About Us
A Little Bit Of History
The Red Lion, Bishopgate
A Norwich Institution Roars Again
Described on Wikipedia as “a large Victorian corner pub”, parts of the building date back to the 16th century and has been a licensed premises since the 1700s.
According to norfolkpubs.co.uk:
“The Norfolk Chronicle of 10.02.1906 records that licensee Albert Coe (Cole ?) applied for lifting of a restriction on females entering a room where music, singing and dancing took place. The house was frequented by soldiers. Before the restriction soldiers had accompanied young women, but not by girls of 16 years old or younger, to the concert room. The police reported that they had suffered much trouble before the restriction but not after.
The restriction was not lifted.
Damaged by enemy action April 1942.
The `Mutton Chop Banjo Band ‘ provided entertainment here in the 1970’s.”
The Freehouse pub was apparently named after the lion insignia part of the arms of Norwich, which depict the royal lion of England and Norwich Castle. It sits on the River Wensum, next to Bishop Bridge, one of the oldest active bridges in England. Allegedly, Queen Elizabeth I crossed it when visiting Norwich in 1578.
The Red Lion is owned by the Great Hospital Charity, and reopened in May 2021 after complete refurbishment. It is operated by Nick & Briony De’Ath, who run several other popular pubs in Norwich: The Unthank Arms, The Trafford Arms, Chambers Cocktail Company , Warwick Arms, The Whalebone and the William & Florence.
At The Red Lion Bishopgate
What We Offer
Good Food, 7 Days A Week
Lunch and dinner served everyday without a break plus Brunch every weekend! A regularly changing menu to suit all tastes and appetites.
A Great Range Of Drinks
We’re a Freehouse, so you’ll find we have a fantastic range of draught beers and ales, as well as gins, soft drinks, whiskeys… or simply a good coffee.
A Fabulous Location
In the shadow of Norwich Cathedral, right on the river, The Red Lion is the perfect edge-of-the-city-centre destination to relax and refuel.
Book A Table
Make a booking at The Red Lion, Bishopgate. Please note that we do not accept bookings of tables larger than 8 online. We have limited capacity for larger groups so please call to enquire.
We Are Open
MON – THUR
11am – 10:00pm
FRI
11am – 11:00pm
SAT
10:00am – 11:00pm
SUN
10:00am – 10:00pm
Food Served
MON - FRI - FOOD ALL DAY
Main menu - 12:00 - 20:00 (21:00 on Friday)
SAT - FOOD ALL DAY
Brunch - 10:00-12:00
Main menu - 12:00 - 21:00
SUN - FOOD ALL DAY
Brunch 10:00-12:00
Sunday menu 12:30 - 19:00