Cafe Britannia is one of the busiest cafes I have ever been to. Based at the former Britannia Barracks in Norwich Prison, Cafe Britannia, with it’s spectacular views over Norwich and an extensive menu, is incredibly popular with local people of Norwich.
Britannia Cafe was opened in January 2014 by Britannia Enterprises, a social enterprise that has partnered with the Ministry of Justice and HMP Norwich. The majority of the staff are offenders serving at HMP Norwich, who go through a rigorous assessment before they are able to work at the cafe. They are all volunteers, and do not receive any tips from customers – tips all go to the charity Victim Support. So far Cafe Britannia have donated over £4,000 to Victim Support.
Food & Drink
The slogan for Cafe Brittania, displayed outside and inside the cafe, is ‘Taste Rules’. Their dedication to providing tasty food is probably the main reason Cafe Britannia is so popular.
The dedicated breakfast menu offers a variety of cooked breakfasts and some healthier options. Breakfasts are served from 06:30 to 11:30 Monday to Friday and from 08:00 to 11:30 on weekends.
Cafe Britannia’s lunch menu has a wide selection of traditional British favourites, cooked to order. Afternoon Tea is also available.
The omelette was delicious!
The cafe is committed to supporting the local community, and they actively source products from sustainable local Norfolk suppliers. As well as using local suppliers, some of their fresh vegetables actually come from the prison gardens!
What’s nearby
The view from Cafe Britannia
Cafe Britannia is situated at Mousehold Heath, offering spectacular views over Norwich. It is approximately 10 minutes walk away from the centre of Norwich, where you will find shops, restaurants, and Norwich Cathedral.
Overall
If you are looking for a cafe that provices tasty food, a nice atmosphere, and beautiful views, all while helping people transform their lives, Cafe Britannia in Norwich is the cafe for you. Be prepared to queue and wait for a table though, as it does get busy, but I’d say it is definitely worth the wait.
Looking for a great place to enjoy a coffee and / or lunch? Want to avoid the large chains? Our Food for Thought series will offer you insight into cafés that provide good food and drink whilst helping others.
