The Northwic brings open-kitchen dining, seasonal menus and personal hospitality to the heart of Norwich, marking the first solo venture for chef Liam Nichols following his success at Michelin-starred restaurant Store.
Norwich has welcomed a new addition to its independent dining scene with the opening of The Northwic, an intimate restaurant led by chef Liam Nichols. Located on Lower Goat Lane in the heart of the city, the restaurant officially opened on Wednesday 7 October 2026, offering a distinctive dining experience built around the kitchen, seasonal cooking and genuine hospitality.
With just 18 seats, The Northwic has been designed to create a more personal connection between the kitchen and its guests. For Nichols, it represents an important new chapter following his time at Michelin-starred restaurant Store in Stoke Holy Cross. After travelling, eating, learning and cooking, the chef has now brought his experience together in his first solo venture, creating a space that reflects his own approach to food and hospitality.
The restaurant’s philosophy centres on cooking with intent, carefully selected wines and warm, genuine service, with plenty of fun along the way. Rather than separating diners from the preparation of their meals, the open-kitchen concept places the cooking process at the heart of the experience, allowing guests to see the team at work while enjoying their food.
The Northwic occupies the former Biddy’s Tea Room building at 15 Lower Goat Lane, Norwich, NR2 1EL. Arranged across two floors, the restaurant features a ground-floor entrance bar, while the upstairs dining area centres on an L-shaped counter surrounding a large open kitchen. The layout creates an engaging atmosphere where diners can experience the rhythm of the kitchen as dishes are prepared and served.
Nichols brings valuable experience to the new venture, having previously worked at Store, where he achieved Michelin-starred success. His time in the industry, combined with his travels and exploration of different food cultures, has helped shape the direction of The Northwic. The restaurant offers an opportunity for him to develop his own identity, combining thoughtful cooking with an intimate setting and a more direct relationship with guests.
The opening also adds another destination to Norwich’s independent food scene, appealing to diners looking for experiences beyond traditional restaurant formats. With its small seating capacity and emphasis on attention to detail, The Northwic aims to make each visit feel personal, placing equal importance on the food, wine and hospitality.
Guests can choose from several menu formats depending on the occasion. The THREE menu is the shortest option, available for lunch and Wednesday evening dining, while the FIVE menu offers a longer seasonal selection inspired by the chef’s current ideas. For those looking for a more extended experience, FULL SEND provides a multi-course tasting menu. These options allow guests to choose between a shorter visit and a more leisurely meal centred on a succession of dishes.
Seasonality plays an important role in the restaurant’s approach, with menus designed to evolve alongside the kitchen’s inspiration and ingredients. Carefully chosen wines complement the cooking, helping create a considered dining experience that brings together flavour, quality and hospitality. With only 18 seats, the team can also take more time to get to know guests, contributing to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere the restaurant aims to establish.
Alongside the main dining area, The Northwic offers a private dining room on the ground floor, accommodating up to 10 guests. The space provides an option for smaller celebrations, special occasions and private gatherings, allowing groups to enjoy the restaurant’s food and hospitality in a more exclusive setting. It also gives the restaurant additional flexibility for guests seeking a more intimate experience with friends, family or colleagues.
The opening of The Northwic marks a significant step for Liam Nichols as he establishes his own restaurant in Norwich. By bringing together an open kitchen, seasonal menus, carefully selected wines and a focus on genuine hospitality, the restaurant offers a dining experience shaped around both the food and the people enjoying it.
Situated on Lower Goat Lane, within easy reach of Norwich city centre, The Northwic is a new option for those looking to discover the city’s evolving independent restaurant scene. With Nichols bringing his Michelin-starred experience to his first solo venture, the restaurant begins with a clear identity: a small, carefully considered space where cooking, wine and hospitality come together.
Location: 15A Lower Goat Ln, Norwich NR2 1EL
Website: https://www.thenorthwic.co.uk/