Food Lover's Guide to West Sussex

This is THE place to go for brunch in Chichester. The Barn is hugely passionate about sourcing the best local and seasonal ingredients. They have their staple items on the menu such as toasties and avocado on toast, but each month sees a new rotation of dishes based on what is in season. It is food made with love and you feel that as soon as you take your first bite. Plus, you can also stock up on some of the best artisan goodies during your visit.  

What to order: Welsh rarebit with a side of bacon

Serendipitous is one of the hidden gems in Chichester. It’s not on the high street so it can easily be missed, but it is so worth seeking out. It’s got a gorgeous secret garden out the back and is the perfect spot for a coffee and a pastry pre or post-shopping. You can often see Stephanie, the owner and baker, kneading something delicious in the open kitchen/baking area. It’s mesmerising to watch.

What to order: Be sure to order a sourdough loaf to take away - it will take your sandwiches to a new level.

The pub of all country pubs, The Horse Guards in Tillington is everything you'd want in a proper rural pub. Come wintertime, a crackling fire welcomes you, while the sloe gin flows freely. In summer, revel in their charming beer garden complete with higgledy piggledy furniture and chickens roaming free. If you’re after a bite to eat, the food is delicious, locally sourced and more exciting than the traditional pub grub.

What to order: Whatever local beer they have on tap and the snacking salami.

If you’re looking for somewhere to impress, look no further than Farmer, Butcher, Chef. Situated on the Goodwood Estate, it’s a sustainable farm-to-fork restaurant that heroes all of the obscure cuts of meat to ensure nothing goes to waste. The grass-fed meat is undoubtedly some of the best you will have in West Sussex. They also have a cheese trolley that features the cheese made on the estate if you fancy a slice of something delicious to end your meal.

What to order: the beef tricep

This will be one of your most memorable Sunday lunch experiences. Go a little earlier than your reservation and sit in the cosy pub area before going through to the dining room for an unforgettable lunch. The Duke’s roast is a sharing platter with a big hunk of meat and all the trimmings. It’s perfect for a group or a special occasion and you will all be raving about it for weeks afterward.

What to order: The Duke’s Roast (you must pre-order)

At all of The Pig Hotels, you are welcomed in with open trotters and made to feel like the most important guests. This one, nestled in the South Downs, is a corker. They have cosy nooks everywhere if you want to snuggle up with a drink and board game or, on a glorious summer's day, the terrace is the perfect spot. All of the food is sourced within 25 miles and the menu showcases some of their top local suppliers on the back. Start with a glass of sparkling Sussex and a few piggy bits before the main event and ALWAYS end with the piggy fours and an espresso martini.

What to order: The Tobacco Onions

Arundel has some amazing places to eat and drink and also hosts the best Farmer’s Market on the third Saturday of every month. Juniper has a pared back, cool aesthetic and you will be lured in with shelves of tempting pastries in the window. The breakfast menu is small but packed with flavourful, simple dishes. Why not add a Bloody Mary if you’re feeling a little spicy?

What to Order: Ricotta Toast with Nutbourne tomatoes or courgette, butter beans and basil.

If you can’t make it to Italy this summer, pop into La Follia instead. They serve the best coffee and cicchetti, one bite can take you instantly to a sunny Italian café. They also sell some gorgeous homeware, making it hard to leave empty-handed. End your delicious brunch with an espresso and a cornetti – a choice you won’t regretti! 

What to order: The arancini and a chocolate cornetti

We have our fair share of vineyards in West Sussex and Kinsbrook is one of the best. Their English sparkling is divine, as are the views over the vines in the summer months. They also host seasonal supper clubs, but you’ll be lucky to get a ticket as they sell out pretty quickly. What’s nice about Kinsbrook is it prides itself on being a progressive and sustainable vineyard. Knowing that your wine is made with the environment in mind undoubtedly makes it taste better - cheers!

What to order:  A glass of the sparkling white and the tempura broccoli.

You can’t beat seafood on the seafront. Worthing is becoming a real hotspot for restaurants and bars, and CrabShack should be at the top of your list. It’s a family-run establishment that prides itself on serving the freshest, most delicious seafood. They have a great terrace out the front too, so you can enjoy your feast with a view (and a cocktail!). They do a CrabShack Fish Plate for two which includes all the best bits and is an Instagrammer’s dream. Plan a long walk along the seafront and end at CrabShack for an exceptional lunch.

Make sure you book; tables tend to go quickly, particularly on the weekend.

What to order: Pil Pil prawns with chorizo.

There are bakeries and then there is Gwyn’s Bakery. People flock from all over to get the pastries from Gywn’s, and when people are queueing out the door, you know it’s going to be good. Go early and pick up a cinnamon bun when it’s still warm from the oven, you’ll never forget it. 

What to order: Cinnamon bun and a coffee.