Call Boy, Gravesend

As implied by the name, The Call Boy had close associations with the Grand Theatre that stood nearby in the 19th century. It opened in 1846 as the Institute Shades and operated under a variety of names until the roof fell in, in 1952. At the time it was trading as the Grand Bars.

It was rebuilt shortly afterwards and had been acquired by Shepherd Neame by the 1970s. It continued as a Sheps house until around 2009. Since then it has traded under a variety of names and guises, interspersed with periods of closure. Currently (9/19) closed but still occupied. Rescuer awaited!

Update 12/23. Rescuer did not materialize and the building has now been repurposed as residential accommodation. One is left to wonder if Shepherd Neame are the least bit concerned about preserving their tied estate these days.

Thanks to www.dover-kent.com for archive photo.