Our reporter re-visits an old haunt.

Norwich Evening News: Roast dinner at The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich. Picture: Lauren Cope.Roast dinner at The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich. Picture: Lauren Cope. (Image: Archant)

Food

Much of my final year at university was spent hurrying plates of meat from restaurant pass to table, dropping Champagne flutes (true story) and entirely forgetting orders (again, true story) here before it was the Townhouse. Fast forward six years, and I'm back (thankfully for diners, not as a waitress). This wasn't my first visit, but it was my most risky - any Sunday roast enthusiast knows that booking a table for 4pm is a brave move.

Seated in a booth we skipped starters and went straight to the main event.

It was a bumpy start. My vegetarian friend was left without much choice when told the chestnut roast (and veggie burger) were both off the menu. Perhaps inevitable after a busy Sunday, but it was a shame, and while she ended up with a plate of extra vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and potatoes, it wasn't quite the same. Lured in by the promise of crackling, me and another friend went for the pork.

Norwich Evening News: Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich. Picture: Lauren CopeSticky Toffee Pudding at The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich. Picture: Lauren Cope (Image: Archant)

Within about 10 minutes, a solid roast was in front of us - plenty of gravy (the menu, pretty accurately, describes it as lashings), a puffy Yorkshire, soft but crispy roasties and two slices of pork loin. There were plenty of vegetables for two - ours were definitely on the al dente side, which I prefer - and a bowl of red cabbage received rave reviews from my friends, who have an odd fondness for the dish.

All in all, a lovely roast - though I'll admit my previous visit, when I went for the beef, was my favourite.

But it was dessert where the Georgian Townhouse really stood out.

Chintz plates and old-fashioned cutlery felt less gimmick and more grandma's house, and, while I'm staunchly not a dessert person, the sticky toffee pudding was wonderful.

Norwich Evening News: Dessert was served on cute plates at The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich. Picture: Lauren Cope.Dessert was served on cute plates at The Georgian Townhouse in Norwich. Picture: Lauren Cope. (Image: Archant)

A top that was almost crisp, with a moist pudding, beautiful sauce and refreshing dollop of vanilla creme fraiche made for a hugely comforting Sunday night.

An apple and cinnamon strudel, with creme anglaise, was equally well received.

I can't help but enjoy the Georgian Townhouse. It's spacious, but cosy, and the menu is excellent.

For me, it's the perfect spot to take visiting friends and family, or meeting point for a larger group.

Drinks

There's a lot - plenty of bubbly and wines, as well as Gin Lane and Beer Street (really, that's what they're called).

Loos

Fine - clean and easy to find.

Ambiance

There's something about the Georgian Townhouse I find relaxing. There's plenty of space, everyone seems relaxed and the garden space (which we, shockingly, gave a miss during our January visit) is ideal for a summer's day.

Price

Reasonable, but probably just outside the budget range and heading into upmarket. Starters range from £4.95 to £8.50, mains from £10 to roughly £18 and roasts from £11.50 to £14.50.

Service

Friendly and helpful. When we asked for the nut roast price to reflect the lack of nut roast, they were more than happy to oblige.

Parking

A big car park outside, though, with hotel guests, it can fill up. Otherwise, there's the Chapelfield multi-storey just down the road.

Location

On the corner of Unthank Road, it's ideal for those living in the Golden Triangle (and their visitors). It's a 15-minute walk for city dwellers, through Chapelfield Gardens, and is right on the 25 bus route.

Highlight

That sticky toffee pudding. Easy

In summary.

I think I'd actually advise you to try the Georgian Townhouse's main menu, rather than its roast. Either way, it's a lovely restaurant, with good food, and the perfect place to take loved ones.

This is an independent review.

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