An architectural delight

Construction ensured that Clement Newman could legitimately trade at the popular site. Mr Newman, a farmer-turned-coffee stall owner, had previously traded from the site (albeit on the other side of the road running through it) using a road-side kiosk, but local authorities were in the process of placing an eviction order upon him for using a non-permanent structure for commercial purposes.

The predominantly cedar structure underwent a number of revisions through the years, in an attempt to stay up to date with the requirements of society & health regulations, most notably with the addition of toilets. The café originally had no electricity or water - water was brought in milk churns from Mr Newman's farm and paraffin was used for cooking and heating.

It stayed in use for many years, but eventually lagged behind the new amenities being offered in similar facilities, most notably national chains such as Little Chef. An offer was made in the mid-1980's by Charles Palmieri to turn Fairmile Café into a small restaurant, but negotiations collapsed. Eventually closed, the building lay derelict until 2002, when it was decided to relocate the building to nearby Amberley Working Museum, in which Fairmile Café could once again be seen in its former glory.

Following a £50,000 grant from Entrust, the Environmental Trust Scheme Regulatory Body, and supporting funds from West Sussex County Council (who had owned the land since 1949), the Café was dismantled through the course of May 2002, with reconstruction work beginning at Amberley in August. Opened at Amberley on the 27th of September 2002, the café is now proudly on show and promoting the architecture from the early years of motoring and mass tourism to the public. It's appeal is still apparent - a number of visitors wish that it was still a working café!