It is D again. Sorry it has been a while but we are back with a lot to say so lets begin.
Since coming back, Norwich seems to have become a hive of independent food places and we have sampled a fair few. The aim of this blog was to try and find a Pickles and Potter replacement. Wholesome did this. It swiftly closed. I am really hoping that we are not a curse as the place I am writing about today even surpasses Wholesome. We are in debate about if they are even better than Pickles and Potter and to be honest, we think they might have!
Clark and Ravenscroft
6 St. Gregorys Alley
Norwich
NR2 1ER
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Set in the Tombland area of Norwich just oFf St Benedicts Street is the lovely, small but perfectly formed Clark and Ravenscroft. Walking in to the shop you will see the delicatessen part of the shop; on your left is shelves with dried pasta, sauces, a wonderful selection of drinks, grilled peppers, and an abundance of other wild and wonderful produce, and to your right is the counter, holding a selection of meats, olives, beautiful cakes, loaves of bread, ciabatta and other wheat based produce and a massive selection of gorgeous cheeses. It has a homely feel with the friendliest staff who are kind, polite, friendly and know their menu and the food they provide very well.
Through the back is a small section with three mismatched tables where you can sit in and eat. There are menus on the tables and someone will come to you to take your order very quickly. Now is where I have to admit something. We have been to Clark and Ravenscroft three times so I am not just talking about one experience within this blog. The first time the place was packed, which was annoying as we wanted to sit in and eat but it was a lovely day and there was a perfectly good wall just outside so we took our meal out there. Eleanor ordered a Brie and Parma Ham sandwich on granary bread and I had a sweet chilli chicken ciabatta. We also shared a brownie, as everywhere has to take the brownie test. Eleanor's brie and parma ham sandwich was MASSIVE to the point she could not finish it but I am very happy she didn't as it meant I got to finish it and we both agreed it was the best sandwich we had ever eaten. The bread was full of flavour and was a great texture and really tasted home made, which it obviously was. Knowing that the loaf was available to buy from the shop made it difficult to not go back and buy a loaf. My sandwich was going to be a tough one for Clark and Ravenscroft. It was practically a copy of one of my favourite sandwiches from Pickles and Potter, but I was not disappointed. The ciabatta was perfectly made, and the filling was stunning. It was mouthwatering. I could not fault it. The chicken was succulent, the sauce was the perfect balance of spice and sweet and everything else within it complimented it perfectly. The only thing that could have made it better was to have it toasted. The brownie...My god the brownie. Pickles and Potter brownies are so good I was arranging for them to send me some via post I missed it that much, but Clark and Ravenscroft has it covered perfectly. It is not quite as good, but was an amazing replacement for the P&P brownie. It gets full marks from us both for that. First time at Clark and Ravenscroft I can only describe as amazing. We both left the wall outside very full and very happy.
Take two and we were both starving. This time we were fortunate enough to get a table and the atmosphere in there is great. Really relaxed, really friendly and really comfortable. We were not feeling too adventurous so ordered the same meal again, our stomachs ruling our tastebuds. the only difference being...well...you know how I said the only way my sandwich could be improved was if it was toasted. Well guess what? I had mine toasted. It also came with a side salad which was lovely too. Both sandwiches were better this time than the last time. I am not sure if it was the atmosphere or if they were just made slightly better but this time was the time we both had to admit they were on a par with P&P. Eleanor finished her sandwich this time, more because she refused to leave any because of how beautiful it tasted. She was full to bursting after! We had a green tea and a diet coke and had a thoroughly enjoyable lunch. I can not imagine how it could be better in fact. Cost about £10 too for two sandwiches and two drinks so it isn't going to hurt your bank account either!
I really did enjoy that sandwich, so much so that I am annoyed I haven't got one while I write this. Oh, I also grabbed a rocky road slice when leaving which was very moreish. I really didn't need it though as I was stuffed but I could not resist. There was also a man in their who was ordering olives with the excitement of a drug addict close to getting their fix. I do not think that man could have survived the day without more olives. I am determined to try them next time.
There is an old saying the the third time is the charm and this is no exception. Eleanor again ordered a brie and parma ham sandwich on granary but with the addition of onion chutney, which is her chutney of choice at the moment. I decided to change what I wanted completely and ordered a 'Suzy" chicken and chorizo wrap with guacamole and roasted red peppers. I was excited as this sounded really up my street. After the super friendly lady took our order I was thinking that I really did not fancy guacamole. I have to admit I got lucky when she came back and said they had none made. We deliberated over what could replace it and came to the decision that a garlic mayo would be nice. It was a brainwave on her part as the mayo made the wrap for me. Everything else was delicious but the mayo pushed it above anything I had had before. Suzy, who won a recipe competition, is on to a winner, but needs to make that change. I loved it.
Eleanor practically died of taste excitement over her sandwich and will openly admit it is the best thing she has ever had between two slices of bread, and when the bread is that good it makes a huge difference. We both can not recommend that sandwich more if you love brie and parma ham. You will not be disappointed.
With this, Eleanor had a cold green tea with honey from the fridge and I had a diet coke, which is quickly drank and then got a mulberry and blueberry juice which was amazing. Eleanor loved her green tea with honey too.
So that is three visits to Clark and Ravenscroft. It will in no way be our last. They offer a massive selection of fresh pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads as well as offering a great selection of produce at the front of the store. Everything is really fresh, or of a very high quality if it is jarred. The staff are friendly, and you are never waiting too long for food which when it arrives is to die for. The menu gives you a great selection which I doubt anyone can look through and not find something that will make their tastebuds tingle. My only small negative is the small amount of seating available, but it is a tiny issue to be honest. Norwich has again given us a gem and I am starting to worry that people will think we only write about great places, but we have been very fortunate that everywhere we have been so far has been great. Clark and Ravenscroft are by far the cream of the crop so instead of reading this, go there and get a beautiful lunch for a great price. We are considering asking them about wedding catering too. Yes thats right, Eleanor thinks they are good enough to do our wedding. Not for a while admittedly. But anyway, what are you waiting for? Support your local food providers. Go on...
Clark and Ravenscroft
6 St. Gregorys Alley
Norwich
NR2 1ER
Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
D and Ele
xxx
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