Forum Topic

Update on the Station House?

Does anyone know exactly what is going on at the Station House? It looks like it is closing but it isn't clear whether this is for good or to allow the recently approved building works at ths site.

Francis Rowe ● 1301d17 Comments

Let's hope it's the latter. If not, and with ironic timing, its closure has synchronised perfectly with the letter received yesterday about the revived plans for the Grove Park "piazza" which has The Station House as a focal point.https://haveyoursay.hounslow.gov.uk/traffic-and-transport/grove-park-road-public-realm-scheme-2023/

Bruce Hammal ● 1301d

Their announcement stated that operations ceased on 17th March.

Russell Pearson ● 1301d

It's to be hoped that the redevelopment of the site will now go ahead, and that will lead to the pub having a secured future. Unfortunately it's not a good time for pubs - many are now abandoning the food side of their business because they can't make the sums add up. I know the Station House under its most recent management never managed to re-open its kitchen and to be honest it was very low-key and a bit sad as a venue. That building is such a dominant part of the "piazza" - let's hope someone can make a go of it.

Bruce Hammal ● 1301d

“…we are in a Managed Pub Partnership with Punch who lease the building from the landlord. Unfortunately Punch has been served notice to vacate the premises which has a knock on effect to us. We assume it is in relation to the developments but we have been given very little information. Unfortunately the landlord isn't required to provide a reason when notice is served. We are as devastated as you are.” Message to a customer by the managers.

Russell Pearson ● 1301d

What a shame. Hopefully it will rise again. As I said it's tough out there and there's no sign of things getting any better any time soon. I assume pubs that do try to provide a significant food offering are now caught smack between the cost issue and now the lack of fresh supplies. There's a limit as to what you can do with a turnip!https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-64557630

Bruce Hammal ● 1301d

Thanks all. The development was granted contigent on a pub being part of it, even if it is reduced in size. The current tenancy always did have the feel of being a bit temporary so hopefully new management will be found when the building work is complete.

Francis Rowe ● 1301d

I'm not sure Baldrick would agree!

Philippa Bond ● 1301d

No surprise there then!

Bruce Hammal ● 1301d

Richard Atterwill ● 1299d

It was good to have some confirmation in the newsletter this week that there is at least some planning protection for the use of the site as a pub and it will be difficult to get round it. One former regular told me that the pub used to get about a quarter of its trade from people hoping to see Ant and Dec but that has dropped off since Ant moved away and Dec started a family.

Francis Rowe ● 1293d

If it was a pub partnership with Punch and they have been kicked out then that has to be a good thing. Over the years I have spoken to a number of Punch tenants and all of them struggled to make a living. With them out of the picture and a new lessee they stand a chance of it being successful

david ward ● 1286d

Should be a good night in there tonight mind you!

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1282d

I have used the Station House since about 1985.  It was the original hotel in the area built in about the 1870's when the railway was run through Chiswick.  In 1985 it had a Public Bar facing the shops and a much larger Saloon Bar at the other end, which, when the hotel was built, was almost certainly the dining room. It has a barn like atmosphere that is not very congenial.  I think the old public bar should be retained as the pub and the old Saloon Bar should be converted into a good restaurant.

Gerald William White ● 1280d

It was the Grove park Hotel, always referred to as 'The Grove'. The public bar and the saloon bar were separate rooms, and it was a great place to go for a drink.

Colin Jordan ● 1280d

It isn't my local but I have been in there regularly over the last few decades when it has been under a range of management, some good some indifferent.What is unclear to me is, assuming the owner goes ahead with the development and honours the commitment to reopen the pub, is the whole of the ground floor space going to remain as a pub or is part of it going to be turned into residential.

Francis Rowe ● 1279d

Used to be my local for more years than I can remember.The large open end nearest the station used to be a separate room (wall and doors for access )and used on Saturday nights for dancing.The saloon! was small. Also the bar was then facing the railway tracks.Service here was for the  public area of the pub.You can also see a door not used now, for which off sales could be bought.Buy me a pint and I could tell you a lot more.

Paul Jennings ● 1278d

Has it closed now? I am due to meet someone off a train from Waterloo and it would be handy to be able to pop in here. The website is still up and it is listed on Google but there is no phone number to check.

Anita Blake ● 1269d