The Cockpit Cafe

Military Aviation Museum, Gamecock Terrace, Tangmere, Chichester PO20 2ES, United Kingdom
+44 7471 686776
$$$ Cafe
(33 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Cockpit Cafe, a charming retreat nestled within the renowned Military Aviation Museum on Gamecock Terrace in Tangmere, Chichester. This delightful cafe is not just a place to grab a bite; it's an experience that celebrates the local aviation heritage while serving up heartwarming meals in a friendly atmosphere.

Upon arriving, you're greeted by the warm smiles of the staff, eager to make your visit memorable. The Cockpit Cafe boasts ample seating both inside and out, making it an inviting spot to enjoy a coffee or a leisurely meal, regardless of the weather. For those traveling with four-legged companions, you'll be pleased to know that the cafe welcomes dogs, allowing you to enjoy your time without leaving your furry friend behind.

The menu here offers a superb selection, perfect for breakfast or lunch, with an emphasis on freshly prepared ingredients at reasonable prices. Customers rave about the Hercules breakfast, which many describe as excellent value for money. From scrumptious sandwiches to hearty meals, the cafe's offerings cater to a variety of tastes. A standout favorite is the legendary Coronation Chicken sandwich, fondly remembered by guests as one of the best they've ever tasted.

Make sure to take in the environment as you dine. The cafe harmoniously blends its aviation theme with a cozy, quaint decor, making it an inviting place to relax. It’s frequently bustling with visitors, particularly on sunny days when guests spill out onto the outdoor seating area to enjoy their meals al fresco. Patrons appreciate the cafe not only for its food but also for the unique experience of being part of the Military Aviation Museum's vibrant atmosphere.

Real customer experiences echo the inviting nature of The Cockpit Cafe. Liz Johns stumbled upon this gem by chance and was delighted with the friendly service and variety of options available. Similarly, Nicolas Povall, a local, discovered the cafe anew after years in Tangmere and praised the superb lunch offerings. Guest reviews highlight the consistent quality of food and service — from well-prepared breakfasts to delightful lunches, it’s clear this cafe has quite a following.

In summary, The Cockpit Cafe is a hidden treasure that not only offers delicious food but also warmly welcomes its visitors. Whether you're taking a break from exploring the aviation exhibits or simply looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a meal, this cafe is sure to leave a lasting impression. Don’t miss your opportunity to experience this local favorite — friendly faces, delicious meals, and an aviation-themed backdrop await you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Free water refills
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cheques
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

33 Reviews
liz johns

26 Aug 2025

Found this friendly little cafe by chance and what a find it was! Plenty of seating inside and out, free parking and dogs welcome. Very good choice for breakfasts and lunches, freshly prepared and at reasonable prices. Staff were friendly and with a nice welcome. Will definitely return!

Nicolas Povall

22 Aug 2025

Loverly little gem of cafe, mothers lived in Tangmere for 15 years and I never knew we could come here for a quality lunch, staff are superb and the sandwiches were great

Stewart Wilkins

03 Aug 2025

Absolutely brilliant Cafe, with a wide range of offerings, friendly staff and of course a super position. I dreamt of a Coronation Chicken sandwich, and lo, they delivered! The best CC sandwich I have had in many a year!

WB52

30 Jul 2025

The café itself is a pleasant place to sit, inside or out. Dogs can sit outside. What makes it a lot more attractive is that it's part of the Tangmere Military Air Museum - a small but interesting place to visit.

Roamin Gnome

23 Jun 2025

The ladies are very welcoming and friendly. It's a lovely quaint little place tucked away in the corner. The toast was possibly gluten free as it was super crispy. We weren't asked what type of bread we preferred. I don't mind sunny-side eggs but hubby prefers well-done. Again there was no choice but otherwise the food was great.

Judi Groom

27 May 2025

Opted for the Hercules breakfast excellent value. Friendly efficient staff. Highly recommend. Gets very busy. Seating outside weather permitting.

Join the The Cockpit Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.