The Honey Monsters Factory – DEMOLISHED

As of February 2021, the factory has been demolished.

History:

The Quaker Oats Company itself dates back to 1877, founded in America. The company started to grow in the early 20th century and by 1936 this colossal factory in Southall, West London, had been built in an industrial Art Deco style. By the time Sugar Puffs were launched in 1957, it became the main focus of the factory. A portion of the factory’s operation was sold to Spiller’s which made pet food and mill flour, whilst the rest went to the Big Bear Group in 2006. Sometime around then, the name was changed from Sugar Puffs to Honey Monsters, presumably in some sort of health drive. The factory closed its doors in 2016 after low sales of the cereal product caused the Southall site to become unviable. By 2017, plans were commissioned to convert the site into residential and business use which would see around 1,200 properties created and would compliment the upcoming completion of the Crossrail/Elizabeth Line.

The Explore:

I explored this factory recently with my good friend Landie_Man. After hearing tales of evil tempered security, we were slightly apprehensive of the place. But, once we got there, we found that it was fairly easy. Only access was a problem, due to me being a slightly larger than average type person! Whilst exploring, we had a really funny experience – security pulled up in a car about ten minutes after we got in. He didn’t see us but we saw him however. And so, we kept our distance for about two hours. He just sat there for ages and did nothing so I went and spied on him from the roof above where he was parked directly below… let’s just say that his sun roof was open. He was watching porn and having a bit of naughty time! On the job too! Definitely one of the weirdest urbex moments I’ve ever experienced. After that and a good laugh, we explored the rest of the factory and then made our way out, which by that time security had left. Here are the photos of the place:

  • Rooftops, showing vent systems.
  • Network of pipes and ducting.
  • A ventilation system.
  • One of the fans was still turning!
  • View towards London. St Paul’s Cathedral is visible!
  • The door back inside.
  • Maize conveyors.
  • Conveyors in the silos.
  • Dispensers.
  • Close up of the dispensers.
  • Even closer up!
  • Workings and conveyors.
  • Peeling paint and detritus.
  • Rusting machinery.
  • A dial.
  • Sack hoist.
  • Looking down the Art Deco building.
  • Reflective algae!
  • Leaded windows.
  • Sun beams.
  • Notice decreeing safety limits.
  • A valve.
  • One of the emergency phones.
  • Coming into the workshops.
  • Workshops.
  • Black reflective glass.
  • One of the controls.
  • Admin to factory floor.
  • The control room.
  • Honey Monsters!