Simon ParkinThe former head chef of a top Norwich restaurant plans to reopen it and restore its glory days. Roger Hickman, once head chef of Adlard's, on Upper St Giles, plans to re-open the venue next month as a fine dining restaurant serving modern British food.Simon Parkin

The former head chef of a top Norwich restaurant plans to reopen it and restore its glory days. Roger Hickman, once head chef of Adlard's, on Upper St Giles, plans to re-open the venue next month as a fine dining restaurant serving modern British food. He said: 'There is nowhere to go in Norwich where you can eat quality food that is special but affordable. It will be like Adlards used to be when it was very good, but not quite as expensive.' Dishes on the menu will include starters of venison with beetroot or roast scallops with crispy pork belly, and mains such as braised pork cheek with confit of turnips and carrot puree. He said he was hoping for a Michelin star, but that it would take time. 'If they give me one that would be great,' he said: 'I was head chef at Adlard's when it had a star. It might take me a year, or more realistically two.'

The Kings Arms in Hall Road, Norwich, will be hosting its 5th Annual Haggis Bash on January 25. Over 40 cask ales, personally selected from regional and microbreweries across the UK, including many dark beers, plus real cider, will be on sale. All beers will be served on hand pumps at the bar, or on gravity from the 'Shed of Dreams' in the beer garden. And you'll be able to tuck into Scotland's finest culinary creation.

www.kingsarmsnorwich.co.uk

The Vine pub on Dove Street, Norwich, will also be running a Winter Beer Festival from January 26-31. The Vine was known for being Norwich's smallest watering since its opening in 1842, and it might now be the city's smallest restaurant, having been turned into part pub, part Thai restaurant.

www.vinethai.co.uk

The economic downturn has been good news for one restaurant chain. Hunger for cheaper meals led to a record year for the region's McDonald's restaurants with a 12pc increase in sales. Kenny Russell, owner of Bradecca Restaurants, which holds the franchise for seven Norfolk McDonald's, said last year had seen monthly sales records broken several times as diners sought lower cost food. Growth in sales was particularly strong at restaurants which had benefited from a �650,000 refurbishment last July, which including Boundary Road and Longwater in Norwich. The Hay Hill and Chapelfield restaurants in Norwich and the Wroxham branch are also in line for reimaging this year in a �1m investment, Mr Russell added.

The Local Food Direct, which brings together all the delights of local produce from Norfolk and Suffolk in one easy to use website, is wooing new customers for the New Year. All new customers will have their delivery charge credited to their next order of �30 or over. In addition, they are also offering free delivery when you refer a friend.

www.welovelocalfood.co.uk