Harden's survey result
Summary
Entering its eighth year, Richard & Katja Bainbridge’s “relaxing” operation remains the most commented-on option in town in our annual diners’ poll and also the highest rated. Fans say it’s their “go-to” option, thanks to its “incredible” menus (“catering to all tastes”) and staff who are “attentive without being overly ever present”. However, ratings were dragged down by a few “disappointing” reports of the “might-have-been-a-bad-day-but…” variety.
Summary
“I’d eat there every day if I could – eclectic food, great service, wonderful!…” – Richard Bainbridge’s cooking is “never run-of-the-mill”, his menu’s “a joy”, and “staff friendly and knowledgeable about both food and wine”. The restaurant is “comfortable and not overcrowded”, with a “lovely, neighbourhood-y ambience”.
Summary
Many “utterly fabulous” meals are again reported at Great British Chef, Richard Bainbridge’s Norwich fixture, which is nowadays the most-commented-on dining destination in town. Despite its chilled style, it has a “very accomplished offer”, which ranges from a three-course à la carte menu for £39 through to a seven-course taster option for £60. Its ratings were dragged off its former top heights last year, though, by a few locals finding it “hyped” or “disappointing”.
Summary
Many “utterly fabulous” meals are again reported at Great British Chef, Richard Bainbridge’s Norwich fixture, which is nowadays the most-commented-on dining destination in town. Despite its chilled style, it has a “very accomplished offer”, which ranges from a three-course à la carte menu for £39 through to a seven-course taster option for £60. Its ratings were dragged off its former top heights this year, though, by a few locals finding it “hyped” or “disappointing”.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Benedicts?
Owner's description
Benedicts opened its doors in June 2015 run by chef owner Richard Bainbridge and his wife Katja and has gone from strength to strength since. It is a contemporary bistro style Restaurant with classic values, serving modern sophisticated food in a relaxed environment and prides itself on seasonality, local produce and warm professional hospitality.
Benedicts was awarded 3 AA Rosettes In January 2018.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £28.00 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 59.00 | Always available | 5 |
| Menu2 | 74.00 | Always available | 8 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Richard Bainbridge has worked in some of the best restaurants across the globe, the Roux Brothers 3 Michelin Starred ‘Waterside Inn’ in Bray, Michelin Starred Thorntons in Dublin and worked for Gunter Seegers in Atlanta to name a few. For 7 consecutive years before opening Benedicts he was head chef at Galton Blackiston’s Michelin starred Morston Hall.
Richard has been lucky to be part of BBC2’s Great British Menu for several series over the past years, has won the competition in 2015 and returned as a veteran judge in 2017.
Benedicts Restaurant Diner Reviews
"We drove from Southampton last week to visit friends in Norwich and they had booked a table for the four of us at Benedict’s. Bit stuck for words really – we have dined at some very fancy and expensive restaurants over the years, but we can both honestly say this was the best dining experience we have ever had! The layout was just perfect, and every member of the staff were excellent – not only well trained but obviously very knowledgeable about the food and wines they were serving. Also, something we believe is very important – they were very happy to be there ! We had the tasting menu paired with the wine and must say every course was exquisite. Each course was presented beautifully and tasted amazing. We also had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Richard, and what a friendly guy he is! The downside…. Our favourite restaurant is 200 miles away!"
9 St Benedicts St, Norwich, NR2 4PE
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
