A new bar and brasserie will open at one of Southport’s oldest golf clubs this month, bringing a former club house back into use. Tony McDonough reports

Work is well under way on a new bar and brasserie set to open in Southport this month.

Sefton Hospitality Operations Ltd (SHOL), a hospitality business owned by Sefton Council, is refurbishing the former café and clubhouse at Southport Golf Links. It has been closed to the public for 10 years.

Fresh from its success of the £3.1m Lake House project in Waterloo, SHOL will reopen The White House on Saturday, May 20. It will welcome guests for everything from breakfasts to afternoon teas and cocktails. 

Kellie Rixon, 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 complementary and sympathetic with its history.”

The contracting partner for The White House is Jonathan Myers of Mustard Seed. Plans for the new venue follow the success of the opening of The Lake House by SHOL in August 2022.

Located in Crosby Coastal Park, the venue is a café, restaurant and event space with 14 bedrooms and has proved a hit with visitors. In 2022 LBN reported the venue had already secured bookings as far ahead as 2024.

Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, added: “This (The White House) has been a derelict building for over a decade and now we are transforming it 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.

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.

SHOL’s 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.