Published:
2:00 PM July 24, 2022
Updated:
2:15 pm July 24, 2022
Pop-up kitchens offer a great opportunity to test the waters and take the first foray into running a food business.
Many have tried their luck in Norwich and succeeded, winning awards and becoming an established name in the city.
Here are five pop-ups that have now moved into a permanent home.
Owner Chris Smith outside Christophe’s Crepes, which opened in Tofurei’s former home in the Norwich Lanes Photos: BRITTANY WOODMAN
– Credit: Archant
1. Christophe’s pancakes
Where: 12 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DY
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christophe’s Crepes, run by couple Chris and Lauren Smith, started out serving crepes at events, then they launched a trailer at Davey Place in the city center in 2012.
He quickly gained a loyal following, with locals and visitors eager to enjoy his savory and sweet pancakes.
Queues along Davey Place for Christophe’s Crepes in Norwich on Crepe Day Image: Supplied by Christophe’s Crepes
– Credit: Archant
In 2020, the pair jumped at the chance to expand and open a permanent location in the city, launching their first boutique in Pottergate in August of that year.
It now also serves coffees and ice cream alongside its signature crepes.
The new Oishii Street Kitchen in Distillery Square, Norwich.
– Credit: DENISE BRADLEY/Archant2022
2. Oishii Street Food
Where: 12 Distillery Square, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR2 4BH
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m.
The teams behind two of Norfolk’s most requested street food vans, Moco Kitchen and The Hen House Kitchen, have joined forces to launch Oishii Street Kitchen in October 2020.
It started as a pop-up at Chambers Cocktail Company in Wensum Street, but by February 2022 the team had moved into their own restaurant.
One of the burgers offered by Oishii Street Kitchen
– Credit: Instagram @joshuapatrickphotography
The restaurant is known for its Asian-inspired burgers, loaded fries, wings, and other street food dishes.
Harry’s Soul Station opens in Norwich – pictured are Molly, Marc Ward, Donna Newby and Keira.
– Credit: Brittany Woodman/Archant
3. Harry’s Soul Train
Where: 49 West End Street, Norwich, NR2 4NA
Opening hours: Tuesday 8am-12pm/5pm-10pm, Wednesday to Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday 9am-12pm and Sunday 9am-2pm
Harry’s Soul Train started out as a food truck in 2020, serving street food like tacos, burgers, and wings.
Fast forward two years later, the business has grown to two food trailers, a residency at the Whalebone pub and in May it launched its first restaurant.
Smoked BBQ and Buffalo Wings served with Blue Cheese Dip
– Credit: Harry’s Soul Station
Harry’s Soul Station has opened in the former Fat Percy pub on Adelaide Street, where they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Last month, he launched a Wings Unlimited party.
Tom Shiers, owner of Fupburger.
– Credit: Archant
4. Fupburger
Where: Ten Bells, St Benedicts Street, Norwich, NR2 4AR
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from noon to late
Fupburger, run by Tom Shiers, started as a pop-up at The Earlham in NR2 in 2020 and proved popular.
He then changed location and moved to the Dog House pub in Norwich city centre, where he continued to serve his “dirty” burgers from his van in the pub’s beer garden.
Fupburger has also moved into the Ten Bells in St Benedicts Street and changed its Dog House offering to focus on fried chicken dishes.
XO Kitchen has moved to a new location on St Georges Street in Norwich. The popular restaurant is run by Dani Mason and Jimmy Preston. Byline: Sonya Duncan
– Credit: Sonya Duncan
5. XO Kitchen
Where: 13-15 St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
XO Kitchen started life as a pop-up in 2019 at the Artichoke pub in Magdalen Road.
He quickly conquered a large audience with his dynamic dishes inspired by Asian street food.
Restaurant review at Xo Kitchen, based at the Artichoke pub in Norwich. Pork flatbread. Photo: LAUREN COPE
– Credit: LAUREN COPE
In November 2021 he moved to a permanent residence in St Georges Street.
Led by Executive Chef Jimmy Preston and Manager Dani Mason, XO Kitchen continues to enjoy success and has earned an increasing number of accolades.
