Going Out

Norwich: Frank's Bar

WHERE IS IT?

This café-cum-late-night lounge bar is one of the trendier recent additions to the Pottergate/Bedford Street spine of Norwich Lanes. It's certainly smarter than The Larder, a run-of-the-mill sandwich shop that used to be in the same building on the corner of Old Post Office Yard.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Quirky. It wears several hats at once. It's a coffee shop, a daytime hang-out, a funky late-night bar and a restaurant, but don't let this split personality put you off. The laidback vibe of the place means you'll not feel out of place. It's the brainchild of cousins Ella Williams and James Wingfield. They've stamped their own personality on it too. This place isn't run by the style police. Instead it has a homespun, thrift shop look. None of the tables match, the décor, pictures and accessories are best described as quirky - everything from Ladybird books to the sort of pictures you normally see gathering dust in second-hand shops. It's basically like the funkiest student living room you've ever been in - and that's a compliment.

THE DRINKS

Depends on the time you visit. During the day the emphasis is mainly on coffees and food. Come the evening and things shift towards the bar aspect and they offer a couple of ales, Adnams Bitter and Greene King IPA, plenty of continental lagers and a decent wines, spirits selection.

THE FOOD

The menu reflects the different clientele that wander in throughout the day. The main menu is split into 'nibblers' and 'grazers', the former being the type of moreish tempters enjoyed by the drinkers, the later is more substantial fare that's particularly popular at lunchtimes. They've just launched their autumn selection, which ranges from the humble cheese and chutney sandwich, through to the more adventurous smoked seafood platter or delicious Brancaster mussels.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

Regular events that range from poetry readings to regular live music. They will be some folktastic Sunday evening vibes tomorrow from Nina Baker, while on October 23 it will be Niamh Cavlan. On Sunday afternoon they also have screenings of feel-good cult films. In short it's a cool new place to hang out and a very welcome addition to Norwich's nightlife.

THE REGULARS

Students, hipsters and those looking for somewhere alternative and laidback. But warned though the place is tiny so don't roll up if you're in a huge group.

Frank's Bar, 19 Bedford Street, Norwich, 01603 618902, www.franksbar.co.uk