Southport is set to welcome a new bar and brasserie in one of its oldest golf clubs as part of a major redevelopment by Sefton Hospitality Operations Ltd (SHOL), who also successfully operate The Lake House in Waterloo.
Works have started on the former café and clubhouse at Southport Golf Links, which has been closed to the public for the past ten years. It will open its doors to the public on Saturday, May 20th.
Open seven days a week, the venue will welcome guests for everything from breakfasts to afternoon teas and cocktails.
SHOL, a Sefton Council owned company, want The White House to become a destination for people to visit and enjoy, with an offering that promises the very best in seasonal produce, alongside a warm and welcoming atmosphere and impressive views due to its unrivalled setting.
Kellie Rixon MBE FIH, SHOL’s Chair, said:
“We know that this building is very special to many people in the area who have been hopeful that it would reopen after being empty for so long. So many people have great memories of the White House and we can’t wait to create many more in the years to come. It’s about time it was brought back into use to fulfil its potential.
“It’s a charming space and we want to breathe new life into it and make it incredible. Our redevelopment of the site is progressing in a style which is modern, whilst remaining complimentary and sympathetic with its history.”
The contracting partner for The White House is Jonathan Myers of Mustard Seed.
The plans for The White House follow the success of the opening of The Lake House by SHOL in August 2022. The multi-million-pound development in Crosby Coastal Park is a café, restaurant and event space with 14 bedrooms, which has been popular with visitors, while at the same time providing local people with first-rate employment opportunities.
Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said:
“This has been a derelict building for over a decade and now we are transforming the White House through major investment and expert regeneration.
“This is an iconic building on the verges of England’s oldest municipal golf links, and it means a great deal to the people of Southport.
“We now have a fantastic multi-purpose dining and drinking space which not only will be a beautiful place to enjoy but also a major player in generating new jobs and boosting the local economy.
“This is yet another future success as part of Sefton Labour led regeneration of the borough.”
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, added:
“Having toured the White House ahead of launching I know everyone is going to be blown away by its transformation.
“It promises to be a beautiful Sefton asset that has been expertly developed as part of our growth and regeneration portfolio.
“Everyone can see the huge benefits the White House will bring to the town and the borough, especially through the local employment opportunities it will create for our residents.”
Kellie, who is also the Chair of The Institute of Hospitality, added:
“We know that the regeneration of The White House will be a fantastic boost to the area. We have taken a three-year agreement on this building as we can see that this is a great opportunity to provide something unique, not only for Southport but for the North West.
“In most golf clubs, you must be a member to get to sit and enjoy the view, but soon you will be able to enjoy it from our beautiful brasserie and bar. We really are looking forward to restoring this building and opening our doors to the public this summer for everyone to experience after all this time.”
SHOL was created 18 months ago with a mission to provide exceptional customer experiences at great facilities, while meeting the needs of the area’s residents and businesses.
The White House is one of a collection of properties that is being considered for redevelopment as part of a long-term strategy for reinvestment. The team also has plans for the launch of a further venue coming later this year at Bootle Town Hall, and will again operate The Beach House, food and drink concession at Ainsdale Beach.
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