Yard is a classic destination in Norwich for casual, high-quality dining. Their base of operations is the cosy spot in Pottergate which has become a go-to for locals and tourists.
The menus boast many different choices in pasta and other Italian side dishes, all crafted with skill and care.
But the empire of Yard expanded in March 2023 from NR2 to NR3, with a kitchen residency at The Stanley, and then with the purchase of The Weavers Arms earlier this month - Ed and I visited their second newest location to see how they're getting on.
Setting
The Stanley is a beautiful pub, inside and out. The rustic decor honours the original bar fittings and ornate corner pieces, while also modernising the space. The Stanley's architecture and aesthetic compliments the straightforward, simple, and delicious food that Yard has become so known for.
Ed and I took a seat at a two-person table and admired the interior. There are specific areas for diners, marked by table signs, and waiters are present to serve customers. I overheard one of the bartenders saying that people could sit outside to eat, they just needed to give the staff a heads-up.
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Drinks were ordered at the bar and we had an espresso martini (£8.50) and an amaretto sour (£8) which were both delicious. Amaretto sour is a cocktail I get whenever I can, and this one was one of the best I've had, made with egg white replacement.
Value
For the high quality of food provided, the value is pretty good. It's certainly not cheap, but I have seen lesser restaurants charge a lot more for pasta than Yard. Ed got the Rigatoni with porcini, mascarpone and gorgonzola (£12), while I had the Pappardelle with 12-hour beef shin ragu (£12).
The sauces were fresh and flavourful and the beef practically melted on the tongue. The pasta is cooked to absolute perfection - slightly al dente. All topped with parmesan, with some equally mouth-watering sides: burrata and fresh peas and pagnotta (a light, chewy white bread) with whipped garlic butter. Buratta isn't always my thing, but with the bright green peas, it is an excellent, mild-flavoured addition to the intense tomato and ragu flavours in my main dish.
Ed also loved his creamy pasta, and I was pleased to try some and find it wasn't nearly as overwhelmingly gorgonzola-y as I anticipated.
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Toilets
Slightly confusing to find but staff were happy to help - clean, comfortable, spacious.
Accessibility
There is a small step to get into the pub which could be an issue for wheelchair users.
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Service
The staff of both The Stanley and Yard were knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. The waiter who served us was by herself for the evening but handled the dinner rush with a smile and offered apologies for any delays, of which there were none. Stellar service from both businesses.
Highlight
The pasta - you know with one bite that you're eating the best of the best.
In summary
Yard is certainly not a one-hit wonder, having successfully brought all of the skills that established them in Pottergate to The Stanley.
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