Chichester pub’s charity bakery raises £10k for charity during third lockdown

The Horse and Groom offered the East and West Ashling community freshly-baked goods, including bread, sweet treats, and pastries, in a Covid-safe environment.

The pub has donated 100 per cent of its profits to three charities – Chichester homelessness charity Stonepillow, Dementia Support in Tangmere, and the Mental Health Foundation.

Gary McDermott, head chef and manager of the Horse & Groom, said: “We’re very grateful for the team who volunteered their own time and brought the community together during these tough times.”

Gary met Natalie Burchett from Dementia Support and Stonepillow chief executive Hilary Bartle to present them with their share of the £9,944 raised through the bakery.

The team at the Horse and Groom is ready to welcome guests back inside from Monday (May 17) and offer them an opportunity to try out the new menu, which includes: local Selsey crab with compressed watermelon, champagne pickled cucumber, soya and toasted sesame; chargrilled asparagus with crispy hens’ egg, white asparagus, basil, pine nuts, nasturtium leaves and parmesan; local herb crust lamb loin with barbecued aubergine, garden pea, garlic gnocchi, braised lamb shoulder and suet crust; and cured cod loin, brown shrimp, chive fish cream, poached leeks, charred leek and buttered Jersey Royal potatoes.

There’s also a selection of new bar bites – crispy mozzarella balls, spiced tomato chutney, mini pie and peas – as well as cocktails, including a frozen peach sorbet bellini and a toffee apple cocktail made with apples from owner Annoushka Ducas’ garden.

The pub also finished refurbishing its ten bedrooms during lockdown, which are now ready for guests to stay.

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