A Botanical Garden Bar and Christmas market is heading to Norwich

Botanical Garden Bar was launched in the summer by award-winning theatre company curious directive at its base in St Simon and St Jude Church in Elm Hill, Norwich and it welcomed 4,000 visitors.

The bar is back for Christmas and will run from December 3 to 6, 10 to 13 and 17 to 22, from 12pm-9pm on all days and customers are advised to book a slot.

The curious directive team (L-R) - Natalie Songer, Olivia Hefferman, Tom Clutterbuck, Jack Lowe (Image: Rob Dodsworth)

Curious directive, which devises plays using the theme of science, decided to launch the bar earlier this year as part of its Covid-19 recovery project.

Alongside local wines, beers and spirits, customers can warm up with hearty refreshments including gourmet soups, which come with freshly-baked white or wholemeal sourdough from Norwich-based Dozen Bakery.

There will a be a range of gourmet soups available (Image: Rob Dodsworth)

Other items on the menu are mince pies with brandy butter and marmalade and a cheeseboard.

The company is also working with Norfolk businesses for this special festive edition and there will be six market stalls, including The Jade Tree, with handmade Christmas gifts and cards, and The Norfolk Hub, for locally-made spirits and beers, and it is free for traders.

Jack Lowe, founder of curious directive, said: "There is little point charging local makers and creators when this has been a difficult year for freelancers of any kind.

There will be seven local traders at the event this December. (Image: Rob Dodsworth)

"Visitors can enjoy being surrounded by nature and our specially designed heaters mean we can keep our seating mostly outside.

"Covid-19 measures include a system of tabletop wireless doorbells for table service to make sure you’re only thinking about enjoying yourselves.

"So, we’re excited to open again and welcome everyone back through our gates to try our delicious food, hearty drink and to spot a locally made gift from our brilliant stalls.”

Mince pies will be on offer with brandy butter and marmalade (Image: Rob Dodsworth)

Due to tier two restrictions, there is a limit of six people meeting outside and you must not socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble indoors.

Curious directive will also be donating 10pc of profits from Botanical Garden Bar to local charity St Martin’s Housing Trust.

A cheeseboard will also be available (Image: Rob Dodsworth)

Natalie Songer, general manager, said: “The Festive season, for us, is a time to recognise what we do have and what we can do to help in our local community."

Book online at curiousdirective.com/botanical-garden-bar