Huggens Arms, Northfleet

The Huggens Arms is believed to have begun life as The Blue Anchor in 1706. It was renamed in 1860 to commemorate John Huggens, who founded some local almshouses (see picture of entrance).

In 1890 the pub was trading as part of the tied estate of Dartford brewers C N Kidd & Son, later passing to Courage after a succession of takeovers. By 1975 it had become free of tie and was renamed The Riverside Tavern, perhaps to suggest a picturesque setting...

During the 1980s it became a rare outlet for Young's Bitter and a regular haunt for CAMRA members. Sadly however the pub closed its doors for the last time in 1991 and was for some reason demolished shortly afterwards. The site now forms part of a large area of industrial wasteland.

Thanks to www.dover-uk.com for use of the archive images.