New cocktail bar for Chichester stirs up mixed reactions

The announcement that a new cocktail bar and restaurant will be opening up in Chichester has stirred a mix of reactions from residents.
ks16000841-8 Chi Streets phot kate

South Street, Chichester.ks16000841-8 SUS-160718-144526008ks16000841-8 Chi Streets phot kate

South Street, Chichester.ks16000841-8 SUS-160718-144526008
ks16000841-8 Chi Streets phot kate South Street, Chichester.ks16000841-8 SUS-160718-144526008

A Rocking Horse bar is set to replace the Knife and Fork restaurant in South Street, however the news has divided members of the public.

Zoe McManus said: “Another wine bar that no-one can afford. There are lots of swanky shops that come to Chichester and then leave after few months.

“We need shops that we can actually afford.”

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Brenda Whitlock agreed: “The planners who control what goes on in Chichester are slowly killing what was once a lovely city.

“Ugly blocks of flats everywhere, mismatched buildings the lovely old butter market taken over by expensive shops.

“So glad I moved out but it saddens me to see the way things are going when I visit the city.”

Not everyone agreed, however.

Samuel Fieldhouse said: “I think it’s great. A local business with a solid USP and not to mention late opening – good luck to him.”

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Owner Igor Beaulieu has been given permission by Chichester District Council to open a second bar, following the success of his first one which opened in Worthing two years ago.

He plans to offer a smaller cocktail menu than Worthing at first, building every week and then opening for food.

“We want to make sure we can deliver and that everything is perfect,” he said.

Ambitious Igor, who describes himself as a chef and mixologist said his team created ‘the ultimate customer experience, taking guests on a journey and explaining the background to the drinks’.

Igor said he hoped to be open for business before the end of the year.

Permitted opening hours are 10am-11.30pm during the week and 10am-00.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.