Harden's survey result
Summary
“A long-term destination in the culinary wastelands of Norfolk, but so good it is worth a trip”, say fans of Roger Hickman’s “lovely” culinary beacon (which dates from 1990 under former owner David Adlard). Reports often compare it favourably with nearby Benedicts, although the latter outscored it by a whisker again this year. Whatever the ranking, all reports rate it well, lauding “superbly executed food, with touches of inventiveness which all hit the spot”. Such gripes as featured in feedback are that it’s pricey or “a bit OTT” in its approach.
Summary
“Top-quality ingredients perfectly cooked and served with a smile” have long been on the menu at this venue – and Roger Hickman cooked here under its previous owner, David Adlard, who opened its doors in 1990. These days it’s in a two-horse race for local bragging rights with nearby Benedicts. The latter had the advantage in this year’s survey, even if fans insist this is “still the best restaurant in Norwich by a country mile”.
Summary
“Still the best restaurant in Norwich” say fans of Roger Hickman’s long-established fine dining destination, whose fanclub is smaller nowadays than that of nearby Benedicts, but overall scored more highly last year. The level of cost here is a tad higher, and the approach more in the vein of traditional fine dining. “A new private dining room has been opened last year, which is stunning, and such an investment shows a real confidence from Roger H, who pleasingly is pretty much always in evidence at every service”.
Summary
“Still the best restaurant in Norwich” say fans of Roger Hickman’s long-established fine dining destination, whose fanclub is smaller nowadays than that of nearby Benedicts, but overall scored more highly this year. The level of cost here is a tad higher, and the approach more in the vein of traditional fine dining. “A new private dining room has been opened this year, which is stunning, and such an investment shows a real confidence from Roger H, who pleasingly is pretty much always in evidence at every service”.
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 Roger Hickman’s?
Restaurant details
Roger Hickman’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A sign of the times perhaps, but we were the only couple in the restaurant at lunch. With not a single other person there, there was obviously no atmosphere. Last year’s wonderful waiter, Richard, has now gone, but his replacement, Kevin, though very young and inexperienced, did a very good job of making our visit a pleasant experience. "
"French inspired fine dining in a cosy room in one of the well preserved historic quarters of the city. The food doesn’t disappoint. Expect fine dining portions, intricately presented with a price tag to match. Justified by the quality of ingredients and the skills of the chef. It is very good indeed."
"Touch and go whether the food deserves a 4 but not everything at that level. However very good experience all round"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £30.00 | £35.00 |  |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 60.00 | Dinner only | 5 |
| Menu2 | 85.00 | Dinner only | 7 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
79 Upper St. Giles St, Norwich, NR2 1AB
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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