The Savoy, Nottingham's oldest cinema, keeps the art deco magic alive after 90 years

On Derby Road in Lenton stands a cinema that has been entertaining Nottingham for more than nine decades. The Savoy opened on 7 November 1935, and it is the only surviving pre-Second World War cinema in the city.

It was opened by Lenton Picture House Ltd, a consortium of local businessmen, with an opening film of Flirtation Walk starring Dick Powell. Designed by architect Reginald Cooper in the art deco style with a curved front, it originally had a single auditorium seating 1,242. In 1972 it was rebuilt to offer three screens.

The Savoy marked its 90th birthday in 2025. Its current owner took over in 1994, and most areas have been renovated in a way that preserves the original look while adding modern touches such as laser projection and comfortable seating. Speaking to LeftLion, Paul Scotton was confident about the future: "I can't see Savoy ever disappearing."

The cinema also has its own place in film history. Part of its interior was used as a setting in the 1960 film Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, based on Alan Sillitoe's novel. In August 2026 The Loft Movie Theatre brought the film back to the Savoy for a special screening, after many people asked about it during the anniversary year.

"People who come and see the film will be walking up the very same stairs that they will see on the big screen!" the organisers told LeftLion. The Loft has been working with the Savoy for ten years, and praised it as an independent cinema with affordable ticket prices and a welcoming atmosphere for audiences of all ages.

The Savoy also champions classic cinema through its Films on Film series, which brings films back to the big screen in their original 35mm format, alongside a core programme of new releases.

For students, families and film fans across Lenton and beyond, the Savoy offers something increasingly rare: a night at the pictures in a building that has seen almost a century of Nottingham audiences come and go.

Listings and special screenings can be found through the Savoy's own channels, and The Loft Movie Theatre regularly brings cult and classic titles to its screens.