H.O. Ward is our occasional columnist. Read more pub reviews by H.O. Ward.
By the Old Market Cross
Chichester originated as a Roman settlement. At its medieval center, a 500-year-old Market Cross straddles a crossroads with four roads leading off it, creating a large pedestrian shopping center. The streets are conveniently named North, South, East, and West -- so no excuse for getting lost or losing the car in this delightful town then.Many of Chichester's buildings go back hundreds of years.They huddle and appear to jostle together despite the addition of newer ground floor or complete false fronts added by the fashionable Georgians.
Chichester Cathedral's spires rise majestically and can be seen for miles as you drive in. After my visit to this architecturally fascinating building, I was in need of sustenance and, pub man that I am, headed off in search of a hostelry.
The Old Cross
In an historic town what better than an historic Pub. The Old Cross, at 65 North Street, certainly looks the part with its half timbering and meandering roof tiles, not to mention the notice painted on one of the ceiling beams, announcing that the pub was build on Chapter land granted by King John himself. I was positive the place originated before Columbus was a lad. But alas, even an old pub hound like myself can be fooled now and then. In fact, the pub is far more youthful, having been built during the reign of George V (which Yanks may not realize ended in 1936).
To Drink:
The bar stocks Stella Artois, Fosters, Carling, Kronenburg 1664, and Guinness as well as Bombadier, Butcombe and Adnams Broadside. Stongbow Cider is also on tap. Wine is sold by the glass at 175ml, 250 ml, or by the bottle.
To Eat:
The menu is comprehensive with 14 main courses including Fish and Chips, Ham, Egg and Chips, BBQ Chicken, Sausage and Mash, Chicken Tikka Masala, Breaded Scampi, Grilled Rump Steak, Grilled Tuna Steak, Meatballs and Pasta, Quorn Pasta, Baked Lasagna, 8oz Rump Steak, Grilled Salmon, Blue Cheese & Walnut Bake (vegetarian), Salmon Pie and Oven Baked Pie of the Day.Roasts of the Day are served with new and roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding at £7.45. The server tells you what roasts are available.
There is a choice of eleven starters and snacks,including a soup. An interesting innovation, for an English pub at any rate, is that two dishes, Tempura Battered Chicken and Double Chilli Nachos, both served with loads of extras,are described as "something to share".
The menu also includes five burgers, seven salads, baked potatoes with seven different toppings, loads of sandwiches and desserts.
The Cost:
Cost of a pint ranges from Fosters at £2.51 to Stella at £2.91 a pint. The cheapest wine from the list is Riesling at £2.55 a 175 ml glass, £3.50 a 250 ml glass, while a bottle costs £9.50. Jacob's Creek Chardonnay is £2.65 for a small glass, £3.90 for a large, with a bottle at £9.85. Prices go up to £3.50 a glass and £15.15 for a bottle. A more expensive range of sparkling wines is sold only by the bottle.
Special Feature:
Because it's in a pedestrian precinct, there is plenty of room for comfortable sidewalk tables from which to people watch in warm weather. As I munched my cheese and bean baked potato, and watched the passing scene, I was joined by an elderly lady who informed me she usually sat at my table. She was clearly local, which is a good reference for the food since, in my humble opinion,locals always know where to go.
The Bottom Line:
The Old Cross is younger than it looks but a charming and very traditional pub nonetheless. The prices are about what you would expect for somewhere so central. However, fish and chips at £6.95 seems excessive. A good fish and chip shop would be much cheaper, although the ambiance wouldn't compare. However I would go again -- and even take a friend or relative, especially from overseas.
