LUCKES Cafe-Bistro in Chichester

rude staff overpriced food and terrible portion sizes - tried overcharge me by 10£ absolute joke

Ordered 3 breakfasts the first arrived minus hash browns and no cutlery, waited 5 minutes for cutlery by which time food was getting cold, was told hash browns would be soon, second meal arrived poached eggs cold and more like hard boiled, 3rd dish arrived poached eggs again over cooked, still no hash browns, asked again and 1 hash brown arrived in a pot which was delivered with a surly attitude, not once did anyone ask if the food was ok. Very poor food and the staff looked disinterested, for £48 I would expect better quality food and service.

Waited 25 minutes for a pot of hot water when it arrived my milk was in an expresso cup and I had no cup or saucer I then got a cup had to go back for the saucer and the the spoon was dirty absolute joke how hard is a pot of water and cup. £1.70 for the privilege....Up its own arse dump

I love the coffee and food here, especially the cakes, but on the occasions I come in, which is since it has been open- there are some lovely staff but there are always staff who don't enjoy to be working there, and I feel like this doesn't reflect their ethos and lovely atmosphere they have with the decor in the cafe and garden- it's a shame that some staff aren't friendly and may seem quite off while working and serving. Edited- I had a lovely service from the waiters and waitresses. But food was not to standard today, poached eggs were hard, one slice of bread with most being crust. It was over £10 for this dish and I was really disappointed. There’s a few other cafes in the area that do the same dish, I won’t be back again for hot food.

Great cafe! Menu is really varied and imaginative and the food was delicious. I had a quiche and salad with a fresh juice. Would definitely recommend.

Introduced to this place by a friend. We went for an early supper meal, and I was AWED by the menu, seafood dishes I hadn't expected - we just had a glass of wine and a starter, mine the mussels, friend's the smoked salmon with home made blinis... next time I'll go for the oysters 😋 THERE WILL DEFINITELY BE A NEXT TIME. Sat in lovely little covered area at the back. Attentive service THANK you.

I am not a cake person and therefore very difficult to please in "the cake department" :) But Luckes has the BEST orange & cardamom cake. It's just right, not too sweet and full of flavour. Thank you ♥️

staff were nice and helpful but food was awful feel robbed

I have been here a few times and I have noticed that the owner has an awful attitude and mistreats her staff. Really ruined my experience here and will not be coming back as I would not like to support a business which is run by a woman who is willing to treat anyone like that let alone her own staff.

We had a delicious supper at Luckes before the theatre. A good choice of dishes and we enjoyed the informal atmosphere.

I have no clue how this place still has staff as the owner is absolutely awful to her staff members. I’ve been here a few times and each time she always ends up yelling at her staff over the most minute things. Heard her once yelling about the cost of a napkin because a staff member was using it to clean up spilt coffee? Other than that, the staff apart from her are lovely but she needs to change her ways or shut down.

Advertising fresh squeezed orange juice with machine filled with sliced oranges in the window, tasted like carton juice, offered me a fresh drink but not from the machine it’s not working it been cleaned. ?? Very strange ??

We were with a large group and had the entire restaurant to ourselves in the evening. Very friendly service, excellent, very good tasting food, all courses excellently prepared, nice space, a bit sensitive to sound.

Fruit flies everywhere and filthy behind behind the counter. Staff very rude. Would not recommend here at all. Avoid! In response to your response.... It wasn't simply busy with disarray it was filthy! And it wasn't waiting to be served you are rude to people's faces!

Had lunch here today. Food was good.. but unfortunately we noticed fruit flies on the food in the counter and in the cafe which was a bit off putting. Otherwise a good visit, just need to solve the fruit fly issue and perhaps be a bit more friendly on arrival.

Breakfast was £12 ish, and hardly has anything on it! The decor is nice, but they have their pricing wrong for the portion size that’s for sure.

I had a vegan breakfast £12.50 which had mushrooms, hash brown, tomato, toast, avocado, vegan bacon, very nice 😋 Washed down with Americano. Great menu and friendly service. They also had a log burning stove alight to warm the space up on a dull, cold winter's day

Such a pleasant place for lunch in Chichester, or just a coffee. Went recently for lunch, impeccable service and good food. The dining area is all hard surfaces so it gets noisy and I found it hard to follow a conversation with someone right next to me. Some soft furnishings and maybe something on the ceiling to absorb sound would transform this otherwise superb bistro/café.

Delicious fresh cooked food with veg and vegan options. Very tasty drinks. And excellent value. Great job.

I’ve eaten here often and food is really good but had a really weird experience this time. I was eating with my family at 2.30 in the afternoon, as a little late I asked if I could just have a piece of spanakopita without salad (the other members had a full meal) when the food turned up the owner served us and said that her staff had been really kind by letting me have the spanakopita without salad but that they shouldn’t off done this. She said she has high overheads and that it wasn’t cost effective to do this and said in the future not to do this again, the tone was very passive aggressive. I said I only wanted something small and was the told the whole meal wasn’t that big. I felt like I’d been told off. It ruined our meal, my partner was livid and it was such a shame as I’ve been here quite a bit over the last year and always enjoyed the cafe. I would like to say the staff on the counter were really lovely.

Very disappointed. First the food took forever to come. But worst was that midway through the meal my husband found a big insect in his dish. Fair enough the dish was refunded, but that’s really the minimum you’d expect in this situation. Neither the waitress nor the manager apologised about it, and one staff member even became very condescending towards us, which made the whole experience even more upsetting. This place really needs better customer service 😞

Wonderful independent cafe run by a great team. Great coffee and cakes, delicious and creative dishes made from quality ingredients. Sit outside and people watch or relax in the surprisingly spacious, well decorated interior. They are dog friendly too.

We had a wonderful birthday lunch at Luckes in Chichester yesterday. The menu selection was interesting and something to everyone’s choice. Ours was a table of eight, the food was exceptional and beautifully cooked and presented. Compliments to the Chef! 👌🏼 The service was prompt for such a big order, the waiting staff were efficient and discreet. We will return.

Had an amazing afternoon late lunch here with 7 friends. What a delight. All meals were cooked to perfection and there was something for everyone’s taste. Compliments to the chef!!! The serving staff were all happy and helpful too. We’ll definitely be back soon.

Came in for lunch today with a friend. Excellent food and service. We had one of the lovely breakfasts. Definitely planning to visit again.

Delicious lunch in the outer covered courtyard. Must go again soon!

The best breakfast I’ve had out. The quality of the produce used was second to none and the atmosphere in the cafe is lovely and relaxing. Will definitely be coming back for the seafood evenings!

A real find and such a suprise to find a wonderful independent restaurant in the heart of Chichester. Mel Lukes the owner and Head chef was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and obviously took great care in its design and produce provenance. We were given a complimentary bread basket accompanied by a delicate and vibrant mackerel pate which was delicious. Followed by king prawns cooked in a wonderful spicy butter. The prawns were perfectly cooked and were tender and moist. I had some of the best succulent muscles I have had in a while, very tasty even down to the beautiful liquor which was mopped up with the homemade bread. For the main course we both had the Sole which was cooked to perfection, just fell off the bone, delicately cooked with a caper and samphire accomplishment. Our puddings just finished an excellent meal. All washed down with a very fresh and tasty dry Chenin Blanc. (House wine) The staff were very attentive and the food came out on time. We shall be returning to enjoy more of the extensive menu. Highly recommend.

The best food in chichester. All fresh and homemade. The staff are a delight and because of this I go in daily to wotk and have ☕️ Thankyou xxx

Delighted that Luckes now are open in the evening, went last week for first time and not the last, great quality fish and cooked beautifully , light and very tasty.

Disappointing visit on Tuesday, after a very long wait my pot of tea was served without a lid and with no milk . The young man said they had a stack of washing up and a lot of the lids were broken . The milk was subsequently served but I would hesitate to return . They may need more staff .

Lovely place to get a meal, great service and lovely food

Had some delicious food and excellent coffee with a great atmosphere and service during a busy lunch. Very dog friendly as well, highly recommend.

Met a friend for coffee, cake and a discussion. A good place, friendly service. Chipped teapot, a bit scruffy.

Worst cafe in Chichester, only redeeming factor is a few members of staff - Zach was great but don't think I'll return.

Came across this Gem when we last visited Chichester, it's like Doctor Who's Tardis! Really lovely inside, very good quality food and friendly staff. Will be heading straight there for lunch when we next come.

Portion sizes for food are a abysmal for the price, coffee was fine,

Rarely open and when it is the staff are rude. Avoid at all costs. Dreadful place.

Nice cosy place; cakes and coffee are usually very good. Dog friendly.

Great food presented with care. Fairly good value

A reasonable service, food and drink were ok. Found the café lacking atmosphere but would visit again

We had such a disappointing visit. Food took some time. I’d gone for the salad bowl but what arrived was a side salad some coleslaw and a few pieces of halloumi. All for £12.50! I was so disappointed, sadly we won’t go back.

A cafe jewel in the centre of chichester. Serving home made food and cakes to die for. Its always a popular venue to sit relax enjoy cuppa and company before moving on to the next round of shopping. Service a bit down this time due to very busy.

Great service, friendly staff. Supportive of wheelchair users.

Wonderful cafe, with great food, friendly staff and a lovely embience.

When in Chichester during the day I head there for lunch. Good food and nice young people serving you

An Ableist cafe, that doesn't except Autistic people or people in a wheelchair. Very rude staff, especially the owner, and over priced food. Be very wary of this pit.

So pleased we came here for lunch... Goats cheese and red pepper quiche with interesting and delicious salads. Also the nicest cappuccino I've had for ages. Lovely staff. Highly recommend!

Ordered two latte, and two panini, £22.30 seems a little harsh, good luck with the impending recession, I think this place will be shutting down. Staff very nice , owner a little abrupt , it doesnt bode well.

I cannot recommend Luckes enough! Melanie is so passionate about the food she produces and so highly knowledgeable on flavours and presentation. We used Luckes to cater for our wedding and had beautiful salads, quiches, homemade breads and canapés. Everything was delicious and all the guests were so impressed with the quality of the food. Thank you to all who were involved.

Very nice food and Excellent customer service.

Absolutely lovely place, great menu which had a wide variety of choice for those with food intolerance. Great service and staff suggested which food choices might be preferable for my gluen free need. That said there was plenty of choice for my husband , he has no specific needs. Very friendly staff, and pleasant environment...thankyou x

We had a fantastic lunch at Luckes and thought it was great value for money. My wife's quiche and salad was a generous portion and really nicely cooked and my scrambled eggs, halloumi and mushrooms was stellar. The eggs were perfectly done and the halloumi was absolutely delicious.

Lovely lunch in there yesterday and good service

Disappointed that the staff had no idea about the ingredients in their own label vegan granola (£4.95) bought in good faith when assured there was no sugar added, just dark chocolate but no indication as to the other ingredients. One member of staff later checked and rescinded her reassurance when she discovered there was golden syrup in it!! I was buying for my small grand daughter which was initially why I asked. However by law I believe they should display ingredient list on any pre packed direct sale foods and also train their staff to know what they are selling. Allergen tragedies have happened in the past and we should all be aware of the requirements for labelling.

Lovely flat bread with chicken. Enjoyable experience, recommend.

Lovely little spot. Good food, bright space. Loved the full English.

Very tasty Vegan Korma! Lovely place, very cosy, would certainly recommend. Good oat latte too!

Horrible experience with rude owner, refused to give refund minutes after ordering. Made a whole scene. Other staff were friendly.

Great staff, extremely rude owner who should be ashamed of her behavior.

A friend of mine is autistic and was publicly humiliated made to cry and was refused a refund. Nobody should be made to feel like this especially somebody who is autistic, social settings can be difficult enough without cruel people like the owner of this place. She should be ashamed of herself.

Great cup of coffee ☕ if a little small unfortunately the bacon & tomato panini at £5.95 was a big disappointment 2 small slices of bacon that were pre-cooked & reheated/defrosted in a microwave then put in a panini press & was still cold

Great food, stonking coffee and lovely seating spaces on snide and out

Absolutely delicious hot chocolate with cream on top. Just what was needed after a long day at dentist and then mobile shop!

Great coffee ☕ shop lots of home made bits very tasty

Nice tea, coffee, cake, nice atmosphere, friendly staff. Perfect.

The paninis is very tasty and well toasted. The hot chocolate is surprisingly delicious as well for the chilly weather outside. Well done!

Bought 2 cups of tea. Found it very expensive, £2.70 per cup. I should have cancelled my order but it didn't occur to me at the time, paid anyway and was very disappointed,. Oat milk not shaken properly before use and very little flavour.

I love this place! Just popped in for a coffee and a muffin. Staff couldn’t be nicer and the muffin was the best!!

Love this little coffee shop/cafe. I usually go to the one on North Street but was so pleased to discover a second location! The quality is consistent between the two locations, and as ever, the staff is friendly! Love their teas, lattes, sushi, brownies and cakes! Never had a bad thing from here :D I would like to say that I wish the loyalty card worked on a per purchase basis. It is a shame that it only counts for drinks purchased instead of by total purchase (no matter what is included). I recently came just for a treat to eat but did not get to mark my loaylty card. :/

Amazing place! Passionate staff and a great escape in Chichester

Great little cafe, had a tasty quiche enjoyed some art on the walls and the staff is very friendly

Really happy to find this independent cafe. Delicious food and great combination of flavours. Didn't have any this time but the sushi looked great! Had a flat white and my partner had a latte, both comes with double shot as standard which is refreshing to see. Organic coffee beans too and the batista did a good job with it 👍🏼 from what I could tell he was about the finish his shift but stayed to make our coffees to help out the other staff so good on him 🤙

Great food and very helpful and friendly staff. Best tuna melt panini I've ever had.

Lovely cafe, great coffee and lovely staff. Dog friendly too. A gem!

Great cafe, friendly staff. Great selection of DF and GF options

Amazing atmosphere, friendly staff and amazing food and coffee!

Lovely friendly place good coffee too!

Grrrreat independent cafe, always good service and the food is yummy. Really tasty and healthy. Would highly recommended.

My salad box was tasty, fresh and good value for money 👍

Very light and airy. Lovely coffee.

Friendly, good coffee, relaxed atmosphere. It was clean and comfortable, the only reason I haven't given it 5 stars is that it feels very generic, everything was good, nothing was exceptional.

Really lovely, excellent coffee and cake. The courtyard garden is a great sun trap.

Lovely food and great service. My first choice cafe in Chi

No obvious menu or such like. So tried ordering a sausage sandwich, woman behind the counter was very rude, they are vegetarian only - which is fine, but she didn't need to be so uppity about it. So many other friendlier cafes locally to chose from!

We were saying how Chi needed a good cafe. Lovely food simple fresh and healthy. Coffee is yummy. Child friendly

The best Cafe in Chi, no doubt. Great quality and very tasty fresh food. The Cafe is super clean, staff is very very friendly

Great place, very Friendly staff, and great food and atmosphere. We will definitely be back.

Amazing staff.. just had lunch here. They suggested the butternut soup with beans and chickpea with cous cous salad. Absolutely delicious! They serve good fresh juices too!

Excellent local coffee bar, great for lunchtime food too. Lovely staff!

Coffee is good but it's not a friendly place. Has a clinical feel and I'm pretty sure the owner can smell if you're not a vegan.

Came here to visit one afternoon, they serve lovely coffees and brilliant healthy food

Food is delicious. Excellent coffee.

Good Coffee and good vegetarian food. The Vegan food if you are doing Veganuary was very tasty. Cosy interior.

Great coffee & food. Staff always friendly & smiley. Lovely relaxing place to stop and refuel.

Went to the Luckes cafe set up at the rare brand fair at Goodwood. Had to wait over 10 minutes for a tea (wasn't busy when we got there just after 9am) had to ask where it was, in the end. No apology and only half a cup. Very dissatisfied with the service and attitude of the lady serving.

Very nice and peaceful place. The soup was delicious (but £6 is a bit expensive for the continental that I am) and the staff very friendly.

Super awesome. Delicious everything. Calm on a Sunday.

Friendly service and modern decor, but a little pricey for fairly average cuppa.

Good coffee. Airy seating space.