Features writer Steff Young takes a look at the new Norwich nightlife ahead of the spring semester.
Compared to other university cities, Norwich seems to have a quick turnover of clubs and events, with a new venue or night being premiered on average once a semester. For the spring term, the examples of these are Carnival (previously Knowhere) and the monster that is Tao, which opened last semester. Personally, I had no idea Knowhere was undergoing a facelift to become Carnival and this is probably due to its lack of reps, compared to Tao and Lola Lo’s who frequently spark angry Facebook updates about their arguably excessive plugging.
However, in their defence, this does seem to generate constant revenue, as Come Play at Tao on Mondays consistently have at least 15 minute queues. Project with its indoor queue space, (always a bonus) remains popular for students on a Friday night at Propaganda because it seems to be the only club with offers for students on a Friday. Project is spacious so rarely feels suffocating on the dance floor like Tao or Lola’s. However, the bars are often crowded. The music is feel-good, familiar tracks from across the 80s, 90s and 00s in the main room, with a more dubstep/drum ‘n’ bass room as well, and the quirky addition of a small karaoke bar, because who doesn’t fancy theatrically serenading somebody after a few drinks?
With the opening of Tao last semester, Lola Lo’s seems to have been somewhat side-lined. However, it still appears to be popular with those who don’t like or don’t want to queue in the cold for Tao. Lola’s Trashed night takes place on a Monday and their hugely popular and well-loved Kitsch Wednesday night remains the only club offering a student night on a Wednesday. Cheap drinks and discounted entry for students can also be found on a Thursday. Different music and DJs are often advertised on these different events, but honestly I’ve never noticed a difference. The only thing that matters to the majority of people looking for a good time is that they know the words, or maybe only the melody, so that they can nonsensically shout along in loud enjoyment of the familiarity that makes bumping and grinding acceptable, just.
Anticipated is the opening of Uber, the cocktail bar replacing Mercy. A few socials have been given VIP visits, and reception has been unexcited but not critical. It is a large venue that will need a lot of visitors to create an atmosphere, and student events are yet to be released.
Finally, the old, alcoholic and politically incorrect granddad of UEA, the LCR, seemingly on the up this term, especially for the non-fresher community. Saturday nights are reliably great. They’re cheap, popular and perhaps more casual than a night on the town (for us girls there is no shame in wearing a pair of flats or boots to the LCR). They also seem to be updating their Tuesday night fancy dress themes with super-heroes and anti-Valentine’s looking to be popular, as well as the old favourites like Harry Potter and Skool Daze, making Tuesday nights no longer exclusively fresher territory.
All in all, Norwich has a lot to offer with regards to nights out, and should continue to do so with the many changing masks of its nightlife.