Yalm, a new indoor dining concept in Norwich, has been named winner of the Food/Drink Experience award, sponsored by Castlemeadow Care, at the Norfolk magazine Food & Drink Awards 2024.

Located in Norwich’s Royal Arcade, Yalm is a multi-vendor food hall offering an ever-rotating smörgåsbord of culinary delights from across the world including Italian, Thai and Mexican food, as well as ramen, crêpes, salads, steaks and New York deli sandwiches.

The dining hall seats up to 300 people, who can order food direct from their table with a bespoke smartphone app. It is also home to three bars with a range of craft beers.

The judges said Yalm is a “food-lover’s dream”, adding that the destination is a “wonderful way to showcase some of Norfolk’s best kitchens” and “every element of the food and drink journey has been thought through”.

Yalm director of operations Dan Searle said: “This is a bit of a surprise! When we started 18 months ago, it all escalated quite quickly.

“Everybody who came into the business created something unique for Yalm, which was really good. We’ve all worked together before, so it’s been a shared vision from the beginning.”

Finalist: Love Norwich Food & Drink Walking Tours

Professional chef, food writer and cookery tutor Zena Leech-Calton offers bespoke tours of our fine city’s vibrant hospitality scene.

With Zena as a guide, guests can explore restaurants, cafes, bars and the iconic Norwich market to discover our local hidden gems.

The judges praised Zena for her “personable, chatty personality” as well as her knowledge and passion for local culinary destinations.

“There is nothing that Zena doesn’t know about food in Norwich,” the judges said.

Finalist: Rocky Bottoms

Rocky Bottoms is a seafood restaurant based in West Runton serving up the freshest crab and lobster from the Norfolk coast.

Produce is caught by brothers Richard and Winston Matthews, while Alison Matthews takes care of its diners, who may even be able to see their meal being caught from their seats!

The judge’s praised the “incredibly fresh seafood” and the “panoramic views” of the restaurant and said it offers an “amazing dining experience for guests”.

Finalist: The Maids Head Hotel

Established more than 800 years ago, The Maids Head Hotel is located on Tombland in Norwich and includes the two AA rosette WinePress restaurant, which serves both a la carte and tasting menus.

The hotel is dedicated to providing guests with unique experiences, including its newly-launched wine nights, which allow visitors to learn more about local vineyards.

The judges said the wine nights are a “great way to connect customers to Norfolk’s incredible produce”.

To find out more about all of the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards 2024 winners, please click here.

Keep an eye out for details of next year's awards at norfolkfada.co.uk