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 the fascia is a Victorian style build, but 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 their own door. The woman standing out the front is thought to be Mrs Parsons, wife of Henry Parsons, Landlord. The building was once a school for a period.

 

Today, we can clearly see that the central bay was removed and replaced with a single, wider double door, whilst those on each side were converted to windows  - thus converting the building to single bar style. The picture above right is a depiction of what it would have looked like if unaltered.

The picture directly above, again showing the three original doorways, would have been taken later in the 1900s. 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. The other picture is a tongue-in-cheek recreation by John Chambers, (Far right) landlord in 1986 and Bob Watkins, (Blonde hair) his manager. 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 Dick Pike for that information)

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 a iron horse feeding basket mounted on the wall, this 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. More details further below.

These little ships were commission by the admiralty to service Royal navy ships during the war. Around 96 were build. This bell belonged to number 54. How did it end up in a Worthing pub?

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 and I think you'll get an idea of how well-loved he was.
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) - (watch the video, it's unusual and unique (Jimmy - Worthingpubs)

The Vine today follows the now common open plan, single bar layout. There is a large back room area around the corner presently set with tables and chairs. A small range of Real Ales are available. The large raised back garden, with 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 key event has resumed in 2011. Nick Black (2000-2001) managed to get the pub prelisted in the Real Ale Guide and earned his Cask Marque.
 

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.

More detailed pictures behind that wall. A stainless steel tank sits supported on metal beams. A massive brewing vessel awaiting commission.
 

1811 Naves Phillips
1826 - Richard Parsons Master Brewer
1843 - Richard Parsons
1881 - Henry Parsons to 1906 - Brewer
1894 - referred to as Vine Brewery
1940's - 1965 - Frederick Wilson
1986-1987 (approx) John Chambers
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.