"Norwich's long-running wine-bar institution — book The Last for chef Mortimer Fraser's relaxed fine dining and the city's deepest cellar."
About The Last Wine Bar
The Last Wine Bar opened in 1990 in what was once a 19th-century Norwich shoe factory — in 1909 described as the largest boot-and-shoe works under one roof in the kingdom. A last is the mould a shoe is formed on, from the Old English laest, ‘footprint’, and the name has stuck through more than three decades as a city-centre fixture. It is now run by Sebastian Taylor, back home after ten years at The Ritz in London, with head chef Mortimer Fraser in the kitchen.
It sits among Norwich's leading tables. Compare the Michelin-recognised Benedicts, the riverside Stoke Mill and Roger Hickman's, or browse the wider fine-dining picks.
The Kitchen
Chef Mortimer Fraser cooks relaxed fine dining — a changing menu du jour for value and an a la carte that leans modern British and seasonal, with classics done well rather than chased trends. Sunday lunch and a Ritz-inspired afternoon tea, a nod to Sebastian Taylor's decade at the London hotel, round out the offer. The real signature, though, is the cellar: probably the widest, most carefully chosen wine list in Norwich.
It is mid-to-upper priced for the city: expect roughly £40 to 60 a head before wine, with the list giving you room to spend much more or much less by the glass.
The Room
The room trades on its bones — the exposed brick, beams and industrial frame of the old shoe factory, warmed into a comfortable, characterful dining room and bar. It is relaxed rather than formal, the kind of place built for a long lunch or an unhurried dinner with a bottle chosen from the wall of wine. Service is warm and knowledgeable, especially on the list.
Best for a relaxed fine-dining dinner or long lunch in Norwich
The Last suits a relaxed occasion — the characterful room and deep cellar make it a fine choice for an anniversary, an easy first date over a shared bottle, or an unhurried business lunch. For more of the city's tables, see Benedicts or browse the full Norwich dining guide.
Not for
Not for diners after cutting-edge, experimental tasting menus or a quick casual bite — this is a relaxed, wine-led city-centre institution built on classics and a deep cellar.
Frequently Asked
What is The Last Wine Bar known for?
Relaxed fine dining and what is reckoned the widest wine list in Norwich, served in a characterful former Victorian shoe factory in the city centre since 1990.
Who is the chef at The Last Wine Bar?
Head chef Mortimer Fraser leads the kitchen; the restaurant is run by Sebastian Taylor, who returned to Norwich after ten years at The Ritz in London.
How much does The Last Wine Bar cost?
It is mid-to-upper priced for the city: expect roughly £40 to 60 a head before wine, with the deep list letting you spend more or less by the glass.
What should I order at The Last Wine Bar?
The changing menu du jour is the value pick, the a la carte leans seasonal modern British, and the Ritz-inspired afternoon tea and Sunday lunch are well worth booking — paired from the cellar.
Where is The Last Wine Bar?
At 70-76 St Georges Street in Norwich city centre, in a converted 19th-century shoe factory once billed as the largest under one roof in the kingdom.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The Last Wine Bar
Book via The Last's website or by phone; Sunday lunch and afternoon-tea sittings fill early.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address70-76 St Georges Street, Norwich NR3 1AB, England
NeighbourhoodIn a former Victorian shoe factory in Norwich city centre
CuisineModern British
PriceA la carte and menu du jour; expect roughly £40–60 a head before wine
Dress CodeSmart-casual
SeatingDining room and bar in a converted Victorian shoe factory; booking advised
ReservationBooking advised, especially for weekends, Sunday lunch and afternoon tea
