Ship Inn, Southwick

Most of the fabric remains intact from a 1963 refit, in itself an unusual and atmospheric survival, but some of the wall panelling is older.  Two small bars remain.  Bar counters and bar backs were installed during the refit, with illuminated Watneys and Tamplins signage.A remarkable survivor having an interior revamped by Watneys/Tamplins in 1963 which is largely intact. Thousands of pubs throughout the country had similar internal refits but virtually all of them have subsequently been refurbished. The Ship still retains 2 small bars as the locals refuse to allow the owners to make changes! The Ship is a 19th century building which was also refurbished in the 1930s. The public bar has old panelling on the walls and ceiling, a 1930s brick fireplace and it was only the bar counter and bar back that were changed in 1963. the bar back fitting has an illuminated red barrel insignia and the wording 'Watneys' and 'Tamplins'. The curved bar counter has a Formica top and the front has a nautical-style rope at the top. 'The Bisset Automatic Darts Scorer', from the 1930s which requires you to use a finger to mechanically reduce the score from 501, is no longer used and has been attached, for some strange reason, to the bottom of the wall behind the door! The former leaf (swing door) entrance now made into one door but retaining original leaded glass 'Public Bar'.

The saloon bar was completely revamped and slightly extended in 1963 and has floor to ceiling ply panelled walls completely covered in nautical items. The bar counter is of panels joined by strips of copper so as to resemble a straightened barrel and has a Formica top with copper edging. the bar back has the wording 'Watneys' and 'Tamplins' in the illuminated top section and only part of the lower shelves is missing having been replaced by fridges. The stone fireplace is from the 1960s which is the date of the nautical-style circular windows in the doors. In 1963 new toilets replaced the former outside ones. All the windows on The Twitten (south side) were replaced in 1990s with double glazed ones but with old style lettering proclaiming 'Tamplins Ales', 'The Ship Inn' and 'Cask Ales' (saloon window). The panelling in the entrance lobby to the saloon bar is from 1990s. All bar furniture is quite modern. The building was 3 cottages until 1890's.