Food is served all day.

The mock-stone (concrete) cladding on part of
the first storey has been deteriorating badly.
Remedial works began in early March 2011.

These co-incided with internal changes and
re-furbishment, to usher in the new name swiftly.

It appears that Mitchells & Butlers have owned the
business (including responsibility for the building?)
and the haha brand since mid-2010.

It is unclear what the new name is intended
to convey - unless you know better !

Introductory schemes applied from 5th April to the 7th,
with the 'official' re-opening date of 8th April 2011.

The new and prominent public clock is very welcome.

In January 2006 Adrian Hennessy described the interior
of the former Norwich Union Branch-office as
stylish and elegant.

Originally owned by Wizard Inns, the pub changed name
and owner by January 2006; following the takeover by
Pathfinder Pubs (Wolverhampton & Dudley Brewery).
A further name change, in force by April 2007, followed
the sale to Admiral Taverns in the Autumn of 2006.

A check in September 2008 revealed no weekday
opening before 7.00 p.m. This would seem to make
a mockery of the most recent name : Office
(i.e. no lunchtime or after-work refreshments).

The nightclub, Optic at 50 Prince of Wales Road,
came first (late-2003) and the former Pitcher and Piano
was bought by the same owners,
N. B. in Autumn 2006, to serve as a prelude for
customers moving the short distance to the Club.

The self-described 'cocktail bar' opens at 7.00 and closes
at 11.30, except for Friday (midnight) and Saturday
1.00 a.m. (The nightclub does not open until 10.00 p.m.)
It is closed on Sundays.

The owners modestly state that the cafe bar
(or whatever),
...with a little tender loving care and a few adjustments
here and there, has been transformed into what is
widely regarded as the best all-round bar in Norwich.
Located on Upper King Street, just on the fringe of the
Tombland area, Office is only a minute's walk from
Optic, making it an ideal pre-club venue, especially
with the Pub-to-club promotions on offer.
[Note the use of the term 'Pub']

Office is intimate enough that it welcomes the typical
Tombland business types whilst being spacious enough
to accommodate less conservative drinkers, especially
with the carefully engineered drinks menu which is
geared around value for money offers on an extensive
cocktail and shooter menu.

Continued . . .

Even more effusive is the write-up for the nightclub :-
Optic opened its doors in Norwich late in 2003
after taking over the building that used to be
Concept Nightclub.
After an extensive overhaul and refit costing nearly
two million pounds, Optic presented itself to the
Norwich and Norfolk scene with immediate effect;
finally the clean cut, educated and presentable
party goers had a venue to accommodate them.

Optic originally launched with three club nights on a
Thursday, Friday and Saturday. These original club
nights have evolved - welcoming on board further
midweek events which currently sees Optic open its
doors no less than five times a week.
This is substantially more than any club in Norwich
and comfortably above the national average.

Much of Optic's success can be attributed to
the diversity of its events. Optic has successfully
segmented its schedule to be able to offer five different
club nights to five conversely different groups of people,
what with its student night on Mondays, its urban night
on Wednesdays, the live music night on Thursdays,
Ladies night on Fridays and the ever popular
commercial party night on Saturdays.

The future looks bright for Optic as it continues to
grow and develop against all current economic trends.
Optic and its entire management team strive to remain
at the pinnacle of its industry so crave your feedback
and criticism about all areas of the business,
whether good or bad.

So much for the hype : the club and the pub were
both closed after the Festive Season of 2010/2011;
i.e. probably as early as January 2011.

By June the nightclub had been re-opened by new
tenants; but Office remains closed (24.7.2011)