Rainham Pub The Angel to Close Again – Fourth Change of Hands in 3 Years
- The Angel pub in Rainham, Kent, is set to close for the fourth time in three years, marking the latest chapter in a turbulent period for the establishment.
- Dutton and D’la, who also recently stepped back from running The Rising Sun in Rochester, announced their decision to close The Angel on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
- In a social media post, the pair expressed gratitude to their patrons, stating, “After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors.
The Angel pub in Rainham, Kent, is set to close for the fourth time in three years, marking the latest chapter in a turbulent period for the establishment. The pub, located near Riverside Country Park, has struggled with consistent ownership and operation, most recently under the stewardship of Billy Dutton and Kieran-miguel D’la.
Dutton and D’la, who also recently stepped back from running The Rising Sun in Rochester, announced their decision to close The Angel on Sunday, . Their departure follows a pattern of short-term tenures at the pub, with Vesta Pubs leaving after just seven months in .
In a social media post, the pair expressed gratitude to their patrons, stating, “After much thought, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors. We want to thank every single person who has walked through them – for the laughs, the music, the celebrations, the friendships and the support. You made this place what it was.” They described their time at The Angel as “an honour” and thanked the community for their support.
The repeated closures and changes in management highlight the challenges facing pubs in the current economic climate. While the reasons for each departure vary, the consistent turnover suggests underlying issues with the business’s viability. The pub underwent a £185,000 refurbishment in prior to Dutton and D’la taking over, a move intended to revitalize the venue, but ultimately failed to secure its long-term stability.
Dutton and D’la’s previous venture, The Rising Sun in Rochester, was also recently handed over to new owners in December. Their announcement regarding The Rising Sun, made prior to the Angel’s closure, alluded to personal challenges and the demands of the hospitality industry, stating, “It’s been a tough year for me personally, and it’s time to look after me!” They also jokingly acknowledged the lighter side of pub life, referencing patrons “stealing the beer mats” and paying in “loose change.”
The Angel’s history of changing hands began before the involvement of Vesta Pubs. The pub closed for a third time in two years when Vesta Pubs departed, leaving Admiral Taverns, the owner of both The Angel and The Rising Sun, to seek new licensees. Admiral Taverns had initially invited Dutton and D’la to manage The Angel, hoping their experience would bring stability to the location.
The cyclical nature of The Angel’s closures raises questions about the sustainability of the pub model in the area. The pub’s location near Riverside Country Park might be considered an advantage, but it hasn’t been enough to overcome the operational and financial hurdles faced by successive management teams. The frequent changes also disrupt customer loyalty and brand recognition, making it difficult to establish a consistent base of patrons.
KentOnline has reached out to the pub for comment, but no response was available at the time of publication. The future of The Angel remains uncertain, and its continued viability will likely depend on finding a licensee capable of navigating the challenges that have plagued the establishment for the past three years.