From a trio of cocktail bars to a portfolio of cosy pubs, these local champions are the faces behind some of Norwich's most successful independent businesses. 

Norwich Evening News: Frances Chisholm behind the bar at The Drawing Rooms.Frances Chisholm behind the bar at The Drawing Rooms.

Frances Chisholm and Pete Harvey 

Where: The Drawing Rooms (Pottergate), The Wildman (Bedford Street), Ten Bells (St Benedicts Street)

Since taking on The Wildman following a huge refurbishment in 2019 and wowing customers with top-notch cocktails, this duo has continued to elevate the city's nightlife. 

They then took on The Ten Bells in 2020, which serves food from Fupburger, and this autumn opened The Drawing Rooms - an art deco cocktail bar at the former site of The Birdcage. 

Norwich Evening News: Briony and Nick De'Ath with the team at The Warwick Arms. Briony and Nick De'Ath with the team at The Warwick Arms. (Image: Denise Bradley/Archant 2022)

Nick & Briony De'Ath

Where: The William and Florence (Unthank Road), Warwick Arms (Warwick Street), Trafford Arms (Grove Road), The Unthank Arms (Newmarket Street), Chambers Cocktail Company (Wensum Street), The Red Lion (Bishopgate)

Husband-and-wife duo Nick and Briony are behind some of Norwich's most successful pubs and have been at the helm of The Unthanks Arms for more than 25 years.

The newest addition to their portfolio was The Warwick Arms in the heart of the Golden Triangle, which has a kitchen residency from Masa serving tasty tacos on Tuesday and Saturday evenings from 6pm. 

Norwich Evening News: Jaime and Stephanie Garbutt at Figbar. Jaime and Stephanie Garbutt at Figbar.

Stephanie and Jaime Garbutt

Where: Salt and Figbar (both St John Maddermarket) 

This couple founded Figbar in 2016, offering plated desserts along with a tempting takeaway counter.

Jaime has a strong background in pastry with positions held with the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay at multi-Michelin-starred Pétrus.

Savoury sister business Salt opened in 2019 and it offers a range of brunches, lunches and even raclette nights. 

Norwich Evening News: Andrew McNeil inside The York pub. Andrew McNeil inside The York pub. (Image: Archant 2021)

Andrew McNeil 

Where: The York (Leicester Street), The Edith Cavell (Tombland)

Andrew McNeil runs The York pub in NR2 and this summer he also took on The Edith Cavell in historic Tombland when steak restaurant Prime relocated to St Giles Street.

The food offering at The Edith Cavell is now called Molten, with a range of sweet and savoury fondues to enjoy.