London’s ‘grandest’ Wetherspoons, based inside a converted 1920s Forest Hill cinema, has permanently closed its doors.
The Capitol in Forest Hill ushered out its last punters last night (October 15) after JD Wetherspoon made the “commercial decision” to close the site.
The iconic boozer was located at the former Capitol cinema, described as a “rare survival” of a complete 1920s art deco picture house.
JD Wetherspoon PLC announced the premises had been put up for sale back in September 2022 prompting a wave of appreciation for the unique pub on social media.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “Capitol, Wetherspoons in Forest Hill SE23, due to close this Sunday 15 October. Impressive pub in old theatre/cinema, no one seems to know it’s [sic] future.”
Another pub appreciator previously wrote: “The prettiest maybe but most defintely [sic] the grandest Wetherspoons in London. The Capitol in Forest Hill.”
The Capitol cinema was built in 1929 on the site of three mid-19th century houses named Prospect Villas, once inhabited by the Hanoverian princess Sophie Matilda.
The cinema’s opening ceremony saw music from a live orchestra and speeches from the local MP and mayor.
Its first picture was the silent film ‘Man, Woman and Sin’ starring heartthrob of the day John Gilbert and Hollywood icon Greta Garbo.
The cinema was renamed the ABC in 1968 and was then a bingo hall from 1979 to 1996, becoming a Wetherspoons thereafter.
The pub was notable for its ostentatious interior and use of vintage film posters for decoration.
There was even a preserved ticket booth featuring a mannequin theatre attendant.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that The Capitol pub has now closed. Its last trading day was Sunday 15 October. This is a commercial decision undertaken by the company We appreciate the loyalty of our customers and staff over the years.”
It is currently unclear if there is a new buyer and, if so, who it is.
JD Wetherspoon has now closed 35 boozers over the last nineteen months having been hit hard by rising costs.