About Fernleigh
Nestled within Chichester’s city walls, Fernleigh brings independent shopping, good food, wellness and events together under one roof.
Independently owned by a local family, we’re a little like a small department store, with something different to discover on each floor. But alongside the shops, you’ll find places to eat, meet, move, relax and spend time together. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re popping in for coffee or making an afternoon of it.
One address, plenty to explore
Our Georgian townhouse at 40 North Street has been part of Chichester’s story for generations. Today, its four floors are home to a community of independent businesses, each bringing their own ideas, expertise and personality to the building.
Browse Little Cowdray’s farm shop and lifestyle collection, discover plants at The Little Botanical, shop dog accessories at Lola&Toff or find inspiration at Easel Art Supplies. Upstairs, The Beauty Room and Reformed Pilates offer time for yourself, from massage and specialist skin treatments to on-demand sessions and instructor-led classes.
Come for one thing and leave having discovered something else.
Good food at the heart of it
Our kitchen is a big part of life at Fernleigh. Head Chef Claire brings years of experience in London’s Michelin-starred kitchens to delicious brunch and lunch dishes, with seasonal ingredients and plenty of choice for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Wherever possible, we work with Sussex farmers, growers and suppliers. As an independent business ourselves, we care about supporting the people producing great food close to home.
Join us for brunch, catch up over lunch or settle into the bar for coffee, wine and cocktails. Before you leave, take a wander through the rest of the building.
A place to come together
Fernleigh is somewhere to enjoy familiar company and meet new people. Our events calendar includes workshops, comedy nights and opportunities to try something different.
Our private rooms also give businesses space to step away from the office, hold meetings, share ideas and collaborate. They’re equally at home hosting a family celebration or a gathering of friends.
“When we think about the future of the high street, we think about giving people reasons to come in, spend time and come back. At Fernleigh, that might be a brilliant lunch, an independent shop, a fitness class or an evening of comedy.
We want to bring people and businesses together, support local talent and make this beautiful building part of everyday life in Chichester. Somewhere you feel comfortable walking into, and somewhere you’re pleased to have found.”
Victoria Hilditch, General Manager
History of Fernleigh
Fernleigh’s history reaches far beyond its elegant early-19th-century flint and yellow-brick façade. This part of North Street had already lived many lives before the current townhouse was built.
In the 17th century, the original building belonged to William Cawley, MP for Chichester in 1628. By 1731, it was owned by innkeeper Rowland Burrow, who later sold it to merchant John Dearling of Cathedral Close. Under Dearling and fellow merchant John Ridge, it became known as The Banqueting House, with a malthouse (later a brewhouse), stables, outbuildings and gardens.