Chichester's Best Summer Lunch Spots

Theres something very good about a long, lazy lunch when the sun is shining and you can sit outside with nowhere else to be. Luckily, Chichester has plenty of places where you can do just that.

From hidden city-centre gardens to country pubs with views across the Downs, here are a few of our favourite spots for a summer lunch in and around Chichester.

For a hidden garden: Purchases

Tucked away just off North Street, Purchases has a lovely garden that feels surprisingly peaceful for somewhere so close to the centre of town. Its a great little escape when you want to sit outside, enjoy a leisurely lunch and forget youre only a few steps from the shops.

The menu focuses on modern British food, with plenty of choice and an extensive cocktail list. There are heaters and blankets in the garden too, so you dont have to abandon your outdoor table the moment the temperature drops.

Why we like it: The food is consistently good, the service is friendly and the location makes it an easy choice if youre combining lunch with a bit of shopping or a trip to the theatre.

Purchases Chichester: 31 North Street, Chichester, PO19 1LY

For a taste of France: Brasserie Blanc

Set around Chichesters attractive The Square, Brasserie Blanc is a good choice when you fancy a leisurely French-style lunch. Theres plenty of outdoor seating, making it particularly appealing on a sunny day.

The menu is full of French classics, from steak frites to seasonal dishes, with locally sourced ingredients where possible. There are also good vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, so its an easy choice for a mixed group.

Why we like it: French food, a glass of wine, a sunny table and nowhere else to be for a couple of hours. Sounds like a pretty good summer lunch to us.

Brasserie Blanc: Richmond House, The Square, Chichester, PO19 7SJ

For lunch with a bit of buzz: The Ivy Chichester

If you like your summer lunch with a bit of atmosphere, The Ivy Chichester is a good bet. Right in the centre of town, its terrace is perfect for watching the world go by while you settle in for a long lunch.

Inside, it has the glamorous, slightly theatrical Ivy style youd expect, while the menu offers everything from salads and sandwiches to seafood, steaks and classic Ivy dishes.

Why we like it: It feels like a bit of an occasion without being too formal — ideal for a catch-up with friends, a birthday lunch or simply treating yourself.

The Ivy Chichester Brasserie: 105106 East Street, Chichester, PO19 1HA

For a farm-to-table lunch: Potager Restaurant

If eating lunch surrounded by countryside sounds more appealing than sitting in the city centre, head out to Potager at Crouchers Orchards.

The restaurant makes the most of its setting, with produce grown in the gardens used in the kitchen wherever possible. The menu changes with the seasons, so expect fresh, locally grown ingredients rather than a long list of dishes that never changes.

There are lovely views across the surrounding countryside and a west-facing terrace that comes into its own on a sunny afternoon.

Why we like it: The food feels genuinely connected to the place youre eating it in — and sitting outside with views across the orchards is hard to beat.

Potager Restaurant: Crouchers Orchards, Birdham Road, Chichester, PO20 7EH

For South Downs views: The Earl of March, Lavant

Just a few minutes drive from Chichester, The Earl of March sits in a lovely position looking towards the South Downs. The views alone make it worth the short trip.

This historic 18th-century coaching inn serves seasonal British food with a more refined edge, while the outdoor terrace is the place to be when the weather is on your side.

Its also ideally placed for Goodwood, making it a popular stop for anyone heading to the races, motorsport or simply out for a walk in the countryside.

Why we like it: Those Downs views, a generous outdoor terrace and the feeling that youve properly escaped the city without having to drive very far.

The Earl of March: Lavant Road, Lavant, Chichester, PO18 0BQ

For a country walk and a pub lunch: The Anglesey Arms, Halnaker

If your idea of the perfect summer lunch involves a walk first, The Anglesey Arms in Halnaker is worth putting on the list.

The recently refurbished country pub has a large garden where you can settle down for lunch or a drink after exploring the surrounding countryside. Theres plenty of space outside, including a garden bar and covered areas for when the British summer inevitably does its thing.

Its also very dog-friendly, so theres no need to leave your four-legged walking companion at home.

Why we like it: A proper country pub, a big garden and plenty of countryside on the doorstep. Add a sunny afternoon and youve got a pretty good day out.

The Anglesey Arms: Stane Street, Halnaker, Chichester, PO18 0NQ