Opening for Basil and Pip in Norwich's Royal Arcade revealed

Billed as a 'florist with a difference', Basil and Pip is owned and run by Gemma Murray.

The bricks-and-mortar studio, focusing on flowers and events, was originally set to open in Norwich's Royal Arcade by the end of November.

Signage for florist Basil and Pip in Norwich's Royal Arcade (Image: Maya Derrick)

But now the latest addition to the historic Grade II*-listed thoroughfare is due to open on Thursday, January 26.

Raised in Edinburgh, Gemma trained as a florist five years ago and upped sticks to Norfolk from London with her seven-year-old son.

Gemma Murray, owner of Basil and Pip which will open in Norwich's Royal Arcade on January 26 (Image: Gemma Murray)

Gemma has previously described Norwich as having "a lovely, buzzing atmosphere with an abundance of visual creativity and history".

Using natural and homemade products is key, the store will stock a range of candles, soaps and self-care treatments as well as books on flower arranging and self-care plus cards for all occasions.

She envisions Basil and Pip will be a non-traditional and multi-functioning florist space, focusing on sustainability and using natural, biodegradable products and reusable or recyclable packaging.

Florist Basil and Pip will open in the Royal Arcade on January 26 (Image: Maya Derrick)

Basil and Pip will offer customers a range of options to create gift boxes for their loved ones for a variety of events.

The new store will also have an event space for small gatherings of up to 20 people to host workshops or hire for events.

Arrangements by Basil and Pip (Image: Charlie McKay)

The Royal Arcade was built in 1899 by renowned Norwich architect George Skipper, famed for other city structures such as Jarrold, Haymarket Chambers and the headquarters of Norwich Union, now Aviva.

In September 2021 it was sold at auction for £3.4m, more than £2m above the original asking price.

A Basil and Pip bouquet (Image: Gemma Murray)

Since new private owners came to the helm the arcade has become a hotspot for up-and-coming brands with a plethora of new independent businesses filling its once-empty units, including Gyre and Gimble, Juni and Co and food hall Yalm on the site of the former Jamie's Italian.

At the end of 2022, more than two million shoppers had visited the all-new Royal Arcade - with footfall extending beyond 7pm thanks to Yalm food hall’s later opening hours and other arcade businesses' late-night trading over the festive period.