With so many businesses struggling amid the cost of living crisis, it is more important than ever to support independents.

Here are just seven of the incredible Norwich businesses that our readers gave a shout-out to following a post on our Facebook page. 

1. The Book Hive

Where: 53 London Street, Norwich, NR2 1HL

Norwich Evening News: Henry Layte, owner of The Book Hive on London Street in Norwich. Henry Layte, owner of The Book Hive on London Street in Norwich. (Image: Newsquest)

The much-loved Book Hive, run by Henry Layte, makes every bookworm feel welcome as they walk in the door and any book not available in-store can be ordered in for you.

The Book Hive also recently opened a second branch in Aylsham's Red Lion Street.

2. Hustle Boxing Fitness Gym

Where: Hustle The Arena, Unit 7 Rice Way, Norwich, NR7 9AT

Norwich Evening News: Members in action at the fitness class at Bobby Harrison's Hustle Boxing Gym. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY

Hustle Boxing Fitness Gym focuses on positive thinking as opposed to punch bags and it is the gym's community feel that Bobby Harrison, founder of Hustle, said sets his business apart.

Mr Harrison said: "We're trying to do things a bit differently to offer more than just exercise.

"There's no judgement here. We welcome all shapes and sizes."

3. Mambo Jambo 

Where: 14-16 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EL

Norwich Evening News: Mambo Jambo Mambo Jambo  (Image: Newsquest)

A Norwich Lanes institution, Mambo Jambo has been serving up Tex-Mex dishes for more than 20 years.

It is a popular choice for birthdays and special occasions, with a party atmosphere at weekends.

4. Carberrys 

Where: 18 Wensum Street, Norwich, NR3 1HY

Norwich Evening News: Toby, at Carberrys caféToby, at Carberrys café (Image: Newsquest)

Louise Hanrahan opened Carberrys Café in 2016 and Toby is her fluffy four-legged mascot.

His head can often be seen poking out from the entrance and he is loved by locals.

The café serves a tasty menu of breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and cakes.

5. Figbar

Where: 23 St John Maddermarket, Norwich, NR2 1DN

Norwich Evening News: Jaime and Stephanie Garbutt at FigbarJaime and Stephanie Garbutt at Figbar (Image: Newsquest)

Specialising in desserts, this award-winning restaurant serving sweet and sticky treats is drooled over by many Norwich folks.

Run by chef Jaime Garbutt and his partner Stephanie, their sister restaurant Salt sits next door to Figbar and serves up savoury dishes of sandwiches, breakfasts and salad bowls.

6. Cary's Flowers

Where: Norwich Market, NR2 1ND

Norwich Evening News: Stephen and Millie Cary, of Cary's Flowers on Norwich MarketStephen and Millie Cary, of Cary's Flowers on Norwich Market (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)

A mainstay at Norwich Market for generations, Cary's Flowers on the bottom corner at the St Giles Street end offers bouquets that are both stunning and great value.

It can also deliver in and around Norwich and has collections for each season and occasion. 

7. Dotty Pottery

Where: Dotty Pottery, White House Farm, Wroxham Road, Sprowston, NR13 6LB

Dotty Pottery is a paint-your-own ceramics studio on the outskirts of Norwich.

Get your creative juices working and paint a range of ready-made pots, from plates and bowls to letters, vases and ornaments.