Prelude Norwich B2B Lunch Club

1 May 26 will see us visiting Prelude at The Theatre Royal Norwich for the first time. As part of the historic Norwich Theatre Royal, Prelude is a light, modern eatery with a fantastic reputation for food and service.  

Our menu is roast chicken breast, potato and pine nut terrine, sweetcorn puree and spring greens. Followed by glazed strawberry tart with crème patisserie and sorrel. (Vegetarian option is available, please note your dietary requirements at the booking stage).

Our May Speaker is

Richard Hirst

Richard is a farmer based at Ormesby, where he and his wife Katrina run a diverse and progressive family farming business. Together with their family, they manage a mixed enterprise that includes arable production, a cattle herd, and a 2,000-head pig unit.

Alongside the core farming operation, Richard has played a key role in developing the farm into a successful rural destination. The business now includes a popular seasonal tourist attraction and family fun park, as well as an on-site farm shop and café showcasing local produce. The café is currently undergoing expansion, reflecting the continued growth and demand for the farm’s visitor offering.

Richard is also widely respected for his leadership beyond the farm gate. He has held a variety of off-farm roles with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), local farming cooperatives, and other agricultural organisations. Through these positions, he has helped strengthen collaboration across the sector and championed partnerships between farmers, businesses, and the wider rural economy.

In recognition of his contribution to the industry, Richard was awarded the 2025 Timothy Coleman Prize for Building Industry Partnerships, celebrating his leadership and the impact of his work across numerous senior board roles within the agricultural sector.