UK Edition
Daytripper: let's visit...Chichester
'It's pronounced Chai, like the tea, not Chi, as in energy," Danny Herbert, manager of Artie's Kitchen, corrected me. "Or Chai-biza," chimes in his colleague Chloe. Danny turns to her, surprised: "Is that really a thing?"
"Among university students going out on a Saturday, yes," says Chloe. "It's definitely known as Chai-biza."
"Crikey," mutters Danny, raising one eyebrow. "I'm not down with the kids enough any more."
And he looks around 10 years younger than me (at 41, not ancient) - should I get out now?
Nestled at the foot of the South Downs, within a stone's throw of the coast, historical sights, a thriving art scene and just under three miles from Goodwood - Chichester or "Chi" if you're down with the kids - pretty much has it all.
From June 17 to July 16, the Chichester Festival will host more than 200 events from jazz to theatre to poetry, exhibitions to walks and everything in between, celebrating the best of what this town in West Sussex has to offer.
And quite frankly, if its humdrum, day-to-day art offerings are anything to go by, the festival will be a goody. Chichester Festival Theatre - currently starring Richard Wilson in Forty Years On, to critical acclaim (last day today, sadly) - is one of the best theatres outside London. Shows often debut here before hitting the West End. The cathedral hosts concerts and events year round, and the Novium Museum is currently hosting a must-see exhibition on Tim Peake.
Chichester's pedestrianised East Street is largely chain stores, a curious mix of TK Maxx, Topshop, and Space NK, and middle-class restaurant chains from Wahaca to Carluccio's. But delve a little deeper and there are some quirky independents - from Draper's Yard, a little "village" of sheds housing independent craftsmen and businesses to The Rocking Horse, a recently opened cocktail bar on Southgate.
If fresh air is more your thing, the South Downs are on your doorstep, as are the Wittering beaches and the tiny cutesie town of Bosham. And Goodwood is a short bus or taxi ride away, constantly busy with summer line-up including the Festival of Speed at the end of June, Qatar Goodwood Festival in August and Goodwood Revival in September.
Visitors Sharon Jamieson from the Isle of Man and her son Chris had met in Chichester for a family 30th birthday at the races at Goodwood, followed it up with a night out in "Chi-biza" and, after a spot of shopping, were pondering a walk around the town's historic walls when I found them scrutinising a map.
"It's got it all," they confirmed. "We've been here for the theatre before - it's an excellent weekend destination."
Perhaps, I conclude after a day spent meandering Chi's streets, not just for kids.
The Walk
More than 80 per cent of the original walls surrounding the Roman town of "Noviomagus Reginorum" are still intact today, 1,800 years since they were first built. While away a morning or afternoon exploring the walls in their 1.5-mile entirety.
The cathedral
Not only is this building a magnificent sight in itself, but from April to July visitors can peek (via webcam) into the nest of a pair of peregrines that have made the cathedral's south-east turret their home.
The pub
You'll need to drive out of town to visit the Crown & Anchor at Dell Quay - or take a brisk 40-minute walk - but this pub beside the harbour is worth it. Fast building a reputation for serving fresh, local seafood and fish you can often enjoy a pint to some live music, too.
The tapas
Great food and a warm welcome awaits at Artie's Kitchen, another little independent on Southgate. Head chef Ruben hails from Barcelona and is as well known for his cakes as his savoury concoction.
The coffee (and wine)
Owner-run Attibassi sits behind St Pancras church on Eastgate Square and serves up Italian coffee and delicious cakes as well as Italian-inspired flatbreads and sharing platters. The wine list, if you're interested, includes organic, vegan, vegetarian and biodynamic options. Quirky.
The vintage shop
With Goodwood Revival a big event in the local calendar, Chichester has a couple of cracking vintage shops - The One Legged Jockey on Crane Street and Retro & Vintage on Eastgate Square.
