The Refectory opened in 2004. Built within the footprint of the original medieval Refectory, the modern equivalent has won numerous awards for the quality of its design and build.
In 1999, Norwich Cathedral launched its 'Inspiration for the Future' campaign, coinciding with the new millennium - a time of hope and expectation. A target of £10 million was set for a two-phase building project that would revolutionise the Cathedral's ability to enhance learning, hospitality and welcome, meeting the diverse needs of visitors in the 21st century .
The project was designed to be built in two phases:
- the Refectory Restaurant and Coffee Shop, and
- the Hostry Visitor and Education Centre.
Both are built on the sites of their original monastic equivalents.
Support from across the community in Norfolk was exceptional and, boosted by a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery, the ambitious fund-raising target was met .
Both buildings were designed by Sir Michael Hopkins and created as sister buildings which would share a number of striking features.
Following an extensive archaeological dig on the site, building work started on the first phase of the project – the Refectory –in the autumn of 2002 and the building opened on 2004.
The Refectory has won numerous design awards. It has received particular acclaim for the way in which old and new are sympathetically combined, and for the use of traditional materials in a contemporary style.