Vault Cinemas

In Burnley, Lancashire, the Savoy Cinema Superb (see separate Cinema Treasures entry) opened in 1922. After its closure in 1956 the building was demolished and a branch of Martins Bank, which opened in 1963, was built on the site. In 1969 this became Barclays Bank, but that relocated in 1991. A succession of retailers subsequently occupied the building, with the final one, fashion outlet Select, moving out around 2022.

The building then lay unused until December 2024, when The Real Food Hall, featuring an open-plan dining area, a licensed bar and a wide variety of culinary options, opened.

That was swiftly followed the same month by the Vault Cinemas, a determinedly luxury ‘destination’ which promises a state-of-the-art movie-going experience. Situated in the basement, this has seven bespoke screening rooms. Two, one with 18 seats and the other with eight, host public screenings, while the other five have just two seats each and are available for private hire, offering a VIP experience.

A stand out feature is the original bank vault doors, beautifully preserved and integrated into the cinema. And, adding a touch of grandeur, the chandelier from the ballroom of the town’s former Keirby Hotel now graces the cinema entrance.

The Real Food Hall and the Vault Cinemas were joined in January 2025 by the appropriately named Above Hotel (as it sits above the food court). This also offers a luxury, VIP experience, and has just nine rooms.

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