One of the country's biggest hotel chains has opened its first branch in Finchley, marking the first branded hotel in the area.

A two-floor extension to Winston House, an office building in Dollis Park Road, has become the home of the new Travelodge which opened last week.

The original application was met with some controversy as office workers and residents were concerned the increase in hotel visitors would put a strain on parking in the area.

Julian Taylor, who works in Dollis Park Road, said: “Our office is directly opposite Winston House and parking in this area is already extremely difficult.

“I am sure the Barnet parking wardens could tell you horror stories.

“Those who have been here for many years are nervous about the parking ramifications of this new development and this pressure would be a material error and concern for us.”

London Finchley Travelodge, which cost the building landlord £7.5 million to establish, has 128 rooms with floor to ceiling windows and a bar café.

It is the company’s third and largest hotel in the borough of Barnet, located within walking distance of Finchley Central station and is easily accessible from the M1 has created 25 new jobs.

Mayor of Barnet David Longstaff joined Travelodge regional director Bryn Taylor to officially open the hotel at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday (December 8).

Cllr Longstaff said: “The addition of Travelodge will have a positive impact on Barnet by providing employment for many local residents, and affordable accommodation for visitors.

“The hotel is in a prime location with fantastic transport links to the rest of the city and beyond.”

Travelodge has also invested £100,000 modernising its other Barnet hotels in Cricklewood and Whetstone.

The company is looking to expand to other locations in North London such as Barking, Tottenham, Muswell Hill and Highgate.