The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Gastropub, European, British, Wine. The Last Wine Bar and Restaurant first opened its doors in 1990 and resides in a building that formerly housed a 19th century shoe factory – hence the venue’s name being a nod to the shoe last, a tool used to form the shape of footwear. The popular, family-run restaurant is entered via a pretty courtyard and split into three distinctive areas – a vibrant bar and an intimate downstairs dining area which still retain original features from the building’s days as a shoe factory, and the spacious and modern main restaurant space.

Local and seasonal comfort-food classics are given a contemporary twist at this smart, friendly restaurant, where dishes range from fish and chips or slow…

There's culinary creativity happening across Norfolk, from chef Shun Tomii's sushi and otsumami at Shiki in Norwich, a stone's throw from Thomas Aubrit's classic French cooking at L'Hexagone, Oliver Boon's modern Italian cuisine at Benoli, Iain McCarten's ethical, local flavours at The Last and the fusion flavours of Jimmy Preston's XO Kitchen. Further afield, there's the seasonal menus of Andrew Jones' The Dial House, Liam Nichols' tasting menu restaurant Store, husband and wife Aga and Lewis King's The Old Bank and plenty of brilliant chefs by the coast – but more on those below.

2021 Review: “After nearly 30 years under the same ownership” owner James Sawrey-Cookson retired and this “well-loved Norwich institution” changed hands last year: bought by a number of business-minded regulars. Chef of three years’ standing, Iain McCarten is “well into his stride, but what makes this place so popular is the whole atmosphere (there is a real sense of belonging”). “Hopefully the new owners don’t ruin the formula” although change is certainly afoot, with a new outside terrace and adjoining brasserie section opening in autumn 2019.

This historic city, with its impressive medieval Cathedral and pockets of beautiful architecture, doesn’t have a specific famous restaurant that immediately leaps to mind. There’s Benedicts, headed up by Chef Richard Bainbridge from Great British Menu, and the highly acclaimed Roger Hickman’s Restaurant, but generally, I find it’s best to chat with the locals to see what’s bringing them the most pleasure when a dinner out is on the horizon.

This truly lovely wine bar and brasserie is based in a former Victorian shoe factory in Norwich’s Creative Quarter. Their food menu is stunning - with plenty of meat, fish, veggie and vegan options, there’s something delicious for everyone here. Think luxurious fine dining without the price tag - how do you fancy a sourdough donut stuffed with crab, followed by a whole roasted partridge, and then a fig frangipane to finish?.

The Last Wine Bar has multiple seating areas, previously I'd eaten in the ground floor restaurant. Adorned with white linen tablecloths it can be enough to send some running but despite appearances it's a very relaxed and informal setting. Upon arriving this time we were seated in the bar area, which does have a certain je ne sais quoi about it, teetering somewhere between edgy and mature.

The Last wine bar, brasserie and cellar isn’t strictly vegetarian or vegan, but it promises something special for every diner. There are a few (delicious) vegan options on the small plates menu, which is great if you want something relaxed over a glass or two of wine. And if you’re looking for something more formal or substantial, we highly recommend the vegan butternut squash gnocchi.

Housed in a former Victorian shoe factory, and split into three different levels with unique atmospheres, the trendy restaurant offers a different dining experience according to which floor you’re on. The chic cellar level is moody and atmospheric, the bar trendy, and the upper floors’ brasserie light and modern. In the summer, you can eat al fresco in a leafy courtyard.

The Last in St Georges Street closed in July 2023 and the previous chef-owner was Iain McCarten. It was recently revealed that the restaurant will reopen in 2024 with a new owner at the helm. His identity is being kept under wraps for now but the spokesperson said he has "10 years of experience at one of the most famous five-star hotels in London".

A buzzing wine bar and brasserie providing everything from a delicious Menu du Jour through to drinks and dinner A la Carte, using only the very best produce, all in a relaxed environment.

- Rating: 4.5/5 (8 reviews)- Price level: £££- Address: 76 St George's Street Norwich NR3 1AB United Kingdom- Categories: Wine Bars, Modern European, British- Read more on Yelp

If you would like a more traditional wine bar, you can try the Wine Cellar or the Last Wine Bar. You may also enjoy an event with Norfolk Wine School.