HORSE & GROOM

The pub was packed, the beer was flowing and spirits were high, but it wasn’t to be for England. Everything clicked for Ireland and, well, the complete opposite happened for Johnno’s boys. Disappointing, but there will always be the Millennium Stadium. Bring on the World Cup!

Taking of adrenaline-pumping events, the Festival of Speed press day took place up the road the other day and there were plenty of great cars about – check out this video. If classic vehicles are your thing, the Goodwood Breakfast Club hosts its Soft Top Sunday on 2 April. Get up early, get up close and personal with some unbelievable machinery and then get over to the Horse & Groom for one of Mal’s Sunday roasts.

If you prefer art to automobiles, Goodwood House is hosting an antiques and fine art fair between 25 and 27 March. The Robin and Lucienne Day: Design and Modern Interior exhibition at Pallant House Gallery also kicks off soon (26 March). The Days were iconic designers and local residents, so it will be well worth going along.

After all this culture, you might fancy relaxing with an award-winning beer and a bite to eat, followed by a stroll on the nearby South Downs. The spring weather means there are plenty of organised walks taking place, covering Sidlesham, Chichester, West Dean, Pagham and Slindon. The Horse & Groom in East Ashling makes a great base for all this healthy activity.

For more info on the Horse & Groom or to book a table or a room, contact Mike and Michelle on 01243 575339 or info@thehorseandgroomchichester.co.uk.

Was I right about France or was I right? It wasn’t the best of games, but the result was all that counts and England march towards the Grand Slam. I was almost right about Wales and Italy as well. I bet there were some mighty huge sighs of relief in the Welsh camp.

The 6 Nations takes a weekend off, but we’ll have all the games the following Saturday and Sunday. The place will be booming and our award-winning beer will be flowing for England vs Scotland I’m sure, while Wales against Ireland should be a humdinger as well. Mal’s menu has plenty of good food on it to get us through.

If your outdoor pursuits are a little more sedate, there are some great events taking place up the road at West Dean Gardens. There’s a three-day course on creating your own organic kitchen garden from 11-13 March, and a day’s instruction on planting chalk clay and coastal gardens on 17 March.  For those visiting from afar, our converted barn accommodation makes for a great base, while if you’re local, the Horse & Groom is the perfect place for a drink, dinner and leisurely debriefing.

If you made it up to Goodwood Motor Circuit for the first Breakfast Club of the year, you’ll be interested in this: 50 Jaguar E-Types were spotted nearby on their way up to do the hill climb at Goodwood as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the E-Type. Check out the pictures here on the official Goodwood Revival Facebook page.

For more info on the Horse & Groom or to book a table or a room, contact Mike and Michelle on 01243 575339 or info@thehorseandgroomchichester.co.uk.