Comments about ABC Forest Hill in London, GB

execelsior on March 17, 2024 at 3:46 am

I also discovered the building on the way to the museum.

What a joy that was!!!

It is tragic that the building is not used.

I don’t think the circle was used by J.D. Wetherspoon

Biffaskin on January 6, 2021 at 12:37 pm

Mecca disposed of several bingo clubs to Jasmine Bingo, this was one of them, and they were the final bingo operators here.

Ian on October 25, 2017 at 1:22 am

As of October 2017 the Capitol is up and running again as a Wetherspoons pub with no apparent change to the interior from 2014.

Ian on January 27, 2014 at 7:37 am

A few contemporary photos of the Capitol as a Wetherspoons pub here:–

traceyse26 on August 7, 2013 at 4:43 pm

IT WAS A REALLY GOOD PLACE TO GO 1960’S/70’S SATURDAY MORNING PICTURES COSTING SIXPENCE LOADS OF CARTOONS/EPISODES TO SEE IE ZORRO, FLASH GORDON COMPETITIONS + MUSIC IE; DESMOND DECKER & ISraelites ICE CREAM LADIES + ORGAN PLAYING

Bean on December 24, 2008 at 5:11 am

I really want to know where the organ went in the 1950s. Can anybody help?

Bean.

Bean on December 16, 2008 at 3:10 am

Hi rebeckle!

This sounds excellent. Could you please give me a quick call on 07092 173263 with any kind of contact details?

rebeckle on December 12, 2008 at 8:41 am

Hi Bean.
JS Beard (the Architect) was my great grandfather. My grandfather (93 and still going strong) recently finished writing a family history so I might be able to help you out with some info.

Bean on September 9, 2008 at 1:51 am

I am researching the history of this place and would like any information available. If you feel you could help please reply to this message. T Bean.

Ian on February 5, 2008 at 7:41 am

A collection of photos – mostly interiors – here:–

View link

HowardBHaas on April 19, 2007 at 11:39 am

On way to visit Horniman Museum, I spotted this ex-cinema and was astonished to see so many original decor features survive though used as a pub. Couldn’t tell if balcony (circle) is used, but could see it from main floor.

View of exterior, taken April 2007:
View link

View of Proscenium Arch of Auditorium, taken April 2007:
View link

Ken Roe on May 30, 2005 at 4:15 pm

The Capitol Cinema opened on 11th February 1929 with the movie “Man, Woman, Sin” starring John Gilbert which was supported by a stage show and organ interlude. The Capitol was re-named ABC in December 1968. After the ABC closed as a cinema on 13th October 1973 (with the double bill “Scarecrow”/“Class of ‘99”), it became a Mecca bingo club which closed December 1996.

It stood unused until the Weatherspoon’s chain of pubs purchased the building and refurbished it into one of their pubs, now called The Capitol. It retains most of the decor of the cinema, both externally and internally.

2526 on March 28, 2004 at 7:57 am

i am sorry the organ from the cinema is not at my church this is the wrong cinema.

DAVIDFREEMAN on November 2, 2003 at 5:38 pm

I HAVE MANY PICTURES OF THIS CINEMA.
FRONT OF HOUSE,AND AUDITORIUM (AS BINGO)
AND THE REBULDING WORK RECENTLY TO CONVERT IT INTO A “WEATHERSPOONS” PUB.

ABC Forest Hill

11-21 London Road, London, SE23 3TW

11-21 London Road,
London, SE23 3TW