New Chichester pub set to open today

A new pub is set to open in Chichester city centre today (Friday, July 31), we spoke to one of the city's newest landlords:
By Joe Stack
Published 31st Jul 2020, 15:34 BST
Updated 31st Jul 2020, 17:30 BST
The Escapist in Crane StreetThe Escapist in Crane Street
The Escapist in Crane Street

Steve Pottinger and Tom Owen have set up The Escapist —a craft beer bar in Crane Street and, after months of planning and preparation, are ready to open to the public today.

The duo held a 'soft-launch' for friends and family on Wednesday and a small group of local businesses and people in the industry on Thursday to sample their wares.

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"That went really well," Steve said, "Everyone was really supportive and we just had a laugh with it really."

Steve Pottinger behind the barSteve Pottinger behind the bar
Steve Pottinger behind the bar

Strong support for plans to bring micropub into ChichesterThe pub will open its doors to the public at 4pm.

Steve said: "We are very excited. Nervous, excited and conscious of the whole Covid situation and making people feel comfortable and making people feel safe."

"It's about engineering that experience so that people feel confident and safe and enjoy their surroundings."

Craft beer and real ale are the pub's main focus but the menu will also a selection of wines and spirits.