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Cafe Morello |
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A friendly face in the centre of the fine city of Norwich |
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About Us |
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Cafe Morello provides a haven of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are a worker on a lunch break, a visitor to our fine city or just need a break from that shopping trip, Cafe Morello is for you. We are a family run business that provides the best in home made cooking. We use local produce including meat from a local butcher and sausages from the local market. In addition our baker is a small local concern. We encourage healthy eating and fresh fruit is always available. Children are welcome and we can provide smaller portions. We also have a high chair and a booster chair. As well as inside, we have tables outside, some of which are in a covered archway. Cafe Morello is situated on the historic site of Orford Yard in the centre of the historic city of Norwich. The Norwich Trade Directory of 1886 shows that William Spinks ran a livery stable on the site, apparently owned by Messrs Bullard and Sons, the brewers. In 1901 plans for John Pollock's new veterinary premises were drawn up by Edward Boardman and Son, Architects. The initials JP could once be seen, along with the words "forge," "shoeing", "livery", and "stable" around the top of the archway into the yard. The site was cleared of the old buildings in 1902 and the premises, much as you see them today, were built. In 1911 Harry Percy Standley MRCVS, took over the practice and by 1952 John McLintock MRCVS, Thomas Francis Tunning MRCVS and James Phillips MRCVS were in residence. By 1962 the practice went under the name of McLintock and Partners. The practice moved in 1963 to Chapelfield, to be replaced at Orford Yard, by Hatch and Hatch Solicitors, who were, in turn, replaced by Norwich City Markets Division in 1967 (Norwich and Nottingham are the only two places in the country to have a clerk to the Market. The Norwich office dates from the 15th Century). The ground floor of the building at the top end of the yard was eventually converted to a restaurant named Morello's, later Orfords and then Des Ami, and at that time still contained the original horse stalls. It also housed the operating room with blocks and pulleys for lifting the animals. There is a ribbed ramp in the right hand corner of the yard, now partly hidden by a metal staircase, which until recently was still covered in "non-slip" Coconut matting, which was used for leading the horses up to the re-inforced concrete first floor. This part of the premises was used for some time as a Dance Studio. Looking up under the overhang, you will see a trap door and above this, the pulleys and gearing, for lifting hay and provisions into the stables, still exist. The blacksmith used the building on the left of the yard. Later used as an art studio and framing shop. The whole building was granted Part II listed status in the 90s. The restaurant, dance studio and framing shop were all closed in September 1998, their businesses located to other areas of the city. August 2001 saw the latest change in use, when Loose's opened a cookshop and giftware retail outlet on the site and covered part of the yard with a glass atrium. There has been a cafe in the present location since the 1970s. In 1980 it was called the Metropolitan and a pencil drawing of how it looked then, can be seen hanging in the cafe. You can see from this that the premises, as seen from the outside, have changed little over the years. The cafe was closed for a time in the late 80s and then in 1991 was completely refurbished and Cafe Morello re-opened under new owners - Linda and Bryan Preece. In 1998 Pam and Steven Halstead joined them to form a four way partnership which lasted until July 2004 when Linda and Bryan decided to take well earned retirement. Steven and Pam now continue as sole owners and their daughter Amy has joined them as has their friend Jennette, so you see this is truly a family business. We try to maintain a friendly family restaurant where our customers can escape from the bustle of everyday city life. A place, central, but just slightly removed from the main street, so as to create a relaxed atmosphere. In the summer we put tables outside so our customers can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or other refreshment while basking in the sun and watching the less fortunate rush by in the busy thoroughfare outside! Or for the more cautious there are always shady spots where you can study and enjoy the flowers and plants which adorn the area. Please visit us soon and if you have already enjoyed the experience, we hope you will come back. |
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Cafe Morello: 2-3 Orford Yard, Red Lion Street (opposite Debenhams), Norwich, NR 1 3TB Telephone 01603 764441 |
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