The resurgence of historic Norwich pub The Artichoke, has recently been galvanised by their collaboration with acclaimed local chef, Jimmy Preston. Fresh from a 6-year stint as head chef at No. 1 Cromer, Preston’s globally inspired street food has found a natural home at “The Arti” within the heart of NR3.
The menu promises to be ever-changing and evolving so with that in mind, we urge you to drop whatever comparatively meaningless task you are engaged in, to pair the XO Fried Chicken with a side of the Watermelon Asian Salad. The combination of the reduced Korean hot sauce and the juicy flesh of the fruit is nothing short of sublime.
Even at this early stage, the menu is diverse enough to have included the Korean Squid Dog, salt and pepper squid in a squid ink roll, as delicious as it is novel, the Pork Katsu Sando and The Menchi Burger, a ground beef and katsu patty covered in Panko breadcrumbs and miso barbecue sauce that simply screams umami. To finish up, we highly recommend the salted dark chocolate mousse, banana and miso ice cream with caramel sauce and cocoa pops. It is deep, decadent, comfort in a bowl.
As if the above wasn’t palatable enough, look out for dishes such as pillowy Bao Buns, Massaman curry, Thai brisket bone marrow and elegant ramen bowls. Those of the vegan persuasion are similarly spoilt for choice.
Thanks to the pub’s general manager Craig Maskell, you can also pair these wonderfully creative dishes with a wide array of craft beer and natural wines.
The foodie future of NR3 looks bright indeed.
You can find XO Kitchen at The Artichoke, 1 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4LW. Wednesday – Friday, 17:30 – 21:00, Saturday 12:00 – 15:00 & 17:30 – 21:00 and Sunday 12:00 – 16:00
About the Author
Dan Heverson
Writer, cook, gourmet explorer.