the spotted cow in Chichester

A lovely greeting as we walked in, and though we only wanted a quick drink and a snack it was a very warm greeting. Lovely pub

I have been here before for Sunday lunch and it has been outstanding. Sadly last Sunday it was not. It was certainly very busy which was good. Having had roast lamb and roast pork on previous occasions, I decided to try the roast beef. Big mistake. When my plate arrived instead of nice thin slices of beef, I was served with thick slices that looked more like steak and would have needed a steak knife to cut it. I took most of it home for my dog but before he ate it, I measured the thickness and it was 1cms thick! I always understood that pork should be cut no more than 1 cms thick, lamb 5mm and beef 3mm. It looked like it was from a nice joint but ruined by the carver. Please don't spoil your restaurants well deserved outstanding reputation by such a silly mistake.

First visit very positive, so we went for a second visit. Is actually bigger than I thought. Pleasant background music. Great beer. Food looks good. Helpful staff. Hopefully, I will be going back this week to sample the food.

This is our local pub and since it has changed hands at the start of 2024 we have really enjoyed visiting. The food is lovely, and we have enjoyed many nice meals and snacks. We often pop in for a drink on a weekend, with or without or dogs and find the atmosphere and staff always lovely with a friendly feel and decent drinks. A fantastic village pub which we are lucky to have nearby!

Enjoyed an after work drink. Will try the menu next time!

We have used the Spotted Cow a lot, and it can be hit and miss. We’ve had some lovely and also some below standard meals. I phoned to book a table for Sunday lunch to be told they were fully booked, however, a table was found for us! The restaurant wasn’t fully booked, but the wait time for the food was unacceptable. The actual meal was delicious, but we’d all got fed up waiting for it to be served as it took over an hour!

Had a very nice Sunday roast staff were very pleasant.

Booked a table for 4 plus a four legged member of the family. The service was very efficient and friendly from the offset. I had the roast along with two other diners and the fourth had the homemade chicken pie. Wow! It was superb, could not find any fault with any of the meals. Dessert's were also delicious. Would highly recommend and definitely return when in the area.

Dog friendly inside and out, lovely food large portions, service very good, very good choice of food to pick from. Brilliant if you’re staying at any of the caravan sites and looking for good food that allows dogs inside too! Thank you!

My wife and I stopped here for lunch and had serval starters to share. The food was excellent. We are rather fussy eating out as we have high expectations with food. We were very pleased with the quality of food. Compliments to the chef! This place is a must if you are close by or passing through. The staff were also lovely. Thank you!

After several very pleasant visits to the sister restaurant The Bulls Head in Bosham, we decided to give this one a try as menu is the same. We met some friends on a Sunday lunchtime. Restaurant was busy. Sadly it transpired that they were seriously understaffed for the amount of customers resulting in quite long waits for drinks, placing your order, getting the bill etc. 3 of our party ordered the Sunday roast and 1 the seafood salad. Both the roast beef and lamb were a bit chewy and tasteless with bland veg and thin gravy. The potatoes were ok. The seafood salad was ok. Two of us had a glass of wine, but later when we both asked for another one but a small glass we were informed that they didn’t sell either of the wines we had selected previously by the small glass. We either had to size up or change wines. This seems inexcusable, such poor customer service for no reason. If you sell it by the glass what difference to the pub if it is big or small,you have opened the bottle ? All in all we won’t return.

Atmosphere was lovely, staff were welcoming and attentive and on top of this we had the 2 special dishes which were delicious.

Great meal,went on an off chance just to try it never been before.we had mushroom starter crispy squid.ussels and prawn for main.little one had Mac cheese pasta will be back thank you staff where great to.

We decided firstly to visit Chichester market and enjoy all the atmosphere and stalls, and for lunch we went on to the Spotted Cow at Hunstan. It's only a short hop from Chichester itself but my word it's well worth it. We had a marvellous welcome from the staff who are very pleasant and friendly, the beer was most appreciated, and the food was absolutely delicious. My fish was huge and not to crisp, and the chips were the best I've had for ages. Rosemary had a Chicken burger which came with cheese and bacon to, which sometimes you don't necessarily get automatically. Anyway the food was absolutely outstanding, and we would have no hesitation revisiting soon. Our sincere thanks to the Staff for making our visit very pleasant. From Ray,Rosemary, and our dog Susie Wednesday 21st @ 12noon.

Hadn't been to this pub since 2018. What a wonderful experience. We were given a warm welcome. The food was excellent; compliments to the chef. The staff were friendly and attentive. We certainly won't leave it so long before we return. We'll worth the 50 mile journey. Its dog friendly too which, to us, is an important factor.

Superb service, food and atmosphere. Best Sunday roast ever..

Over 6 years ago since our last visit (we don't live locally) and management has changed so we weren't sure what to expect. We remembered it as a lovely country pub and it still is. Staff were very welcoming, We enjoyed a few drinks and then a meal. Lots of choice on the menu. Food was delicious, portions generous, fairly priced, good atmosphere and with excellent service.

Long story short, we decided to visit the area from Dorset as we'd never been to Chichester before, after a walk along the canal decided to stop here for Sunday lunch. We hadn't booked but were shown a free table. There we sat for 15 minutes until we stopped one of the girls for a couple of menu's, five minutes later we had to stop someone else to ask for a couple of drinks. Eventually we placed our food order probably 25 minutes after we initially arrived. I appreciate it was Sunday lunch time and it was busy (but didn't appear to be packed upon our arrival) and there were only a couple of staff (although a couple more did arrive). An hour after we arrived our meals came and can only be described as 'average'. I had sat and watched during this hour at other people arriving after us and recieving meals before us. It was truly a disappointing experience after we'd had high expectations following all the positive reviews posted. If we're ever in the area again would we go there again, no. As I said we appreciate it was Sunday lunchtime, which is a busy time for any good pub/restaurant, but at least offer menus and take a drinks order upon seating like just about everywhere else we've been too. Disappointing.

We haven’t been here for over a year and unfortunately the standard and quality aren’t the same. We ordered 3 Sunday roast beef which we’ve had many times the first thing was we had to wait 55 minutes for it to arrive to the table when it did the portions was much smaller and the lack of vegetables was so apparent the vegetables used to come in some side dishes no the measly amount for the price was what you would serve up a child 3 small heads of broccoli 1 small head of cauliflower and a teaspoon of peas and a carrot cut into small battens no swede mash either the meat itself was tough too and the cauliflower cheese @ £5.50 extra was small you used to be able to share it out. On a positive note the Manager and the waiting staff were very pleasant . Sad to say we won’t be returning we will go elsewhere and I wouldn’t recommend it anymore.

I was welcomed along with my dog and made to feel as important as a party of four on such a busy restaurant on a Sunday. The service was excellent and the food was outstanding and plentiful with a wide selection of vegetables. It was not expensive and I wasn't pressured in any way just because I was on my own. I would certainly recommend this restaurant and have every intention of dining there again very soon.

The new management provided splendid service and quality food. All 13 guests appreciated the outstanding personal touches by the attentive manager Alex and his support team.

just called into the spotted cow for something to eat the restaurant closed at 8 anywhere else is open till 9 new landlord needs to look at opening hours went to the Walnut Tree which is open for food till 9 7 days a week

Amazing hospitality in an awesome environment. The staff go out of their way to make sure your experience is good.

1st Class Food & Service .. Highly recommend ..

I had a lovely father's day lunch. Great portion size. Vegetables lovely. Very disappointed with desert however. Ordered creme brulee. No lovely crisp topping and arrived minus shortbread . When I queried this was told sorry we've run out. Wasn't informed beforehand and wasn't asked if I would like an alternative. Was offered ice cream which wasn't a good accompanyment to creme brulee and still required to pay full price. My husband's lunch was only warm. The only thing that was hot was the gravy. We did expect better. Disappointing as the lunch was specifically for him.

Nice pleasant pub. Good choice of ales. The kitchen was closed for maintenance so can't really comment on the food. Say in the garden and was nice and quiet. Will be back

Lovely food normally...however we went in Sunday afternoon after asking if food was being served which it was booked a table and half the menu was sold out and the food we had was poor...game pie was hard and more like stewing steak roast was poorly presented and Yorkshire was hard and cold ... Perhaps it was because it was a Sunday but I feel roast should be a best bet on a Sunday so was very disappointed.... Will try again on a week day and hope it's back to it's best ....

Me and my fiance popped in recently. I had the bbq piggy bites, ridiculously good, absolutely delicious by the way. For my main I had medium rare steak with chunky chips. That came with mushrooms, tomato, garlic butter and green beans. Again was really nicely done. My overall experience with the food was 10/10. Staff we encountered were polite and curtious. We would have stayed for desert but we were stuffed. We will definitely be back.

Went last night. Great food Lovely staff Great beer Thx xxx

Been meaning to try this pub for ages. We had a great experience! The fish pie was epic, the moules were large and delicious, and the kids meal wasn’t just a tiny portion like you sometimes get. Service was really good - three members of staff checked in with us and all were genuinely warm and keen to look after our needs. There was plenty of choice on the menu and we will definitely go back 👍 Thank you for a lovely evening.

went for lunch there was a party of six,table was booked for 1 o'clock, we started eating at 2 o'clock, rather a long wait for the meal, which when it Eventually turned up most of the meals where poorly cooked, my pudding was stone cold, I can understand that Sunday lunch time it was busy, but there should of been extra staff for the lunch period, I could go on but there's not much point, needless to say we won't be returning, my advice to any one if you have something else to do on a Sunday afternoon don't go to the spotted cow for lunch.

The spotted cow is now under new management. Customer service, Care, and after care is very good. The food is presented well, and is hot , tasty, and excellent. The furnishings ,seating and decor has been upgraded to a good standard now looking inviting and welcoming. Definatly will return.

Top notch food, massive portions, polite staff definitely recommend

Came for Easter dinner. The food was lovely but the experience wasn’t. Firstly our booking was 20mins late, London Pride had limescale bits floating in it (clearly not been clean each day as it should be), 3 items on the menu our tables wanted were out of stock (waitress didn’t let us know when seating us), ordered starters but didn’t receive them, straight to mains (waitress or kitchen error). Communication didn’t seem good between the staff as multiple times different people asked us the same things. We planned to have desert but after poor experience we just wanted to go. They comped the table drinks when prompted. Too many covers to handle I presume. My parents heard good things about the food and that it’s been recently taken over. We will return on a less busy day once you’ve had more time to settle as like I said, the food was good!

Very lovely meal. Large choice of food, all the items we ordered for excellent. The value is very high indeed. Thank you

Brilliant find. We normally eat at pubs nearer to or in Pagham but this is our new number one place to visit. Service by very friendly staff and the food is exceptional.

Here for sunday lunch . Very disappointed. Waited for over an hour for our food . My wife's linguine was covered in oil and no Parmisane cheese to spread over it . My roast beef was chewy and far to much on the plate . Veg and roast potatoes were OK. Staff were good but unfortunately will not be coming here again after reading so many good reviews online . Nice pub ,but surprised they let dogs into the restaurant part . Will stick to the pubs in Chichester for my Sunday lunch in future .

Popped in for a drink- service and drinks fantastic (didn’t have food but will return to try) think we have found our new local! Thanks Alex and team! Will be recommending to staff and clients within our own business circle. Keep up the great work from CCS.

Went in for lunch today Monday 18/3/24 food was amazing 👏 service was great. We will definitely be back

Under a new landlord as of 18 March Well worth a visit!

Very nice pub and restaurant, choice of food excellent, staff very helpful in finding us a quite spot and helping us to take food away having over ordered. Food was amazing we cannot wait to return. Gumbo was fantastic.

Great lunch, friendly efficient staff. Will definitely go back.

Stopped for lunch on our way home from Selsey having previously noted signs saying that the pub was under new management & open seven days a week! We were made very welcome, told our server that we wished to have lunch & then were talked through the specials, pies of the day & told about menu choices where we could choose a smaller portion. This proved very welcome! My wife had the tomato & red pepper soup followed by ice cream & I had the French onion soup - the best one I've had in many years - followed by a small gammon steak with fried egg, chips & peas & coffee. We shall return!

We came quite late on a Sunday without booking - they squeezed us in, including the toddler and dog! Lovely friendly staff great menu options, food was divine and the pup loved her treat! You just don’t find gems like this often these days.

New management and new menu. Excellent food and new team friendly and helpful too. So yes we are feeling lucky again to have this as our local!

So much better with the new staff Friendly, attentive staff Super dog friendly Delicious food

I had a very filling and fulfilled Big fillet steak! My other half had the pie of the day. Both were delicious and the service was exceptional. Always with smile on their face and would move mountains if they could, nothing was any trouble at all. Looking forward to coming back to visit and bringing friends along with me

Very good food and fantastic service!

Stunning setting for dinner, the staff were so attentive and friendly and the food was extremely good quality and value for money. The ability to have a drink at the bar and move through to the restaurant gives a variety you don’t get with other venues. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough. Thank you to the staff for such a wonderful evening!

Top quality service. Incredible food at a good price.

We were only people in pub on Sat lunchtime, having called in as we were walking along the Chichester canal tow path. Had a drink & coffee which were fine. Lady behind bar friendly & welcoming. Food only served on Sun lunch. We understand that new owners/manager taking over on 14 Jan 2024.

food was excellent service was great lovely going back soon

Great pub atmosphere, delicious food and lovely welcoming staff.

Great food, brilliant quiz and lovely welcome. We will be back soon.

Found this pub by chance when looking for somewhere to have a Sunday roast. It was one of the best pub roasts I have had in ages. I had the beef and there was no fat on it and it just melted in the mouth it was so tender. It is rare to find beef of that quality in a pub. Friends had chicken and pork and said they were equally as good. Vegetables were fresh and perfectly cooked. Service was excellent and the manager checked in numerous times to ask if everything was okay. Highly recommend for a Sunday roast.

Called in for an early roast lunch. Although not busy, they were expecting an onslaught so squeezed us in. Very friendly staff, nice and quick service and REALLY great roast lunch. I’ve had a few in my time, and this was in my top 3 of all time. Three staff asked us separately if we were enjoying our food. Was really good value too. Would recommend

Found this little gem by accident back in august while in holiday . Stopped for a Sunday roast and couldn’t have been happier with our choice . Best three course Sunday dinner I have ever had in a pub . Food all home made roast beef was to die for . Plenty of fresh vegetables , gravy was gorgeous . I honestly can’t find anything bad to say about it . Seems to be family run , all staff were very friendly and we were made to feel very welcome . Since getting home We have even considered travelling the three hours just for a roast dinner . Will defiantly book a table next time we are that way .

Only thing did not like was £5 service charge.

Food was good but the service was disappointing from minute we stepped through the door. I ordered the roast Lamb from the Menu on the table to be told it wasn't on the Menu that day! When I pointed out it was on the Menu in front of me, one of the waitresses almost snatched the Menu off me telling me I was wrong. It turns out the wrong Menus had been put on all the tables. I ordered something else and the food arrived quickly and was good. 20 mins after we had finished eating the empty plates were still in front of us so we had to ask for them to be cleared. We were eventually offered a dessert menu and was rudely told we had 30 mins before our table was booked out again. There were quite a few tables around us empty. If the empty plates had been cleared away sooner there would have been no rush on dessert. Dessert was nice but I think I was given a child's portion of apple pie and ice cream as two mouthfuls and it was gone. A friend paid the bill as a treat (in my absence) and a 10% service charge had been automatically added. Afterwards we were told by a 3rd party you don't have to pay this charge but it was too late then. We were not going to leave a tip as we felt the service we received did not warrant one. It's a shame as the food was nice and we like the pub (we are locals) but the waiting staff need to be more softer/gentler in their approach. Will not be returning and will not be recommending to family and friends which is a shame as the food was good.

Roast dinner was amazing thanks guys xx

Only went on Sunday and was extremely busy ssxwas car park

Rude staff. Asked if there is a table to greeted with a woman constantly saying no to everything! So welcoming

Found this absolutely gorgeous place by accident and was so glad we did . Only regret we found it at the end of our holiday . Booked a table for four of us for Sunday roast . Honestly the best roast dinner I have ever had in a pub. Everything was cooked perfectly . roast beef couldn’t have been better good selection of vegetables cauliflower cheese was amazing .we opted for the three courses which was £26 all three dishes were lovely . Nice family run pub with a lovely atmosphere.All the staff were lovely and made us feel really welcome . Would defiantly visit again

Excellent homemade food Whole meal was amazing Landlord is an absolute gentlemen Told us he had a new beer on and recommended it was a really nice Spanish beer Starters were best halloumi Main was wholesome and really delicious Would highly recommend

We called at 8.30am to see if we could book for roast dinner. The owner called us back to book us in. We arrived and instantly felt at home, friendly staff. Took our order quickly and was not waiting too long for food. The presentation of the food was amazing and mouth watering. We all agreed it was the best roast dinner we have had in awhile. Would highly recommend.

We held a wake for my brother at the spotted cow yesterday and I felt moved to comment on what a brilliant, sensitive, thoughtful and value for money experience it was for my whole family and the 80 or so guests that came. The communication with Carolyn Moore, the manager was always helpful, supportive, sensitive and we felt in really safe hands, for what we knew would be a big event for our family. The location, car park, garden, choice of food options, staff, cost and care for how as a bereaved family we might feel were all exemplary and I would without hesitation recommend the venue for any event. We were a large party so the pub was closed and we were not made to feel we had to fit into a space between busy lunch and evening times as we had in other pubs in the area. It was perfect. Our whole intention for the day was for it to be celebration of my brother’s life and a chance for family and friends to get together to toast him and share our memories. As a venue, the Spotted Cow allowed us to do this and more. We are so grateful to the whole team for accommodating us so warmly and sensitively. Thank you Jane

After today's poor service will never go back.

My wife and I went for a drink and a meal whilst on holiday in Chichester. We hadn't intended to stay that long but the manager, Phil persuaded us to stay for the quiz. We ended up having a great night. The staff were lovely, the food and drink superb, and Phil even found out what bus we needed back to Chichester and even escorted us to the bus stop! Top pub and top service!

Starter unbalanced ...roast Yorkshire uncooked.veg split tiny .pork to.ugh .pudding packet ....overpriced

I went here with my wife for a wake. It was a lovely little Pub and we were served by lovely people. The food was really fresh and presented with care. I hope to return someday, maybe for a Sunday lunch or a steak one evening 😋

We went for a Sunday lunch and enjoyed large portions and HOMEMADE food. Delicious and reasonably priced. They were very thoughtful and indeed helpful regarding my husband who has mobility problems.

I was looking for a venue to hold a Funeral Wake for my recently deceased Mum. As soon as I walked in I had the feeling that the Spotted Cow would be absolutely perfect. Carolyn and Phil, the owners made our time there yesterday so relaxing and delivered the perfect service. The catering was amazing and they looked after everything. Mum's send-off was perfect, thank you so much everyone and even though I live quite a few miles away, I'll definitely be popping in when I'm heading to Selsey.

The best pub food I have had in a very long time. Home cooked, hot, very generous portion sizes, reasonably priced. To top it off the ambience is lovely and so were the staff. Top marks

Great pub on a busy road. Friendly staff and excellent service. Food was delicious. Always poor a really good Guinness!

Called in for a meal, we were told they were fully booked but they could fit us in. There only appeared to be two ladies working and to be fair they were pretty busy but by now means full up. We ordered fish and chips as we thought this would be easy for the kitchen. I’m not kidding you it was awful, the fish had loads of bones and the batter was revolting, and as for the chips they were disgusting. They looked like they’d been cooked at lunchtime, allowed to go cold and then re cooked for the evening, they were dry and rubbery and a weird kind of black colour inside. I’m really not a complainer but this was just too much, so when I was asked how my meal was I just had to say it was inedible. The waitress apologised and said she would feedback to the chef, then the other lady came out and apologised explaining that they had an agency chef on and that the meals are usually very good, she took a fair amount off the bill so all was well. The place itself seemed very nice and the two busy ladies were very friendly and apologetic.

Had a wedding there Saturday fantastic food staff all friendly and helpful great day and night

Popped in today for a spot of Sunday lunch, met by Phil and the friendly staff gotta say great service and a top notch dinner will definitely be back with friends once again thanks to all the staff Tom and Kim

Excellent food and service, great poured drinks, really nice atmosphere. Will definitely be back again

Did not eat but great location for a beer, was visiting the canal and just a stroll away.

The pub is clearly going through a transition. The food is 1st class and I would suggest that the owner upgrades the Web site to make the place more attractive The pub is dog friendly however the website only mentions guide dogs A bit more exposure and this place would attract holiday makers and passing traffic Thank you

Lovely pub. Food was magnificent. Staff excellent. Cannot wait to return.

Great place to go for a good drink and very polite

Really great food and incredibly friendly staff. Would had been five stars however the front of house staff either struggle with table numbers or have communication issues, wrong dishes were routinely being brought to our table feels a bit like organised chaos. However the staff are friendly and welcoming so definitely worth a visit.

The best Sunday Roast. Highly recommend. Had four roast dinners here pork, Lamb and beef. All were excellent cannot say how delicious they were. Normally hate a roast out and always disappointed. These were superb and service and pub is lovely

Came for Sunday roast family of four. Lamb, chicken, beef and pork. All were delicious. I can’t remember the last time I had a roast out as normally shocking. These were all delicious highly recommend and we will be back

Our first visit and would highly recommend. Lovely interior to the restaurant, excellent service. High quality, home cooked food , highly recommend steak and ale pie, also the fish cakes (special menu).

I came here along with another couple and our children and the food was absolutely amazing. We all had a Sunday roast ( beef, pork and chicken) and it was the best food and roast dinner we’ve all ever had. Starters and pudding also was incredible. The chef is superb and a credit to the pub. Everyone was super accommodating and welcoming. Will be back in no time !

Delicious food and friendly service. Rang up to ask if dog friendly and staff were so lovely and saved a table for us. Very dog friendly which is just the pub we needed with our cocker spaniel and they even gave us some dog biscuits for him. The lasagne is absolutely delicious! Food overall was amazing. The desserts were also very yummy. Toilets were also extremely clean and the whole place is nicely decorated. Overall the pub is great and would recommend, We are on holiday and will be returning on Sunday for their roast.

Excellent food and good prices. Adjustable fir our dairy free requirement. Staff loved our dog. Well served Seafarer beer. See you again

Fantastic food as usual. Saw the Skate Wing and the White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake on the specials and had to try them. Weren't disappointed as they were both anazing. Fish was perfectly cooked and anyone who has been here and tasted Dale's cheesecakes will...

What a wonderful afternoon. Came here with 4 friends twice in two days as the food was so good. The six of us agreed it was the best meal we had had out in a long long time and we all had something completely different....

Beautiful pub in a lovely village friendly staff and amazing food . Week had the Sunday roast I had the lamb witch was outstanding And the wife had the roast chicken The plates where piled high and a side of vegetables to fit to bust...

Sunday roast for 6, absolutely lovely. Really nice ambience and the owners and staff were something else. Super friendly and attentive without being in your face. The food was superb. Can’t fault it. Thanks guys and will be back.

Our party of four plus Brabus the collie were fortunate enough to get a table at the last minute. A very welcoming venue... Lovely atmosphere. Didn't wait long for our meals. Staff very attentive. Our meals were lovely. So good, we went back the next night to do it all again . I recommend the lamb with black pudding mash. Absolutely amazing.

We were there for a family celebration for eight people, and we felt really looked after. Each person’s food choice was delicious and well cooked, and a more than ample serving. The service was so attentive and every attention was made to detail. The surroundings...

Excellent,not booked arrived with family and had a lovely evening meal

Fabulous food as always, steak pie filled to the brim and a fish pie to die for... lovely staff ..

Had Sunday lunch with friends. Beautiful food, very nicely presented and friendly, helpful staff. Will definitely return!

Amazing Sunday Roast Dinner. Highly recommend. Staff are great too 5*

My husband and myself went for Sunday lunch it was amazing we have never had a Sunday roast out as good as this, everything was perfectly cooked my husband had lamb I had chicken it was beautiful all the food came out hot and on...