From a Hollywood actor to a world-famous illusionist, many famous faces have visited the Norwich Lanes over the years.

With its eclectic mix of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, this buzzing network of streets is the beating heart of the city.

These are just some of the businesses that have been praised by famous people. 

 

READ MORE: Norfolk woman to appear in new Barbie film starring Margot Robbie

1. Arboretum, St Benedicts Street 

Master illusionist Derren Brown headed to the Norwich Lanes during his run of shows at the Theatre Royal in March this year.

He enjoyed cocktails in the Victorian-themed bar Arboretum, posing for a photo with owner Gregory Williams, and also visited nearby Strangers Coffee in Pottergate. 

Eastern Daily Press: Henry Layte, owner of The Book Hive in London Street, NorwichHenry Layte, owner of The Book Hive in London Street, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

2. The Book Hive, London Street 

The Book Hive is a fabulous independent bookshop, with lots of nooks and crannies to explore.  

It has a whole host of famous fans, including Margaret Atwood, who wrote The Handmaid's Tale, and actor and presenter Stephen Fry. 

Eastern Daily Press: Jason Manford and Ore Oduba visited No.33 Cafe in Norwich and posed for a photo with chef Gina WattJason Manford and Ore Oduba visited No.33 Cafe in Norwich and posed for a photo with chef Gina Watt (Image: Gina Watt)

3. Café 33, Exchange Street 

Café 33 offers top-notch breakfasts and most mornings there is a queue outside.

It is also popular with cast and crew performing at the Theatre Royal, with previous visitors including Jason Manford and Ore Oduba, who said it was the "best grub in Norwich".

Eastern Daily Press: L'Hexagone is one of Norwich's most popular restaurants L'Hexagone is one of Norwich's most popular restaurants (Image: Newsquest)

4. L'Hexagone, Lower Goat Lane

Food critic Jay Rayner heaped praise on this French bistro when he reviewed it for The Observer last year, which led to a boom in bookings. 

He visited L'Hexagone, run by couple Thomas Aubrit and Gemma Aubrit-Layfield, while in the city on his My Last Supper tour.

READ MORE: Johnny Depp breaks his silence over Norwich bathtub rumours

Eastern Daily Press: The 1880 French Bateau Bath on ornate feet in the Stiffkey Bathrooms shop bought by Johnny Depp for his home in LAThe 1880 French Bateau Bath on ornate feet in the Stiffkey Bathrooms shop bought by Johnny Depp for his home in LA (Image: Denise Bradley)

5. Stiffkey Bathrooms, Upper St Giles Street 

Hollywood A-lister Johnny Depp splashed out on a £5,000 antique bathtub from this shop at the top of the Norwich Lanes in 2014. 

Initially just a rumour, Mr Depp confirmed it was true in an interview with Radio One in 2016.