DOVER KENT ARCHIVES

Sort file:- Rainham, April, 2023.

Page Updated:- Thursday, 27 April, 2023.

PUB LIST PUBLIC HOUSES Paul Skelton

Earliest ????

Cherry Orchard

Fire damage 2006

Deanwood Drive

Rainham

https://whatpub.com/cherries

Cherry Orchard 1978

Above photo 1978. Photo from www.Flickr.com by Ben Levick.

Cherry Orchard 2009

Above Google image, July 2009.

Cherry Orchard sign 2001

Above sign 2001.

With thanks from Roger Pester www.innsignsociety.com.

 

I have been informed that the pub was built as part of the Parkwood housing development in the 60s/70s and suffered a fire around 2010.

It has also been known as the "Cherries" at some time of its existence.

 

From the http://www.kentonline.co.uk 31 July 2006.

Second blaze at pub in 48 hours.

Cherry Orchard fire 2006

Firefighters tackling the second blaze this afternoon. Picture: BARRY CRAYFORD

FIRE crews were this afternoon called to a Kent pub for the second time within 48 hours.

Last Saturday two people were left needing hospital treatment after a suspected arson attack on the "Cherry Orchard" in Deanwood Drive, Parkwood, Rainham.

But at around 12.55pm today five fire engines, plus a height support vehicle, were called to the pub after flames were seen in the roof.

Fire crews came from Maidstone, Medway and Rainham fire stations to tackle today's blaze. A Kent Fire and rescue spokesman said: "The building is too dangerous to enter."

Detectives are still investigating the blaze on Saturday which was tackled by more than 30 firefighters. The pub’s licensees, a man and woman, were taken to Medway Maritime Hospital at Gillingham to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Police cordoned off the pub and forensic investigators scoured the scene after the fire which broke out at about 12.40am on Saturday. Police officers have confirmed that the fire appears to have been started deliberately.

The couple’s two dogs were safely rescued by firefighters and taken to a veterinary kennel.

A Kent Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “The fire raged for four hours and seven pumps attended the scene. The fire is being treated as suspicious and it is believed the fire may have been started in a pile of rubbish at the back of the pub.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

 

After being renovated it has now been turned into an Indian restaurant called the "Spice Fusion." It was certainly operating as such in 2016.

 

Spice Fusion 2015

Above Google image, August 2015.

From http://www.kentonline.co.uk 13 February 2015 by Gareth Arnold.

Two arrested as Spice Fusion in Rainham raided by immigration officers

Immigration officers raided an Indian restaurant earlier this evening and arrested two men.

Officers inspected Spice Fusion in Deanwood Drive, Rainham, at about 6pm.

An eye witness said staff had been made to sit in a booth under guard at the front of the restaurant while two officers searched outside with torches.

Two Bangladeshi men were taken away by immigration officers.

A 44-year-old was arrested on suspicion of working in breach of his visa conditions, and a 34-year-old was arrested on suspicion of overstaying his visa. Both have been detained.

The manager, Mr Huque, said: "It's not great it's happened on a busy Friday night.

"We are one of the busiest restaurants in the area, and obviously this kind of thing is not great for business."

Three immigration enforcement vans were parked in bays near the front of the building. Officers had left the restaurant by 7pm.

An earlier version of our story said Spice Fusion was shut during the raid. We're happy to clarify that customers were inside the restaurant.

 

LICENSEE LIST

http://www.closedpubs.co.uk/cherryorchard.html

 

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