Date of closure: 2005
Address (for reference only):
Commercial Road
Stepney
London
E1 0HX
Mecca Stepney closed in 2005, and although we don’t know why, we can hazard a guess that it was due to the same problems that plagued many a bingo hall in the period – taxation, the smoking ban (or anticipation of its effects), and the UK Gaming Law 2005. The building was once a cinema, however our research has drawn a bit of a blank on the cinema’s history. We do know that it was, and still is a stunning building, as its original features have been restored. It has a marble floored foyer and wall panelling amongst other features, and it is listed as a Grade II building.
The excellent upkeep of the premises is due to the attention it receives from its current owners, Ashburn Estates, who are doing their best to provide an upmarket venue for a variety of purposes, including the hosting of corporate events.
By Gareth Whieldon (July 2010)
Mecca in Stepney was quite a large venue as can be seen, and the interior decor is probably the original cinema decoration, kept in a good state of repair. Full use of the circles is not evident, and the layout doesn’t take advantage of the original stage as some ex cinema venues do. The last image shows a lovely light fitting in the ceiling above the circles, and also some very ornate plaster work that includes the ceiling rose. We can see the carpet in other shots, and to be honest we’re not sure of the date of these carpets. The motifs may or may not be pre-war, and the colour of the carpet is definitely in keeping with the walls, but then again the colour scheme could have been redone as well.
By Gareth Whieldon (September 2010)
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.
