The Wildebeest & Martins Hi-Fi: Where Norfolk Flavours Meet Audiophile Excellence

How Chef Patron Daniel Smith and Martins Hi-Fi are creating an unforgettable Friday night experience

In the rolling countryside of Norfolk, where tradition meets innovation, a unique partnership is taking shape. The Wildebeest, under the expert guidance of Chef Patron Daniel Smith, has long been celebrated as one of the county's culinary gems. Now, with the installation of a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system by Norwich's own Martins Hi-Fi, Friday evenings at The Wildebeest are being transformed into something truly extraordinary.

A Chef's Journey Home

Daniel Smith's culinary pedigree speaks for itself. After honing his craft under Michel Roux Jr at the two Michelin-starred Le Gavroche and achieving his first Michelin Star at just 23 while working with Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall, Daniel's return to The Wildebeest in 2015 marked a homecoming to his Norfolk roots. His vision has always been clear: to create dining experiences that celebrate both exceptional food and the vibrant culture that surrounds it.

"Great food deserves great ambience," Daniel explains. "When we decided to launch our Friday DJ + Dine evenings, we knew we couldn't compromise on any element of the experience. The music needed to match the quality of our food."

The Sound of Excellence

This is where Martins Hi-Fi's expertise becomes invaluable. Having served Norwich's discerning audio enthusiasts for decades, the team at Martins Hi-Fi understood exactly what The Wildebeest needed. The Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 architectural speakers – the same system that elevates the dining experience at the two Michelin-starred Ynyshir Restaurant in Wales – were the perfect choice.

"When we assessed the space and Daniel's vision for the Friday evenings, the AM-1s were an obvious recommendation," explains the team at Martins Hi-Fi. "These speakers deliver exceptional clarity and depth while maintaining the sophisticated atmosphere that The Wildebeest is known for. They're designed specifically for environments where audio quality cannot be compromised."

Friday Nights Reimagined

The AM-1's advanced acoustic engineering ensures that every element of the Friday evening soundtrack – from ambient dining music during the earlier service to the more dynamic DJ sets as the evening progresses – is delivered with pristine clarity. The speakers' discreet design integrates seamlessly with The Wildebeest's refined interior, allowing the music to enhance rather than dominate the dining experience.

"The difference is remarkable," notes Daniel. "The sound quality now matches our culinary standards. Whether we're playing subtle background music during dinner service or the DJ is building energy for the later evening crowd, every note is crystal clear. It creates an atmosphere where our guests can truly immerse themselves in the complete experience."

Norfolk's Finest Partnership

This collaboration represents more than just a sound system installation – it's a meeting of minds between two Norfolk institutions. Martins Hi-Fi's deep understanding of acoustic excellence perfectly complements The Wildebeest's commitment to culinary innovation. Both brands share a dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and creating memorable experiences for their customers.

The Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 system represents exceptional value for a venue like The Wildebeest. While the investment reflects the premium nature of the technology, the impact on the overall dining experience is immeasurable. These speakers are built to perform flawlessly night after night, ensuring consistent, exceptional sound quality that enhances every Friday evening.

An Evening Elevated

The Friday DJ + Dine concept, running from 7pm to 11pm every Friday transforms The Wildebeest into Norfolk's most sophisticated evening destination. Guests can enjoy Daniel's innovative food – rooted in local Norfolk ingredients but elevated through his years of fine dining experience – while experiencing music through one of the world's finest speaker systems.

"This is about creating memories," Daniel reflects. "When you combine exceptional food with music delivered through such high-quality speakers, you create moments that guests remember long after the evening ends."

The Martin Hi-Fi Difference

For over four decades, Martins Hi-Fi has been Norwich's trusted authority on premium audio equipment. Their expertise in selecting and installing systems for discerning customers made them the natural choice for The Wildebeest's ambitious project. The team's deep understanding of acoustics, combined with their knowledge of Norfolk's dining scene, enabled them to recommend a solution that perfectly balances technical excellence with practical application.

"Working with venues like The Wildebeest is exactly what we love about this business," shares Marcus Harbord, General Manager of Martins Hi-Fi. "It's about understanding how great sound enhances life's special moments, whether that's an intimate dinner for two or a vibrant Friday night celebration."

Experience Norfolk Excellence

As The Wildebeest's Friday DJ + Dine evenings launch, Norfolk food and music lovers have the opportunity to experience something truly special. Daniel Smith's culinary artistry, enhanced by the crystal-clear sound delivery of the Bowers & Wilkins system installed by Martins Hi-Fi, creates an evening where every sense is engaged and every moment is elevated.

This partnership between two Norfolk institutions – one celebrated for culinary excellence, the other for audio expertise – demonstrates what happens when shared values of quality, innovation, and customer experience come together. It's not just dinner; it's not just music; it's the perfect harmony of both, delivered with the passion and expertise that only local specialists can provide.

Book your table for Friday DJ + Dine at The Wildebeest and discover what happens when Norfolk's finest flavours meet audiophile excellence, courtesy of Martins Hi-Fi's expertise and passion for perfect sound. In addition, there will also be a DJ for New Year’s Eve at The Wildebeest and several special events forming part of the DJ + Dine series will be rolled out throughout 2026.

Martins Hi-Fi has been Norwich's premier destination for high-end audio and home cinema equipment for over 40 years. Our expert team specialises in selecting and installing systems that enhance life's most important moments. Visit our Norwich showroom to discover how premium audio can transform your own listening experiences.

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