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| DOLPHIN - DOMINION ROAD - 1930 to 2014 | |
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The Dolphin pub, or the Blue Dolphin as it was originally called, was built in the classic roadhouse style of the 1930s. The brewery was not just targeting the local drinker anymore but the motorist in particular. These building were often wide, built near busy roads (corners and bends were a favourite) and offered the ease of a forecourt car park. |
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Built in 1931, it was used for Roman Catholic services prior to the opening of St Borromeo's. A blue dolphin plaque sits on the right-hand side of the church door as a tribute to the pubs services. |
A new picture has recently come to light. This depicts the very early days of the Dolphin in, we estimate, the 1930s. The front garden has yet to be defined. One, possibly two gentlemen appear to be sitting (slumped?) on a bench in the foreground. |
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| A recent find, 5 troop, Number 3 Commando taking a break outside the Dolphin pub in May 1944. | |
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It has been at least five years since I last visited the Dolphin pub in east Worthing and I discovered a dramatic change. The single open bar has been divided into two distinct sections - the smaller public bar with pool table, and a much larger dining section advertised as The Flint Kitchen. There appears to be a third bar that was occupied at the time of my visit, which leads to the large back garden. I am pleased to say that I did spot a Bar Billiard table in a corner. |
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| UPDATE 17th February 2014 | |
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The Dolphin closed in 2013 and
rumours spread that Tesco's were interested in acquiring the
property, with the view of converting it into a Tesco Express. in February this year we paid a visit ourselves to see if we could discover more. The following pictures, and a chat with a man on the site, confirmed that the interior had been stripped out completely. Unfortunately we weren't allowed in (Heath & Safety) to see for ourselves. We can confirm that one of the men on site had Tesco on the back of his High-Visibility vest. |
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Rescued from the sad demise of
the Dolphin Pub By Debbi Pilkington. This beautiful stained glass window is now in the possession of Worthing pubs. |
| Contributions by Laura Weeks below | |
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Waiting for the pub to open? Debbie Butler and Nigel Weeks outside the Dolphin in 1978. Our thanks to Laura (daughter) Looks like it ended well for these two. |
 Laura's 16th Birthday in 1997 |
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| THE STRANGE CASE OF ERNEST GOMM | |
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Ernest James Gomm had been the Landlord of the Dolphin pub with his then wife, Ethel Alice. They had been at the pub for little more than three months. On the 29th of May 1930 at 10:50 in the morning he left the pub and travelled to Broadwater to see Mr W Stothard who had a barbers shop at 15 Broadwater Street East. Mr Stothard removed Ernest’s moustache. That was the last time Ernest was seen alive.
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His lifeless body washed ashore on or around the 18th of June at Pitt Level, east of Hastings. He still had personal items and money in his pockets. Although reported as having been tired and run down he showed no inclination to depression or suicidal tendencies. Examination revealed Ernest had drowned but his body had only been in the water for up to a week. An open verdict was recorded. Right, the barbers shop today.
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| Known landlord/manager | From: The Worthing Journal |
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1930 - Ernest
James Gomm |
1932: Police raided the Dolphin Hotel, Dominion Road, after an undercover officer witnessed regulars filling in football pools coupons at the bar in contravention of the 1853 Betting Act which banned gambling on licensed premises. Landlady Ethel Alice Wells was fined £5.
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