Owned by Forward Inn's, the Cockle and Bacon theme was that of a Victorian Music Hall. The opening blurb read:

"A titillation of bars and eating areas offer the empyrean delights of ambrosian foods and delectable drinks throughout the day and far into the evening". The name was derived (they said) from a traditional English dish!

As far as we are aware, this was Forwards inn's second establishment in Worthing, the first being The Dickens Inn in Ann Street. Here the food was basic and the draw was the alcohol whereas the Cockle and Bacon was intended to be the reverse, but as time moved on it would prove otherwise.

Newspaper article from the same year. A flat owner was complaining that the Cockle & Bacon were allowing customers to sit, eat and drink on the premises roof which was directly below the flat owners window. It has been said that the couple seen in the picture are Ron and Denise Clack, the landlords of the Royal Oak!

We are not aware of the outcome. Thanks to Pat Heffer from Worthing Past and Present Facebook page.

1993: Freddie Feest paid a visit to the Cockle and Bacon and described it as 'informal and relaxing'. Peter Curry, who had worked there, later returned as its new owner and was keen to provide popular British classics dishes but also offer something a little more continental as well. There is also an upstairs room for private parties and receptions.

A long but narrow bar serves Directors at £1.50 a pint and bitter at 75p a half. Large blackboards show exactly what food is on offer. Pictured chef Ian Freeman, Peter Curry (centre) and Anna Orchard.
Our thanks to Peter Raymond for his help.

It is no small sense of irony that the building is now home to Anchored, a micro-pub with the intension of selling nothing else than alcohol in its various forms.

 Time Line

 A little bit extra

1986 - 1991 Cockle & Bacon

It has since opened as Anchored Micropub