For Valentines Day, Matt and me had pre booked an ‘All you can Eat’ Meat restaurant. However, when it came nearer to the occasion, we changed our mind about wanting to go.
Someone I had spoken to around that time had raved about ‘Yard’ on Pottergate and, never one to say no to pasta, I suggested to Matty that we try there instead.
I remember us seeing posters advertising Yards opening during (a less strict) lockdown. As well as popping in there for a cocktail after having had dinner in the Belgian Monk one time not long after it opened.
Even in my tipsy haze I recall looking around at the pasta dishes being served, thinking how delicious they smelled and looked.
Fast forward to February this year and FINALLY, we paid Yard a long overdue visit…and CHRIST ON A BIKE, was it worth the wait.
The great thing about cancelling our initial Valentines reservation and winging it with Yard last minute, is that they are walk in only. So we were pretty much guaranteed a place, even if we had to wait a little bit.
Just in case though, we went along a little earlier than dinner time, at around 4.30ish, and were seated right away.
I don’t know really where to start with Yard, I love everything about it. The decor is cool, warming and modern with the downstairs restaurant having a cool industrial feel to it with its dimmed lighting, exposed wires and bare walls.
The staff are welcoming and attentive and the whole vibe of the place is chill and friendly. You don’t need to dress up (but you can if you want). It is just a lovely place to go and meet friends or loved ones and catch up over delicious food.
Both times we have visited we ended up ordering the same dish! As it was so delicious the first time that we couldn’t resist having it again on the next visit.
I had the Rigatoni with sausage, crème fraiche and fennel and Matt had the Pappardelle with nduja (Italian spicy pork sausage), mascarpone and lemon.
Both dishes were served steaming hot and packed full with flavour. *chefs kiss*
We both also ordered a side of the sourdough with whipped garlic butter, which, when it was served, looked like a big portion. Matt even commented that we could have just shared one between us.
However, once we had both taken a bite into the delicious fresh bread and sampled that amazing soft whipped butter, we both knew there was NO WAY we would have ever shared. Nor did we on our second visit.
I am not a food critic, so my explanation as to why Yard is so bloody wonderful is limited. I would simply say that if you love plates of delicious, comforting, epic pasta, that are also reasonably priced, Yard is for you.
It is definitely going to be a regular place for Matt and me to visit, we absolute love it. Next time I have promised myself I will try something different to eat too!
Yard, 6 Pottergate, Norwich, NR2 1DS https://www.yardnorwich.com