When it comes to dining out in Norwich, you really are spoilt for choice. It’s fair to say there’s something for everyone.
If you’re struggling to choose the best place to go for a celebratory dinner, to wine and dine a love interest, or enjoy a classically humble Sunday roast, look no further than fine dining at Bishop’s Dining Room and Wine Bar.
Bishop’s gives the taste of luxury without the A-list price tag, an important tick box during the current economic climate.
Whilst Bishop’s food and wine menu really is all the persuasion you’ll need, it would be remiss to mention the Dining Room’s true showstopper – owner Alessandro (Alex) Tranquillo and his team of talented staff.
In Good Hands
It’s impossible to discuss the brilliance of Bishop’s without giving space to its enigmatic owner, Alex.
Alex, who was raised in Lake Como, Italy, has been living in the UK since 1982, having fallen in love with London whilst on holiday.
“I visited London on vacation and never went home! I come from a stereotypical, large, Italian family, there were enough siblings back home to keep my mum occupied!” said Alex, in his cheeky introduction.
Whilst in London, Alex developed his hospitality career, starting as a waiter in The Churchill, Portman Square. After gaining experience as a Chef de Rang, Alex went on to become the Head of Room Service at the famed Halcyon Hotel at Holland Park.
Known for its celebrity guests, Alex personally assisted the likes of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore whilst at the Halcyon.
Before moving to a somewhat more reserved setting in Norfolk, Alex spent seven years at The Savoy, becoming the Head Waiter at the Savoy Grill.
“I learnt an incredible amount from my boss at The Savoy, from how to speak with customers to remaining calm under pressure. I had an amazing seven years at that restaurant, and my CV certainly opened doors from there,” shared Alex.
Moving to Norfolk to raise his family, Alex took on roles at prestigious country hotels Sprowston Manor and Dunston Hall, winning the latter two rosettes alongside the chef.
Alex’s career journey saw him taking ownership of Bishop’s, formerly owned by local luxury jeweller Windsor Bishop, 12 years ago.
“I had a clear vision for the restaurant when I took it on. I grew the business from 10 covers a day to 60 covers, and now the restaurant is well-regarded in Norwich. Ultimately, hard work pays off,” said Alex.
A Touch of Class
Bishop’s is a small and intimate restaurant seating just 24, giving a touch of exclusivity to the dining experience. Steeped in history, the building is listed and perfectly situated on St Andrew’s Hill, the oldest lane in Norwich.
Shortly before the pandemic, Alex invested heavily into the redesign of the restaurant’s kitchen, including state-of-the-art equipment to support the chef team.
Post-pandemic (in which all staff were furloughed), readjustments were made to facilitate outdoor seating, which has continued to prove popular in the summer months.
“It’s important to always evolve,” explained Alex, “we will always strive to make Bishop’s better,”.
The menu at Bishop’s always remains small, with just four options on each course, changing every four weeks.
“Our food is always freshly cooked using local ingredients, so we keep the menu small to ensure quality and reduce waste,” Alex explained, “it’s important to us that we produce honest food at affordable prices,”.
Alex gives full trust to his staff, allowing free reign in the kitchen (“as long as they treat it nicely,” he said with a glint!).
Inspired by a mix of local Norfolk produce and Alex’s Italian heritage, Alex describes the menu as “local with a twist”. The current menu features crab arancini, coley with an almond crumb and nduja beurre blanc and a Caffè latte gâteaux.
And whilst the menu remains petite, the restaurant boasts an extensive wine list, including “Allesandro’s Special Collection”.
“I hand pick wine to complement our menus from an incredible supplier in Shoreditch and from Bijou Bottles near the Norfolk Broads,” shared Alex, “we stock beautiful wines from all over the world, including Italy, of course, France, Lebanon, Spain and New World wines,”.
A Unique Experience
Above the exquisite, honest, food and the world tour of wines, is Alex’s passion for hosting.
During his tenure of the restaurant, Alex and his team have built a base of regular, loyal and supportive customers.
“My experience working at the likes of the Halcyon and The Savoy taught me how to speak with people and work a room, something I like to pass on to my team – to be at work, but also have the opportunity to laugh and relax with our guests. This is important to providing the warm and welcoming environment we’ve created at Bishop’s,” he shared.
Alex credits his team to the success of the restaurant, who he gives full trust to when he wants to spend time away from the restaurant – a rarity!
“I have a lovely team of staff who are full of ideas which helps us to evolve,” he said.
And whilst Alex would like to take a step back from the front of house to taking on a hosting role, it’s clear that this is a man who will never truly retire.
“Somebody called me with an opportunity this morning. I said no. But it’s more of a maybe,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.
Booking a table at Bishop’s is simple, so don’t delay in experiencing the best fine-dining experience in Norwich.
Make a reservation by emailing reservations@bishopsrestaurant.co.uk, calling 01603 767321 or via opentable.co.uk.
The restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday 12-2pm for lunch and 5.30-9pm for dinner, and Sunday 12-4pm.