The Royal had laid idle since the Covid<\/a> pandemic of 2020, when it closed during the second nationwide lockdown in November, but did not reopen when restrictions were lifted.<\/p>\n Then its owners, Empire Cinemas, went into administration<\/a> in July 2023 leaving fears the cinema would not reopen again.<\/p>\n Read more: Popular Sutton caf\u00e9 announces move in expansion plans<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n But independent cinema group, PDJ Cinemas, owned by the Jervis family, stepped in at the start of 2024<\/a> promising to refurbish the former Odeon back to its 1930s Art Deco heyday.<\/p>\n And that they did and then some<\/a> opening up the Grade II listed cinema’s foyer and large windows, creating a new bar area and upgrading the four screens with new audio and visual equipment as well as comfy sofa or armchair seating.<\/p>\n Now the Royal needs your vote online<\/a> as it seeks to win the BIFA cinema of the year award.<\/p>\n The Royal has seen more than 160,000 people through its doors in the first 12 months from July 2024, exceeding expectations.<\/p>\n The top five films in that time were Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy with 12,000 admissions, Wicked with 11,000, Minecraft Movie with 9,000, Paddington in Peru with 8,000 and the first blockbuster it showed when it opened, Deadpool & Wolverine with 6,800 visitors.<\/p>\n Reflecting on a successful first year, manager Des Christie, said: \u201cIn the last 12 months we have received over 160,000 admissions.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been absolutely going amazing.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the same as the Empire was doing pre-Covid when the cinema had more seats.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have held special events like the Polar Express, reintroduced the senior mornings on Wednesdays and had more than 5,000 visitors and also run a Junior Club some weekends with tickets as low as \u00a34.95.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have also had Fizz and Film nights with classic movies like Pretty Woman, Dirty Dancing and Ghost.<\/p>\n \u201cThis weekend we are showing Jaws for its 50 th anniversary and our main screen one is sold out.\u201d<\/p>\n Des said fears the car park sell off by Empire might impact attendances have not been realised. And he said the revamped venue has helped bring people back into town.<\/p>\n Des, who managed the Empire in Sutton for six years before its demise, said: \u201cIt\u2019s brought that community back.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we have brought something back to Sutton Coldfield and brought people back to the town.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about delivering more than just film. We have a lovely bar upstairs. We are catering for people who want a day or night out, not just a cinema night.<\/p>\n \u201cThe admissions are there. People are coming through the door and the refurb has encouraged a different kind o clientele.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have also sold over 10,000 bottled drinks, 8,000 bags of chocolate and 20,000 hot drinks which helps support the business.\u201d<\/p>\n Get the latest Sutton Coldfield news delivered direct to your inbox<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_IMG_3646.jpg\")
The Royal Cinema in Sutton Coldfield has been well attended since it reopened in July 2024 with more than 160,000 visitors in a year <\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_IMG_3546.jpg\")
The foyer area at the Royal Cinema has returned the venue to its former Art Deco glory of the 1930s <\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_IMG_3569.jpg\")
The bar area at the Royal Cinema in Sutton Coldfield means to venue is great for a night out not just a pop to the flicks said venue manager Des Christie <\/p>\n