350 Bromley Road

Southend Village

Catford

Above photo, circa 1895.

Above postcard circa 1914.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown.

Above photo, date unknown, by Darkstar.

In the 18th century and previous to being known as the original "Tiger's Head" it is said this was known as the "George." The name changing name circa 1740s.

The original "Tiger's head" was situated along the Southend Road and was unfortunately demolished during the WW2 on 13 July 1944 at 9.50am by a V1 Doodlebug, 18 people were killed and 40 injured in the pub, in Bromley Road and the "Park Hotel" opposite. The replacement building was erected during the early 1960s.

There was a Whitbread tavern at 350 Bromley Road, Downham Catford named the "Squire." This pub may have been renamed the "Tiger's Head" before it was demolished. Judging from the style of the new building I would guess it was a standard Whitbread 1930s pub like "Duke of Kent," "Plough," "Wheatsheaf," "Plough" and "Long Reach" in the Whitstable area and of course the "Roman Galley" further along the Thanet Way.

It would have taken a fair amount of time for the locals to get used to its new name after the former pub appears to have had a dubious reputation.

The premises a was very popular location for the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band during 1966-67.

Further research tells me that the pub ended up as a Wetherspoon outlet. I have also heard this pub referred to as the "Squire" but unfortunately don't know the story behind that name yet.

I have been told (2018) that the pub closed on 2006 and was demolished the following year. It has since been replaced with 36 flats.

Above photo circa 2016.

LICENSEE LIST

WILLFRED Eric & HUTCHINSON Beatrice Ann  1944+

GLEASON Fred & Doreen 1970s

SMYTHE Pat & Mary 1992+ (1st Wetherspoons managers)

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

https://whatpub.com/tigers-head-catford