Chichester Canal Centre Cafe

2 Canal Wharf, Chichester PO19 8WZ, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(43 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to the Chichester Canal Centre Cafe, a charming hidden gem that perfectly captures the essence of leisurely enjoyment along the picturesque Chichester Canal. Nestled at 2 Canal Wharf, this delightful cafe is not just a stop for refreshments; it's an experience to be savored.

What sets the Chichester Canal Centre Cafe apart is its commitment to community, as it is run by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about supporting the Canal Trust. This adds a heartwarming touch to your visit, knowing that every sip of coffee and bite of cake contributes to preserving the beauty of the canal and its surroundings.

As you arrive, you'll be welcomed by friendly staff who create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring. Picture yourself sitting outside, basking in the sun, surrounded by the gentle lapping of water, as you sip on a cup of their rich, aromatic coffee. The cafe boasts an excellent selection of homemade cakes, with standout options like the pecan slice, and a variety of savory snacks such as sausage rolls, sandwiches, and pork pies—all at reasonable prices. Customers rave about the lovely cakes and the wonderful coffee, making it a treat for your taste buds.

And let’s not forget the surroundings! Whether you take a leisurely stroll along the canal, hopping from one bench to another to admire the ducks, herons, and occasional kingfishers, or indulge in a delightful barge trip, the experience is truly enchanting. As John Bowers accurately put it, it’s a lovely spot to unwind with tea or coffee after a canal walk, and the atmosphere encourages visitors to linger a little longer.

Real visitors like Lillian Little express their delight at being able to enjoy a drink and a piece of cake while watching the world go by. This cafe is not just about food; it’s about crafting welcoming moments and creating lasting memories.

If you’re seeking a picturesque spot that combines delicious food, a welcoming community spirit, and a unique location, the Chichester Canal Centre Cafe is an absolute must-visit. Come for the great snacks and drinks, stay for the serene views and the sense of community—it’s more than just a cafe; it’s a charming experience waiting to unfold along the tranquil banks of the Chichester Canal.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Quiet
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

43 Reviews
Dave Morris

11 Sep 2025

A great place visit, pleasant welcoming staff, rowing boats for hire and a trip on one of the two boats that go up and down the canal is recommended, you can ducks, swans, moorhens, coots, herons and if you are lucky, little grebes, little egrets and kingfishers. Great snack food, coffee and cake etc available in the canal shop which is nextdoor to the visitor centre which shows you a potted history of the canal itself. The towpath is level and easily accessible for wheelchair users. Well worth a visit.

Lillian Little

04 Aug 2025

Run by volunteers. The canal is a lovely place to go to. Whether for a walk alongside the water. Or just sit outside the cafe and enjoy a drink of coffee and a piece of cake. Or go on one of the barges. You'll soon be back.

John Bowers

23 Jul 2025

A lovely place to stop for tea or coffee and a cake after a canal walk. Very friendly staff and the coffee was really good as was the pecan slice! Sit outside and watch the canal activity… and it’s all run by volunteers. Well done you guys!

John Macdonald

17 Jul 2025

Well worth a visit to support the Canal Trust, they do a wonderful job. Cakes were lovely. It's great to eat outside by the basin if the weather is nice.

Jonathan Hinton

05 Jul 2025

A delightful cafe at the Canal Basin, decent coffee & rocky road after an 8 mile round walk, near the train & bus station Offers outdoor seating & takeaway Friendly staff

Szymon Malecki-Willis

13 Jun 2025

Nice cafe by the Chichester canal. I like the fact is run by local volunteers and in support of great initiative. Lovely cake! Well priced.

Lin Corbin

07 Jun 2025

Lovely cafe at the end of the canal. Coffee great and sausage rolls very tasty. Offered to warm them in microwave but they were lovely cold. Other selections in the fridge ... sandwiches, pork pies etc all reasonably priced. Nice selection of cakes to. Welcoming and helpful staff.

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