The chef patron of an Italian restaurant in Norwich, which features in The Michelin Guide, has now opened his second city premises.

Oliver Boon, who was a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2012 aged 22, opened Benoli in Orford Street in 2019.

Mr Boon and his team are now bringing the vibrant flavours of another European country to the city. 

Eastern Daily Press: The launch night of Bar Cerdita in London Street, Norwich The launch night of Bar Cerdita in London Street, Norwich (Image: Bar Cerdita)

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Bar Cerdita is a new three-floor Spanish tapas restaurant in the former home of café Artel, which shut in February 2023, at 67 London Street.

It has been completely refurbished with a downstairs bar area, a first-floor dining space and a top-floor private dining room, with the latter opening soon. 

Eastern Daily Press: The downstairs bar area at Bar Cerdita in Norwich The downstairs bar area at Bar Cerdita in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

The Spanish word 'cerdita' translates to 'piglet' in English and there is also artwork on the walls from Pigcasso - a painting pig from South Africa. 

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Sophie Bellenberg, the marketing and social media manager, said: "We have had Benoli for four years and wanted to bring something different to the city - Oliver also loves Spain and Spanish food.

Eastern Daily Press: Pan Con Tomate from Bar Cerdita in NorwichPan Con Tomate from Bar Cerdita in Norwich (Image: Bar Cerdita)

"It is a completely different space to Benoli - it has more of a bar feel and we are doing small plates instead of courses, which will come out when they are ready. 

"The building is beautiful and we also have an outdoor seating area and plenty of cocktails and Spanish wines."

The head chef at Bar Cerdita is Beth Mackay, aged 25, and the manager is Elliott Smith. 

Eastern Daily Press: Elliott Smith, manager, and Sophie Bellenberg, marketing manager, at Bar Cerdita in NorwichElliott Smith, manager, and Sophie Bellenberg, marketing manager, at Bar Cerdita in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

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The menu includes vegetable, fish and meat tapas dishes, including patatas bravas, a skate wing and crispy suckling pig. 

Eastern Daily Press: The first-floor dining room at Bar Cerdita in NorwichThe first-floor dining room at Bar Cerdita in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

The kitchen uses local produce as much as possible, including courgettes provided by Mr Boon's dad in Suffolk. 

Ms Bellenberg added: "The reaction has been really positive so far and a lot of our Benoli regulars have visited."

Bar Cerdita is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 3pm for lunch and from 5.30pm for dinner.