A city bar has found new management willing to maintain its “trademark quirkiness”. 

Arboretum, a 'secret' Victorian-themed bar hidden behind a blank shopfront in St Benedicts Street went on the market in June after Gregory Clark announced he was moving on. 

The 33-year-old has run the bar for six years but now wants to tackle a new challenge.  

Gregory Clark will be stepping back from the bar on September 23 (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Arboretum's new manager is going to keep our same trademark quirkiness but update it with a pair of fresh eyes," he said. "He used to manage a popular bar in London so it is in good hands. 

"All I want is for my baby to grow." 

READ MORE: Tapfest returning to Brewery Tap in Lawson Road in Norwich

Punters can continue to knock on the Arboretum's unmarked entrance for a drink or two until the end of its lease in October 2026 - when it will close its doors permanently. 

Mr Clark will be leaving the speakeasy on September 23 ahead of a move to London for a new job.  

Arboretum is hidden behind a blank and boarded-up shopfront in St Benedicts Street (Image: Google)

“I've been here six years and it's been difficult," he said. "I've always run it on my own and will continue to check in routinely. But I want to push myself in a new creative context. 

"I'll be starting a creatively focused bar manager role in London which will be announced soon." 

READ MORE: 5 pub pitstops along the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham

Above all Mr Clark is proud of the community he has created and has even promised a huge party when the bar closes in 2026.  

"If it has to end, we want it to end on a high,” he added. “When the time comes we're going to throw a two-week-long party for our community. 

Mr Clark is proud of the community he has created (Image: Denise Bradley)

"One of my crowning achievements is to have been able to bridge people together. 

"People would meet as strangers in the bar, which is some windowless secret room, then go off to the next pub together as one big group. 

"It's weird and it's special and it works."