A Norwich café with a secret garden has reopened after more than two-and-a-half years of closure. 

The Courtyard Café is located at 5 Wrights Court, off Elm Hill, and Jonathan Hook, 55, has owned the business since summer 2020.

When he took it on, he gave the space a makeover with a pink and green colour scheme to create a "pretty little oasis". 

The Courtyard Café in Wrights Court, off Elm Hill in NorwichThe Courtyard Café in Wrights Court, off Elm Hill in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

It relaunched in August 2020 but closed in December 2021 as Mr Hook said it had been "hard to get it started" amid the pandemic. 

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He said: "I was going to sell the business but it fell through, which was a blessing in disguise."

Inside The Courtyard Café in NorwichInside The Courtyard Café in Norwich (Image: Sonya Duncan)

He was messaged by Tina Smart, 44, on LinkedIn who was a regular over the years and wanted to manage his café.

It has now reopened and Ms Smart, who previously ran the tearoom at Looses Emporium in Magdalen Street, takes care of the day-to-day running of the business.

Sweet treats on the counter at The Courtyard CaféSweet treats on the counter at The Courtyard Café (Image: Sonya Duncan)

There is a focus on local ingredients and the menu includes breakfasts, scones, pastries, cakes, toasties, sausage rolls and open sandwiches.

The Norfolk Rarebit open sandwichThe Norfolk Rarebit open sandwich (Image: The Courtyard Café)

They use Green Farm Coffee in Rackheath and have an alcohol licence, with Norfolk suppliers Chet Valley Vineyard and Woodforde's Brewery.

Afternoon tea is available with 48 hours notice and there is the option to add a glass of sparkling wine. 

The garden at the back of The Courtyard CaféThe garden at the back of The Courtyard Café (Image: Sonya Duncan)

There is outdoor seating in the courtyard and out the back in the secret garden. 

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Ms Smart said: "The reaction so far has been very positive and people are so glad that it is back open.

The Courtyard Café manager Tina Smart (centre) with team members Aggi Dye and Ella StaggThe Courtyard Café manager Tina Smart (centre) with team members Aggi Dye and Ella Stagg (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"When I started at Looses, one of my friends wrote me a card and said it was my first step on the ladder to running a tearoom like the one in Elm Hill.

"Here I am 18 months later managing that place." 

The opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm (closed Mondays).

To pre-book afternoon tea message 'The Courtyard Cafe Norwich' on Facebook or call 01603 331531.