Eleven Cricketers, Dartford

Opened in 1700 (as The Queens Head) and ceased trading in 1988. The original building (see archive images) is thought to have dated from the 15th century, but this was demolished and rebuilt in around 1895. The photos indicate that The Eleven Cricketers was part of the Dartford Brewery company's tied estate at the time of rebuilding, before passing to Style & Winch Barclay Perkins and eventually Courage as the takeover mania gathered momentum.. It ended its days as a Courage house without real ale. A lesson here perhaps?

There are understood to be plans to convert the premises into hotel accommodation, along with the adjacent former Jolly Millers, but as this has been dragging on for the best part of 25 years one wonders if it will ever happen. It is a blight on the local landscape and does not reflect at all well on Dartford Borough Council.

If anyone has a photo of the pub in its days as a Courage pub and is willing to share it do please get in touch via the feedback form.