This is arguably the first picture of the original Golden Lion. We say arguably because there has been some doubt cast as to its first name.

It was going to be called 'The Durrington Arms' according to planning permission (later rejected). A newspaper referred to it as The White Lion, that may have been a typing error. Residents of a certain age' only ever recall it as the Golden Lion.

An enlarged picture shows that the pub appeared to be constructed from two prefabricated buildings made of reclaimed timber and stone rendering. The gap between the two made up the covered entrance. it opened on the 1st of August 1951.

This photograph, looking south, shows the plot of land sold by Fox and Sons for the future position of the new pub, whose current location was, like the building itself, temporary.

You can see the back of the prefab structure in the top right. Presumably, the rectangular building at the rear of the huts were the toilets.

The sales board does say Golden Lion by the way. Building began in 1962, which means the pre-fab lasted for a little over 10 years. Durrington railway station is visible at the top of the Causeway.

An article from the Worthing Herald announcing the opening of the 'Golden Lion' on the 25th July 1951. It's nice to see confirmation of the pub's name in print on opening day.

The article goes on: 'As customers waited for "mine host" Mr G Stietencron to open the doors of the Golden Lion. Mr Baker said: We find with the present restrictions that the only way we can meet the demands of people who come to live in the new post-war housing estates is by building this type of house"

Right: A recent discovery, and may have been an accompanying picture of the newspaper article above.

An improved view of the Golden Lions frontage. We can see how the gap between the two prefab buildings was covered over to make the building more presentable. I'm sure the addition of the garden would have made it more homely.

At the time it was ideally positioned to catch commuters alighting the train on their way home from work. The move a little north to its present position would however place it across the road from the newly constructed Strand Parade shops.

Left, Walter (Wally) Baxter and his wife Christina outside the Golden Lion - with Prince the dog. Landlords of the Golden Lion 1956/60
Walters' son, Les recalls - Regarding the original layout, the off-licence was central on the front elevation, with entrance lobbies on each side leading to the Public (right) & Saloon (left) bars looking from the outside.

The new pub incorporated features that were new for the time. The most revolutionary was the abandonment of the traditional pumps. These were replaced by a system using compressed air fed by a compressor in the cellar. The system provided exact
units of half pints into oversized half & 1 pint glasses, the idea being that drinks were served with a good head, without any spillage. It was not very popular at first, but the regulars soon got used to it. Strangers often complained that they had been given a short measure.

The bottled beers were stored directly behind the Saloon bar servery, with roller shutters at the back of the shelves, so that they could be stacked without interfering with the bar staff at busy times. Piped music was installed, which was a very new innovation for the time. (Picture courtesy of Les Baxter)

October 2011, closed for around ten days, the Golden Lion has had a bit of a polish up, a new paint job outside, and we're pleased to say the name is now in gold.

The refit is more of a freshen up. It is essentially an open bar, but there are distinct sections. A pool table and a large open area are ideal for the younger, more active patrons.

Elsewhere, two seating areas are set back from the bar for those who like to relax and enjoy a chat. The eating area is large and spacious and leads on to a small secluded back garden.

Re-launched in and renamed: Their welcome is,

Dan and the Team would like to welcome you to the Castle (formerly the Golden Lion), Goring-by-Sea’s local pub with a buzz! Join us for a drink (or two!) and browse our menu full of your favourite pub classics.

Whether it's a catch up after work, watching the game or a night out with friends - our pub is always a Hive of activity. If you are a sports enthusiast, come along and enjoy all the action on TNT Sport & Sky Sports every week

Colin and I visited in May shortly after it opened and chatted with Dan about his plans and aspirations. He, and Green King, have taken a rather staid, set in its ways pub and refurnished throughout. Dan's desires are to make it the community pub that it should be.

There is a clear emphasis on family dining, but thankfully not at the expense of those who pop in for a pint. There is a leaning towards televised sport but there are live music events too.

We at worthingpubs don't do pub reviews, we just say what we see and record it as time passes. However this was a much needed modernisation that we liked.

 Time Line

 A little bit extra

1951 - Gustav Von Stietencron
1953 - John and Joan Ford
1956 - 1960 Walter (Wally) Baxter and wife Christina
1960 - ? Mr & Mrs Rekless
1971 - 1973 William & Joan Hardy
1980s - Paul Jeacock & Jean

It is notable that Walter Baxter, listed on the left, was the last landlord of the old Golden Lion and the first of the new..