An award-winning restaurant in the Norwich Lanes is shaking things up for summer with a new small plates menu to be enjoyed al fresco.

The outdoor dining area is back open at the front of Benedicts in St Benedicts Street, which is partially pedestrianised.

Benedicts was opened in June 2015 by chef Richard Bainbridge, who won BBC Two's Great British Menu the same year, and his wife Katja.

Norwich Evening News: Louis Bailey, assistant restaurant manager, Katja Bainbridge, owner, Richard Bainbridge, owner, and Luara Santos, restaurant manager, at Benedicts in St Benedicts Street in NorwichLouis Bailey, assistant restaurant manager, Katja Bainbridge, owner, Richard Bainbridge, owner, and Luara Santos, restaurant manager, at Benedicts in St Benedicts Street in Norwich (Image: Archant 2022)

As well as featuring in The Michelin Guide 2023, it also holds three coveted AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

It is known for its innovative and seasonal tasting menus, but it now has a new offering ideal for a hot day.

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Mr Bainbridge said: "After the success of Norwich Wine Week [held earlier this month across the city] where we came up with a bespoke small plates menu with a wine flight we have decided to carry this on - with the idea that we will have an amazingly hot summer this year.

Norwich Evening News: Richard Bainbridge, chef patron of BenedictsRichard Bainbridge, chef patron of Benedicts (Image: Archant 2022)

"We want to make the most of our space outside and give people the opportunity to try the standard of Benedicts without the sit-down, tasting menu inside.

"It will show customers the amazing quality of the produce as well as our wine list in a more accessible way - we hope this will be a gateway for people to then try the full Benedicts experience."

Norwich Evening News: A small plates menu is now available al fresco at Benedicts A small plates menu is now available al fresco at Benedicts (Image: Benedicts)

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The small plates are priced from £4 to £13, with the majority under a tenner, and it includes Korean fried chicken, Norfolk peer potatoes and British cheeses.

It is available on Thursdays from 5pm-8.30pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 12noon-8.30pm, with no booking required.

A special al fresco dining menu with nibbles, starters, mains, such as barbecue monkfish, and desserts is available at the same times, plus Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.