The chinese buffet place was originally Picture House then renamed as the Super cinema then it became a dance hall called the Majestic I was there when the Beatles played there and tv were there with cameras No alcohol was allowed or sold there A case of having a few jars in the Conway Arms that was just over the road
The Empire Cinema opened on the 26th May 1917 and had about 700 seats, it was modernised in the 1930s and by 1941 it was owned by Super Cinema Ltd. In 1954 it was sold to Essoldo (but still retained its Empire name).
In 1969 it was modernised and re-opened on the 14th February as the Essoldo Cinema, about a week earlier, the old Essoldo Cinema (the old Ritz Building on the other side of the road) became the Essoldo Bingo Club.
In 1972 it was sold, for £40,000 to Classic and it was re-named on 2nd April 1972.
It was then sold to Cannon and re-named on 14th March 1990.
It finally closed as a cinema on 23rd November 1990.
Since closing, it has been a carpet warehouse, a Quasar and a couple of nightclubs.
I've just bought a copy of "The Silver Screens of Wirral-Birkenhead & Bebington". It really brings back memories of my time as a projectionist; several pages on the Plaza & the Ritz where I worked. BTW, does anyone know if Bill Boht, manager of the Ritz is related to Jean Boht (Bread)? It's an unusual name.
I've just bought a copy of "The Silver Screens of Wirral-Birkenhead & Bebington". It really brings back memories of my time as a projectionist; several pages on the Plaza & the Ritz where I worked. BTW, does anyone know if Bill Boht, manager of the Ritz is related to Jean Boht (Bread)? It's an unusual name.
Sorry ive only just seen your question mate. Yeah Jean Boht was married to Bill Boht and she was from Birkenhead too.
Chris do you remember the avenue pub,on the corner of Bidston ave.That used to be a picture house,during the war it was so badly hit they had to bring it down,can not remember it`s name at the time.
