If you’re in the East Anglia area and looking for somewhere to brunch or grab a coffee and cake this weekend, I have just the place for you. I am more than a little obsessed with Cafe No.33 in Norwich, and the queue that always forms if you don’t get there before the lunch rush shows I’m not the only one. If you do have to queue for a little bit though, don’t be put off – it’s worth the wait.
Not their entire menu is gluten-free, but the items that are are delicious. Their toasted muesli with berries, yoghurt and honey not only looks wonderful but tastes it, too; and has managed to convert me from the mindset that muesli tastes bland and seen me switch-up my breakfast away from my beloved Frosties some days. There are several other options on their brunch menu that are either gluten-free or can be made so by either removing the accompanying toast or requesting bf-bread; the Big Breakfast is another top choice of mine if I’m being less virtuous (though you might want to double check the sausages they’re using that day are definitely gluten-free).
Want a break from shopping and just popping in for a quick cuppa and slice of cake? No.33 always has a big range of cakes on offer, with at least one being gluten-free. The last one I tried was white chocolate with blueberries and it was divine. The sponge was moist and there were no signs of the dreaded dry crumbling that many gf baked goods fall foul to. The cream that divided the centre was rich and fluffy – though be warned if this cake is on offer when you stop by and you can’t handle too much sweetness; even my giant sweet tooth was feeling slightly pushed by the last bite. Luckily, if you can’t manage it one sitting or want to have it on-the-go, they have handy boxes which their generous-sized slices fit perfectly into.
The staff are always super-friendly, the two-story layout feels like you’re stepping into someone’s home and the prices are reasonable. All I can say is that I wish I lived much closer, and you’d catch me in there every weekend.
Visit No.33 Cafe at 33 Exchange Street, Norwich.
www.facebook.com/No33Cafe