Chichester

Found a new  cafe and coffee shop at the bottom of South St. They actually opened early in March but then, things got complicated.

It’s a family run cafe serving good coffee,

an all day breakfast and a light lunch menu.

All homemade with that little bit extra. The fish pie was great and I would have liked to try the ginger sponge. But having started with the soup of the day I will wait for the next time.

If I remember it was courgette and something else I will have to ask about when I go back for the pudding.

The taxi rank is at the station is on the northern side of the railway lines opposite the Foundry.

There are a number of local companies offering both metered taxis as well as Private Hire services.

Local Companies

Starline

Premier Cars Chichester

Chichester Taxis

Station Taxis – Chichester Taxi Association

Chichester Mini Bus

Fly Taxi Chichester (email bounced)

Toms Taxis

 

Booking Services

Minicabit

Cassons Restaurant is in a league of its very own when it comes to fine dining in Chichester.

I suspect nouvelle cuisine but I am way out of my depth when it comes to what is and what is not.

But exceptional food in relaxed surroundings by people who care is not difficult to understand once you drop the formalities.

Cassons in Tangmere is a charming country restaurant specialising in exquisite gourmet food and it is one of the best fine dining restaurants in Chichester and West Sussex.

Chef-patronne Viv Casson previously ran a successful restaurant in France, which explains the French influence and the passion for good food.

 

 

Tucked away behind the Cathedral are the Bishops Palace Gardens

 

Two thousand years ago the Romans built a wall for defensive purposes around the city which is still largely intact. The Cathedrals Historic Quarter lies in the south-west quadrant and the gardens date back to 1147.

Contained within the city walls with the inspiring backdrop of the Cathedral and its spire it offers both residents and visitors an opportunity to relax and unwind.

There is a 16th century gateway off South Street into Canon Lane which gives access to the Bishop’s Palace and gardens.

St Richard’s Walk leads off the Lane to the Cathedral with a view of the Deanery which was built in 1725. It replaced the original Deanery which was damaged in the English Civil War.

Vicars’ Close with the remaining four houses of twelve which once housed the vicars’ choral, leads to the Vicars’ Hall. Originally there was another row opposite, but these were turned into shops facing out into South Street in 1825.

Even if I had an ear for it, I would never dare to take them up on their offer.

You can tell just by looking at it that you want to know what you are letting yourself in for.

And its much the same with both the coffee and the certified organic wholefoods you find at St Martins Coffee. A bit intimidating at first.

But there is no need to make a public spectacle of oneself.

There are plenty of secluded spots where one can hideaway, with a newspaper to watch and observe before taking the plunge.

“Since our inception, June 1979, we have never used microwave ovens, aluminium pots, artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or tin openers. No industrial chain shop, factory, mass produced convenience meals will ever be served to you here.”

The property has a 18th Century facade and mediaeval interior that has been sensitively restored and furnished with an eclectic mixture of beams, log fires and enticing hideaways. Giving one every reason to expolre the twists and turns and the journey to the toilets on the third floor is an experience no visitor to Chichester should miss.

We don’t fall within the West Sussex catchment area but apparently it is possible to apply to be placed in a secondary school or college outside the prescribed area.

Private hire licences are issued by the local council. It enables you to use a licenced and insured vehicle  to carry passengers who have pre-booked with a licenced operator.

If you appreciate fresh eggs, fried bread and a large pot of tea with your breakfast try the Riviera Cafe in Selsey.

They serve the best traditional English breakfast in the Chichester Harbour. Well cooked, well presented and if you choose the big breakfast you won’t be disappointed.

It is an unpretentious , down to earth, very popular, often very busy cafe serving good food and a service which keeps one going back for more.

If you also have a sweet tooth.

Keep an eye on the Exclusive Cake Shop & Vintage Tearoom. From time to time they offer Koeksisters or Koeksusters as they are known in South Africa. They are a traditional Cape Malay confectionery made of fried dough infused in syrup or honey. Koeksisters are prepared by frying plaited dough strips in oil, then submersing the hot fried dough into ice cold sugar syrup. They have a golden crunchy crust and liquid syrup centre, are very sticky and sweet, and taste like honey.

The Vintage Tearoom is both gluten free and vegan friendly offering a comprehensive range of cakes, confectionery and speciality teas.