I think I may have found the cutest place to have breakfast/brunch/lunch in Chichester – The Barn Little London. This secret outdoor dining hideaway is tucked next to TK Maxx and has the most adorable set up with a courtyard filled with quirky chalets filled with vintage chairs and tables and blankets and an impressive menu, ranging from something sweet to eggs, sourdough delights, bagels, salads, and soup.
The Barn Little London’s menu centres around the concept of slow food, community and wellness. With 75% of its products coming from within a 30-mile radius of Chichester, from suppliers including Goodwood Home Farm and Flint Owl Bakery. This stay local approach has created an all-day menu that has something for everyone, whether you are a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.
Looking for something sweet, there are pancakes, banana bread and spiced apple porridge, rather have eggs, locally laid in Sussex, then you can choose from scrambled, poached or baked, and for lovers of sourdough, you can get smashed avocado or toasties filled with Goodwood organic beef brisket or ham. There are also some wonderful salad options, bagels with Chalkstream trout, and a Little Appetites menu for the kids.
What to eat for Brunch in Chichester at The Barn Little London
As I went for brunch on a Sunday, I concentrated my attention on the ‘Something Sweet’ column. You know I can’t resist pancakes. But then I saw Jewish-style Challah French toast with syrup-drenched peaches, orange zest, organic natural yoghurt and pistachios, and I was sold. Seriously, how good does that sound? Well, I wasn’t disappointed the French toast had a wonderful golden crisp on the outside and a custardy centre, which went perfectly with the fruity kick of the marmalade-like topping.
While my friend Sarah went for the 3 organic scrambled eggs on toasted sourdough with Goodwood organic bacon and smashed avocado. Just look at that presentation. And my husband Paul opted for the beef brisket sourdough toastie with Molcomb blue cheese, served with salad leaves and Ouse Valley red onion chutney, which was so good we had to buy a jar to take home with us.
Several intriguing dishes on the menu looked delicious from the Israeli Shakshuka baked eggs with a Persian sourdough flatbread to the Aussie-style corn fritters staked with a dollop avocado salsa with hot smoked trout and organic sour cream. To the Middle Eastern slow-cooked beef brisket served with organic labneh, pomegranate seeds, a sprinkle of za’atar, fresh mint and flatbread and The Barn Little London’s take on smashed avocado on toasted sourdough with goat’s cheese, sundried tomatoes or pickled beetroot. Seriously the whole menu had my mouth watering.
The Barn Little London – dog and family friendly
The Barn Little London also has an extensive drinks menu, with an espresso bar using exclusive Schwarz and White Espresso beans that are roasted in small batches in North Chichester, which you can also buy in the larder, and the tea is loose leaf by Prince & Sons in East Sussex. I loved the English breakfast, which was rich and refreshing. They also do an orange hot chocolate that sounded perfect for a cold day.
To make this brunch spot even better, it is dog friendly – meaning you can enjoy food with friends and then go for a wander around Chichester. The staff were also super lovely, Falcon got a giant bowl of water and some dog treats, as well as lots of cuddles. If your pooch is a little sensitive to the cold you might want to take a little blanket for them to sit on.
I also loved that the restaurant has partnered with UK Harvest and every bill is added a 10 percent “invisible gelato” to support the not-for-profit, which collects and rescue surplus food to deliver to charities.
The Barn Little London, 38 Little London, Chichester is open Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 4pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Book a table on their website.
The Barn’s Larder
Once you are done with food, head inside to check out The Barn’s Larder and pick up all the goodies you have just eaten and drunk. I’m not joking, you can buy everything from the coffee and tea to the chutney served with the dishes, the delicious bread, brownies, and even the apple juice and booze off the menu.
