HORSE & GROOM

No sooner had I mentioned getting outside and enjoying the Horse & Groom garden and countryside air, then we are treated to a return to winter: pouring rain and gale-force winds. Needless to say, everyone’s been inside and a few have even been eyeing up the fire in the bar.
Now, I really should focus on indoors events, but where’s the optimism in that? Besides, there is a lot on outdoors in the next couple of weeks that just a stone’s throw from the Horse & Groom. With fingers crossed for better weather, the Goodwood horseracing season kicks off on Saturday (5 May) followed by a second meet on 10 May. We’re only down the road, so we’re perfectly placed for a pre- and post-meet drink and bite to eat.
If you want to make a long weekend of it and book one of our lovely rooms, Goodwood Motor Circuit is hosting the Goodwood Breakfast Club Super Car Sunday on 6 May – it starts early and finishes in time to get back to the pub for one of Mal’s lunches – and on bank holiday Monday, there’s an antique collectors fair at Goodwood House.
If antiques aren’t your thing, the nearby Weald and Downland Open Air Museum is putting on its Food and South Downs Fair on 6-7 May, which always features lots of great local food and drink. Alternatively, Cowdray Ruins has its Pirates and Smugglers Day on 6 May. It also has a Ghost Walk on 11 May.
All in all, there is plenty going on locally over the bank holiday. Let’s just hope the weather plays ball!
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

Not so much rugby and romance at the Horse & Groom as rugby and regret against Wales, and all without Charlie in the end. We should have beaten them and hopefully we’ll take the same drive into the showdown with France in Paris on Sunday. We’ll have all the action here.

We’re also showing the last round of games the following weekend (17 March). England versus Ireland should be good but Wales against France might be the one to watch over a couple of pints of real ale. No doubt there will be plenty of daffodils being waved about in Cardiff, which should serve as a good reminder of Mothering Sunday.

If you do forget, then the combination of Mal’s menu and the Weald and Downland Museum could get you out of trouble. The nearby Weald and Downland Museum is putting on a daffodil-themed open house for Mothering Sunday, where you can probably pick up a bunch or two. After a visit there, you’ll be ready for our delicious Mothering Sunday lunches.

If you really want to make a weekend of it for mum, and if she likes opera, there is another chance to see the West Sussex Opera production of Dido and Aeneas on 17 March at West Wittering Hall. She might also like the designing your own garden course at West Dean College, which runs from 16 to 19 March.

If you prefer the beat of hooves to the beat of classical music, Fontwell Park is hosting the first of its Spring Afternoon Racing meets on 22 March. We’re always good for a post race drink and bite to eat.

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.

Only a few days left to Christmas. We haven’t had the snow we did last year but the fire in the Horse & Groom bar is still roaring away regardless.

As usual, we’re open till late on Christmas Eve, 12-2pm on Christmas Day and 12-6pm on Boxing Day, the 27th and the 28th. It’s normal hours between the 29th and 31st, and then on New Year’s Day it’s 12-6pm. There’s always plenty of Christmas cheer, so pop in whenever you fancy.

Talking of being festive, there are still a few local Christmas carol concerts to enjoy. Chichester Cathedral has free concerts on the 22nd and 24th, and Pallant House Gallery has its own free sing-a-long on the 22nd.

If the vocal chords need a little encouragement, a real ale or two should do the trick, although you may not want to leave our cosy bar. Either way, add in a hearty meal and you’ve got the ingredients for a very festive evening.

As the weather is likely to be a bit milder, there will be plenty of regulars getting out and about. If you fancy a little bit more than a stroll to make room for some more fodder, the nearby Weald and Downland Museum is holding its Sussex Christmas until 1 January and Fontwell Park has its Boxing Day Racing.

We’re all looking forward to a festive couple of weeks and hope to see you. If you can’t make it in, merry Christmas and happy new year from everyone at the Horse & Groom!

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