New pubs
Beacon, Dartford.  A ‘Beefeater Grill’ bar adjacent to new ‘Premier Inn’ near Dartford Tunnel.  Spitfire and London Pride at £2.95/pint.

Re-opened pubs
Five Bells, Eynsford.  Real ale available, no details so far.
Fruiterers Arms, Crockenhill.  Wells/Youngs Courage Best and Fullers London Pride.
George & Dragon, Swanscombe – three real ales on offer, currently Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger plus two from the Oakham brewery.  Also offers a large selection of bottled beers from home and abroad.

Closed pubs
Pier Hotel, Gravesend (again).

Other pub news
Call Boy, Gravesend (aka Bar Liquorice) – has become a nightclub (Velvet).
Chequers, Crockenhill – recently refurbished, real ale no longer available.
Dover Castle, Northfleet – planning permission granted for conversion to residential accommodation.
Little Wonder, Gravesend – planning permission sought for conversion to residential accommodation.
Morning Star, Swanscombe - planning permission for conversion to residential accommodation refused following objection by the branch.
R Bar, Gravesend (formerly Borough Shades), now trading as HQ Bar.

Vigo, Fairseat – has applied for planning permission for a rear extension and car park.

If you know of any more pub closures please let our pubs officer know.

Our local branch Pub of the Year for 2011 and Club of the Year for 2011 have been announced and you will find them by going to the AWARDS section on the left.