Down View - West Worthing - 1890 to 2017

 

 

The Downview Hotel has changed little since it was first built in 1891. As was common at the time, the arrival of West Worthing Station started a building spree which more often than not, starts with a pub and Hotel combination for potential travellers.

The building is feature-rich with a traditional Dutch gable frontage popular at the time. Other pubs in the area, such as the Grand Victoria across the road from the main Worthing Station, as well as the Southdown pub, echo these designs.

Closer examination reveals various signs of branding by the Kemp Town Brewery (KTB) who apparently refaced the lower floor with brickwork in 1928.

Standing at the junction of Downview Road and Tarring Road, with the railway crossings on our right hand side, we look west and there is a noticeable absence of buildings beyond the pub. Open land streches into the distance.

It is noticeable that the elegant protruding frontage would later diminish into something more bland.

   
   
   
1983
   

A local newspaper reported on the Downview's extensive alterations and refurbishment.

Pictures are of landlords Tony and Jan, who had been there for fourteen months.

The games room was repositioned to give players more room away from the bar. The lounge bar was enlarged and included an open fireplace. A function room was incorporated for various social events.

   
2004
   

Pictured Allan and Christine Bates, landlords.

An unusual event took place at the pub. Co-operative Funeralcare was compiling a book based on unique last wishes and picked the pub as an interesting place to do a survey.

Beer mats had been printed carrying the slogan 'Last orders' on a purple background. Allan the landlord said 'People think it is a bit strange, we have had a few of the older ones mention it, they're in their 90s and haven't got long so they don't want to be reminded of death.'

   
2011
   
   
   
2017
   
July the 16th proved to be a sad day for the Downview pub in West Worthing - closing its doors for the final time.
Its future now lies in the hands of developers who we understand to be looking at conversion into flats.
   
2019 May 24th
   
   
Work underway in the conversion of this uniquely styled building into apartments. It's always a sad
moment when we lose yet another pub, but on the upside, the building will remain.
Thanks to Axio Special Works Ltd for permission to use these last pictures - safety equipment supplied.
   

 Time Line

 A little bit extra