Daniela Marchesi: Life in Norwich

I grew up in Italy, and then spent my teenage years living in Suffolk before moving to Nottingham for university. After a few years there as a graduate, I made the move to London. I enjoyed a fantastic 12 years living in Hackney and all of the amazing experiences that living in the capital offers.

However, after the lockdown, as cliché as it sounds, I was ready for a different way of living.

I wanted to be closer to some of my family in Suffolk and still within commuting distance of London for work. I also wanted to live in a city that offered culture, creativity and character – but on a more human scale. For me, Norwich ticked all of those boxes.

I’m also proud to have recently joined the board of trustees for the newly formed Active Norfolk Foundation. It’s a new charity that’s been set up to get more people across Norfolk to be physically active, especially those in communities and groups that suffer most from inequalities. And I’ll be supporting its work from a strategic communications point of view.

Creative communities in smaller cities are inherently more entrepreneurial.

They have to hustle harder, wear more hats, and really build from the ground up. This has never been more true in the current economic climate. People and businesses in Norwich are always innovating, doing interesting and exciting new things, and I love that ‘all-in energy’. For me, it really has been so invigorating creatively.

Image credit: Fiona Burrage

When I moved here, I knew from the get-go that working from a coworking studio was going to be non-negotiable. So I joined the Studio Inn community, where I’m surrounded by fellow marketeers and comms bods, copywriters, architects, illustrators, interior designers, fashion designers and photographers. It’s such a fun and energising atmosphere.

Coworking in Norwich

Places to go, things to drink and eat…

I’m a big coffee fan, and we have so many independent roasters and cafes to choose from. It’s hard to name a favourite, but some of my regulars are Grounded, Strangers and Buffalo Coffee Brewers. And Dozen, a top-notch neighbourhood bakery, which also serves some cracking coffee, is dangerously close to home.

When it comes to food, there is something for all occasions. You can’t beat a good bowl of pasta and a chilled glass of wine at Yard; a steak at L’Hexagone; lunchtime tapas at Churros for the People on Norwich market; and Mediterranean on Magdalen Street for what is arguably one of the best Turkish meals in the city. For a special occasion, Basque-inspired tapas at Don Txoko, local produce at The Steam Packet and, of course, Benedicts are definitely up there.

For an after work drink and a catch-up with pals, The Weavers, The Garnet and The Hop Rocket are firm favourites.

If I’m after a culture fix, Norwich Arts Centre and Norwich Theatre Playhousealways have a great selection of artists and comedians on the line-up. While independent theatre company Curious Directive – housed in a Grade I listed church – produces sell-out science-based theatre.

I’m also a fan of keeping active. When not training at Gain Fitness, I love weekly meet-ups with the Warwick Run Club and braving a cold plunge at The Lion’s Den with its wood-fired saunas.