Members of Chiswick Health Club Bid to Save Café

Everlast has told operator of Café Terra his lease won't be renewed

Eric behind the counter at his cafe. Picture: Change.org

December 15, 2025

Members of a Chiswick health club have launched a petition to save the café that has served them after their workouts and swims for twelve years.

Eric, the operator of Café Terra in the Everlast club on Hartington Road has been informed, that his lease will not be extended after December.

The facility used to be the Roko Health Club until it was taken over by the chain owned by a Mike Ashley company at the beginning of this year.

Regular users of the club have now started a petition in attempt to persuade Everlast to change its decision. They say, “Members of our Everlast Chiswick community are deeply connected to Eric and Café Terra, which for many years has been far more than a place to eat or drink. Through Café Terra, Eric has built long-standing relationships with members, trainers, and staff, offering daily support, familiarity, and genuine connection. As an athlete himself, Eric understands the needs of people who train. His experience in swimming and running informs the way he supports members — from teaching swimming and organising community runs to simply checking in and encouraging people on their fitness journeys. He is often the first friendly face members see when they arrive, and over time this consistency has helped shape the welcoming, people-centred culture that defines the gym. “

They add that Eric is ‘woven into the daily rhythm of the gym’ and that the company should listen to what its paying members are saying to demonstrate “a commitment to long-term relationships, continuity, and the strong sense of community that has helped this gym thrive.”

As well as running the café, Eric teaches swimming at the club, organises running groups based at the club and is appreciated for the encouragement he offers to others.

One member contacted us to say, “Eric isn’t just someone who makes good coffee, he makes the club like a community hub and avoids the place becoming socially isolating like many other gyms. Whatever revenue they think they might make by a new format café, probably with higher prices, they will lose in non-renewals of memberships.”

According to another member, Eric’s lease has a three month’s notice clause but he was only given three weeks to clear out.

At the time of writing over 120 people had signed the petition.

Everlast bought the Roko chain in January 2025 acquiring other sites in Gillingham, Nottingham and York incorporating them into an existing chain of over 60 across the UK. The purchase price was not revealed but the Chiswick club was offered through estate agents Savills at a guide price of £1.25 million for a lease of 18 years. The facilities include a 20m swimming pool, spa area with steam and sauna rooms, jacuzzi pool, open plan gym floor, studio rooms as well as the café within lounge area.

Everlast has not explained the decision to Eric. When we contacted the company’s head office, it referred us back to the Chiswick club manager and we await a response from them.