The Library

 

Virtually opposite the Guildhall in the centre of Norwich, in a Grade II listed building that is the site of the first public library in Britain, The Library Bar, Grill & Restaurant is more than your typical grill restaurant.

True, it does specialise in fresh fish and meat cooked on a wood fired grill, but this eatery, run by the family that also own St Benedict’s Restaurant, Pinoccioho’s and Pulse is ‘steak and chips’ for the more discerning diner.

Menu-wise, you’ll find modern British cuisine, with enough variety for all tastes, including vegetarians. My friend and I went along one Tuesday evening to get a proper taste of The Library.

One nice aspect is that, despite walking in to what looks like a fairly austeric venue from the outside, one never feels ill at ease upon entering. There is a reception-cum-bar immediately as you walk into the main restaurant and the staff are welcoming and friendly (as they are throughout the meal). Once seated, we’re brought menus and offered drinks. There is an extensive wine list, with most being offered by the glass. I opt for the house rosé, while my friend has the Shiraz. I notice half a dozen or so other tables and after a while a small party arrive (foil balloons in tow). Despite being such a vast space, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed (subtle tones of soul and R’n’B fill the air). A low level of chatter fills the room and as we start to dine, the time seems to fly by all too quickly.

To start I take the Pan Fried Mushrooms on Toast with Garlic Butter and Continental Parsley, which is really delicious. My friend has Red Pepper and Goats Cheese Bruschetta with Basil Pesto, Wild Rocket and Toasted Pinenuts. She says it is lovely and that the pine nuts went very well with the other flavours.

From a vast choice of mouthwatering mains, I opt for the veggie Chickpea and Pumpkin Burger. This comes with Handcut Chips and Onion Rings, and when it arrives (wonderfully presented on a wooden board) it is an absolutely gigantic ‘man-sized’ portion. I begin to tackle it (it is scrumptious, especially the chips) but simply could not finish it all.

My friend has the Grilled Wild Boar and Apple Sausages with Mustard Seed Roasted Parsnips, Creamy Mash and Red Wine Jus. She confesses that she is a Wild Boar virgin but says the dish (more restrained in its proportions than mine) was very tasty. Apparently, the vegetables in particular were very nice indeed.

By the dessert course we were both pretty much full to capacity, but it would be rude to avoid dessert when the menu suggested that The Library takes its puddings as seriously as it does its main courses. We did however, draw the line at the chocolate fountain (for two or more people to share). These huge, flowing mountains of heaven come with all manner of amazing foodstuffs to dip (marshmallows, fruit, nuts…). Ideal if you were with a group of four or more, I would have simply felt like a big pig had we taken one between the two us (plus, we would probably have had to be rolled out of the restaurant!). So, in the interest of good sense, we both opted for the Summer Fruit Pudding, sans cream. Very nice, this did what it said on the tin and was a beautifully presented, tangy, classic summer fruit pud. The perfect end to the meal.

In all, I would say The Library offers excellent value for money and has more than ample choice, making it perfect for any-day dining, and ideal for groups or families. I suspect that Dads in particular (forgive me if that sounds sexist, hungry Mums - aren’t all Mums hungry? - consider yourselves included here too) will appreciate the hearty portions and healthy selection of meat and fish dishes. For this reason, The Library makes an excellent choice for a meal out around Fathers Day.

Even if grill food and large portions aren’t your style, The Library is still worth at least one visit, simply to take in the amazing building that it occupies. With private rooms for hire and a bar on the gallery level, it is also a good place to enjoy fine wines and coffee in one of the City’s most impressive buildings.
 And finally, tempting as it is, we won’t insult you with a joke about having to book…

 

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