Historic London Cinema Under Threat

posted by woody on February 26, 2004 at 6:15 am

NOTTING HILL, ENGLAND — The historic Coronet Theatre is up for sale and may close as a cinema for the first time in its 105-year history, according to this report in the BBC News.

Both its exterior and interior remain intact and thankfully the building is listed [as an historic structure]. However, it could end up as a church and therefore not open to the general public. Check the link above for the full news item about the battle to save the theater, and for a recent image of its exterior.

In the film Notting Hill, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts are seen watching a film sitting in the Coronet’s balcony.

This was also London’s last smoking cinema, and, although its a bit shabby, it’s full of charm.
The area is luckily also served by two of Londons best independent cinemas with their fabulous historic interiors: the Gate (almost next door to the Coronet) and the nearby Electric on Portobello Road.

[Ed. — Cinema Treasures volunteer Ian Grundy just sent us this shot of the Coronet’s interior.]

Theaters in this post

• Coronet Theatre
• Electric Cinema - Portobello
• Gate Picturehouse