Date of closure: October 2014
Address (for reference only):
Burnt Oak Broadway
Edgware
London
HA8 5LD
We are not sure exactly why Edgeware’s Mecca Bingo closed, however we do know that there are proposals for the site to be turned into flats.
Originally opened in 1936 as the Savoy Cinema, it was an Art Deco venue designed by famed cinema architect George Coles. A large cinema, it was taken over by the Essoldo chain in 1961 and renamed as was renamed after the chain, however, it closed within a year and then became the first bingo club to operate in London. The building contained many of its original features up until its closure by Mecca Bingo in 2014.
By Gareth Whieldon (September 2015)
Most of these photos were taken in the late eighties, and unfortunately show the club to be quite empty, although we are guessing that this wasn’t always the case. The club views remind us of the the ‘beautiful gaudiness’ of bingo halls. They’ve always been flashy, and this one may have even doubled-up as a night club.
Many bingo halls took over from cinemas that were originally theatres. And although the theatres may have disappeared the sense of theatre still exists in bingo, as exemplified by the use of a stage for calling. People love this as it is more than card daubing, it is entertainment.
By Gareth Whieldon (September 2015)
If you have any photos from this lost hall, be it of its interior, the staff, special events, parties, customers and more; and you’d like to share them here, please contact us to arrange adding them to the site.
