Going Out

Norwich: Frank's Bar

A funky late-night hang out, Frank's Bar also serves top locally sourced home made food in homely surroundings. SIMON PARKIN is smitten.

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First of all I owe this hip-and-happening hang-out a bit of an apology. When I reported on its opening back in the Spring I was so taken with the place that I completely missed the fact they've got an extra room at the back as well as a garden and the main bar cum dining room.

That's important because if there's any justice they're going to need that extra space to cope with the repeat visitors. Back then we only sampled the drinks experience, this time we were back to experience the food, and I have to say my love of what they're offering just grows and grows.

Occupying what used to be The Larder, a sandwich shop, Frank's Bar 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 food isn't an afterthought, it's what they are about and whenever you visit, 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 who are clearly undertaking a labour of love. They've stamped their own personality on it too, rather than opting for some deeply bland off the shelf contemporary look. 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 food 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.

There are some interesting dishes among the 11 'nibblers', including watermelon and feta salad, mixed herby olives and Frank's platter comprising breads, olives and dips, and at less than £4 each they are good value.

Among the 'grazers' dishes are eight options, ranging from vegan friendly offerings like stuffed red peppers with bean chilli (£5) to salmon, pea and tarragon tart (£6) and pork and beef meatballs in tomato sauce (£5).

Beyond that they also have three salads - two of which are vegetarian - and a range of sandwiches available either in bread or wraps. There's also a Sunday brunch menu. Everything where possible is locally sourced and a good amount is home made.

On our flying lunchtime visit we opted for their burgers (£7), which come with home cooked chips and salad, and which seem particularly popular given that every occupant of the next table was also eating one.

The burgers themselves were excellent, lean beef, clearly home made and cooked just right to avoid them becoming dried out. They had a dash of tomato relish on top, but I also had cheese, at 50p extra, which turned out to be a mountain of grated cheddar which sure beat a cheese slice.

For afters they have a selection of cakes and buns on the counter, just the sort you'd get with Sunday tea at your grannies. I think I've found a new favourite.

Frank's Bar, 19 Bedford Street, Norwich, 01603618902, www.franksbar.co.uk, www.myspace.com/norwichfranksbar

Prices: Nibbles/starters from £2.50; mains £5-£7

Open: Food served Tues-Sun 12-3pm, 6-10pm

Wheelchair access: Yes

RATINGS

Food: ****

Service: ****

Atmosphere: *****

Family: ***