Norwich: Story of Orlando's Earlham Road restaurant battle | Norwich Evening News


A Norwich homeowner faces repeated investigations over allegations of operating an unlicensed Japanese restaurant from his home, despite consistent denials.
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Its owner, Orlando Williams, has consistently denied running a Japanese restaurant from his suburban home but his neighbours, diners and guests disagree.

Here's the full story to allow you to make your own mind up.

March 2015

Orlando Williams' Ber Street restaurant Yakiniku announces a "temporary closure".

October 2018

Orlando's in Earlham Road (Image: Newsquest)

The restaurant appears to reopen as Orlando's in Mr Williams' home in Earlham Road.

January 2019

Norwich City Council launches an investigation into Orlando's, which is run legitimately as a B&B, to see if Mr Williams is operating an unlicenced restaurant in his suburban home.

A food safety probe is also launched.

February 2019

The investigation concludes by finding there was "no definitive evidence" Orlando's is being used as a restaurant.

The city council confirms no further action will be taken against Mr Williams.

May 2020

A new probe is launched after it is alleged Mr Williams is breaching lockdown regulations by serving diners in his home.

June 2020

Mr Williams receives an official warning from the city council and is forced to tear down his illuminated sign after it was erected without planning permission.

December 2020

Yet another investigation is launched by the council after further allegations he is running a restaurant from his home.

But by the end of the month the investigation concludes once again finding "no evidence" food is being served to non-B&B guests at the premises.

September 2022

An undercover reporter from this newspaper is served a Japanese meal at the restaurant after further allegations the home is being used as a restaurant.

April 2023

Neighbours are enraged after delivery services begin turning up at Mr Williams' doorstep and listings are found on Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Guests at the Orlando's B&B even report being accosted by delivery drivers.

Despite Mr Williams' continued denials about the situation, the city council confirmed last week it is investigating again.

A spokesman said: "We are actively investigating the use of the property at Orlando’s from a planning perspective.

"Once this investigation is complete, we will consider the appropriate action to take.”

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