**NEWS UPDATE Friday 10th May**
(Artist’s impression below)
Over the last few days, we have finally seen some movement on the planned works in Stockley Park Arena. It was April last year that we first wrote about the closure of The White House.
We now finally have confirmation of the plans for the Arena, and it is, in fact, a Travelodge!
There had been reports that it would be a Premier Inn and a few other things, but it is now confirmed as a Travelodge, with the artist’s impression below.
__________ Earlier Post __________
I was sad and shocked to learn that The White House in Stockley Park is closing permanently today.
This has come out of nowhere – no signs, no news, nothing. I only found out when we visited The White House last night. One of the employees informed us that there was an hour’s wait for food and that they were out of many things on the menu. When they began listing that they were out of all chicken dishes, all potato dishes and various other meals, I enquired further. As it turns out, their lease was up, and they would not renew.
Why is The White House Closing?
This has been heard from multiple sources, but without being able to clarify from anyone, particularly high up, it is very hard to find out what is actually happening. As of now, it seems that Stockley Park itself wants to renovate the area and the building the White House occupies. This can happen because the current lease is up for contract renewal. However, Stockley park was willing to let Wetherspoons renew their lease once the renovations took place, though at a higher price – one that Wetherspoons obviously didn’t like.
This opens up speculation that another company may occupy the space, or Wetherspoons were employing a negotiating tactic to get the lease at the same price as they currently do.
What’s going there if not Wetherspoons?
Wetherspoons has been in the locations for years, and its presence will be missed. The fact you can get reasonably priced food or drink sets it apart from most pubs or restaurants. Current sources say Premier Inn or Travelodge has shown interest in the location. If that’s true, I will presume they may expand it up or out to make more room for accommodation. If Travelodge does take it on, it could bring with it a restaurant chain that it partners with in its other locations.
*UPDATE* After enquiring further, it turns out that Premier Inn had the first refusal on the location and had agreed to take the site but has since pulled out. The planned maintenance and renovation will go ahead in the hopes that they will find a buyer at a later date.
It should be noted that the shop that used to house Alexanders Wine Bar has been empty for over a year. While other developments around Stockley have struggled to find businesses willing to take them on, such as The Bower, 5 The Square, and 4 Long Walk. All of which have been empty for a long time since refurbishment.
Don’t worry; Costa Stockley park has weathered the storm, and there is always Wetherspoons Uxbridge if you want a low-cost beverage (though it isn’t the same).
Costa coffee, Subway and Greggs are still in Stockley Park Arena.
Bye Bye
It is quite sad that it is going; it has, after all, been there for years. I’m glad I got to say a final goodbye and celebrate with a few cocktails. See you around, guys.
This is very sad, I’m going to miss it a lot. We still see people walking up the door and realising it has closed. I think a lot of people are going to be shocked.
Bye bye Whitehouse
sad is it, truly. If the information of renovation of the building , let it go ahead. Once completion, why won’t Wetherspoons come back to the new refurbished premises and run the business. With location there, the White House had been enjoying the business. We may expect them to return later 🙂
It is sad, but there is little chance that Wetherspoons will return now that they’ve been kicked out. The building had been promised to Premier Inn, but they pulled out. It’s unclear what will happen next, but it’s unlikely Wetherspoons will return 🙁
So sad it was local good for families decent prices at a good location. Sad times all for money making which clearly have back fired.
I totally agree, Clare! Today would have been packed over there. So sad 🙁
It is a shame to hear this news, as the location was ideal it was a pleasure to work at the White House. Sadly spoons first decided to close this site down back in 2015. And this is why no money got spent on the site. This resulted in managers and staff having an impossible task for three years until the contract ended and the spoonsachine could milk as much money as possible while caring very little about the team or the shocking service as a result of cuts to budgets and limited staffing thank you to all the staff that worked here. Especially those from 2015 onwards.