Jive Kitchen Norwich Leasehold For Sale

Situated in the heart of Norwich’s vibrant Exchange Street, the former Jive Kitchen restaurant premises has recently been listed as a leasehold business opportunity. This space, known for its Mexican street food, cocktails, and lively atmosphere, is now available for a new operator. Although Jive Kitchen closed in early 2025 due to family commitments, rather than financial failure, the property remains an attractive option for prospective restaurateurs seeking a ready-to-use venue in a sought-after city centre location.

Overview of the Leasehold Listing

The leasehold opportunity features a ready-to-go restaurant unit spanning approximately 1,100 sq ft over a Georgian-style building on St. Giles Street, near Norwich Market. It includes a fully equipped commercial kitchen, dining area seating around 30 covers, a large cellar, and shared toilets. The space has been occupied by the same owners for around ten years until Jive Kitchen’s closure.

The lease has about six years remaining, with annual rent of £13,000 + VAT and a monthly service charge of £275 + VAT. Due to small business rate relief, there are currently no business rates payable. Fixtures and fittings are included in the sale price, while stock is sold separately. Financial records and accounts information are available upon request.

Jive Kitchen: A Local Institution and Why It Closed

Jive Kitchen made its name in Norwich since opening in 2016, offering burritos, tacos, cocktails, and tequila. Inspired by the founders’ travels in Mexico, the restaurant combined authentic street food influences with local Norfolk produce. Decor has been described as rustic-industrial, featuring exposed brick, warm wood, and artistic touches like penny-covered staircases.

Despite its popularity and strong community presence, Jive Kitchen closed in early 2025. The owners cited family commitments for the decision rather than business hardship. Fans on local forums expressed sadness and disappointment at the closure many considered it a Norwich staple, particularly for its burritos and cocktails even if some critics noted a decline in quality over time.

Opportunity Highlights

• Prime central Norwich location Exchange Street, near Norwich Market
• Fully equipped kitchen, ready for immediate opening
• Georgian building with character and strong pedestrian footfall
• Low rent and no business rates due to relief
• Trusted local brand legacy and established dining space

Ideal For…

This venue could suit a range of concepts, from Mexican or Latin-fusion street food to a tapas bar or casual café. The previous restaurant’s street food model, indoor dining, and bar format make the space adaptable. With limited competition in the immediate area and proven foot traffic, it offers potential for both turnover-focused operators and boutique dining experiences.

Considerations for Prospective Buyers

Interested parties should assess key factors before moving forward:

• Lease terms: six years remaining, with rent reviews and potential for extension.
• Service charges and shared facilities ensure alignment with operational budget.
• Local competition: Norwich has seen closures and openings, impacting footfall and pricing sensitivity.
• Rebrand or revamp: while Jive left a reputation positive and critical reviews both exist it’s not necessary to continue the same cuisine.
• Staff and licensing: initial owner-led Jive operations might differ from a turnkey staff-led model.

Locals’ Perspective and Demand

Reddit users and local reviews underscored the mixed perceptions of Jive Kitchen. Many celebrated its burritos and vibrant cocktails as a Norwich favourite, while others described inconsistent quality or poor management experiences. Still, the consensus was clear: when it first opened and even after gaining loyal customers, Jive was an important part of the dining scene. Its closure left a gap for independent Mexican options, with some locals pointing to emerging alternatives such as Fuego Tacos at The Stanley.

Reviewers highlighted the restaurant’s lively atmosphere, creative menu items like the picadillo supreme crunch burrito, and friendly staff. Ratings across platforms consistently scored between 4.5 and 4.6 out of 5, with praise for both food and cocktails though a few cited service inconsistencies as a downside.

Financial Snapshot

At a listing price of £85,000, the leasehold purchase covers goodwill, kitchen equipment, dining room fixtures, and interior design. Rent and charges offer a reasonable operational overhead. Provided renovations are modest and marketing is effective, a well-positioned independent concept could leverage existing visibility while building a strong return on investment. Nearby properties with comparable offers suggest this is competitive pricing for a prime location in Norwich city centre.

Next Steps for Interested Buyers

Prospective buyers should reach out to the listing agent to request accounts and financial performance data. Viewing appointments can confirm layout, condition, and operational suitability. It may also be helpful to explore local planning permissions or licensing requirements for alcohol sales, food types, or outdoor seating enhancements. Networking with local business owners in Norwich may also provide further market insight.

A Turning Point Opportunity in Norwich

The former Jive Kitchen leasehold represents more than a vacant restaurant space it offers a chance to fill a local void and build upon a site with proven appeal. While Jive Kitchen’s legacy is mixed in voice, the location, infrastructure, and brand familiarity give serious potential purchasers a head start. With relatively low overhead, a fully-equipped setup, and a strong pedestrian catchment, this leasehold premises is well suited to a new independent operator, whether maintaining a street food-style concept or launching a fresh independent dining brand. For anyone looking to enter Norwich’s hospitality market with momentum and flexibility, this opportunity is worth exploring.