This pub has had five different teams in five years… but the latest landlords reckon they’re here to finally sort it out.
After a turbulent run of closures, takeovers and false starts, The Angel in Rainham has new life again — and this time it’s a husband-and-wife duo chasing a long-time dream.
A Fresh Start for a Struggling Local
Sitting on the corner of Lower Rainham Road and Station Road, The Angel — owned by Admiral Taverns — has seen a revolving door of licensees since 2022.
Now, Paul and Liz Summerz have stepped in as the latest team to take it on, reopening the doors at the end of March.
And straight away, things looked promising.
Their launch party was packed, and since then, the pub has only had a handful of quiet days — a strong start for a venue that’s struggled to find stability.
“This Is Our Dream”
For Paul and Liz, this isn’t just another business move.
They’ve been talking about running a pub together for years, and when The Angel became available, they took it as a sign.
Paul even said everything seemed to point them towards the place — including a moment where a folder with his daughter’s name, Angel, fell while he was searching through paperwork.
Liz, who already has experience working in pubs, made it clear what matters most.
They’re not here to just run a bar — they want to build something the community actually cares about.
Winning Over the Locals
One thing that’s already working in their favour is presence.
Instead of constantly changing faces behind the bar, Paul and Liz are there every day — getting to know customers, listening to feedback, and building relationships.
According to Paul, regulars aren’t just saying “let’s go to The Angel” anymore — they’re saying “let’s go see Paul and Liz”.
That shift matters. In pubs like this, people don’t just come for drinks — they come for the atmosphere and the people behind the bar.
Big Plans Ahead
The couple aren’t stopping at just reopening.
They’re already planning:
- A revamped garden area
- A kitchen serving simple pub food like burgers and sandwiches
- Themed nights, including curry nights
- Live music and tribute acts
They’re even moving from Hoo to Rainham to fully commit to what they call “living the pub life”.
Can They Break the Cycle?
The challenge is obvious.
This pub has seen multiple operators come and go in a short space of time, with roadworks along Lower Rainham Road not helping footfall.
But if early signs are anything to go by, this might be the first team in a while that actually sticks.
The Real Question
After years of change, does this finally look like the right team to bring The Angel back… or is it another short chapter?
