Chichester coffee shop brings summer courtyard magic to Christmas with free community carol singing

A hidden courtyard just off Chichester’s East Street is getting extra festive this Christmas, as Robin’s Nest Coffee Shop invites the local community to come together for an hour of free carol singing.

The independent café, tucked away in Baffins Court, is holding Carols in the Courtyard this Christmas after the popularity of its summer live music evenings showed just how much people enjoyed coming together in the space.

The event will take place on Wednesday 23rd December from 5pm, with everyone welcome to join in for an hour of traditional Christmas carols. There is no charge and no need to book, and hot chocolate and hot homemade soup will be available to buy on the night.

Owner Rose Bewick said the idea came from seeing the response to the café’s summer music events.

“Our summer courtyard evenings were so popular, and what really struck me was how much people enjoyed simply being together. We had customers, families, friends and people who had never met before all sharing the same space, listening to music and enjoying the evening.

“We thought, why should that stop when summer does? We wanted to do something a little bit special for Christmas that was about the community we’ve built here, rather than just another Christmas event.”

Robin’s Nest Coffee Shop opened in June 2024 and has grown from a small independent coffee shop into a community-focused space, with regular events including run clubs, supper clubs, book swaps and other local activities.

The café’s courtyard has become an important part of that, particularly during the summer, when live music brought people together for evenings of homemade food, local wines and beers and fantastic live music.

Rose said the Christmas event is intended to capture that same feeling in a much more traditional festive setting.

“Christmas can sometimes feel like everything is about spending money or having the perfect Christmas. We wanted to offer something really simple — come along, sing some carols, have a hot chocolate or a bowl of soup, and spend an hour with other people.

“Whether you come with friends and family, or come on your own, we’d love people to feel welcome.”

Carols in the Courtyard will take place at Robin’s Nest Coffee Shop, Baffins Court, Chichester, on Wednesday 23rd December from 5pm.

Entry is free and there is no need to book. Hot chocolate and hot soup will be available to purchase.