A note from Al,
Hello, how are you? What a peculiar month I’ve just had, I feel like February has flown by in the blink of an eye and that’s probably been exasperated by the rate they’re tearing down the old Anglia Square development… I walk past it every day on my way into the studio. It's a classic case of here today, gone tomorrow. In just in one week the whole fabric of the city has changed, site lines removed and much loved places destroyed. I am intrigued to see the inside of the cinema when they start tearing it down though…I have a hazy dark memory of it from a school trip to watch Indiana Jones - classic.
In the last newsletter I introduced you to The Neighbourhood, and I wanted to drop in and say thank you to everyone who signed up. We're still a little way of launching our first grant fund but I’ll be publishing the first newsletter for people within The Neighbourhood on 18 March. So if you’d like the inside goss on nozza news, to be part of the future decisions I make and get some bargs and deals then I would love to have you around. If that wasn't enough to get you excited I was also chatting to Arman this morning and he’s well underway with illustrating the first comic! We’re going old school.
As always, pass this newsletter on to your pals, head out into the streets & support our locals. Best, Al x
¶ A Love Thing, Wedding Fair | 1 March, 11-3pm
This Sunday A Love Thing are back for their 3rd wedding fair. It’s hosted within Carrow House 301 King Street and brings you a selection of the best indie suppliers. I’ve also seen on their socials there’s goody bags to be had & entrance is free!
¶ The Heart & Sole Of The City | 15 March, 2-3pm
Anteros Arts are hosting a talk from Frances & Michael Holmes, join them for a trip down memory lane learning about Norwich’s historic boot and shoe trade. The afternoon will feature anecdotes, archival films & photographs. The talk itself is a fundraiser for Anteros Arts with tickets being priced £8. Details and booking info in the link above!
¶ Free Entry to Norwich Castle | 13 & 14 March
This one's for any lottery players amongst us...on the 13 & 14 March you can gain free entry to the Castle, for up to 6 people. All they require is for you to bring a National Lottery Scratch card or ticket. (T&Cs in the link above). The castle have also just opened a new show, it’s named In Proximity, and showcases 87 local artists work.
¶ Clutter City, Night Market | 20 March, 4-9pm
Back for another night market, Clutter City will be opening their doors on Fri 20 March for an evening of indie makers, good food and music within Norwich Arts Centre. Entry is free. Have fun!
¶ Chris Packham’s Wild Norfolk | 22 April, 6-9pm
This one’s a little in the future but I didn't want you guys to miss out on tickets. The infamous Chris Packham is coming to Nozza to host an evening for the Norfolk Wildlife Trusts centenary celebrations. He’ll be chatting about his explorations of Norfolk, conservation work and asking big questions about what comes next…ticket & booking info in the link above.
¶ Local Makers Market, Samples & Seconds Sale | 28 Mar, 11-4pm
Another market for us good folk, this time Local Makers Market are bringing their Samples & Second Sale to the Shoe Factory on 28 March. And you guessed it, each stall will be packed with sample pieces, end of line designs and perfectly imperfect seconds.
¶ a joint effort | 5 Mar, 7-10pm
Looove the name of this, there’s a new collaborative music event hitting the streets of Nozza. You can find a joint effort hosting evening sessions at The Last Pub Standing with the aim to connect artists and musicians, a space for you to try out your vocals, maybe get some ears on something you've produced or a space for you to write your next hit.
THE INSIDE SCOOP
Whats your order?
Last month I asked you what's your order?
And here’s what some of you guys had to say…
DICKS - The sausage, egg + cheese bagel at Dick's on Bedford st. is out of this world (I dream of it)
THE WAFFLE HOUSE - Cheesy beans waffle
Chocolate and honeycomb mousse always!
( a double recc for Waffle House, love to see it.)
JUBILEE - Mushroom pizza at Griff's Kitchen pop-up at the Jubilee, Saturdays 6-9pm only
FIKA - Oat Cappuccino
PAPA MOMBASSA - My favourite spot is papa mombassa and has to be the vegan chilli bowl its PERFECT - Georgia
OISHII’s - Thai fries, absolutely slathered in delicious satay sauce! - Andrew
VICKY’S KITCHEN - Absolutely everyone has to give Vicky's Kitchen a go. She cooks delicious home cooked (healthy!) lunches and then delivers to your door on a Monday for the week ahead. The Iraqi lentil soup is a must try - but the menu changes regularly so it's always fresh.
THE BLACK HORSE - Roast
You can thank us later…
¶ Stones Vintage | Moving
Local vintage store Stones Vintage are on the move…they haven’t publicly announced their new spot but keep an eye on socials for when & where they will be moving to, with an earmarked re-opening this month.
¶ Gonzo’ Two Room | Best Grassroots Venue BBC Awards
They're at it again. Gonzo’s have been nominated for BBC Radio 1 Dance Music Award for Best Grassroots Venue, there was a busy week of voting earlier this month, fingers crossed!
¶ Thorns | Merch Launch
That’s it, that's the post. I know there's some loyal Thorns fans amongst us (guilty!) and I’m just dropping a note to say they’ve launched merch. A Tee to be exact featuring their 80's logo - they’re £14.99 and of course selling like hot cakes.
¶ Studio Inn | Desk Availability
Local co-working spot Studio Inn have a (v.rare) desk available, they're based on King Street and have curated a space for creatives and entrepreneurs. All the deets to get in touch in the link above.
¶ Atwin | Moving
Lifestyle store Atwin are also on the move - they’ve announced they'll be leaving their beautiful shop to head two doors down. This space has a place in my heart, I used to have my design studio and shop nestled within Atwin - I'm looking forward to seeing their new space and keep an eye on socials for updates.
¶ Williams & Parfitt | Launching
Another new launch! We’re spoilt, this one’s a little out of the city in the market town of Wymondham but super exciting. Williams & Parfitt are opening a new antiques and lifestyle shop - it's in the old Jarrolds shop (for Wymmy locals) over 3 floors. Due to open on 7 March.
A A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
Sainsbury Centre exhibition
Seeds of Hate and Hope
Until 17 May 2026
Peter Oloya, Politrick, 2023. © Image courtesy of the artist and Pangolin London
Seeds of Hate and Hope highlights personal artistic responses to global mass atrocities, such as genocides, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries artists have witnessed, experienced, and responded to atrocity crimes and conflicts with powerful and compelling works. Drawing courage and inspiration from personal experience as well as shared histories, they have reacted to these events for many reasons including but not limited to bearing witness, expressing grief, and promoting healing.
With the aim of raising awareness about global conflicts and the role of art in confronting their legacy, the exhibition highlights artistic responses to such devastating events with creativity and courage. It features works by Mona Hatoum, William Kentridge, Zoran Mušič, Peter Oloya and Kimberly Fulton Orozco, Indrė Šerpytytė, and many more. Focussing mostly on abstract representations, Seeds of Hate and Hope challenges typical depictions of war and conflict often shown in the media.
Through its diverse body of work, Seeds of Hate and Hope explores how both individual and collective acts of resistance and resilience often take root in times of conflict. The exhibition emphasises the vital role that human empathy and respect play in safeguarding society against the destructive forces of prejudice, hate speech, discrimination, and dehumanisation. Each artwork becomes a catalyst for healing—promoting tolerance, empathy, and understanding across cultures, religions, and identities.
¶ Norwich Food Week | 27 Feb - 8 March
I spoke about this a little in last months newsletter but Norwich Food Week launches today, tonnes of local indies have special deals, menu items and events. Let's all grab some grub this weekend.
¶ Birch | Open
A new spot has opened, it's named Birch and is part listening lounge, part foodie spot. In short, expect Vinyls, Cocktails and Rotisserie. Have a look at their socials because it looks beaut.
¶ Benoli | Michelin Guide
Italian restaurant Benoli have made it into this years Michelin Guide, for the fourth consecutive year! One of my fave nozza facts is for years I thought the name was steeped in Italian heritage but it is infact named after the Chef owners Ben and Oli. Chefs kiss!
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Join the neighbourhood
Times are hard, indies are struggling, and the govt isn't doing anything about it. So, let's put our money where our mouth is and show the true power of community. We’re launching The Neighbourhood, our monthly community membership which pledges 30% of its income into regular local grants.
For £3.50 a month, you will receive:
¶ The Neighbourhood Newsletter
¶ A Chance to Shape Our Future
¶ A Role in the Community Grant Fund
¶ In The Know Deals and Perks
I’ll be publishing the first Neighbourhood newsletter on 18 March. I have a few things to fill you in on, it would be good to get your thoughts on ideas I have in the pipeline…
¶ Liam Ashley Clark | Artist
Local artist Liam Ashley Clark is hosting a community led mural sketch & ideas workshop. Head to The Dell on Earlham Road on 21 March (from 11am) to help shape a brand new mural.
¶ Jan Crombie | Artist & Ceramicist
Jan Crombie is an artist who works with painting and ceramics to develop figurative pieces which explore both real and imaginary elements. Her work is distinctive and dream like - it's so beautiful.