General manager Jay Tozer and director Steve Mantle are behind one of Norwich’s newest hospitality additions, Three Stories, a multi-concept bar and music venue bringing fresh energy to Bedford Street in the heart of Norwich Lanes.
Located in the former Karma Kafe site, the venue is quickly becoming one of the city’s most talked-about new openings, combining cocktails, live entertainment and comfort food across three distinctive floors. Designed to offer a different atmosphere on each level, Three Stories feels like a venue built around how people actually socialise today, whether that means daytime coffee, evening drinks, live music or late-night cocktails.
Created by the team behind Norwich favourites including The Ten Bells, the venue blends a lively independent spirit with a more considered approach to hospitality. From the moment visitors walk in, there is a clear sense of personality running through the space, with each floor offering its own identity while still feeling connected to the overall concept.
The ground floor has a relaxed and social atmosphere, open daily from 11am serving coffees, cocktails, beers, wines and spirits. It feels casual but polished, making it just as suitable for a quick daytime coffee as it is for after-work drinks or a longer evening with friends. The space has the lively energy of a neighbourhood bar while still maintaining the independent character Norwich is known for.
Upstairs, the atmosphere becomes slightly more refined and cosy, creating a quieter contrast to the busier ground floor below. Inspired by the warmth and comfort of a traditional pub setting, the first floor offers a more relaxed pace and gives visitors the chance to experience a different side of the venue depending on the mood they are after.
Food also plays a major role in the Three Stories experience thanks to FUP, formerly known as Fupburger, taking over the kitchen. Known for indulgent comfort food, the menu includes stacked dirty burgers, Detroit-style pizza, wings and loaded sides. The food offering leans unapologetically into bold flavours and generous portions, adding another layer to the venue’s identity and helping it stand out within Norwich’s growing food scene.
Rather than feeling secondary to the drinks, the kitchen has become a central part of the overall experience. The combination of cocktails, comfort food and entertainment creates a venue that works throughout the day and well into the evening.
As night falls, attention shifts towards the basement level, home to Late Night Stories. Open on Friday and Saturday evenings, the basement bar introduces a more intimate speakeasy-inspired setting centred around table-service cocktails, live music and comedy nights. With low lighting and a more immersive atmosphere, it offers something slightly different from the traditional city centre night out.
Live entertainment sits at the heart of the venue’s identity. Alongside regular live music performances, the basement also hosts comedy events and open mic nights, helping create a space that feels creative and community-led as well as social. It reflects a wider shift within hospitality, where venues are increasingly combining nightlife with culture and live experiences rather than relying solely on drinks.
The basement space is also available for private hire, giving it further flexibility for celebrations, events and gatherings. Its more secluded atmosphere makes it feel distinct from the rest of the building while still remaining connected to the overall Three Stories experience.
Part of what makes the venue stand out is the balance it strikes between energy and comfort. It feels lively without becoming overwhelming, with different spaces naturally suited to different occasions and moods throughout the day. That layered approach gives Three Stories broad appeal, attracting everyone from coffee drinkers and brunch visitors through to cocktail lovers and live music crowds.
Its location within Norwich Lanes only strengthens that appeal. Bedford Street has long been associated with the city’s independent nightlife and hospitality scene, and Three Stories feels like a natural addition to the area. While the venue brings something fresh to the street, it still feels rooted in the creativity and individuality that define Norwich’s independent culture.
At a time when people are looking for more experience-led hospitality, Three Stories arrives with a concept that feels both current and well considered. It is not just a place to drink, but somewhere designed for people to spend time, move between spaces and experience different sides of the venue throughout the day and night.
With expertly made cocktails, indulgent food, live entertainment and a setting that evolves across all three floors, Three Stories is already shaping up to be one of Norwich’s standout new social destinations
Location: 18 Bedford St, Norwich NR2 1AG
Website: https://threestoriesnorwich.co.uk/