Grosvenor Cinema
From Glasgow
| Telephone | 0141 339 8444 |
| Fax | |
| Address | 24 Ashton Lane
Hillhead G12 8SJ |
The Grosvenor Cinema is a small, two-screen independent cinema, first opened in May 1921. Originally, it seated 1,337 patrons in a single screen, with both stalls and a balcony, whilst the entrance was on Byres Road. The architects were A.V.Gardner and W.R. Glen, who designed other cinemas in the West of Scotland, including the Kelvin on Argyle Street. W.R. Glen would later become the house architect for the UK-wide ABC chain. Coincidentally, the Grosvenor was bought by ABC in 1929, and ran under their management until 1976, when it was sold to the Caledonian Associated Cinemas chain (CAC). In 1980, CAC comprehensively reconstructed the cinema, moving the entrance to Ashton Lane, and creating two mini-cinemas in the former stalls area. The balcony at this time was blocked off and disused.
In 2001, it was sold to the local G1 Group. They closed the cinema for 18 months and once more rebuilt it. The exterior on Ashton Lane was transformed from the former plain facade to one more suited to the mews architecture of the lane, whilst the redundant balcony area was extensively refurbished and brought into use as a bar/restaurant, incorporating the wonderful original ceiling of the 1921 auditorium.
The two new cinemas occupy roughly the same space as the old mini screens in the former stalls area, but are much more luxurious, and with generous legroom. Each screen only seats around 100 now. The interior of each theatre is fitted with spacious leather seats and a limited number of two-seater sofas are available for hire. Links directly with The Lane Cafe Bar and outside access to the Loft restaurant located in the same building on the first floor.
