Rainham Mark, Belisha Beacon, Hop and Vine pub, Kent Photos & Information

The Ever Changing Face of Rainham

Change in our Environment is a continual process. Even in the short time that this site has been running many changes have been seen. An example is from some shots taken in Rainham Mark in 2003 for use with the Time Machine pages. Since they were taken the Hop & Vine has been refurbished, the petrol station, Post Office and newsagents have closed.

This area is a perfect example of how change in the urban environment is a never ending process. Since the article originally written in 2005 the aread has changed further. As of November 2010 the Hop and Vine pub has closed down and the site of the former Shell/Texaco petrol station remains derelict despite various attempts to obtain planning permission for alternative uses. The former Rainham Mark post office remains empty and the newsagent has now been converted to an Osteopath surgery.

hop vine pub rainham mark belisha beacon

Hop and Vine pub Rainham Mark, now boarded up with former Rainham Mark post office and Shell/Texaco petrol station in distance

 Belisha Beacon pub Rainham Mark

Belisha Beacon pub, Rainham Mark in 1950s - note the saloon bar and public bar door signs

Jonathan Lawson, managing director at pub chain Greene King, confirmed it no longer owned the Hop & Vine building.

He said: "We can confirm that the Hop & Vine has been sold to London-based development company Zaan.

"Community pubs are very much at the heart of our business. Sadly, the Hop & Vine is restricted by its size and therefore has limited development potential as a pub.

"After careful consideration, we reluctantly concluded that it is in the best interests of the community to accept an offer for the premises.

"We would like to reassure the people of Rainham that we are committed to the area and continue to welcome customers at our nearest local pub, The Cricketers on the High Street."

 

The Hop and Vine was originally known as the Belisha Becon pub. More info about the origins of Rainham Mark can be found on the website below

http://www.medwaymemories.co.uk/men_of_kent.htm

 

Rainham Mark post office, Shell Garage 2003

Hop and Vine Rainham 2005 2005

hop and vine rainham closed down 2010

2011

 

Comments   

#3 Chris Dennison 2016-02-17 20:16
I remember it as the Belisha Beacon as a child in the late 60's and 70's going there as a treat with my Grandad. I think he had a couple of pints there every night from 1946 to the mid 1980's.
#2 Martin Fookes 2015-05-12 20:32
I remember it vividly as the Belisha Beacon in the days before pubs were required to sell food. It was a bog-standard ale house. But then I also remember when the Lower Rainham Road had a pub every 500 yards !!
#1 lawrence forrester 2015-02-12 14:56
A sad end. I remember when coaches from London to the Kent seaside used to stop there for refreshment, it being part of the day out experience.
My cousin Stephanie Williams and her husband Tony ran it for many years when it was
' The Hop and Vine '

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