Alma, Swanley

A former Courage pub that stood at the intersection of Birchwood Road and London Road (ex-A20). The building in the first image appears to date from the early 20th century, but it seems that this replaced an earlier pub of the same name (third image). The pub traded as The Alma until around 2005, when it was imaginatively renamed The Birchwood. Sadly this attempt to revive its fortunes was unsuccessful and the pub ceased trading in 2010, with demolition following soon afterwards.

The pub gave its name to Alma Swanley FC, which rose through the ranks of Kent football from their formation in the early 60s to become winners of the Kent league in 1985-86 before dissolving in 1994.

Very little is known about the history of this pub and further information would be welcome.