Address: 54 Clifton, York, YO30 6AW (behind Clifton Bingo)
Description
On the back of Clifton Bingo, a small square sign displays white block capital text reading ‘Guildhall’ against a black background, with another word below, though illegible.
History
It’s thought that this sign reads “box” along the bottom, hearkening back to when this building was a cinema.
The Clifton Cinema first opened its doors on November 17, 1937, featuring John Laurie in Edge of the World.
John Laurie in Edge of the World (1937), the first film showed at Clifton Cinema
The cinema offered 1,150 seats spread across its stalls and a single balcony, with a large cafe and ballroom situated above the entrance foyer.
It ceased operations as a cinema on October 17, 1964, with the final showing of Valley of the Eagle, and was promptly converted into a bingo hall.
1930s Source: Cinema Treasures
Continuing a family tradition in the cinema industry, Jack Prendergast’s son, Patrick, who started as a trainee cinema operator in 1939, eventually became the manager.
His son, Jonathan, took on the management of the adjacent Clifton Club.
Remarkably, the Clifton Cinema is still owned and operated by the Prendergast family, who have maintained the building in pristine condition since its inception.
How Clifton Bingo looks today
Today, it is known as Clifton Bingo, under the stewardship of Clifton Bingo Club Ltd, directed by Jonathan and his brother, Jeremy.
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