Former Daffodil cinema, Cheltenham

Image: © Jaggery Taken: 25 Nov 2011

Viewed across Suffolk Parade. The Daffodil restaurant and Carlton House Antiques occupy the former Daffodil cinema building, erected in the 1920s in the Art Deco style. The Daffodil was Cheltenham's first purpose-built picture palace, with 750 seats. It first opened its doors to the public on October 5th 1922. With the arrival of the talkies, a sound system replaced orchestral accompaniment in 1930. In the 1950s, competition from other cinemas and television result in dwindling ticket sales. The Daffodil screened its last film on September 7th 1963. It reopened as a bingo hall later that month. In May 1977 the property was sold and became an antique furniture centre. When this closed in 1989 the building fell into disrepair. Cheltonian restaurateur Mark Stephens purchased the freehold in late 1996. An extensive renovation followed during which many original features and fittings were restored. The Daffodil reopened as dining rooms in February 1998 amid much local interest. Customers entering the Daffodil see the sweeping staircase. There are original mosaic tiles, posters advertising films, early vending machines and the original projectors. The open-plan kitchen occupies the location of the former film screen.

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