Nothing quite completes a trip to the coast more than a visit to a good café, and Runcton Farm Café is well worth a stop. You’ll find it on the B2166 between Chichester and Bognor Regis. We floated in following a walk around Pagham Harbour. In need of some sustenance, we weren’t quite sure what it was that we wanted … cake, lunch or just coffee.
What’s on the menu?
Lots is the answer! Breakfast is served until 11.30 am with a hearty choice of full English, vegetarian options, Eggs Benedict, smashed avocado or granola. We arrived a little later in the day so while my friend tucked into a light lunch of soup of the day, I was persuaded to try both the cheese scones and Nutty Streusel. There was plenty of other choice, including salad, sandwiches, fish and chips, and macaroni cheese. We were served promptly and I cannot fault either the food or the service.
What’s the space like?
It’s great. There’s lots of parking in front of a barn that’s been converted into a bright, light modern space with plenty of space upstairs and down.
Local produce and eco credentials
Our waitress backed up what the menu stated, namely that Runcton use a lot of their own produce from the farm or from small, local producers. On the drinks menu, you can spot familiar local names: Ashling Park wine, Goodwood and Arundel ales, Chichester Harbour Gin and Silly Mow Cider. If I had a request, it would be for clearer provenance about the food and where it’s from but I know that is not always possible. Runcton is also powered by solar panels to help reduce their carbon footprint.
Why else visit?
Because there is PYO right next to the café and at the moment you can pick rhubarb, plums, sunflowers and blackberries (although do check what’s available before a visit). There is also the excellent farm shop next to the café where they have a delicatessen, butchery, lots of the farm’s produce and other local items. You can also buy Runcton produce at Chichester’s Farmers Market.
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