The Regent
Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor
There is something for everybody at The Regent — an all-encompassing antiques, vintage and collectibles emporium that also boasts tea rooms and an independent cinema. Spread over three floors and boasting over 50 stalls, keen eyed shoppers will find antique artwork and ornaments sat alongside vintage clothing, vinyl records and rare furniture. There is also space for boutique homemade jewelry, retro games, collectible toys and wartime memorabilia, as well as scheduled auctions from the cinema each month.
Originally opened in 1921, The Regent served as a cinema until 1969 when it was converted first for bingo use, and then as a pool and snooker hall. After a period of disrepair, the impressive Grade II listed building, with Doric columns and domed roof, was restored and opened as an antiques centre in 2014. Steadily expanding over the three floors, it wasn’t long before the vintage inspired tea rooms were added on the first floor, providing shoppers with cake and hot drinks, alongside hearty breakfast and lunch menus.
The Regent opened its doors to much fanfare, with the Blackpool Herald going so far as to declare it “the last word in Cinema.” It was heartening then to see filmgoers returning to the venue in 2016 as the auditorium re-opened, lit once again by flickering projector light. Today audiences can enjoy a steady programme of classic and popular films in the 124 seater theatre. Classic refreshments such as popcorn, hot dogs and ice cream are available for you to purchase pre-show from The Diner, a fully licenced operation also stocked with a selection of lagers, wine and spirits.
