Despite rising attendances and increased profits, the Rank Group PLC is to close yet another of its bingo halls.
Once Britain’s largest retail bingo operator, Mecca Bingo halls that are still open are becoming increasingly hard to find. Even more so if you are in Scarborough, as it has been confirmed that the popular bingo hall will close its doors for the final time on November 23rd. This after nearly 50 years of being at the heart of the local community
Word reached Bingo Daily from an anonymous source that Mecca Bingo Scarborough was to close, resulting in the sad loss of all 21 jobs. When approached, a spokesperson for Mecca Bingo refused to confirm its imminent closure. Instead, issuing a statement saying:
“As our lease approaches its end, we are discussing a proposal to close our club on Albemarle Crescent.
It’s a difficult decision, but we are consulting with our team and hope to reach an outcome next month.We’ll let our team and guests know as soon as a decision is finalised.”
However, as is often the case, the closure was confirmed shortly after, with the final bingo session being held on November 23rd.
“Devastating Loss to the Community”
The news of the closure was met with sadness and shock by the local community. Rob Lee, a long-time former employee and customer, said in a Facebook Post:
Sadly it seems a big loss is coming to Scarborough.
Mecca Bingo Scarborough at the moment will sadly be closing their doors on for the final time on Sunday 23rd November 2025.
My heart goes out to Employees, many of whom have served the community all of their adult life with 5/10/20 years service.
It also goes out to the hundreds and thousands of customers, many whom have used every single day for decades.
Personally I have so much love for the place during and after working there, both staff and customers made you feel like family, and I’m sure I am not the only 1 that thinks this would be a devastating loss to the Community.
The past and current management always did everything they could to try prevent the doors from closing and they should be extremley proud of their accomplishments, and endless local charitable work they did supporting the community.
If the doors do close, then some businesses in the community are about to pick up the most genuine loyal hardworking staff you could ask for, and should their applications come across the desk of your business, then I implore you, hire that person immediately, because you will not regret it.
If there was any way this buisness could be saved i would happily post every single day to help make that happen.
I hope the Council and the owners of the building can come up with a way of not only saving this buisness but potentially saving the building, because without a buisness like Mecca it may just become another listed building that Scarborough loses.
All my love to the team at Mecca Scarborough and all their customers at this time.
xxxx
Other commentators on Social Media said very much the same thing “Such a shame”, “please reconsider” and “Please don’t close” summed up how dismayed locals felt about the unpopular bingo news.
Historic Building
The art-deco venue is housed in a Grade II listed structure originally built in 1928–29 as the Capitol Theatre, designed by architects Gray & Evans. The building features an eye-catching white faience façade, a steel frame structure and retains much of the original theatre styling — a reminder of its cinema/theatre past.
It was officially listed on 5 October 2000 under the National Heritage List for England (List Entry No. 1384984).
Having served as a cinema and theatre, the centrally located venue transitioned into a bingo club under Mecca in 1977. Since then, Mecca Bingo Scarborough has offered daily bingo sessions—both afternoon and evening—within this historic environment with seating available for up to 1200 persons.
Pleas to Club 3000 For Help
Along with the messages of sadness, anger and shock, there was no shortage of comments hoping that Club Bingo 3000 can step in save the Mecca Bingo Hall. The UK’s largest independent retail bingo operator has stepped in before to save a local club from closure.
Bingo Daily has evidence that at least one opening by Club 3000 started with a former Mecca employee and patron writing to Club Bingo 3000, asking them (successfully) to consider opening up after a Mecca venue closed. Can it work again?
Sue johnson, a Scarborough local, said:
“Hopefully the guys who own bingo 3000 will buy it, they have bought over 25 old Mecca bingos round the country & the prize money is excellent, and I’m sure they’d keep the staff on”.
Another local, David Mcgovern, added:
“Club 3000 will buy it has they took over Hyde Road Preston and most off Scotland and Down south Mecca Clubs”
What’s Next?
What is next for the bingo hall is anyone’s guess. Already, rumours are flying around that the listed-building will be converted into flats and even an Asyluym Seekers residence. However, there is stil hope that the hall can be saved and bingo can continue to be played in the seaside resort of Scarborough.
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