Gonzo's Tea Room could expand Norwich venue in London Street

Gonzo's Tea Room in London Street has applied to extend its premises into the neighbouring site formerly occupied by Betfred, which closed in December.

No specific details about what the expansion will be used for have yet been revealed by owner Brad Baxter, but planning documents show the business could move into both the basement and ground floors. 

Brad Baxter and his team on the rooftop at Gonzo's Tea Room (Image: Archant)

The bar, which also features a rooftop terrace, lounge and nightclub, has become a popular destination for city folk - with its club Gonzo's Two Room even being recognised as a 'dance destination' in top music magazine DJ Mag last year.

The publication claimed the establishment had "reignited club culture on the east coast" and praised it for its "on-the-pulse line-ups, great sound and inclusive atmosphere".

Gonzo's Two Room started gaining momentum back in 2019 and became a go-to place for clubbers in 2021 when nightlife returned to the city following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The venue also features a nightclub on the second floor (Image: Rupert Taylor)

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The venue is run by events managers Levi de Belgeonne and Rikki James.

Mr de Belgeonne has said: "The fact we programme the club ourselves and to have that recognition from such a prestigious magazine is amazing for us and for little old Norwich.

"The city has never really been known for dance music so this has been really positive."

The former Betfred site in London Street (Image: David Freezer)

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The Brix and Bones open-fire restaurant is also located above Gonzo's Tea Room, with both owned by siblings Brad and Mike Baxter.

The eatery opened in early 2022 and was added to The Good Food Guide last summer before being added to a round-up of its under-the-radar food venues in the UK for 2023.

The application to expand into the former Betfred site will now be considered by Norwich City Council and be decided at a future meeting of its planning committee.