The Bell Inn in Chichester

We booked The Bell inn for a pre-theatre Dinner and was delighted with the experience. I must firstly praise the welcome, the two ladies covering the arrivals and food service were so friendly, attentive and professional we felt at home straight away. The menu is fairly simple but very well thought out so all tastes covered. There is an art to getting this right and The Bell has it spot on. Not having so many options meant the food was prompt, well cooked, hot, plentiful and very tasty. Add to this their very fair pricing, we left having had our faith put back into a British pub meal out (which has been lacking recently). The pub is very well run and I wish them continued success, they deserve it.

What a great little pub, perfectly located for pre-dinner show opposite Chi Festival Theatre. Very friendly welcome, reasonably priced home cooked food - can't wait for the next show so we can return for another meal (if we were local we'd be here more often).

So convenient for pre-theatre dinner - just the other side of the road. Welcoming and friendly staff. Loved the pies!

One of the Finest Pubs in the Country. A truly welcoming, lovely pub in Chichester, where theres always good beer and cider on tap and the friendliest of Staff. Chichester is truly fortunate to have such a lovely pub.

Excellent service, so welcoming and friendly. The food was fantastic. Really great value for money and a perfect pre-theatre dinner.

Luncheon with 11 friends and we were all treated with great respect and friendliness. Such a loving warm welcome and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The food was absolutely delicious and plentiful. Fresh, hot and beautifully cooked. Looking forward to returning again.

Very welcoming and accommodating hosts. Great menu for all dietary choices in a group of 11. Food was excellent. Great atmosphere. Thank you!

Charming host - I phoned to say that we were running late and was told that it was no problem. We had the excellent value Friday night 'chish & fips' plus one of the best affogatos I've had in a long time. Service and ambience were very good, we will definitely be back.

Came here for fish and chip fridays. The four of us all had the fish and chips and then had desserts afterwards. 10/10 Very good value and the landlady is always lovely.

We'd only been in the pub for a drink before. A few weeks ago we popped in before a Chichester RFC rugby match. Our group was made so welcome that my partner and I decided to book a pre theatre dinner. I'm so glad we did. The food was excellent, tasty fresh and I would guess local. The service was wonderful throughout even though the dining area filled up with pre theatre guests who were all served efficiently to a specific pre-show timescale. Well done the staff of The Bell Inn. We will be back. I recommend booking as I can imagine this quality pub can become very busy.

We had booked a table for 8 but asked if we could add 2. Even though they were fully booked they managed 2 extra spaces. The service and food was excellent at very reasonable prices. All round a very warm and friendly experience.

Really enjoyed our pre concert dinner here. Excellent staff, super friendly. Delicious food. Can thoroughly recommend the steak and Stilton pie!

A very warm welcome was extended to us on our first visit to The Bell for a pre-theatre supper. Food was excellent and served in good time for us to be across the road and in our seats well before curtain up.

Three of us went to the Bell before the theatre at Chichester. We allowed plenty of time but need not have worried as everything was slick and well-prepared. We all enjoyed our food. The place was busy, a good sign, and we really hope it is as popular in normal hours as it was pre-theatre. We will go back.

Parked in Theatre car park, walked across the road and we were warmly greeted and shown to our reserved table. Cheery staff, great handmade pies with sensible prices and look forward to our next visit to The Bell and the Festival Theatre.

I’ve been a couple of times here for a pre-theatre meal in the last few months, most recently this weekend just gone, and have been really impressed - not just by the good, reasonably priced food but by the friendliness and efficiency of the service,...

Yesterday, some friends and I attended a performance at the Chichester Festival Theatre. We pre-booked lunch at the Bell Inn. Excellent meal and service, by two gentlemen. Would recommend this establishment. Ideal location for the theatre.

We were lucky enough to win a voucher from the nearby rugby club for our visit today with friends. Welcomed by our lovely waitress Sarah and given a choice of table, menus and drinks provided within seconds. We all ordered different meals and these were...

Hadn’t been to The Bell for several years and decided to book for dinner last night. I am so pleased we did; what a fabulous meal we had. Everything was tasty and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent and the wine became a favourite after...

Stopped here for Sunday lunch and we were all very pleased with what we were served and not extortionate prices. Three of us had the roast beef and one had the bacon and liver. Nobody had any complaints and the beef was gorgeous. Great staff...

I have eaten pre-theatre dinners from time to time and always found both the food and the staff excellent. Sadly, things have slipped. Although the staff have changed, they are still welcoming and friendly. My steak was 50% gristle and was cooked more 'well done'...

We had a really nice pre-theatre lunch. There was an extensive menu to suit all tastes but we had the trout and the sole both were delicious served with new potatoes and fresh, nicely cooked vegetables. When we requested some butter for the potatoes we...

Had a super lunch. The guest beer was good but the crab on the specials menu was excellent. Sat outside in the “garden “ which was previously a parking area I guess. The tables were new as were the umbrellas. Service could not be faulted.

Lovely date night tonight had fish and chips which was bloody marvellous highly recommend, lovely staff will devo be back for more

Had Sunday lunch delivered today. Amazing food and great value. Fantastic service. Great to be able to support this lovely local pub

3 of us booked here saturday lunchtime en route to chi vs ramsgate fc Lovely real feel pub with nice old pub style decor, really good local real ale and good snack food Lots of credit to the young guy serving who was very friendly...

Our first Friday evening out since lockdown and what a lovely evening it was. The new outdoor seating area has a Mediterranean feel and the atmosphere was very relaxing. The staff are all friendly and well organised. The new systems in place were efficient and...

Great pub/restaurant for pre-theatre dinner. It's just opposite the Festival Theatre, so just a 3 minute walk. Best to book; ask for tables 7 or 8!

We enjoyed some home-cooked pub favourites and good beer before the theatre across the road. The game pie, chicken pie, steak and gammon and egg were all delicious, the big dish of shared veg was great, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Just what...

We chose this pub for lunch the weekend before last because of its proximity to Chichester Festival Theatre - and what an excellent choice it turned out to be! We started with Tempura Prawns which were deliciously light and tasty. Then my husband had a...

Pub states dog friendly, however “not” family friendly, purchased bar snack but even though half our party (males) ate at the bar the other half (women) was told “no eating” at the bar??????Very clicky and not open to “outsiders”

Very impressed with the friendly service and good food at this pub. Lovely choice of vegan and regular dishes and above all a warm welcome and efficient pre-theatre service.

Three of us booked a 5.30pm table prior to visiting the nearby theatre. I must say, we enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish. Nice staff, a relaxed atmosphere, well kept drinks and lovely food. I had the chicken/ham & leek pie which was tip top. My wife ate the poached haddock which she stated was one of the nicest she had tasted. The chips & vegetables were cooked to perfection. My Mum had the salmon dish. She 'complained' that the salmon wasn't very warm but in my honest opinion, this was probably due to her slow eating as opposed to any lack of skills or attention from the chef! Would definitely return.

We booked an early evening pre theatre meal. Good customer relations shown in agreement on timings for theatre and car parking availability. Unpretentious but well cooked food - we ordered the rib eye steak and grilled fish of the day. The seasonal vegetables and sweet potato chips were delicious. Sharing a starter and dessert plus a couple of drinks brought the bill to under £60. Very good value.

I visited this pub with family and we were very unimpressed. We sat in the bar to order starters to share. We paid £6 each for chicken goujons and Brie wedges. We could not believe our eyes when 2 scrawny pieces of over cooked chicken came out with some lettuce for £6? What a rip off?? £3 each for sub ‘iceland’ standard. We Will not be visiting again.

Been here a few times. They have a good poker night! But on a Saturday night when quiet arrived late for a drink struck up a conversation at the bar with a friendly Irishman was told off for swearing which is something I rarely do so the land lady was definitely paying attention to my chat in a quiet bar. Ordered a sausage roll and went to eat it at the bar to continue my conversation and was told I couldn’t eat hot food while standing at the bar in what was a nearly empty pub! Left feeling she would rather I hadn’t come in and I don’t intend to return any time soon. Shame as previously found the landlord to be a friendly and welcoming chap.

The Bell's ( almost) resident band, Fantastic Pontastics, had everyone dancing & singing from the 1st to last tune. Sarah (lead vocalist) has a stage presence that invites everyone to have FUN! I look forward to their next gig.. 😁

This Inn has a small parking lot but is close to a main car park and the theatre. It opens in the evrning at 5.50pm. It serves traditional English food which is piping hot. We had game pie which was lovely followed by apple crumble. The service was excellent and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time at a very reasonable price. Thank you

Just popped in for a quick drink, they have a nice range real and local beers. We had some nice bar food too for lunch. The staff were really friendly- it’s a proper local!

We stopped here just before a late afternoon wedding for a quick bite to eat. We had the steak pie and our son had fish fingers off the children's menu.

..Had the Bell Inn bopping & boogeying once again!

We had a pre-theatre dinner here with friends. The Bell Inn is right opposite the Chichester Festival Theatre and well used to catering to playgoers so it was able to ensure that we were away in time to take our seats. Great food, good local beer.

Lively night of music provided by the Fantastic Pontastics.. Definitely worth checking them out ,when they play again in Mid October

A small pub in Broyle Road, just outside Northgate, this place is much loved by locals and visitors alike, and is popular with the theatre crowd for pre-show dining. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Food has always been good and reasonably priced here, and the recently refurbished dining room adds to the attraction. Worth a visit when you're in the area.

This is a good, simple, traditional pub in terms of both decor and food; but it rates 5* as it provides reliable pre-theatre meals, both matinees and evenings, for the nearby Festival theatre - not totally surprising as the owner is a former theatre Front of House manager?! Best to reserve a table on theatre days as they can be very busy. The menu changes regularly, the food tastes fresh, and the portions are generous. Unlike many pubs these days it has efficient, effective, friendly staff who understand that you would like to be in and out within an hour - ie no pressure to buy a second round of drinks - they even have their clock set 10 minutes fast so you don't miss curtain up! On my theatre days I wouldn't go anywhere else!

This establishment, close to the Festival Theatre, seems to have undergone a makeover in recent times, and has improved all round as a result. The menu changes frequently, as do the real ales, and the wine list has expanded into something worthy of study.

I went here for the first time recently with friends. As they had their dog with them we needed somewhere suitable. This a lovely friendly pub with a nice patio at the back looking onto a small garden, it was a nice place to sit while having lunch. Dogs are allowed in the patio and bar area but not in the restaurant area. As the owners have a dog of their own, there is also a bowl of water near the bar for thirsty doggy visitors. There is a small car park on the side of the pub and when that is full there is a huge pay and display car park directly opposite.

This is our go-to venue whenever we visit Goodwood. Just a short drive from the circuit, we are always made to feel very welcome. The freshly cooked food served with a great selection of fresh vegetables is always delicious. Would absolutely recommend The Bell

10 of us booked and had a great meal and drinks. We were made very welcome and and a lovely time. Only a short drive from Goodwood

Had an evening meal with a business colleague. Not a wide range of good options but it was good. Beer also well looked after and the service was excellent.

I am going to this pub regularly since years. The staff is fantastic, the atmosphere unique and the food very very good. U can also join the pub quiz every Sunday. If you want to find a real traditional English pub, this is the one to go.

Before visiting Chichester we had done our homework online to find somewhere for my wife’s 60th birthday meal. A few places fitted the frame as we wanted individuality and not chain pub blandness. Called in for a pint on our first night and were made to feel right at home so booked for the Wednesday. On arrival we were shown to our table by Sarah who helped me spring a surprise on my wife (Thanks Sarah!) Drinks were served and food ordered and delivered to the table after a shorter than expected wait. The food was superb, swordfish and a vegetarian suet pudding to die for, but the crowning moment was when the ice cream we chose for dessert was delivered with birthday candles in it, priceless and much appreciated! All in all a brilliant, brilliant night out! Massive thanks to the management, chef and above all Sarah, for rounding off what had been a fabulous day with a truly memorable meal. My only regret is that we can’t give 10 points as that is what the Bell deserves!

The food, service and friendlyness was all excelent. We have aleady booked another visit to coincide with a visit to the nearby theatre, even though we live about an hour away.

We were looking for somewhere to eat before a show at the CFT and this seemed like the ideal place being over the road from the theatre. We booked an early table (5.30pm) but it got busy while we ate.

As a family, we wanted to try this pub as I heard some good comments, unfortunately it happens the day my family decided to go to the movie and I was expected the film to finish around 8.30pm. Knowing the inconvenience of customers arriving at the last minute before closing, I rang he pub to explain the case and check the time for the last order. The lady told me it was 8.40 pm, (actually on the website it says 8.45 pm! ), anyway, so I told her that we will try to be there at 8.30.

Was here at the beginning of the week for our staff Christmas meal and we were not disappointed!

We were introduced to the Bell by friends. The staff are so friendly and welcoming, it is like being in a warm front room. We had a lovely evening, got tempted by Bakewell Bombs (lush!) and had the best time. We will definitely be back!

If I rated it for the food alone it would be three star. We both ordered the homemade curry and it was ever so bland. We did see other people’s dinner with pie and it looked superb.

Had a very nice meal here and finished off with their home-made rumtopf pavlova, a merangue with summer fruit marinated in rum. Wow that's soooo good!!!!! Certainly come back here again.

Just returned from a birthday lunch at this pub. So disappointed it was a pre booked Xmas menu, the only good thing was the music playing in the bar.

Lunch for four a typical pub/restaurant. Good range on the menu, and the dishes we had were very good value and well cooked. There were plenty of veg on top of the main course ordered and it was all well cooked and enjoyable. The service was provided by a most pleasant lady who was ready to smile and exchange a little banter, but sadly she had too many tables to serve for one person resulting in service which we felt was rather slow. Would this put us off - no as we believe that it was solely due to an unavoidable shortage of staff. We went for the and we enjoyed it at a very reasonable price.

Unpretentious, good pub food served by friendly and attentive staff. A pleasant but quiet atmosphere with pub almost full with pre-theatre goers. Only quibble that our Berry Mess from choice of "homemade" puds would really benefited from some more berries and a little more imaginative presentation, but small team were working with quiet efficiency to serve everyone in time for the theatre start.

This pub is not quite of gastropub status but offers simple meals in an authentic pub setting. The food is a little bland but the vegetables are wholesome. Unfortunately, their bread and butter pudding was overcooked. The service is friendly and quick and this makes a change from the on-site facilities at the Chichester Theatre which is a few yards away.

Reasonably priced food and wine, served in good time for pre theatre. Large range of vegetarian food. Really enjoyed a visit last year but was not so impressed this time. Staff seemed a bit busy and forgot several things.

A pub full of Character with friendly staff serving good food. The menu was varied and offered a choice without being overwhelming.the dinning room is cosy without being cramped.there is an outdoor space at the rear.

Always busy in the restaurant, friendly staff, dog friendly, garden area with fairy lights and a chimenea- win.

Had a really enjoyable meal before the theatre this week. Staff were very efficient and friendly - made to feel welcome even though we had not booked a table they fitted us in with a smile. Food served quickly. Very good value for money. Well worth a visit or two!

We visit after the Theatre to avoid the chaos when all the cars are leaving the car park at the same time. Excellent "local" rather than gastropub and when we called in after "Fiddler on the Roof" on a Monday evening, reasonably busy with locals engaged in pub game of some sort. Friendly service from the bar staff as always on our visits, good choice of beers, wines etc. and bottle of Pernod behind the bar which to mem as an occasional drinker of the product, is a symbol of a good pub!Have not sampled the food, which other reviews indicate is good, so next time will go there for pre theatre meal and the drink post performance. A number of thespians do tend to get in the pub later adding to the character and atmosphere.

Excellent menu with more than your average pub grub. Belly pork slices which filled the whole plate, a huge dish of new potatoes and 3 veg - all for less than £10. Quick and attentive service

We booked lunch here before going to the theatre. Beanie and his staff could not have been more helpful. My Mum walks with a wheelie and we were helped with parking and access in to the pub. The food was good and service prompt and friendly. Thank you for making a very happy day stress free.

Just popped in to The Bell for a pre-theatre dinner. Very good pub food with lovely, friendly service. Nice atmosphere and good beer.

A couple of days ago we went to the Bell before going on to the theatre. The swordfish steak was very tasty, and was complimented by the salad. My partner had the fish cakes which were OK, but could have done with more fish. The liver and bacon I was informed was very good. It looks as though there has been a change in the management, and the new team have enhanced what was already a good place for pub grub

The Festival Theatre restaurants were all fully booked so we booked a dinner at this pub. You do need to book as there are not many tables. We had a crab salad and filleted trout for main courses and bread and butter pudding and peach crumble for dessert. We were both impressed with our main courses but I found the bread and butter pudding a bit stodgy although it had a nice flavour. We just had water to drink and the bill came to only £33 for the two of us - amazing value particularly compared to the theatre restaurants. The service was excellent as they realise people are going to the theatre. The two ladies serving said they are busy every night and it only about 200 metres from the theatre.

Four of met here for lunch. Very friendly young barman. We ordered various sandwiches and chips. Not keen on the chips as they were very thin French fries (not what I call chips), and they weren't very tasty. However, the sandwiches were delicious. We ordered a variety of drinks which were all brought swiftly to our table. Then coffees, but we were a little surprised when the waiter politely told us he was waiting to close. It was just before 2.00pm and we did not realise they closed at 2 and assumed being a pub that they were open all day. Not their fault at all and I'm sure regulars know this, but we didn't! Would definitely visit again as I have seen the great reviews for their Sunday roast!

Just across the road from the festival theatre, so a local alternative to the theatres own eating options which were quite expensive,Usual pub fayre plus some vegetarian options, and some real ales on tap.Ideal for a reasonable value bite pre theatre.

Chose this pub as near to the theatre. Good pub grub reasonably pricedFriendly and efficient staff. The service was very good. Loved the home made desserts

Really good to re-visit after being away 19 years!! Lovely welcoming bar/restaurant - great food/friendly people/vg ales! Very close to the Festival Theatre, the Park, and the centre of town. Really easy to recommend. Thank you.

Deceptively large pub just off the ring road near both the Festival Theatre and St Paul's Church. Plenty of seating inside and on the patio. Booking is advisable as it can be quite busy. Friendly staff and reasonably priced.

Excellent pub. Great landlord and landlady. Reserved us the car park for dancing. Three hand pumps going all evening. Very welcoming. No wonder we keep going back. Thanks again

Sunday at 9 i believe.. quiz night with friends is entertaining and well attended! A must!Pub is glorious. Good selection of snacks and drinks. Near the festival theatre. Smoking area outside if you that way inclined.

Booked a table for party of 6, really nice lunch all served piping hot had the poached salmon with vegetables very nice, had the samosas for the starter delicious, the pub is spotless very nice service will call again

Tried as an alternative to eating at Chichester theatre and were very pleasantly surprised. Rather than semi fine dining in noisy surroundings, erratic and impersonal service the Bell offers good Pub Grub in pleasant and friendly surroundings. Suggest you book for pre or post theatre and allow an hour for two courses, we couldn't manage a third. About £40 for 2.

Visited this restaurant for the first time on Monday evening before going to the Festival Theatre. Yes it is a little on the small side but they have done their best with the space they have. The welcome and the service was excellent and the meal was lovely. Not too rushed and served with a smile. Would recommend this as an good alternative to the very over priced food at the Theatre.

Table for six reserved and awaiting us. Orders taken and drinks served promptly. The place was very full but as we had plenty of time the wait for our food was acceptable especially as all six were delivered at once and all excellent. Personal service at this adjacent restaurant is much better than the theatre impersonal approach and more expensive prices.The correct address is Broyle Road and the post code PO19 6AT

We ate there with another couple before going to the theatre very good food and excellent service and very friendly staff. Slight draw back the men is on a Blackboard and you have to queue up to chose but no problem. Also another advantage about 5mins walk to the Theatre

I like it here. The food is lovely and good value for money and the service is good. And a great range of drinks on offer too. Convenient for theatre goers.

We love our visits to the amazing Chichester Festival Theatre however we had become increasingly bored of the CFC's over priced and disappointing menu. And less than 2 minutes walk from the Theatre is this gem of a pub. Imaginative and ever changing menu - selection of great home made dishes. It's a real gem but remember to book as its popular...filled with over theatre goers and now you know why!!

Love it love it love it!Super friendly staff, lovely garden and cosy in the winter. Great atmosphere. Highly recommend

Lovely service and fine quality food. very quick service worth a visit. A good choice of light bites and mains.

I had high hopes from their menu, as there were several vegetarian choices that looked interesting. When it came, the presentation left a lot to be desired and it was like being back in the 70s; the salad garnish on the brie wedges starter was shredded iceberg. tomato and cucumber, no dressing, for example. The spinach, pinenut and mozzarella pudding turned out to be a suet-style steamed pudding that would have fed about four people. This was accompanied by a mountain of chips, and some nicely cooked fresh veg. My husband chose the bean cassoulet and new potatoes, but again the portion was huge. The food tasted nice enough, but it was very carb-heavy, and not really what I would expect in this day and age. I was going to the theatre afterwards but felt like going home for a sleep instead.

A friendly and welcoming pub, with a good menu. Well cooked and presented. A variety of beers. Do arrive early or book as there is not a lot of room inside.

We had a lovely meal here before going to Chichester Festival Theatre to see Mack & Mabel.The staff were welcoming and helpful.The menu was in chalk on the board. A good sign we think because it is obviously changed frequently. I had liver and bacon with vegetables. The Liver was perfectly cooked and delicious in a good portion size, The vegetables were hot and also perfectly cooked, not overcooked or undercooked, I hate them overdone.My partner had a swordfish steak which was also just right.The meals were not expensive and excellent value for money. We would certainly be pleased to go thee again probably pre theatre again as we do not live locally.

I booked this pub as a last minute place to eat before a show. It is very convenient as it's only a couple of minutes stroll for the theatre. There's a selection of real ales and to be honest it's a typical pub that serves a few pub classics. For starters my wife had little prawn rolls and I had deep fried breaded whitebait. Both were very hot and tasty, albeit shop bought, which is to be expected from this type of pub.Both my wife and i chose the homemade chicken, ham and leek pie. It was delicious and although my pastry was in short supply, my wife's was good. Served with potatoes and vegetables separately, it was very good. We did not eat desert but from what i saw on neighbouring tables, they looked very good too, the spotted dick with custard looked very filling. Overall, I think the food is very good value, was hot and very nicely presented. The owners are not trying to be anything other than an honest, good value pub. We will visit again.

Came here with a party of 6 for a pre-theatre meal and was very happy. The service was very friendly and efficient. The menu, though not large, provided adequate options and the portions were good and the food was perfectly cooked. I would rate it at the high end of pub food standard. The wine selection, though small, was adequate and the wines themselves good. The beer selection was good and the beer itself excellent. All in all good value for money. The only disappointment was the bread and butter pudding was not available. I will just have to return to sample it another day. The apple pie was good though.

Looking for somewhere to eat before going to the Chichester Festival Theatre to see Mack and Mabel, which was excellent, we stumbled upon the Bell Inn, which is across the road from the car park. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and upon learning that we were going to the theatre, even leant us a programme to look at. The menu is on a blackboard because it changes regularly, the food is not fine dining but it is well cooked and tasty, and very reasonably priced. Thoroughly recommended.

Popped in tonight in hope of eating before we went to the theatre Very busy so we thought we were out of luck but the landlord saw us and was very welcoming and accommodating. Lovely foodReasonable prices Perfect timing for our theatre tripThank you we will return

We visited The Bell Inn on 16th July as pre-theatre diners. Excellent choice, great food and very friendly staff.

Our party of four all ordered the Veal Cutlet with a Cream & Brandy Sauce. Unfortunately the sauce that it came with was at best a poor imitation of Bisto.There was definitely no taste of any Cream or Brandy in it. We complained and they assured us that it was a Cream & Brandy Sauce. We said that it was unsatisfactory and they eventually produced a small jug of the correct sauce. However, by this time most of our party had already finished their meals.The vegetable that came with our orders were also just plain boiled and the salads were small and unimaginative.Overall it was a very poor tasteless meal.On the plus side the beer was in good condition.On this showing I cannot reccomend this restaurant and I will not be patronising them again.

Lovely friendly pub with an impressive menu & fine collection of ales. Highly recommended for pre-theatre dining - much better value than anywhere nearby. Great for a drink after the theatre too. Friendly hardworking staff, lovely atmosphere & great selection of drinks & home cooked food.Always recommend The Bell to friends and i won't go anywhere else if heading to the Festival Theatre.

Pre matinee lunch was excellent, service good, atmosphere good (not noisy or frenetic) - thoroughly recommended. Will be coming here for future theatre performances.