Time spent bumbling around Midhurst is always time well spent. There is a fabulous choice of independent shops which include everything from clock repairs, bookshops, vintage collectibles, fashion and interiors. But at some point, as you browse, you may find yourself in need of sustenance! Cue the town’s café culture. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee shops in Midhurst.
We last visited the coffee shops of Midhurst a couple of years ago, before the fire at The Angel. Returning, it was sad to see a few of our favourite cafés are no longer open but good to see some familiar favourites going strong and a couple of new faces in town.
For the Francophiles
The Midhurst Bakery is perfect if you’re in need of a French fix. Grab supplies of cheese, wine and baguettes but don’t forget to grab a pastry too. If you have time and it’s sunny, enjoy your coffee outside on the pavement and imagine yourself to be in a quaint market town in Normandy. Just down the road is their French restaurant if you need a bit more of France.
Lots of local
Still hungry? Cross the road to Coskuns Café (with a little garden and great for coffee and cake) and Fitzcane’s (which gets good reviews for breakfast and brunch) and as you walk along North Street, this is followed in quick succession by Kemaelli’s (a café and restaurant with good reviews for its full English and service) and Tilly’s (A tea room run by husband and wife team Neil and Teresa Cannings. They are not open every day so check first if a visit here is on your list).
Knockhundred tea
Olde worlde English charm and proper Sussex fodder await you at the Midhurst Museum Tea Rooms. Set in a 16th century hayloft located above the museum in Knockhundred Market, they serve Sussex cream teas and Sussex cheese teas! Happy days. They are open Tuesday to Saturday and it’s worth trying to combine a visit with a look around the tiny museum for a real taste of Midhurst
Avoid the stocks
Away from the hustle and bustle of North Street, in Market Square, is Gartons Coffee House. With tables in the pedestrian square, there’s a sense of tranquillity here although with the old stocks just around the corner, I felt a little nervous. Try and combine a visit here with the monthly market (first Saturday of the month) and a walk up to the ruins at St Anne’s Hill.
And stock up on local produce
Not far from Market Square, is Comestibles in Red Lion Street. We stopped here for lunch after a rainy morning exploring Woolbeding Common. There’s also a deli so perfect for stocking with artisan produce. It would be easy to miss this end of town but there’s lots of little shops tucked away and worth a visit.
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