If you’ve visited our coffee shop recently, you may have spotted something special on the wall — one of the original signs from the Savoy Cinema. It’s a bold reminder of a time when a trip to the pictures was the highlight of the week.
The Big Screen Comes to Town
Petersfield has had not one but two historic cinemas. The first was the Petersfield Electric Theatre, built in 1911. It had 300 seats, a piano for live music during silent films, and showed stars like Buster Keaton and Joan Crawford. But by the 1930s, film was changing fast. People wanted bigger screens, better sound, and more comfort.
Enter the Savoy Cinema.
Built in 1935, the Savoy was the town’s “super cinema” — and it lived up to the name. With space for 1,000 people, a glamorous art déco foyer, balcony seating and state-of-the-art sound, it was the place to be. On opening night, crowds gathered for a film starring Laurel and Hardy and a live performance by the Band of HM Royal Artillery. It was a true red carpet moment for Petersfield.
A Changing Picture
For many years, the Savoy brought Hollywood to Hampshire. You could catch the latest Gracie Fields, Leslie Howard or Ronald Colman film, sometimes before they even played in Portsmouth! But by the 1970s, things were changing. More people had TVs at home and fewer were going to the cinema. The Savoy started showing bingo instead of blockbusters. Its final film screening took place in 1985. The building was sold, and by 2008, it had been knocked down.
Today, the site is home to Nationwide, The British Red Cross shop and private flats — but thanks to the original sign on display in our coffee shop, the Savoy’s story lives on.
Why It Matters
The Savoy sign isn’t just a cool piece of memorabilia — it’s a window into Petersfield’s past. It reminds us how cinema brought people together, shaped the town, and made magic from moving pictures. Whether you remember watching your first film there or you’re seeing the name for the first time, this little sign is a big part of our story.
