Curzon Mayfair Cinema to Close Its Doors After Nine Decades
One of the capital’s best-loved cinemas is preparing to fade to black. Curzon Mayfair, a landmark in London’s cinema scene since the 1930s, is set to close under its current operator, following the conclusion of a long-running legal dispute with the building’s landlord.
Known for its classic red velvet seats, timeless interiors and decades of West End film premieres, the venue has stood as a pillar of independent cinema for generations. Its closure under the Curzon name marks the end of an era, even though the site will continue to operate as a cinema in future.
Curzon Mayfair confirmed it will be stepping back from legal action over redevelopment plans, citing the risk of absorbing substantial legal costs. In a statement, the company acknowledged the disappointment but expressed gratitude to its loyal audience:
“To all of the film lovers who have joined us over the years, thank you.”
The landlord, Fantasio, which has also worked on projects like The Ned and KOKO Camden, is planning a major £15 million renovation of the building. According to Fantasio CEO Dan Zaum, the vision is to create “London’s ultimate cinema experience” – a space that combines film with community use, education, and culture.
While the venue will remain a two-screen cinema, redevelopment is expected to begin in early 2026. Fantasio claims the investment will revive original architectural details while upgrading the audiovisual experience.
Curzon, however, challenged the notion that the cinema was in decline, pointing to a 25% rise in ticket sales over the last financial quarter. “The idea that this cinema is no longer thriving just isn’t backed by the facts,” the statement read. The group also voiced concern that maintaining such a costly renovation might push prices out of reach for regular audiences.
This news comes amid wider challenges to historic cinema venues across London. Leicester Square’s Prince Charles Cinema, another cornerstone of the city’s film culture, is also facing pressure, sparking a wave of support from the public. A petition to preserve that cinema has already gained over 163,000 signatures.
For more updates on the future of independent cinema in London and the stories behind the city’s much loved cultural landmarks, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | Curzon]
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