HORSE & GROOM

I mentioned last time about Cowes Week and I took my own advice and got out on the water to witness the action up close. No mere yacht for me, however: I used the excuse of showing some friends a good time to charter a Thames Barge called Alice.
Other watery adventures in the Chichester area to be enjoyed at the moment include trips around the harbour on the Solar Heritage, a solar-powered catamaran, and two-hour voyages on restored Victorian oyster boat Terror, which depart from Emsworth, just a 15-minute drive from the pub. See here for more details on both trips.
Our Cowes trip was exhilarating and exhausting – quite a few of our party spent part of the return journey asleep in the sun on the deck! – and we were certainly ready for the pints and the hearty dinner that awaited us on our return to our East Ashling pub.
Talking of hearty consumption, the recent rugby has been whetting our appetite for the World Cup in September. The Ireland game is up soon and then it will be all about New Zealand for Johnno’s boys. The kick-off times are just like in 2003, so there will be some early starts at the pub again. First up is Argentina on 10 September, kick off 9.30am.
There’s also the little matter of the Goodwood Revival to look forward to in September, but more about that next time.
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

So, who thought Frankel had blown it in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood? I think plenty of punters did, including a few regulars here at the bar, but what a finish that was. I think he nearly reached Chichester before he pulled up.
Talking of spicy encounters (come on, bear with me), one of the best foodie events of the year takes place at the weekend and it’s just down the road. I don’t think there are many food festivals better than the Chilli Fiesta at West Dean – it’s great wandering around the stalls and trying the wares. Let’s hope that the weather is as hot as the food.
If making a weekend of it in our converted barn accommodation in East Ashling for the Chilli Fiesta doesn’t float your boat, then this might – quite literally. Cowes Week kicks off on 6 August and I know lots of regulars will be getting excited about that. There are plenty of events over the week, including the return of the Extreme Sailing Series.
I’m sure there will be plenty of people going from nearby Chichester Marina and if you haven’t got your own boat or can’t blag a space on someone else’s, it isn’t too far from the Horse & Groom to get the Isle of Wight ferry from Portsmouth. One of the highlights for me is the fireworks on Friday – definitely worth trying to get a good vantage point for those (preferably one on the water!).
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.