VENUE
FODDER VALUE
OVERALL I
t's fair to say that bikes and I aren't best of pals.
It started off well, back in the days of stabilizers, spokey dokies, and cycling proficiency, but as my age has increased, so has my propensity for accidents. In adulthood I have had just a couple of encounters with my two wheeled foe; one time I got on one side and promptly fell off the other, into a ditch, and the other both of my tires exploded within 200 yards. So it's a good job Te Bicycle Shop (named after its former incarnation), is a homage to the old dandy horse in name only, and is, in contrast, a rather fine purveyor of two of my favourite things - food and drink.
ATMOSPHERE Whilst Norwich may not be dripping with Michelin Stars and molecular gastronomy hotspots, there is one area in which our fine city excels, and that's the cosy bar-come-cafe establishment, of which, Te Bicycle Shop is a perfect example. If you're a fan of antique furnishings, mismatched crockery and wayward house plants then you're in the right place. With a warm and friendly ambiance, regular gigs and fixtures and an extensive drinks list, you can happily while away the evenings here in a candlelit corner, pretending you're an extra in a Woody Allen movie.
THE FOOD Te menu is split into small tapas-style light bites and bigger dishes, so you can choose whether to do starters and mains, or have several sharing dishes. We opted to go traditional, and had two of each, starting with halloumi with sweet chilli, and chorizo with butter beans and cherry tomatoes. I'm a big halloumi fan and this didn't disappoint, with a crispy golden outside and the requisite amount of squeak. Te chorizo was equally delicious, with the perfect ratio of sausage to beans.
For the main we chose the macaroni cheese and one of the specials - a salad of tiger prawns, squid and prawn pâté. Now, I have often proclaimed that macaroni cheese would be my death row supper, so my expectations are always high, but I'm glad to say you could have strapped me into the electric chair right there and then. Rich and creamy and totally worth whatever crime may have got me into that scenario. Te salad was a refreshing contrast to the cheesy carb fest of the mac and cheese, with a generous portion of fresh seafood. For me I would have
GETTING HOME...
Courtesy Taxis
Te Big Eat Out is proud to endorse Courtesy Taxis as the safe option for enjoying a couple of drinks and getting back home with ease.
courtesytaxis.com 44-66-44 Norwich 01603
preferred the prawn pâté to be on the side, rather than as a dressing, but it was tasty nonetheless.
It's worth noting - as I dined with a veggie - that she was very well catered for here, with around half of the menu being meat free. A nice change from the usual singular offering.
We didn't make it as far as dessert, but essentially it's a load of crepe (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself). You can go for the classics such as lemon and sugar, or mix it up a little with plum and vanilla or apple and cinnamon. If pancakes aren't your thing then I'm afraid you might need to pick up a Mars Bar on the way home...
VALUE With small dishes ranging from £3-7, mains from £8-£12 and puddings £4-7, you can easily come away with full tummies and a pleasingly reasonable bill. very generous meal, with drinks, for under £40.
OVERALL I fear that by telling you to go to Te Bicycle Shop, I am preaching to the choir a little. In the five short years that it's been open, this place has become a firm favourite in the hearts of Norwich residents. However, if you're new to these lands, or paying us a visit, then you need to add it to your To Do list, whether it be for a gig, a spot of brunch or a boozy feast. Spending time here is good for your soul, and your stomach.
By Morgan Pickard
WAITING AREA 24 HOUR SERVICE
50 SEAT
NO INCREASE AFTER
MIDNIGHT 6,7,8 SEATER AVAILABLE EXCECUTIVE CAR TRAVEL
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