This evening we went out for supper as we will no doubt do for the rest of our stay.

Wensum reflecting lights

We left the apartment and crossed the Wensum, now reflecting lights.

Wherry Road

We walked along this thoroughfare, called Wherry Road. We knew it from previous visits to Norwich: it is lined with restaurants.

Frankie and Benny’s

We made a show of looking to see what was on offer along the street but we had really already decided to go to Frankie and Benny’s Italian-style restaurant as we had done on previous occasions.

“Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese”
Photo by Tigger

We both chose Ultimate Mac ‘N’ Cheese, which is a vegetarian version of macaroni cheese,

We had tea to drink though it was unfortunately served in the abominable way that is becoming all too common: you are served a cup of tepid water with a tea bag in the saucer for you to put into the cup yourself.

“New York Cheescake”

To follow, we both had something called New York Cheesecake though why it was called that I have no idea as I very much doubt whether it has been anywhere near America.

The food was good though the service was extremely slow. This was probably because they were carrying on a brisk trade in food to be delivered and restaurant customers such as we had to wait their turn.

Having eaten, we came straight back to the apartment. We made tea the proper way and settled in for the night. Tomorrow, our Norwich adventure begins in earnest!

We were planning a trip to Norwich a few weeks back but Storm Eunice disrupted train services and scotched our plans. This is our second attempt. We expect to spend four nights in this, Norfolk’s county town.

Aboard the 205

We caught a 205 bus in Pentonville Road. This bus would deliver us right to Liverpool Street Station but we left it a couple of stops before that destination.

Black Sheep Coffee

This was so that we could visit a branch of Black Sheep Coffee.

Coffee and croissants

At Black Sheep, we ordered our favourite breakfast of coffee and croissants.

Liverpool Street Station

After breakfast, we walked to the nearby Liverpool Street Station.

Aboard the Norwich

We boarded the train for Norwich and it departed on time at 9.30.

The countryside speeds by

All we had to do now was relax and watch the countryside speed by until we arrived at Norwich.

Arriving at Norwich

We eventually arrived at Norwich – three minutes late but who’s counting? 🙂

Norwich Station

We left the railway station,…

River Wensum

…crossed the River Wensum and made our way to the apartment where we are staying. We cannot access it till this afternoon but we can leave our suitcases.

Street view, Norwich

We then went prospecting for somewhere to sit and take refreshments..

The Departure Lounge

We happened upon a coffee bar called The Departure Lounge and went in.

Milkshakes
Photo by Tigger

For a change, we ordered milkshakes.

Hardwicke House

We walked up the hill, taking in the sights. Hardwicke House was built in 1860 as a bank but has served various other purposes, including that of post office, since then.

The Norman Castle

We passed by the castle, built by William the Conqueror, used as a prison for 667 years to 1887 and now home to the museum.

The Royal Arcade

We visited the Art Nouveau-influenced Royal Arcade, opened in 1899.

The Market

We passed by the famous and popular market but did not explore it this time.

Jarrold’s department store

We entered Jarrold’s store (opened 1823) and had a look round at their immense variety of goods (No, we didn’t buy anything.)

The Guildhall

We photographed the Guildhall, built 1413, glowing in the sunshine with its smart chequerboard decoration.

The Forum

We entered the impressive multi-purpose building called the Forum which accommodates the public library, the BBC and a number of cafes and restaurants.

PizzaExpress

Among the latter is PizzaExpress where w had lunch.

Church of St Peter Mancroft

Opposite the Forum is the local parish church, called St Peter Mancroft. It was begun in 1430 though I imagine a lot has been done to it in the years since.

St Peter Mancroft, interior

St Peter’s is quite large and impressive. I was particularly intrigued by a narrow spiral staircase provided solely for access to the organ.

View from the bedroom into the kitchen

Leaving the church, we made our way back to our apartment. Fortunately, as we were now rather tired, much of our path was downhill! We reached the building containing our apartment and activated the keypad entry system. Our apartment was available from 2:30 and, as we were slightly early, we had to wait a few minutes before the entry keypad would respond.

Resting!

The apartment is quite small. The “kitchen”(which I doubt we will use) is combined with the entrance hall. There is a toilet and shower combined and a bedroom where, as I write this, we are currently resting.

We will go out later to find supper but I will end the story here for now as it is already rather long.