Edisteve

By edisteve

The White House, Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh

Took a photo of the art deco White House pub that is being restored this morning - I am really pleased this is nearing completion. Here is a bit of history about it:

The White House was built in 1936 and was designed by William Innes Thomson. It was one of Edinburgh's original roadhouses.

Mike Greenlaw, arts co-ordinator at Craigmillar Community Arts, explains: "It was the fashion in those days, with the advent of the motor car, to design premises for people to drive out to. "Other roadhouses include the Maybury, which shares many design features, and another one out in Hillend.

"However, over the years it developed into a popular local pub for Craigmillar, until its closure around ten years ago."

Its closure came at the end of years of decline, a reputation for trouble and a series of fires. The derelict building was hit by serious blaze in 2005.

The White House is now in the process of being restored to its former glory as the latest stage of the £200 million regeneration of the Craigmiller neighbourhood. It will first be used as a temporary exhibition space before, it is hoped, eventually reopening as a traditional pub or cafe bar.

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