Locks changed at Warehouse Kitchen and Bar in Stockton

The Warehouse Kitchen and Bar, which had been based on Preston Farm Industrial Estate in Stockton since late 2022, closed its doors last month.

The venue’s Facebook and Instagram pages were taken down at the time while a notice board was positioned at the door stating: “Due to power issues, we have had to close early! Sorry!”

Now, new pictures from the front of the bar show how a forfeiture notice – when a landlord exercises a right to end the lease – taped to the doors. 

Warehouse Kitchen and Bar in Stockton (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

The notice from a bailiffs firm states that, on July 13, the landlord “re-entered the premises” and that the lease is “hereby determined”.

It adds that “any attempt by you or your agents to enter the demised premises will result in criminal/civil proceedings being taken against you”.

Another letter taped beside it adds that goods inside the venue must be collected by July 27 or they will be able to be disposed of.  

Warehouse Kitchen and Bar in Stockton (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Since the news of the closure, Chef Sean Wilkinson, who helped set up the venue in 2022, posted on Facebook saying that the venue was forced to close unexpectedly “due to circumstances entirely beyond my control”.

He said he had “no involvement” in the day-to-day running of the site, does not have access to booking systems, and “fully understands the disappointment and frustration this has caused”. 

The post said: “This situation has been every bit as devastating for me as it has been for those affected. I built this restaurant with blood, sweat, tears, and even a broken leg.”

He added that, if you have a booking, you can contact Sean respectfully, saying: “I cannot promise to resolve every issue, but I will do my absolute best to assist wherever I can.”

The Northern Echo contacted the bar following reports of the closure last month, before its social media pages were taken down, but it did not respond. 

The Warehouse and Hangar 7 signs still remain above the doors of the venue, which is located between Stockton and Ingleby Barwick, with kegs and tables also positioned on the front. 

Before closing permanently, the steampunk-themed restaurant was hailed online for its “gorgeous” food and “quirky” decor.

It served a range of dishes, from pasta, pizzas, and chicken parmesans to smoked ribs, steaks, and burgers, and also had a breakfast and Sunday dinner menu. 

One of its most unique features is the Hangar 7 bar, a Star Wars themed “haven” decorated with props and droids paying homage to the hit film series.