24-05-2025
Beloved historical cinema in UK staycation hotspot announces epic comeback after previously closing due to 'lack of footfall'
A popular historical cinema in a favourite staycation hotspot has announced an epic comeback after previously closing due to a 'lack of footfall'.
The Royalty Cinema in Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District shut its doors last August from a lack of footfall.
The business was 'losing too much money', and its owners, Westmorland and Furness Council, said it was looking for a new leaseholder at the time.
However, the venue will now be reopening next month, with a special evening of music, film and celebration.
It will start with a short film, which will outline the place's history along with revealing some of its new features, according to local paper The Mail.
Guests will be treated to performances such as a Beatles tribute band.
Some of the new features the venue will have include a new bar area, a music mixing zone and an accessible toilet in the main auditorium.
A new flexible seating arrangement has been implemented in the main screen area, enabling cabaret-style events with tables and chairs.
Additionally, a new private hire venue called The Studio is being launched, providing a more intimate atmosphere for events and accommodating up to 50 guests.
A designated ice cream sales area also officially opened on Saturday and is set to operate throughout the season.
In a post, the venue said: 'We hope previous customers will be returning and spreading the good news.
'More news to follow with further details of the new owners as well of more details of the revamp of the building. You will be able to see work has already commenced as seen by current activities.
'While carrying out works in the old hairdressers, we made an interesting discovery. Details to follow, it will make a lovely memory for someone.
'We look forward to seeing you all in the near future. Please tell your friends of this exciting news, thank you, see you soon.'
As previously reported, a beloved department store that abruptly shut its doors earlier this year is set to make a comeback following an extensive refurbishment — a win for traditional British high street shopping.
Jolly's, the iconic Bath department store, stunned locals in December when it suddenly announced its closure, leaving 100 staff members — some with decades of service — facing an uncertain future.
Now, just a month after the shutters came down, the store, formerly run by Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, is set to be revived, with a new retailer stepping in to take the reins.
Morleys, a London-based department store group, confirmed today that it will be taking over the site, which is owned by the local council.
The store's general manager has been retained for the two-stage refurbishment, which will see most of the store closed off while it is restored to its 'former glory', Morleys said.
The chain, which has eight stores in London, one of which closes next month, says it is committed to making the traditional shop an 'anchor store' for Bath's fashionable Milson Street once more.
Allan Winstanley, chief executive of Morleys, promised the Jolly's name would be kept, as would the traditional department store model.
It operates several London department stores, including Elys Wimbledon, Morleys Brixton, Pearsons of Enfield and Selbys in Holloway.
