Marmalades in Norwich

This café is located in a very attractive art deco arcade. It has two pleasant seating areas on both sides, outside the café inside the arcade. On the day we visited the staff were very pleasant, but they were overwhelmed by the number of customers and it was quite a long wait to be served.

We have been going to this little cafe for years, it has always been really busy and great for a quick lunch. The staff is always friendly although I think there could be a staff turnover issue lately. However a few months ago I had the salad and it had clearly not been washed, particularly the salad leaves tasting really gritty and the base of the lettuce looking dirty. I just left it at the time and put it down to a bad day. Several months later I ordered another salad and it was even worse, very gritty and visibly dirty so I returned it to the counter and told the staff member of the issue. The staff member looked unsurprised and apologised, I ordered another meal and I had an apology and a free drink. In my opinion there is a leadership problem here, management need to sort this place out, train staff and raise standards. If I worked here I would be looking for another job, with new faces here l think many have. Sort it out marmalades!

We had planned on getting a scone and coffee as it was quite late into the afternoon. Looking at the stand on the counter, where the brownies and iced fingers are kept, I was appalled to see the iced fingers and other pastries crawling with fruit flies. I do not mean one or two flies, I mean that it was covered with them. I caught the attention of the staff and pointed it out, in the hopes that they would throw them away due to the pests on the food. However she just waved her hand over it to rid it of a few flies and gave me an explanation that they can't do much as "There are a lot in here and they come in through the door." I understand that insects come through the doors when left open, but I do NOT think it is acceptable to serve food to customers that has had flies crawling over it.

Lovely little place for a cuppa and a bite to eat before heading into the city. Obviously very popular as we managed to get the last available table- and this was early in the morning! Friendly staff, nice atmosphere and good prices.

Received luke warm coffee, waited for queue to go down before returning. Said politely they are not hot, replied she made them 10 minutes ago! RUDE STAFF! Best avoided

We stumbled across Marmalades and were enchanted by its name. It promised main neals, sandwiches etc. WEe decided on tomato soup, a ham sandwich, a cheesy baked potato. I ordered at the counter and asked for soup, the server disappeared came back and said yeah. When ordering the jacket I asked for extra butter. Our meals arrived. Yhe double was watery , the sandwich lovely. The baked potato tasted old and there was one extra butter pat. We ate cos we were hungry, but we won't be going back

What has happened to the nice panini's at Marmalades. We have for many years called in at Marmalades and have always enjoyed their great panini's, but today the panini's were awful, we ordered a tuna and cheese and a ham and cheese expecting the usual quality but both were very disappointing, the panini itself was not like the previous ones and the fillings were very sparse , the cheese was minimal on both and had practically melted into the panini's, the tuna was barely visible and the ham was also minimal. Not sure about the other menu items. Needles to say we will not be returning.

I always look forward to going to Marmalades. It is the highlight of my shopping trip. We pop in there for a coffee, the best around and the cakes/gateaus are delicious. I cannot understand the few bad reviews as I've never had a negative experience in the 21 years I have been going there. The atmosphere and ambience is always comfortable and the staff very pleasant and polite.

First time visiting and I was so disappointed Looked lovely .. but the food was very underwhelming . We ordered three dishes … one came out and was eaten before the other two dishes as wait was so long . It was very alarming that food was being prepared by all staff and none were wearing gloves when preparing fresh food .. we sat near the prep area and kitchen and watched .. not once did we see anyone washing their hands .. I know it’s not law to wear gloves but surly it’s more hygienic when making sandwiches ect ! ( boxs of gloves were available on a shelf ) The floor around the kitchen and prep areas were littered with food bits It was very busy … and that’s nice to see during these hard times for hospitality but I really think that some changes should be made for hygienic

Lovely atmosphere, enjoyed the food and thought the prices were pretty reasonable. They worked really hard to clean up empty tables quickly and were very friendly. Lovely place to stop!

Service not great, I requested tea and coffee, then the girl disappeared, another one appeared and I asked for a chicken salad sandwich without mayonnaise. She asked if I would like butter instead, I said yes please, also ordered a chicken jacket potato. We sat outside, very wobbly table, tea was luke warm, sandwich and jacket arrived and was just dumped on the table, didn't ask who was having what, and no butter in the sandwich, very cheap bread too, and the chicken in the potato was small cubes, not fresh chicken, all round a poor experience.

Used to be so much nicer. We always come here when we are visiting. So am able to compare to previous visits. Prices for tea and toast nearly double in 1 year, proper butter but smaller portions so didn’t really cover a slice. About 5 staff there but slow to clear tables. Can’t vouch for the cakes but they all looked lovely

This has long been a stop-off for coffee and a snack whenever we visit Norwich. It had been a while since our last visit, but we returned to the familiar surroundings of Marmalades this week for a light lunch. We ordered coffees to start with and they were lovely, then we had quiche and salad for lunch. It was quite nice, but a little lacking and it could really have done with something else on the plate other than a very small salad and a slice of quiche - some crisps, coleslaw or potato salad? To finish we had another coffee and cake. I selected the coffee and walnut cake and my companion had a Belgian bun. I can’t vouch for the Belgian bun (although it looked nice), but the coffee and walnut cake was really quite unpleasant. I wouldn’t even describe it as a cake- it was more like gateau. It was quite cold/chilled almost as if it had been frozen, the ‘cake’ part was stodgy and dense and the cream filling and toppings tasted terribly artificial and really had no flavour. It just tasted sweet, fatty and artificial. I’m sure I’ve had nice cake here before, but maybe they have changed supplier. I have just read that Marmalades was taken on by new owners early this year, so maybe that explains things. The staff were very pleasant though - no complaints there - I just wish I had chosen to have a scone instead!

I’m so surprised by this experience after all the good reviews. The panini we ordered was a warm-ish baguette with bacon, egg and tomato in. It was loveless and bland. Next to that were some crisps and some pretty awful coleslaw. With that and two luke warm cappuccinos, it was £18. We ate most it because we were hungry and in a rush and won’t be going back. I hate to leave a bad review but honestly it wasn’t good.

Visited for a quick bite to eat, food was very basic, asked for some butter as sandwich didnt have any in; waitress took it away, brought it back and literally threw it back on the table. Such a shame as a bit of customer care would have changed our visit altogether. Coffee was lovely.

Great little cafe, we visited for breakfast, the cheese on toast and bacon sandwiches we really good and the staff were really friendly, definitely worth a visit

We found this by accident, looking for an early lunch. Food quality (huge bowl of tasty soup, cornish pasty, lovely fresh belgian bun) excellent and brilliant value for money. Fab oatmilk latte too ❤️

Popped into Marmalade's for a cup of tea & a quick bite, in this case scrambled eggs on brown toast. It was the tastiest I have ever had. Nice atmosphere, good choice of reasonably priced meals.

Went to Marmalades for coffee whilst visiting Norwich and enjoyed it so returned for lunch the same day. It gets very busy and tables can be hard to come by because they offer a reasonably priced menu and the food was tasty. It's located in a Shopping Arcade with a few tables "outside" in the Arcade and the rest inside. The only downside is that you have to leave the premises and go round the back to access the toilet and wait outside until it becomes free which isn't ideal if the weather isn't very good but don't let that put you off visiting - you won't be disappointed.

Just stopped for a cuppa tea, busy Tuesday lunch time, most tables in twos, and very cosy and warm inside. One poor lady had a accident spilling her hot chocolate on way through to sit outside, but helpful staff came to clean up and offer her a new one. Personally I’d rather support local places that take a little extra care than go to cafe Nero like one reviewer suggested.

We are fortunate enough to live locally and we have always have a quick snack in here when we go into the City. Seating area outside in the arcade as well as inside the cafe. Very reasonably priced snacks, a nice choice on the menu also of drinks and cakes , freshly cooked and always very tasty. This is a must if you are in Norwich

A wonderful little cafe which serves scrumptious food and drinks. Very well priced and quality food. Friendly staff. Well worth a visit.

You'd be better off trying the Cafe Nero just outside the Arcade. The food takes a while to arrive, and when it does arrive its not very substantial. As for the service, I've had more personality from a microwave oven. Avoid!!!

Been coming here since it opened.so quite a few years now. Staff always very polite no matter how busy it gets and they will always make something fresh for you. Very well managed and food is both delicious and consistent in quality. Hot food is...

We are regulars at this amazing cafe and always get amazing service. The cafe is run to such a high standard. The homemade scones are so delicious.

Husband and I were in Norwich for the day and saw the fabulous Art Nouveau Royal Arcade, stunning. Wanted a cup of coffee so called into Marmalade , they had lovely looking cakes on display, however the Carrot cake had butter icing instead of the...

Stopped for coffee on one of our rare visits to the city. Wow what lovely coffee. it was the best I have had for years. I will certainly visit marmalades again.

We chanced on this restaurant when visiting Norwich and we’re tempted in by the menu and the fact that the tables outside are dog friendly. A member of the staff very kindly provided a bowl of water too without even being asked. We chose paninis...

The best place for lunch, vibrant venue with delicious food and first class service with a smile. A master class in customer service efficiency. Looking forward to our next visit. Just love it.

First time in Norwich and we discovered Marmalades in the Royal Arcade while walking around the city centre. Lovely little tearoom/cafe. Plenty of nice cakes to choose from and a very smart coffee machine. We just had hot drinks yet a nice drinks stop in...

Great food and the coleslaw was sooooo nice. Good price and very nice staff. Plenty of seating. Nice place to eat out.

Lovely coffee and pastries. Very friendly and welcoming staff, and even the outdoor seating is under cover because it’s in a beautiful old arcade.

Fantastic coffee and cakes, lovely place to rest feet when sight-seeing. So good went back another day. Highly recommended!

Just liked the look and the ambience as we passed by, so we returned for lunch . I chose the soup of the day, wow a huge bowl and fresh bread, friend the cornish pastie, that he rated highly. A place to watch the world...

Lovely cafe, good coffee, tasty panini and a generous range of cakes and treats (crunchy caramel cheesecake yum!). Staff very friendly

We spotted this little cafe in the arcade when walking through and thought we stop by. We ordered two cups of tea, a large caramel latte, a piece of brownie and a caramel shortbread. The drinks were lovely but it was the cakes that stood...

Visited for an afternoon tea break while shopping. In a smart arcade with some unique shops. Good covid care, tables inside, and out in the arcade to watch the world (and a wedding group!) go by. Very friendly good service, chocolate brownie delicious. Tables cleared...

A wonderful refuge on a wet, wild day in Norwich, this cafe provides superb coffee, tempting cakes and bites and informal and very friendly service from its busy staff. As others have noted, it's hot on anti-covid measures too. Bit of a faff to find...

The highlight of the Royal Arcade. A traditional cafe/tearoom offering light bites, cakes, paints etc. The staff are covid aware - masks, table cleaning, queue spacing etc. However, track and trace was not evident. There was the opportunity to check-in via the NHS app but...

Everywhere clean and well spaced, I felt very safe here. With all the extra things to put in place this is one cafe i thought went that extra mile. Plenty of tables with the outside, but under cover seating. Lovely food would highly recommend.

Very clean, smart cafe serving very nice cakes, snacks and coffee etc. Tables were being cleaned after each customer and hand sanitizer was available at entrance. Helpful friendly staff.

We had tomato and basil soup, with a cheese scone, and they were both excellent. We'll be back on another visit.

Dropped in here for a quick lunch snack. Found a table straight away, served quickly and the food too came fast enough. It was tasty and good portion. Covid screens make it hard to hear the staff and qll the regulations put a less enjoyable...

Amazing customer service, fantastic food- quick good arrived and delicious! Friendly staff, clean and tidy!! Highly recommended!! Thank you!!

Been past here many times, this time decided to call in and we enjoyed our recent visit. The menu is small but varied, food is well prepared and served. Staff were polite and helpful. We had 2 panini's and 2 coffees, all very tasty. Certainly...

Don’t write many reviews, only when a place stands out. A small , very busy independent cafe. It does fantastic coffees and non fussy, good quality food. Always like to support local businesses, rather than the chains. What really stood out was the superb staff....

We only rediscovered Marmalades a year or so ago even though we are local, since then it's our favourite place to stop for a coffee and cake or lunch. Great selection of cakes, sandwiches, jacket potatoes etc. Prices are reasonable and the portions are generous....

What is that stuff that they use in bacon sarnies sometimes that isn't like real bacon at all - it's sort of dry, brittle - horrid! Anyway, that's what came in the bacon sandwich we ordered and you can guess it didn't go down well....

A simple selection of salads, paninis, jacket potatoes, cakes, pies, etc etc. With a great selection of fillings and choices of cake with a fine selection of drinks. 2 jacket potatoes, 2 cakes 2 coffees and 2 diet cokes.......VERY NICE!! Thank you. Jacket potatoes were...

In the Art Nouveau gem of the Royal Arcade, so wonderful ambience. Excellent coffee and pastries, good service. Tip - if you want to converse, don't sit by the coffee machine!

We went in for afternoon tea during a day of sightseeing in Norwich. The cafe lays in the Royal Arcade so even in bad weather you can sit "outside" if you want to. Inside it is a good, old fashioned (in a good way) cafe....

Visited on a warm June Saturday, so the city centre was busy and plenty of people stopping for lunch. Met a friend here and had to sit outside for space, but was good service and good food at a reasonable price

When we travel to Norwich to visit our daughter,always pop in marmalade,s first thing for a cuppa etc,love the place, plus they do leaf tea spot on ,the food looks excellent,but we where booked for lunch elsewhere,but couldn’t resist those excellent looking sausage rolls had to have one ,delicious.

In the beautiful Royal Arcade and serve a lovely cup of coffee. Staff seemed very cheerful and efficient.

Popped in for breakfast - very very tasty scrambled eggs and lovely coffee. Eggs not too soft or too rubbery - just tight. Beautiful setting and great service too. Clearly well used by locals - always a good sign!

Visited Norwich and wanted somewhere for lunch - cake, toasted teacake etc. Took ages finding one until we found Marmalades. It's busy, but the staff are excellent and friendly - and the locals use it!

Popped in here with mum and had the best cheese on toast EVER! Proper cheesy, proper packed high, proper nice! Definitely be back 😋

Just when you thought the "Great little Cafe" was gone... Here it is. Panini, sandwiches, jackets - all reasonable priced in this beautiful arcade. Super friendly, allergy aware staff, espresso any 'Italiana' would love. Italian sodas are fab too. Disabled note :tables on the outside, under cover are very wheelchair/scooter friendly.

Brilliant place in the lovely arcade. Helpful staff and good chairs & tables outside (in the arcade) Some of the best expresso too. Will be back.

We had a spree voucher for a panini and a hot drink. Lovely stuff. Wife particularly enjoyed the coffee. Lots of choice of fillings. We sat outside. Never been in before I’m ashamed to say. Well worth it though.

We enjoyed our Americano coffees (these were nice and strong), and also the toasted tea cakes with jam. Most seating is indoors but there a few seats outside, still undercover in the arcade. The place was busy, and it is good to see independent outlets like this thriving.

We go here whenever we’re in Norwich. I have to have gluten free and they make me a gorgeous Brie and bacon panini, the side of homemade coleslaw is delicious. Seriously the flat whites are the best we’ve ever had. If you like old fashioned service from friendly, polite staff and tasty snacks give it a go, it’s also perfect for taking a break from shopping and people watching as it’s right on the corner. Only downside is the loos, you have to go out and round the back and look a bit dingy but don’t let that put you off, you can see the kitchen and it’s spotless!

Very nice place. Very busy and with all the coffee place's to eat it shows how well it is thought off. Had a problem finding a table but the wait was worth it. Good service with pleasant staff. Coffee and scones excellent. Service very good

I visited with my mum, we are ladies that often lunch together and enjoyed Marmalade’s this time. Both enjoying baguettes, washed down with good smooth coffee. The staff are a delight, cheerfully working with the utmost efficiency. We shall be back soon. Thanks 🙏

Very welcoming service inside the Royal Arcade at this cafe. I had a scone with clotted cream and jam which was very good. My partner had cake which was also delicious.

Nice place to have break from shopping etc, serve lovely teas plus coffees,excellent food,value for money,good surroundings,excellent service, cakes ,etc to a very high standard,will return.

Pit-stop Half way through a day out in Norwich. Nice location, fast service, reasonable prices. Cakes slightly average but perfectly adequate.

A lovely place to have a cupper and a cake, it is accessible but it can get busy but lots of chairs and tables and people watch. Good old fashioned service in an amazing setting ,breakfast or just a snack this is the place to stop.

When in Norwich we always come here. So much better than the chains. Good coffee and light and airy.

I am very sorry to say that this place is not what it used to be. It is still good but I remember how it used to be with sticky, delicious Danishes and it sadly hasn't retained this. The staff are friendly and the coffee is still lovely and it often has a wide range of treats. The atmosphere seems to have changed to me but the food is still good at a very good price. It is a lovely spot to stop and watch the world go by. Not sure about this one, mixed feelings.

I often pop in here for an afternoon coffee and cake - both very good. Friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. Recommended.

I always pop in here when I come to Norwich as it's open early when I get the X1 bus it's a lovely little cafe/bistro so warm and comfortable and ou can watch the world go by.This time had cheese on toast and a coffee but they have such a wide selection of pasties sausage rolls and panninis as well as some wonderful cakes.Ive never been here for lunch so I must next time although it's a very popular and busy place

I have been here a few times. It is very pleasing to the eye, the menu is basic and good for people watching.

On a visit to Norwich we popped in Marmalades as it was exactly what we were searching for, you'll be sure to find something that you require, friendly staff a big bonus!

Visited here on numerous occasions over the years. Lots of choice of cafe style foods such as paninis, cakes, pastries, jacket potatoes etc. All reasonably priced.

Lived in Norwich all my life and never been here.

No home made marmalade here. Your basic selection of sandwiches, made in house plus baked potatoe dishes, homemade scones, Located in historic Arcade. Clean, friendly, basic slighly cheaper eats. Decor needs help.

The price is good the service and food is good too sadly there are no wheelchair or stepfree toilets

I was beginning to despair of finding anywhere to eat in the city centre that was not a chain, overpriced or over full, when I wandered down the Grand Arcade and found Marmalade’s. It was pretty full ( 1.30 on a Friday) but luckily someone was just about to leave. Counter service was efficient and friendly and my hot food was brought quickly. The coffee was good. I was tempted by the cakes and bought one to take away to eat on the train home. It was put in a paper bag and then in a small brown paper carrier bag. The toilet was a bit of a trek and I wasn’t prepared for the steps - difficult with arthritis. It was an old building, but decorated well and perfectly clean. One of the staff came to help me down the steps with my bag on wheels. Somewhere to go again.

This our favourite snack destination when we're in the city. Food is tasty and well presented, prices are very reasonable. The decor could do with a little updating but is still clean and tidy. Good range of snacks to choose from

When we visited the place was busy but the gentleman serving was polite and very helpful. We wanted gluten free and they were able to make food to order. When it arrived it was very nice. When ordering cake, a small mistake was made but an apology was quick to be given.

A lovely place to sit and have an iced coffee on a hot day (and presumably a hot coffee on a cold day!)

Called in for tea and cakes. Good selection on offer. Service friendly and considerate. A really enjoyable rest stop while exploring Norwich.

Always a friendly welcome here. Good choice of lunches and cakes, great quality. Staff really friendly. Lovely to sit outside on a warm day.

Called in for a drink and greeted with a nice smile and asked what we wanted. Freindly staff and enjoyed our refreshments.

First time in this cafe today. Nice clean cafe with a varied chose of food and drinks. There are tables and chairs outside the cafe but not in the fresh air.

Having Spent the day in Norwich we decided to go in here for a cup of tea this afternoon having found a lovely tea room this morning and a delightful eatery for our lunch. The tea was fine along with the scone but the service was terrible, the young waitress who served us was very miserable indeed and certainly lacked any people skills. The difference in friendliness and welcoming in the two other places we used earlier in the day compared to this place were like chalk and cheese. The staff need to up their people skills as it takes nothing to be polite and welcoming, hence sadly due to our experience we won't ever use here again.

Nipped in for a coffee while shopping ,saw the carrot cafe ,along with all the very very nice cakes,sausage rolls etc ,had to have a slice of carrot cake shouldn't have really ,it was excellent ,certainly wasn't shy on the portion either biggest bit of carrot cake I have ever been served ,value for money exceptional ,pay them a visit.

Went to marmalades as they do the best cheese on toast ever. Not only is the cheese on toast five stars but the staff to.

Stopped by for cake and coffee on a walk through the arcade. Quaint old style coffee shop, provided a welcome break having explored the area on foot.

I'm fussy about my coffee - strong black Americano - I'm never disappointed here. Apart from the coffee there is a good selection of scones / sausage rolls / cakes / etc, all at very reasonable prices. The décor is a little dated and certainly not plush but it's perfectly adequate and the service is very friendly.

Went in on my own for breakfast before meeting a friend, good prices and portion sizes. Coffee was ok, not the best in the city, but non means the worst and better than what you get from the large chain coffee places. Would go back.

Pretty poor overall, my partner and I went for lunch on Wednesday. The tables are very close together so not much room to move. We had a chicken and ham panini which was served with coleslaw and crisps, and a prawn jacket potato, served with salad. EVERYTHING was so bland, there was no flavour, no seasoning, as far as we could tell the ingredients were very cheap, thrown together and sold for far more than they’re worth. The only crisps they sold by the bag were kettle chips (lovely) but these certainly weren’t served with the panini. The glasses were cloudy and so scratched they looked filthy and the floor was far from clean. Fair to say we won’t be returning, very disappointing.

I happened upon Marmalades on a wet December morning in need of brunch. On principle I will not enter any of the chain coffee houses so this was a great find. I had a pot of tea and cheese on toast. The cheese on toast was very good as was the tea but what made the visit more pleasurable was the charming man behind the counter. Very chatty and interested in my visit to the lovely city of Norwich. I shall return the next time I am in Norwich.

Our first visit to Norwich and this was our "free day" wandering around the shops and tourist attractions. We were getting peckish and hunting around for a coffee / snack place that seemed popular and preferably an "independent". We passed marmalade and it looked nice but was full however luckily as we were just about to pass by a couple were just finishing their lunch so we nipped in quickly.

me and two friends were off to costa and found marmalade first.we had never used this shop before so gave it a go.well...it was spotless,friendly,excellant service,great value and the coffee is to die for.it knocks spots off costa and makes starbucks like a grease spoon.also I carry a blue card which is for people who work on the front line eg;nurses,forces and prison officer.the man said he had never seen one before so had not given a discount but now he had he gave me a discount.thank you

Called in here for a quiet breakfast. It’s clean and you get your stuff by tray at the counter. Good value for money and friendly staff. But please do scrambled egg properly. Over cooked by microwave in the same time you could do them in a pan properly- shame really. About 12 quid for two scrambled egg on toast and three drinks.

Another visit after Christmas shopping. Super friendly and helpful staff. Lovely atmosphere and good food very reasonably priced. Would definitely recommend 😊

Jacket potato with chilli came with some salad, and a tuna & cheese panini was accompanied with coleslaw & crisps. Both came fairly quickly, nicely presented. Our coffees were regular but in a generous-sized cup, fairly strong as we like them.

Came across marmalade’s while walking around on our first day , the staff were pleasant and hard working . Plenty of choice , it was busy the morning we went but the service was quick . Staff cleaning tables as customers left .