A welcoming Mortehoe pub with a broad, globally influenced menu, generous portions and strong family appeal, though food quality and upkeep appear less consistent outside peak periods.
Chichester Arms delivers strong food quality anchored by homemade cooking and generous portions, though inconsistent execution, particularly with reheating issues, prevents a higher grade. Friendly service and the appealing village setting with beer garden create a welcoming destination for post-walk dining, but variable consistency across visits keeps it from approaching grade A territory.
Chichester Arms is the sort of village pub that earns its keep after a coastal walk: welcoming staff, a cosy atmosphere, local beer and cider, and an outdoor space that reviewers repeatedly enjoy. The mood is relaxed rather than polished—one recurring impression is of a warm, dog-friendly refuge where a drink and a substantial plate feel like the natural finish to the day. The kitchen takes a broad global-comfort-food route rather than sticking to a narrow British pub repertoire. Goat curry, jerk tofu, tandoori dishes, tagine, tacos and Korean-style burgers sit alongside fish fingers, burgers and sandwiches. Most diners praise the flavors, variety and generous portions, but a minority describe reheated, over-fried or poorly coordinated meals, suggesting that timing and kitchen execution matter. Prices remain moderate for the portion sizes, with a typical three-course meal around £29-42 before drinks. Families are particularly well served: the current children's menu includes fish fingers, mac and cheese, burgers, chicken goujons, spaghetti and meatballs, and a vegan falafel salad, generally priced at £8.25-9.50. Reviews also describe the pub as good for children and dogs, while one detailed account reports careful handling of a severe peanut allergy. Picky eaters have familiar choices, although adventurous diners will get more from the globally influenced adult menu.
Area vibe: Coastal rural area popular for outdoor activities and seaside tourism.
Safety: Generally safe and quiet, but limited street lighting in villages after dark.
What's nearby: Near Woolacombe beach, Morte Point coastal paths, coastal walking, and holiday accommodations.
The menu’s strongest bets range from goat curry and jerk tofu to a fish finger sandwich and Korean burger.
Expect a cosy post-walk pub with generous portions and an adventurous menu, but allow for occasional inconsistency from the kitchen.
Its appeal is a warm, dog-friendly coastal-walk refuge with a log fire, outdoor seating, and an unpolished village-pub character.