The name is derived from the Sussex Yeoman Cavalry. I believe that on its opening day, a representative of the Sussex Cavalry was present. A uniform used to be displayed in the entrance.

Special thanks to Glen for this picture taken in the 1970s. We might dare to say this is one of the earliest known. Mark O'Keeffe informs us that it was his father, Joseph, who constructed the Welcome sign. Andy O'Keeffe, Mark's brother, confirms this and adds that their father also did some of the other landscaping as well as the paving in the corner of the car park that used to be a short cut into the park beyond.

Built in 1967 by the Tamplins group, it is currently part of the Hungry Horse (Green King) chain of restaurant pubs.

We tend to regard this sort of pub as a 'Road house', designed to be seen by the approaching traveller, inviting them in for rest and recuperation, hence its critical position next to a main road into Worthing.

Currently, as with the George in Goring Road and a few others, it is a family-oriented restaurant with affordable prices, with the majority of the inside space dedicated to dining.

Worthing Herald August 1974:

A whisky tasting party at the Sussex Yeoman was arranged to raise money for the Golden Lion Children's Trust, which provides holiday outings for deprived children.

The host was Larry Peasland (left) and his wife, Eileen. Adrian Dew (centre) of Gilbey Vintners, with Lynda Husbands and Harry Davis, of British Caledonian Airways. 200 guests attended and raised £80. (over £800 in todays money)

The fire broke out at the pub in the early hours of January 12. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, and no one was injured. In February, Sussex Police said that enquiries continued into the cause of the fire, with the incident being treated as deliberate.

Pub bosses confirmed that the pub will reopen in June with a fully refreshed interior including new flooring, furnishings and significant repairs. The outside area has also been refurbished with new furniture, upgraded fencing, and a large outdoor playground for children.

Time Line

A little bit more

???? - Ernest (Fred) & Eileen Steer - dates unknown
???? - Ron Stafford - dates unknown
1975 - 80s Ron & Marion
1981 - 1985 Eddie and Carol Griffin
1982 - Brian & Christine
2016 - Dean Harris-Eckett, general manager
2025 - Dave Morgan

From the Worthing Journal: 1967: The names Winston Churchill and The Limbrick were rejected for a new pub at the junction of Palatine Road and Littlehampon Road. The Sussex Yeoman was chosen instead.