7 minute read
Rooftop Gardens | The sky is the limit for Norwich’s first and only rooftop restaurant and bar.
UP ON THE ROOF
Footfall and sales are positively blooming at The Rooftop Gardens – a true jewel on the Norwich skyline.
THE LOWDOWN
THE ROOFTOP GARDENS
Outlet: The Rooftop Gardens Format: Rooftop restaurant and bar Operations manager: Glen Walker Kitchen staff: 20 Operating hours: 10.30am – 12 midnight
“Right smack dab in the middle of town, I've found a paradise that's trouble proof – up on the roof:” Despite being released back in 1964, these well-known lyrics crooned by the Drifters could well be describing The Rooftop Gardens – Norwich’s first and only rooftop restaurant and bar, according to operations manager Glen Walker. Perched at the top of The Union Building, this gem of a venue offers diners enchanting 360-degree panoramic views of the Norwich skyline including such famous landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Castle and Carrow Road stadium.
During the day, the venue offers a bright and airy retreat for lavish afternoon teas, brunch and lunch, while at night it transforms into a moonlit oasis for cocktails and dinner – much to the delight of Norwich’s community and the 600 workers stationed in the offices directly below.
But The Rooftop Gardens hasn’t always been the lofty paradise it represents today, as Glen explains.“I joined as general manager five years ago, just a few months after it had first opened,” he explains.“Prior to that I’d spent years working for hospitality venues such as the Crowne Plaza in Cambridge and a number of well-known restaurant chains. When I first joined, the team needed experience with operating at volume which was where I came in. The venue was doing well but to do even better it was clear to me that we needed to evolve the offer. It needed to fit better with its unique location and that included changing the menus as well as introducing new ideas and initiatives. It was lots of work, but we got there in the end and we are all so proud of the business we have built today.”
The business as it stands today includes a large art-deco style indoor main restaurant and bar featuring stylish booth seating. Offering stunning city views out of its large picture windows, the indoor restaurant can seat 150 diners - but it’s outside where the magic happens. The Rooftop Gardens boasts two spectacular exterior spaces: The Castle Terrace which seats 70 with views of Norwich castle and the 170-seater Cathedral Terrace which looks out over the 11th Century Norwich Cathedral.
One of the first major changes that Glen made was to its menus. Working alongside the chefs, Glen worked hardto create dishes that offered a ‘wow factor’ befitting its striking location and views, but that could be prepared at speed. “When the business first started, it was doing quite high numbers but was offering more of a fine-dining menu,” Glen explains. “In my experience, volume and fine dining don’t sit that well together. There’s a reason why Michelin-starred restaurants do 40 covers a night.
GLEN WALKER
“So we changed the menus and we now focus much more heavily on grill items, such as quality sirloin, filet and ribeye steaks, plus skewers. We also offer a selection of classic dishes such as our bestselling herb crusted lamb and fillet of beef, both of which showcase Booker’s great quality fresh meat and vegetables, and crucially can also be put together in good time.”
The menus, which are changed three times a year, now include a ‘Brunch’ menu, Sunday menu and a main menu. There’s also a dedicated afternoon tea menu, served between noon and 4pm and priced at £25.95 per person, or £30.95 per person, with a glass of prosecco. The venue has two dedicated pastry chefs who whip up a variety of homemade dishes for the luxurious afternoon tea including pork & fennel sausage rolls, scones, meringues and macarons. In line with current trends, a Gluten Free Afternoon Tea is also available.
Booker, and in particular Glen’s CDM Sarah Grout, has been key to helping Glen keep up to date with such trends and update the venue’s menus accordingly with new, appropriate products.Glen explains: “The trend towards vegan products is continuing as is the trend towards low or no alcohol drinks. Sarah has been so helpful with helping to put new products in front of us that we can adapt accordingly.
“The last couple of years have not been easy but Sarah has been there with us through it all.A number of our main dishes, such as our Risotto Milanese, can now be prepared as vegan or vegetarian and we also offer dishes such as a veggie or vegan brunch. We also stock a wide range of alcohol-free wines and beers, all from Booker.
“Our relationship with Booker started in 2019 with just a fruit and vegetable supply and it’s grown to include pretty much everything: fresh fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, store cupboard products, the lot.The quality of the products, especially the fresh products is standout. The Blackgate meat is just fantastic as are the fruit and SHAKE IT TO MAKE IT
COCKTAILS ARE A KEY USP AT THE ROOFTOP GARDENS
Cocktails are a key USP at The Rooftop Gardens and the venue sets itself apart by hand-pressing many of the juices needed for its elaborate menu. Chefs at the Rooftop Gardens also make its own vanilla, strawberry and passionfruit syrups to guarantee maximum flavour and freshness.
Top-selling cocktails include Pornstar Martinis, which have an RSP of £10.25 and feature Tanqueray Gin & Passoa Passionfruit Liqueur, with Pineapple, fresh Vanilla syrup and fresh Lemon. They are also served with a shot of Prosecco & Passion Fruit garnish.
For large gatherings and celebrations, several of the most popular cocktails, are available in a ‘Cocktail Tree’ format which includes 12 cocktails, served with a bottle of Prosecco for £125.
vegetables and it’s consistently good too, which is just so important.”
The Rooftop Gardens also sources all its spirits from Booker, with much of them making their way to the increasingly popular cocktail offer.The Cocktail menu offers a wide range of ‘Originals,’ ‘Craft,’ and ‘Classic’ cocktails plus a selection of non-alcoholic ‘Softails’.
Glen comments: “Customers can see we go the extra mile with cocktails and love us for it.We order cases of fresh lemons and limes from Booker because we handpress all of our juices for our cocktails. The handmade element is becoming increasingly important. People are moving away from big chains: they want local, independent, handmade, fresh. People are becoming more demanding of their experiences, they expect more. Money is a bit tighter, so when they do come out they expect their experience to be really worth it. That’s not a problem for us. Our mission is to offer great quality and great service.”
Glen also says the Instagram influence cannot be underestimated.He says: “Guests like to show off when they’re out and about so it’s increasingly important to think about how your venue photographs. In addition to the beautiful views, our terrace features a stunning live tree decorated with flowers and looks amazing on camera.”
Despite the Rooftop Garden’s blooming success, Glen’s not one to take his foot off the gas. “It’s vital we keep growing and developing the offer. We are looking at new ways to energise our mid-week trade. We have a few irons in the fire, one of which is to do more deals for the office workers in the building below." Those office workers are already loyal to Glen but some exclusive special offers and happy hours should help cement that loyalty.Glen is also hoping to extend opening hours to beyond midnight.With great and such a strong team, the sky could well be the limit for this rooftop gem.
GLEN'S SPECIAL BOARD
Handmade heroes
The handmade element is becoming increasingly important to diners Glen says. The team of 20 chefs expertly handmake most of its large food and drink menu and emphasise this to diners.
Team spirit
Glen works closely with his Booker CDM Sarah Grout to stay on top of new products and emerging trends updating his menus accordingly.
No filter The Instagram effect is so important these days Glen adds. Food and surroundings must look picture-perfect. The Castle Terrace features stunning views and a live tree decorated with flowers for maximum impact.
GLEN WALKER
