TOWNSPOTLIGHT
WORTHING cont .
The Dome Cinema The Crab Shack The Corner House Pub
Things to Do
The Dome Cinema The Dome was first opened in April 1911 , and is a wonderful example of Edwardian architecture and design . Although the films may be ( mostly ) modern , the atmosphere and look of the Dome Cinema is opulent and stylish . When the building opened , it was mainly used as an ice skating rink and theatre , but by October 1911 , with public demand behind it , a cinema was opened on the top floor . The building ’ s owner , Carl Seebold , played the piano to accompany the silent movies . However , the cinema grew so popular that within 10 years it was relocated downstairs , and became the main focus of the building .
Off-the-beaten-track ( Christmas ) shopping Just west of the main shopping drag , the Montague Street and Rowlands Road area is home to antique and vintage shops , architectural salvage , artists ’ studios , and Badger Books ( a second hand / antiquarian book shop ), as well as a range of cafes - including the fabulous Baked - restaurants , and even a microbrewery ( one of three in Worthing ).
East Beach Stroll along to the East Beach area of Worthing ( head in the direction of Brighton from the pier ) and you will find the East Beach Artists ’ Studios – a row of beach huts that ’ s been converted into studio and sales space for a group of welcoming and friendly local artists . East Beach is also home to the new ‘ Splashpoint ’ swimming pool with separate kids ’ pool , diving pool and a spa area for grownups only . The seafront also has a new children ’ s playground , Splash Pad , and beach volleyball courts .
Steyne Gardens This beautiful open space faces the sea at one end , and is surrounded by gorgeous buildings that reflect the splendour of Worthing in its heyday . Within the gardens is a memorial commemorating the Boer War . The gardens are used throughout the year for various events , including an ice rink in the winter , and the excellent Seafront Fair in the summer .
Dining Out
Baked Located in Worthing ’ s lovely West End , Baked serves excellent coffee , stunning homemade cakes and the best brownies around . It ’ s a comfortable , relaxed place to spend some time and feast on the sumptuous delights on offer , and its location is ideal for a spot of refuelling during a shopping , or browsing spree . Plus , as a social enterprise , it offers its customers a fair , ethical way to enjoy excellent food .
Coast Café With seating directly on the beach overlooking the sea , Coast Café can be found at the end of Worthing ’ s beautiful beach . It serves great coffee and snacks and is the ideal place to enjoy views of the pier , the beach and the sea itself .
The Crab Shack Listed by the Sunday Times as one of the 20 best places to eat seafood by the sea in August this year , the exceptional Crab Shack is located right on the seafront . It is run by sisters-in-law Sarah and Lynda , and their husbands , and offers super-friendly service . There is both inside and outside seating and on a crisp winter ’ s day , patio heaters allow you to lap up the sun ’ s rays .
The Corner House Pub The Corner House Pub is one of the oldest in Worthing . It ’ s all about highend design and exquisite food . The menu is varied , working with seasonal produce that is – where possible – locally sourced . The Sunday roasts here are superb too !
Annual Events
Worthing Ice Rink // 11 Nov-27 Jan An annual Christmassy treat that ’ s fun for all the family , the Worthing ice rink can be found in lovely Steyne Gardens .
Worthing International Birdman Competition // Jul With three different categories ranging from the fun to the totally serious , the Birdman competition is a chance for entrants to show how far they can fly by leaping off the end of Worthing Pier and either hoping for the best or using their incredible flying machines to try to win a cash prize .
Worthing Food & Drink Festival // Jul A full weekend of food and drink , with local producers , chefs , and growers available to chat to about all things Sussex . Watch incredible food made before your eyes , taste new and exciting flavours , and even take the opportunity to purchase some new kitchen equipment .
Top Spot
Worthing Pier has a lot to offer on a day out – here you can see stunning artwork , go fishing in the sea , relax in old fashioned deckchairs , play in the amusements , eat plenty of sweets and treats - including proper seaside ice cream - and eat an excellent meal or two .
Did You Know ? Doctors were keen to impress upon their patients that sea air and water was good for whatever ailed them , and so seaside towns such as Worthing suddenly became the place to go for convalescing . Even King George III sent his daughter , Amelia , to Worthing when she was unwell , and this prompted a huge surge in the town ’ s popularity . Money was ploughed into the town and soon , with the advent of street lighting , a promenade and pier , and some rather splendid houses , Worthing was upgraded from unknown coastal town to a highly sought after area .
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