

Pets

Don't forget the pooches! Norfolk has a few doggy bakery brands, probably available from the delis and farm shops.

Norfolk has an array of local delis and farmshops, offering vouchers and Norfolk produce, perfect for the food and drink lovers.

BTW, I am Zena, an x-chef, cookery tutor and food writer, who also happens to be an accidental blogger when I set up social media and a website to promote my Food and Drink walking tours in Norwich, including a self-guided pay as you go tour. I also run Holiday Barns in Bawburgh. 

I will be writing for Tastebuds every month, so if you want to be featured, message us!

Over and out,

Zena