Field & Fork at Pallant House Gallery

Some years ago (well the late 1980's to be precise, but that dates me...) there was a memorable advertising campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi promoting the Victoria & Albert Museum in London as "An ace caff, with quite a nice museum attached."  That's very much how I feel about the fabulous Field and Fork restaurant at the Chichester based Pallant House Gallery.  I've been countless times to eat there but never ventured to look around.  Home to an award winning collection of 20th Century British Art, I know there will be lots of interesting things to see.  I shall remedy my neglect by starting with a first visit to the forthcoming special exhibition on Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (9 July - 2 October).  It looks set to be stunning.

The Field & Fork restaurant is one of those gems which works well at any time of day, whether for coffee and pastries, a tempting lunch menu, tea and cake in the afternoon, or evening dining.  In good weather the courtyard adjacent to the restaurant is an ideal place to relax in the open air, surrounded by London plane trees and sculpture.  All very inspiring.  My lunch choice on Saturday was a taste of Summer on a plate.  Beautifully cooked turbot with pea puree and clams, with a crab stuffed courgette flower displayed as a prize jewel on top.  Delicious and worth sidestepping my usual favourites of crayfish omlette with lobster sauce, or the red mullet open sandwich.  The starters, main courses and desserts are all well put together and reflect the Chef's passion for local, seasonal ingredients - often sourced from F&F's new half acre greenhouse providing the restaurant with the freshest vegetables, salads and soft fruit.  Well worth a special journey (and essential to book to avoid disappointment), I think Field & Fork is the best place to eat in Chichester.