Brasserie & Minerva Bar & Grill Chichester Festival Theatre in Chichester

7 of us had a pre theatre drink and dinner. Beautiful food, we all went for the braised ox cheeks which were amazing. Really pleasant efficient staff.

Otro show y otra cena temprano después. Muy buena comida, todos disfrutamos de nuestras elecciones junto con un excelente vino para acompañarlo. Servicio amable encantador de nuevo también. Sin embargo, los precios se han disparado y hay lugares de mejor relación calidad-precio en el centro de la ciudad si la ubicación conveniente aquí al teatro no es importante.

Polite and accommodating manager. Cheerful and helpful servers. Great food. Exemplary service. Highly recommend the afternoon tea. Great tea selection.

Booked an afternoon tea here for myself & 3 others for 28/12/23. Booked & paid for online via CFT site before today's event. I got sent a text reminder including a link to my e-tickets for today. The Minerva Bar is on the first floor via stairs or lift. QR codes needed on arrival. We got seated & advised any drinks outside of the included tea were extra (which I assumed anyway). English breakfast tea in teapots arrived along with a selection of 4 different finger sandwiches, sausage rolls with caramelised onion, a variety of both sweet & savoury scones & 3 types of petit fours to finish. The waiting staff popped over periodically to ask if we needed anything (we topped up both teapots & milk at no extra cost). I've only ever attended the Chichester festival theatre & it's cafe previously (opposite), nothing I've seen has been in the Minerva theatre, so this was my first time here. I understand that sometimes you can have a pre theatre meal here (I'm assuming there's more info on the CFT site regarding this). On this occasion the bar was open specifically for the afternoon tea of which there was us plus 3-4 other tables, so I can't comment if usually it's more busy/noisy. If it wasn't dark you could probably see the theatre opposite & the green open space. There's a large pay to park car park a short walk away. You pay up to 8pm. Cards taken. Not appropriate to take photos on this occasion as took the "older generation" out with us to eat. Lovely few hours out.

We weren’t expecting very much to be honest, and certainly the reception was fairly offhand. After rejecting the poorly placed table, which had been booked a couple of weeks before, we were able to secure a table near the window, which was much more pleasant. After the unfortunate impression given by the Reception lady, some body standing in from one of the offices, I believe, the members of the young staff were extremely pleasant and attentive. A particular mention for Coral, who was especially helpful. We decided to have three courses as we had plenty of time before the matinee. I started with smoked a mackerel rillettes, I liked the idea of the confit of beetroot. Which sadly turned out to be three of the tiniest cubes of ordinary beetroot I should imagine it possible to cut, a leaf or two of chicory and a slice of cucumber surrounding a small heap of mackerel. No toast not even a single slice of sour dough. How is one to eat it? I asked and was told that if I required bread it was an extra £4 for a roll. The main course was ‘roast sirloin of beef’ - sounds good? Two slices of pallid pinkish edible but tasteless long cooked meat - sous vide? Quite repellent. I ate a token amount but could not bring myself to make more of an effort. My companion chose better with the grilled sea bass which looked and apparently tasted delicious. My bad choice, even though not so keen on fish anything would have been better than that pallid tasteless ‘beef’. The lemon posset to follow was acceptable. A small selection of wine by the glass, but well chosen. Around £40 or so each. Not a meal to remember with pleasure.

Pre show dinner so expectations not high since time is limited. However, we all thought menu choices were good and the food was well presented and delicious. Having slated the restaurant under Field and Fork’s tenure, we are now looking forward to returning at future shows.

We booked the Minerva Bar and Grill space for a wake for my mother who had recently passed in late April. Her love of the theatre meant this was a perfect venue. From when I made the first phone call to the delivery of service; Amanda was amazing. She interpreted my needs very well which lead to seamless delivery of service - outstanding service. All of the staff on the day, including Hugo the manager were just brilliant. Attentive and kind, nothing too much trouble. Our guests commented on the food, and service of all the staff, and all of our needs were met beautifully. Would definitely recommend.

Back here for a post matinee dinner, last of the festival run for 2022. This time our meal for five was better than when we visited earlier in the summer. We all enjoyed the food, even going the whole hog with three courses which at around £32 a head was good value. Service was much improved too this time round with a different set of friendly enthusiastic young staff. Restaurant was busy but with a good atmosphere.

Lovely surroundings But very poor menu Will not return.

The restaurant is attractive and has a lovely outlook. However that's where the attraction ends.im vegan and had one choice fair enough but it was tasteless.aubergine that was not cooked properly and was tough wrapped around a pepper mixture which was tasteless and over cooked slimes cous cousin.very disappointing over priced .one if thestaff who showed us our seats lacked 3people skills will not be returning

The staff were very helpful and as one of our party was delayed waited for us to order. I had the Asian trout meal but it was not very filling, it needed some rice to be included in the dish. The restaurant is very convenient for the theatre especially as it was raining.

Whoever is now behind this restaurant has completely turned it around. The staff are genuinely friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food is superb. The dishes feel like they are freshly made which even some highly regarded restaurants I've eaten at don't always manage. I would suggest having the full three courses because the portion sizes are not huge. The dishes are creatively done without being so esoteric as to be offputting. The main courses are slightly better than the desserts, but that is only because the main courses are surprisingly excellent. Overall a great experience, and it's pretty good value too. And I'd recommend eating there even if you're not going to the theatre afterwards.

Good meal with two adults and two 10 year olds

A convenient and comfortable pre-show dining experience with an excellent light meal and interval drinks.

Food was tasteless and overpriced for portion size. Service however was prompt. Will not be revisiting

Food prepared well and promptly served by pleasant staff. Couldn't fault anything.

Very disappointed with this eatery. Wife had Butterfly Chicken Caesar which was basically two pieces of chicken and a large lump of Lettice at £16.50. Burger was ok, but a burger, few fries and some shredded cabbage at £15.95 was over the top. Get a much better meal at Purchases Chichester.

I think the 1 star is too generous. Food did arrive very quickly which probably why it was tasteless.

We went for a special lunch and dinner package around an Ayckbourne trilogy. We were pleasantly impressed. Writing this review as we think the one star one on the site is not fair and can give an inaccurate impression

We booked in here for a post performance meal. Excellent food and service. Would highly recommend. Menu accommodate a vegetarian, teenagers and a diabetic.

A party of four had pre-show dinner. Booked on line which was easy to use. Friendly greeting on arrival. Waiter very pleasant and communicate very well. Service was very efficient. Dishes very well presented . Food tasty. Just one minor criticism ; only filter coffee...

This is a great restaurant for those wanting pre or post theatre meals. The waiting staff, most of whom are students are excellent. The food arrives quickly, and is well presented and tasty. No show-off, wanabe TV Chefs here and credit should go to the...

We really enjoyed our food at The Minerva Brasserie, the bream was delicious: not at all dry.The rhubarb and custard desert was sublime as was the posset. Maybe should have had a starter too!! Thank you.

As you would expect, the brasserie is well geared up for the pre show dining experience, with service swift. I ordered the pigeon to start with and was surprised when it was served cold as this was not stated on the menu. The pork was...

Our friends and I had another well served, well priced pre-theatre meal in the lovely surroundings. The Grazing Board was again very good and with the Mackerel pate provided ample starter for the four of us. The only disappointment was was the fishcakes. Two of...

My wife and I travelled 115 miles from Wiltshire to see '40 Years On' at the Festival Theatre. Making allowances for the traffic, we arrived early and decided on lunch before the show. The Minerva (upstairs) was busy with fellow theatre goers, but they cheerfully...

Am I a curmudgeon that I loathe being greeted with an over cheerful 'How are we today?' If I was to give an honest answer, we would never get served. What is wrong with a simple 'Good Evening' or 'What can I get you?'. The...

My wife and I dined pre show in this pleasant restaurant . We were there on a cold , windy night and the restaurant was welcoming and warm. The food is good and the staff eager and helpful . This is certainly the place to...

We returned here after a couple of years gap, to find it even more disappointing than before. Bream was very dry; croquettes revoting and service amateur.

Excellent service with very well presented, tasty dishes made this a great start to the evening. The prawn starter, followed by bream, with a sweet finish of lemon posset was a well balanced choice which sat lightly on the stomach. Ideal before 40 Years On.

We went to the Brasserie before going to the theatre. The service was brilliant and very efficient, the food however was disappointing, for the price I would have expected much better. It was a meal that the three of us should have enjoyed and we...

Ate at the Bar and Grill on the first floor of the Minerva Theatre. Lovely light open area, good views of theatre and parkland. Hadn't booked and restaurant was quite busy, but helpful staff found us a table. Excellent light meal, good wine. Promptly served,...

We chose to eat at the Brasserie for the convenience of being at the theatre – but that was really the only thing in its favour. A very limited menu served in a very perfunctory manner and not particularly enjoyable. It was pricey, £35 a...

The Minerva is clearly striving to become a pretentious upmarket restaurant but sadly is falling short in every way. The waiting staff try very hard but are desperately undertrained. They have clearly been given some guidelines - like being engaging and friendly and serving people...

My husband and I dined at the Minerva Bar and Grill last night. The service was appalling. We arrived at our table at 18:45 when the restaurant was still fairly empty. Four of us ordered just a Main Course and we waited three quarters of...

We had tried to book for the Brassiere but it was full. Service friendly and attentive. Relaxed ambience as it filled up.Food was fresh and tasty. Drinks rather expensive £2.50 for tonic water. £52 for two mains, one G&T and two coffees. Worth calling ahead...

Standards are maintained with this next visit. You probably do pay a little more but it is ideal for pre theatre and the menu ideally suited for straightforward but delightful food. It was the first time our friend had been been and she thoroughly enjoyed...

booked in pre theatre , nice relaxed setting , casual as you would expect a Brasserie . Food Really impressed with the quality and flavour, Pidgeon to start was lovely the mis of fruit and meat was delicious. Lamb for mains was wonderful , very...

Visited this wonderful restaurant this week with family. The staff were so helpful and friendly. We were delighted with the menu which had plenty of choice both for children and adults. The service was quick suited to pre theatre diners and what was served was...

We were going to the theatre and did not have the time to check out other restaurants so booked at the Brasserie. It has a 3 course, limited menu specifically for a pre- theatre meal. It's expensive for what it is (£72.00 for 2 with...

Food was very nice if a bit expensive for what it was. We paid £71 for two including 2 courses, 2 large glasses wine, 2 coffees. So possibly a treat rather than somewhere to go on every visit. However we had a slight gripe about...

Useful as a pre-performance restaurant, but have to say the set menu was twice the price of Brasserie Blanc Chichester, and barely half as good. Disappointing!

Sadly a big disappointment for all our party of 5. An attempt at 'gastro' food fails on portions and quality. The menu is advertised for 2/3 course meals with limited choice. On asking, separate courses can be ordered, although the cheese has a £2.50 supplement...

Our first visit to this restaurant. The menu was a set 2 or 3 course, no a la carte menu on show, so we picked 4 main courses and 4 deserts. Given the limited choices we picked 2 salmon, 1 beef and 1 chicken. All...

Actually far better than just grub. Very decent offering at a reasonable price. Great advantage of not having to rush your meal to get to the performance on time. Also if you don't polish of the wine whilst eating you can hold some back for...

Booked for a pre-show meal. The staff were pleasant and efficient. The food was fine but no outstanding, but it wasn't overpriced, so you get what you pay for.

The first time we have visited. Firstly the good things - staff pleasant and friendly, nice fresh and welcoming decor and nice little table. The menu is limited but the food came very quickly and tasted good. I would have preferred it a little hotter...

For pre Theatre dining this is great as yards from the Theatre foyer. It is a well oiled machine. Staff efficient and dishes served promptly. Nicely decorated and furnished, it has a quirky upmarket feel but the prices and clientele pitch it in the middle...

Have eaten several times here prior to a matinee for a light lunch. The Grazing Board sharing dish for starters is our favourite. All mains good - have tried them all between my wife and I. Reasonably priced and some interesting bottles of beer. Sometimes...

The Brasserie is obviously convenient for that theatre goers so food is simple and service is fast, sometimes a little too fast! On my most recent visit, the winter salad was simple beyond belief (undressed salad leaves with some ham and cheese - really!) and...

On our latest visit to the Theatre, we made our first visit to the Minerva Brasserie, and were very impressed. The menu was fairly small, but difficult to choose from, the food (when a choice was eventually decided upon) was delicious and very promptly served...

We went to Chichester on Friday to see Stepping Out and had a pre-theatre meal in the Minerva Bar and Grill. When I booked online I specified that I am on a low salt diet, and was impressed when the server mentioned this on our...

The objective is to get people through dinner before the theatre, and, in fairness, this was achieved. The food was very disappointing (apart from the excellent olives before the meal) dull salmon mousse, overcooked fish, and almost raw Pork Belly, although we were assured (implausibly)...

Third visit, always a little odd but although mostly good service, very slow bringing the bill, forgetful and did not ask if we had enjoyed meal. Starter of blue cheese mousse very nice, main of pork belly also lovely but pudding, pear creme brûlée could...

Really good food, the waiting staff were as always excellent. I do find that the tables are a bit too close together, when paying top price I would have liked a little more space. If I am totally honest the prices are a tad more...

Four of us stayed at a hotel in Chichester so we could see two Shakespeare comedies, one in the afternoon and the other that evening. We had booked this restaurant and arrived earlier than expected, but we were greeted and shown to our table. The...

Very good food with quality and style. Front of house and waiting service is very attentive and professional. A little too long between starters and main and this needs to be addessed even during busy perisods as you can feel rushed for the show. Be...

We were told that the Brasserie on the ground floor served 2 or 3 course menu and that at the first floor Bar & Grill you could have a full 3 course meal or choose lighter options so we opted for that. There was a...

Forget the fish cakes (ie small fried golf ball sized portions. Ceasar salad--as generally true in Europe missed the "Caesar." I'm sure some items taste good--just not mine!

Stopped by on the way the theatre and was pleasantly surprised Staff were attentive and service was quick Food was tasty

Pre show meal. We normally eat in town but thought we would try here as convenient. Not a great experience. Staff a little pushy, we had barely sat down when our order was sought. Tables too close together, waiting staff continually brushed against my colleague...

The Minerva Bar and Grill is ideal for lunch when you're visiting the theatre. The menu is limited but care is taken with the cooking. My spiced parsnip and lentil soup was tasty and served piping hot with fresh focaccia. I followed with a salad...

Staff are lovely but the food is strange (pickled artichoke hearts covered with gravy) and poorly cooked. I sent back my main course because it was dry and gritty instead of lush and sticky (pulled lamb shoulder with cranberry) but the second attempt was no...

Unfortunately the food is very average, over priced for what it is with very pushy service. The experience was not great.

I visit Chichester Theatre regularly and recently decided to try the Brasserie again. Quite frankly the food was depressing. Very overpriced and the beef I had was more like Donkey. It was so tough and they had dressed it with a slab of goats cheese...

This is a pre-theatre restaurant alongside the smaller theatre at Chichester. The food is of a good standard and certainly arrives quickly. We were served by Callum who really made a difference to the upbeat calibre of our experience. But other staff, sadly, definitely did...

Owing to the fact that we were going to the Festival Theatre and we had been dropped there by coach and we did not know where the town was, we took the lazy approach and went over to the Minerva Restaurant. Wrong move. The menu...

The best thing here is the service - swfit and courteous. They do a good job feeding a lot of people in a hurry. It is a pity that the food does not match. It is poorly presented. A jelly dessert was the worst pudding...

We had a meal here before going to a show and it was very good. The setting was very elegant without being stuff, the service friendly and the food was well presented and tasty.

Booked pre theatre supper and had a lovely meal. There are not a large number of non meat options but we found enough to choose from. The staff are very good, attentive but not overbearing. We thought the quality of the food and wine was...

I usually Chichester once a year to see a couple of shows and sandwiched in-between matinee and evening performances I have a meal at either of the restaurants at the Minerva. This year I booked easily online for a pre-theatre menu at the newly refurbished...

Easy to book online, short but tempting menu and pre-show dining were the things that drew us here. We were not disappointed by our choice. The service - from being shown to our seats, to paying the bill - was very good indeed. Polite (but...

Our second visit and booked in advance to get a table near the windows. Service quick but friendly. A glass of Nytimber ordered, we selected from the short but well balanced menu designed (obviously) for the pre theatre goers. Starters of pate and a Thai...

We arrived after 6 for theatre at 7:30 without a reservation (no recommended). Nonetheless they set a table outside on the terrace and took our drink order almost immediately. The drinks arrived in 90 seconds despite the heaving crowd in the restaurant. The server stayed...

We had booked to see Half a Sixpence at the Festival Theatre and arranged for dinner before the show. We were very impressed. The brasserie is a very large area and the staff were all well trained, charming and efficient. We really enjoyed our dinner....

This is a very efficiently organised restaurant attached to the Festival Theatre. Despite misgivings that we'd be faced with tired food served by bored staff the exact opposite applied. Fresh hot food from an admittedly rather limited menu was delivered promptly by eager serving staff...

Amazing how they fed c.100 prior to the theatre performance-a very smooth operation. The food suffered a bit from obvious pre-preperation but on the whole the dishes were good news. Reasonable value.

We booked a table at The Brasserie. When we got there we were told our booking was for the Bar and Grill upstairs as The Brasserie was fully booked; the menu there was completely different to The Brasserie's and more expensive. To make matters worse...

This Is a handy place for a pre-theatre meal. Service is quick & friendly. Good menu choice with some luxurious items. Size of portions medium.

Right opposite the Festival Theatre so excellent for pre show meals,always varied choices on the menu from light bites to more substancial meals.Good wines

Brilliant sharing board for 2 masses to eat 4 pots salad and bread delicious and only £5 great atmosphere and service

We ate at the Minerva Brasserie and Grill before the theatre. Booked at 5.30 so had plenty of time. The food was excellent. The staff efficient,professional and friendly. It has been revamp since we were last there.A real surprise for a theatre restaurant. Good value....

Visited here prior to matinee performance at cft. Price of £19.95 for 2 courses was reasonable as the quality of the food was excellent and really well presented. They also serve locally produced food and denbies nye timber wine which is a definite plus. Comfy...

Extremely efficient service. We did not feel hurries but at the same time we were not kept waiting.. The atarter thai prawn salad was unusual and good. The meat was a little greasy but my sticky toffee pudding was delicious.

Went here with friends before going to 'Half a Sixpence'. We had an extremely enjoyable visit and great meal. Considering they are pushing through so many people at the same time I think everyone concerned did a great job. Our party of four all had...

The refurbishment is good with a varied menu. The presentation and quality of the food were very good. There were plenty of staff who were all cheerful , helpful and efficient. The service from the kitchen was impressively fast, but highlighted the experience of dealing...

The atmosphere in the restaurant is lovely light and spacious, the menu is varied and offers lighter meals if desired and a good choice of starter. We choose a rose wine which was superb. I chose a the galette which I was very disappointed with,...

The great thing about this restaurant is you don't have to worry about getting to the theatre on time. They time it to perfection and you are minutes away from the show. The menu changes each time a show in the main theatre changes. The...

Our first visit since the refurbishment had been done. Sadly disappointed. Food very mediocre ans staff whilst charming had no idea. I ordered pork with bubble and squeak, the park was delicious but the bubble and squeak was dreadful, dry, tasteless and consisted of some...

Tried the two course set menu at the brassiere recently before watching Travels with my aunt at the Minerva. Fabulous food, great embiance and friendly staff. Have booked again

We were about to see a harrowing but important play about capital punishment of English volunteers in WW1 . My wife and I were guests for the play ,however we paid for our own dinner before the show . We live in London . The...

Delicious cucumber and mint soup - cold and duck with mixed beg and noodles. All served well by friendly staff and in good time for the afternoon's theatre. So - just right.

Having had some very poor experiences at restaurants set within the Chichester Festival Theatre compound, we have avoided them for the last 3 years. Last week we visited again, after being told of considerable improvements having been made. Well the advice was very valid, we...

Obviously the main attraction of this restaurant is that you are next to the theatre and we were here for lunch before the Saturday matinee of "Ross" - the show was outstanding so on to the food..... Service was attentive and the food essentially new...

The waiter was friendly and made sure that our main course didn't follow our starter without a break and the food was fantastic.

The food is well prepared, using good ingredients. It was quickly served when we attended - four - on a Saturday. There is a decent wine list. For what you get, prices are reasonable. The layout of tables is good and the staff friendly. What...

Our first visit for many a year after moving into Hampshire. For ease we booked into the Minerva prior to the play we were about to see. We had booked a bit late so the table position was not great but ok near the bar...

Much less formal, and cheaper, than the brasserie on the ground floor of the Minerva theatre, and with a good choice of dishes for vegetarians and carnivores. service is good and efficient with an eye for getting into the theatre at the right time for...

We couldn't fault the taste of the food but I feel it's a little overpriced for what it is. The little piece of chicken was cooked perfectly and the watercress was tasty but nothing special and small portions . The coffee is extremely overpriced -...

We had excellent and effiecient service from a well trained waiting staff. A little disappointed with the food - especially the coq au vin which was made out of cured chicken and therefore extremely salty although all the dishes were beautifully presented..