Iconic entertainment venue bought for £1 set for relaunch after £1m investment

A Grade II-listed former cinema on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor Street, in Manchester, is set to make a comeback and reopen next month as a hybrid hospitality and social space, following a £1m transformation.

The Grosvenor, an 800 capacity venue, acquired by Chorley-based multiple operator, Blind Tiger Inns, for just £1, is set to offer an ‘adult escapism’ experience, complete with huge sports screens and even a slide to transport guests from the cinema’s original balcony, when it opens next month.

Built between 1913 and 1915, the Grosvenor Picture Palace was originally the largest cinema outside London and has since taken on numerous identities, from a bingo hall and snooker venue to, most recently, a student pub, The Footage.

Now, the doors will open again as an adult playground where visitors can expect to find an immersive concept with more than 30 beer taps and filled with pool tables, beer pong tables, and a photobooth to capture the memories – continuing its iterations as a legendary entertainment venue for more than 100 years.

With its huge capacity, The Grosvenor is set to welcome all corners of Manchester’s diverse community. From sports fans and students – with student deals coming soon – to local office teams, and long-time locals who fondly recall the building’s past glory days.

Chris Tulloch, Managing Director of the independent local operator behind the transformation, said: “The Grosvenor is in the midst of an incredible transformation, and we’re creating something truly special for Manchester.

“Our vision is to blend the best aspects of a sports bar, social venue, and nightclub into one vibrant, unforgettable space where memories are made.”

He added: “As we breathe new life into this iconic building, we’re excited to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Manchester’s entertainment, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in to eat, drink and have fun in the adult playground.”

Located on the corner of Oxford Road and Grosvenor St, The Grosvenor will open its doors next month, operating from 12 noon to midnight and staying open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, bringing an unrivalled experience to Manchester’s hospitality scene.