Purchases Chichester — Restaurant in Chichester

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Purchases in Chichester, and the experience was nothing short of fantastic. Having previously enjoyed their covered outdoor courtyard for drinks, I decided to book a table in advance for lunch, a decision that proved wise given the restaurant's popularity.

The atmosphere at Purchases is consistently relaxed, making it the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience. The staff deserves special mention for their impeccable balance of attentiveness and respect for personal space – a rare quality that enhanced our overall enjoyment.

The culinary journey began with a choice of freshly baked bread, setting the stage for what turned out to be a gastronomic adventure. The a la carte menu, extensive and thoughtfully curated, presented a tantalising array of options. Notably, the inclusion of numerous gluten-free and vegan choices showcased the restaurant's commitment to catering to diverse tastes.

Opting for the three-course menu, our appetisers were a delightful start. We enjoyed the heritage tomatoes with ricotta cheese, and a coarse pate with brioche. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing the chef's dedication to quality ingredients and culinary craftsmanship.

For the main course, we both chose the mushroom and spinach risotto with parmesan cream – a symphony of flavours that left us thoroughly satisfied. The desserts, an apple tarte tatin and a warm chocolate brownie, provided a sweet conclusion to our culinary journey, both elegantly served with a generous scoop of velvety ice cream. The apple tarte tatin, a perfect blend of sweet and tart, was beautifully complemented by the cool, creamy ice cream. Similarly, the warm chocolate brownie, with its rich indulgence, found a delightful partner in the accompanying ice cream.

Purchases' commitment to non-alcoholic options was evident in the extensive mocktail menu. As a driver, I opted for one, and I must say it could easily fool anyone into thinking it contained spirits. A refreshing and responsible choice!

Throughout the entire experience, the staff ensured we felt genuinely well looked after, adding a personal touch to the culinary excellence. In summary, Purchases is a culinary gem in Chichester that consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience. I eagerly anticipate my next visit to explore more of their tantalising menu.

If you're looking for a dining experience that combines a relaxed atmosphere, attentive staff, and a diverse menu, Purchases is the place to be. Highly...

This restaurant seems to have unacceptable communication issues and absolutely terrible customer service which totally ruined our evening.

As someone making a booking with a Guide Dog the restaurant were sent a special request as part of that procedure. (A table next to a wall and away from any entrance or exit was requested so the dog could settle out of the way of everyone.) This is usual and never a problem with any other restaurants / pubs / hotels etc. Our booking was confirmed by email and was nearly a month before the booking date. Then we received a phone call a week before the booking when the special request was again checked and confirmed. Then a few days before the booking we received a phone checking we still wanted the booking. Once again the special request was mentioned and confirmed. Then on the day, two hours before the booking we phoned the restaurant to check all was okay and we were reassured by them. Once again the special request was checked. Then 15mins before our booking we received a phone call asking if we were still coming as we were late. We were not but we reiterated our special request then too. When we arrived we were taken to a back room and given a table not next to a wall, right next to the entrance to the room which both public and staff use, and one very close indeed to another table. The staff fussed around, leaving us standing in the middle of the restaurant, with several different staff informing us that was "all they had", offering us the chance to sit and wait for they "didn't know how long" in an outdoor terrace (in February!). Absolutely no kindness was shown or reasonable apology for an inappropriate table. We were offered a credit note for drinks at another visit but since we are from Worcestershire and after our insensitive treatment this was pointless and felt like a way of being fobbed off. We were very disappointed indeed having had the restaurant recommended for our holiday in the Chichester area. However The Ivy around the corner, despite turning up without a booking, were sympathetically outstanding in their welcoming, staff politeness and kindness, accommodating the dog and serving very good food. Needless to say we would not recommend...

I always enjoyed going for drinks/food to Purchases, but yesterday was a big disappointment. Yes, yesterday was a NYE and a busy day for them, so I understand not all the staff were so experienced, but we deserved at least a proper apology after the waitress spilled drinks on our table. We, four of us, got there in the late afternoon and sat in the garden where it wasn't very busy that time. Firstly, bringing drinks that weren't even for our table to us and then spilling all three drinks all over our table and us (two of them redish colour, seemed like tomato juice or similar in them) without a proper apology. The drinks went on my gloves and my husband's coat - I was glad that I had a blanket over my new coat, so the blanket got it instead of my new coat. I really liked Purcheses, but I think we deserved at least a proper apology, at least from the waitress who caused it. Telling the manager/owner that drinks got spilled over our table and over us, he got a waiter to clean the floor. The waiter came and threw a bucket of water on the ground and left. At least the owner/manager came to clean it properly, as well as the table. We finally got our drinks. Asking for the bill at the end, the owner/manager brought the bill to us and I really thought that he will say at least you can have a drink on us given what has happened, I jokingly make a remark about a discount for the disaster, but he just charged us with and took the whole price and left. After going there for a few years, I was really disappointed with how the issue was dealt with. What a shame as I told our friends who came to visit us for NYE from London about that place, and although we all understand that it was a busy day for them and this can happen to anyone, we thought they really could deal with it all much more professionally. What a...