Since Forest Cinemas opened on 23rd August it has since seen over 10,000 customers, owner James Jervis says
By Holly Kintuka
The owner of Forest Cinema, which opened its doors to customers on 23rd August, says it is “here to stay”.
Adding that attracted over 10,000 customers in its first month of opening, PDJ Cinemas Director James Jervis told the Echo he expects it to be a “focal point for the community” and promised cheaper tickets.
Taking the Echo on a tour of the venue, he said all of its staff live in Waltham Forest, and was keen to “move away from self-service” and prioritise good customer service.
The cinema’s “state-of-the-art” projectors, are currently showing blockbusters, Bollywood and foreign language films, though James has plans to increase the number of films that will be available for customers even further.
Plans to increase food and drink options through working with local businesses and breweries are also in the works.
Customers will soon be able to enjoy the Alfred Hitchcock-inspired bar that is being built, as well as new leather and reclining seats. James and General Manager Kan Singh emphasised the importance of giving customers luxury and bringing back “shared experiences.”
He added: “We’ll be introducing subtitles and autism-friendly screening, which will include things like no ads and lower volume. We’ll also have parent and baby films, where parents can bring their babies who are over six months along and not worry about them crying.”
Smaller screens at the cinema will also be available for private hiring.
Kan Singh said: “We’ve already had so many birthday enquiries.”
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Both the PDJ Cinemas director and general manager seemed very excited about the future of the cinema, with plans to host events where customers will be able to walk into a decorated cinema and watch seasonal films as well as the showing of older films.
With the new prices being implemented today (20th September), customers will be able to get tickets of various prices, offering off-peak and on-peak tickets. Seniors will also be able to experience opportunities to see a film and enjoy a tea or coffee for under £5.
Despite the opening date for the cinema being announced just a few days before its opening, the PDJ Cinemas director shared that it worked in their favour. Customers have been making use of the cinema’s £5 Monday deals that have been in place since the opening.
He said: “We wanted to make sure everything was certain, and it allowed a softer opening.”
The cinema has a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews, with people keen to have the cinema back.
One wrote: “Great to see the cinema open again – Looking forward to visiting again soon.”
Another person said: “Great new screens, diverse selection of films and who can moan about £5 Monday ticket? So pleased Walthamstow has a cinema back. Make sure you use it to keep it open.”
Forest Cinema’s opening comes after councillors approved plans to redevelop a former art-deco cinema in Highams Park. The Regal Cinema, as it was formerly called, will be turned into a mixed use building containing a two-screen cinema, cafe bar, and housing.
Closed since the 1960s, the council approval means the Hale End Road building will be home to 33 one and two-bed flats, and host to the borough’s second cinema when open.
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