The Vine is the newest 'old' pub in the village of Tarring. The building itself dates back to around the 1600s. Despite its more modern appearance, there is no doubt that the fascia is a Victorian-style build. However, we believe a timber framework may still exist underneath, as reflected in many of the other buildings in that end of the street.

The picture (left), is possibly dated around the start of the 19th century and clearly shows the lower floor had three protruding bays, each with its own door. The woman standing out front is thought to be Mrs Parsons, wife of Henry Parsons, Landlord. The building was once a school for a period.

The picture right, taken we believe in the 1900s, shows the original three doors, one to the saloon, one to the lounge and one to an off licence. A larger barn like door next to the distant bicycle was the entrance to the brewery and yard.

As yet, we don't know who the people depicted are, but we suspect the gentleman in the white coat may have been a farmer (or possibly the brewer?) and the other two, regular customers happy to be recorded for prosperity.

This picture is a tongue-in-cheek recreation by John Chambers (Far right) landlord in 1986 and Bob Watkins (Blonde hair) his manager. Note now only one central enterance.

Bob later went on to become the landlord before moving on to manage the Castle Inn (Newlands Road) and then the Sussex Yeoman in Brighton. Thanks to the late Dick Pike for that information.

John Chambers was one of the most popular and remembered landlords, famed for his beer festivals in the village.

It has been said that one of the landlord had, for many years, lived in the house next door. After it was sold, as a private residence, the new owners couldn't understand why they didn't get an electricity bill. It transpires that it had been connected to the pub's supply (unconfirmed).

Many new visitors to the Vine may be unaware that it was originally a Brewery. The 'Large Beer Garden' sign shows where the entrance was. A little further inside, there used to be an iron horse feeding basket mounted on the wall, which was used to keep the dray horses entertained while the barrels were loaded on the cart. Sadly, it has since been removed. They are often mistaken for more modern plant baskets.

Another recent discovery was this ship's bell hanging behind the bar. The inscription reads 'VIC 54 1944'. Research has suggested that this bell once adorned a ship known as a 'Victualling Inshore Craft'.

These little ships, or tenders, were commissioned by the Admiralty to service Royal navy ships during the war when in port or close to shore. Around 96 were built. This bell belonged to number 54. How did it end up in a Worthing pub we wondered.

May 18th, 1977:

To commemorate the late Paddy Griffith, former landlord of the Vine Public House, regulars bought this garden table and seat for the residents of the nearby Fairfield's home for the elderly.

It was presented to the matron, Peggy Brown, by Danny Dandeker, (left), collection organiser. Also pictured are some of the residents together with a few of the regulars.

This is Larry Peasland and his wife, Eileen. who took over the Vine Public House after the succession of the late Paddy Griffiths, who ran it for about 12 years.

If you've seen his name before, then that would have been when he ran the Sussex Yeoman in Palatine Road which they had for around eight years.

The couple are pleased to have got the Vine tenancy who said, "It's an historic place, parsons used to brew beer here."

October Headlines, a pub with no beer: The first beer festival held at the Vine Brewery Public House was so popular that the beer ran out before the end of the day.

Owner John Chambers said he was amazed at the support, especially as the event was not advertised. He hopes the festival will become an annual event. The idea was that of manager Bob Watkins to celebrate John and his wife, Judy's, sixth anniversary as owners that October.

Pictured, Bob Watkins (left) with Judy and John sampling the brews.

Regulars launched a petition to save the Vine's resident cat, Bonnie, after the brewery, Woodhouse Inns, ordered it to be removed amid fears it would not get on with the landlord's dog, a bull terrier, and should be fostered for her protection.

Organiser, Ricky Horgan said, "I've been drinking in the pub for about 15 years now, and Bonnie's been there since she was a kitten,(nine years) it was her first and only home, and she has lived here with two sets of people who have had dogs and got on perfectly well with them. Andrew Tull, for Woodhouse said they are going to get a customer to foster the cat, and once the dog has settled, reintroduce it.
 

Mystery solved: This bench was spotted in the back garden, the dedication was clear, but who was Dick Drayson? Tony Netley remembers:

I met him when working for London & Edinburgh Insurance at the Warren, where he worked as a Systems Programmer until being made redundant in January 2000 after Norwich Union bought L&E. He subsequently drove a cab for M&D cars, and made many more friends doing this until becoming too ill to continue.

He was a man who dearly loved the Vine, and would always make every effort to get back for last orders there, regardless of where he was.

He often joked that he wanted his ashes scattered on the floor of the Vine and then discarded with the rest of the sweepings, but some of his friends did better than that - watch this video on youtube to see his unusual and unique send off at another of his favourite places.

It was suggested that a bench in the pub garden would be an appropriate memorial, a whip-round quickly financed it, and happily, the pub management has since accepted it without question. Friends are invited to raise a glass on the 20th of May, his birthday

The Vine today follows the open plan, single bar layout. There is a large back room area around the corner presently set with tables and chairs.

The large raised back garden, with a covered smoking area, is ideal for summer events and includes an equipped children's play area.

The Vine used to be a major host of Real Ale festivals, but these were curtailed by the council due to the vast number of attendees. However, a smaller low low-key event resumed in 2011. Nick Black (2000-2001) managed to get the pub prelisted in the Real Ale Guide and earned his Cask Marque.

Colin and I have in the past been frequent visitors to this establishment. To me personally, I don't think it found its niche in life after John Chambers left. We've seen many landlords/tenants come and go, themes change, refits and promotions, but rarely was it busy.

In July, it's been given a spruce up, and the frontage has received a very nice presentable paint job. The rear garden is very large and captures the evening sun. It is a possibility that the road sign saying "restricted access" up the narrow one-way high street is off-putting, but it's ok to use it to get there.

Very little visual evidence remains of the old brewery itself. In the back garden, there is a tower-like structure about 25 feet high, and on top of this sat a large cast-iron water tank, which has since been removed. The picture (Right) shows the brewery building and the square, ivy-covered tower is still visible.

Hidden behind a plastered wall in the corner of the roof void lies a secret of its more recent past. Plans were afoot to recreate the brewery of days past. We believe this dates from the late 1980s. Sadly, it came to nought.

Plans were made to re-establish (again) an on-site Microbrewery in a smaller adjoining building.

 

Time Line

A little bit more

1811 - Naves Phillips
1827 - Brewery established
1899 - H Parsons
1826 - 1843 Richard Parsons Master Brewer
1881 - Henry Parsons to 1906 - Brewer
1894 - referred to as Vine Brewery
1939 - 1965 Frederick Wilson
1965 - Paddy Griffiths
1977 - 1982 Larry Peasland
1986 - 1987 John & Anna Chambers
1992 - Pub of the year (local CAMRA)
2000 - 2001 Nick Black (Hall & Woodhouse)
2013 - Ron and Kay Major

John Chambers turned the Vine in to a free house from its original Ind Coope tied house status.

The Vine is a Hall & Woodhouse pub which brews under the name Badger Brewery.

There was a claim in 2025 that the pub was tie free but Hall and Woodhouse beers (Badger) still prevail. If you know different?

jimmy@worthingpubs.co.uk