The White House

The White House is a piece of Portrush history! It has operated for over 100 years but has *briefly* modernised over the years. Sadly, the building has lost most of its original features over the years like the old iron lift which has been ripped out and replaced with a modern lift.
About one third of the ground floor is occupied by the massive toy department which I often find myself drifting towards whenever I walk through the doors. The other two thirds are reserved for clothing. They have managed to recruit some impressive brands and now boast Chuck Taylor, Nike and Vans to name but a few.
If you go upstairs, you are greeted by more clothing but I never really notice this because my destination on this floor is always the excellent Trocadero Restaurant, which serves up a delicious meal for a good price. You can also dine in their conservatory which makes a good experience. In summer, I think they open up the balcony as well.
The top floor only boasts the furniture department so I never really bother with that floor.
I’m really proud of The White House for beating off competition from the likes of Debenhams and BHS, both of which had their eyes on this site. But they were never going to let that happen because they are such a strong independent company.

Traditional department store in Portrush. Over the past few years they have tried to modernise which has greatly helped. They have a great gift department. Ladies clothes are a bit dated but you can pick up the odd bargain. There is a small shoe shop with a small selection of shoes. Lovely café for a coffee and snack. There is also a toy department where the kids can spend their holiday money!

This is a old fashioned family run department store with lots of history. Founded, I believe in 1891 and can name Queen Victoria as one of its customers in years long gone by. I don’t think she shopped there in person but is reputed to have ordered linens from the shop in the late 1890s, and the Prince of Wales carried on the tradition in 1903. The biggest order The White House ever took was for twenty-​six suits for His Highness the Rajah of Pudukota in South India in the early part of the last century.
I was amazed recently to see that The White House was still going strong and to keep in step with modern trends it stock lots of the top selling high street brands in men’s, ladies and childrens clothes. Long may this tradition shop keep up the standards and ethics of a small local business.