The catering and hospitality sector in Norwich
Thanks to its geographical isolation in East Anglia, the city of Norwich has developed a unique character all of its own. A vibrant and compact city that effortlessly blends the old and new, the urban and rural, Norwich is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. And with a truly inclusive and progressive atmosphere, few cities in England are quite as easy to settle in as a newcomer. There’s much more to Norfolk’s county town than Alan Partridge and plans for pedestrianisation.
Up until the Industrial Revolution, Norwich was the second-largest city in England after London. This proud legacy has not been forgotten, and Norwich is the best-preserved medieval city in the UK. Historical attractions include Norwich Castle; Norwich Cathedral; the cobbled streets of Timber Hill, Tombland and Elm Street; ancient buildings such as St Andrew's Hall; and half-timbered cultural treasures such as Dragon Hall. A trip to Adam and Eve, a pub dating back to 1249, is also a must.
The surrounding countryside is equally special. The Broads, a low-lying area of navigable rivers, lakes and canals, is the only National Park in the country to have a city located in it. Nothing says rural escapism like an idyllic barge trip up the River Wensum.
The city is also a mainstay of the arts, education and culture. The University of East Anglia (UEA) is ranked in the top one per cent of world universities and is a world leader for literature and creative writing. The literary bug is part of the city’s fabric: in 2012, Norwich was the first city in England to be awarded UNESCO City of Literature status. Former resident and UEA alumnus Kazuo Ishiguro would be proud, as would Norfolk native and modern renaissance man, Stephen Fry.
Norwich is a great place to work. In 2016, the Guardian named it the happiest place to work in the UK. And with a thriving food and drink culture — including one of the UK’s best craft beer scenes — it’s also one of the best places for catering and hospitality professionals to find employment.
Major employers in the sector include the High Street, Norwich Shopping Centre, Carrow Road (the home of Premier League upstarts, Norwich City FC), Great Hospital, and the city’s two universities. And with hundreds of restaurants, bars, cafes and more, employment in the city is available throughout the year.
As for pay, the most up-to-date Blue Arrow data suggests that the average salary for a head chef is around under £30,000 a year, while a talented chef de partie can earn around £23,500 a year.
Finally, if you’re a chef looking to upskill, Norwich is also home to several industry-recognised training courses to help you master your craft.
