A beloved leisure landmark in Birmingham is set to close its doors for good. Mecca Bingo, located on Kettlehouse Road in Kingstanding, will cease operations in early June, marking the end of an era for the community.
Housed within the striking Art Deco building that once served as the Odeon Cinema, the venue has a rich history dating back to its opening in July 1935. Originally designed by architects Harry Weedon and Cecil Clavering, the cinema closed in 1962 before transitioning into a bingo hall under the Top Rank brand, later becoming part of Mecca Bingo’s network.
Despite its iconic status and loyal patronage, the Kingstanding Mecca Bingo venue has struggled financially. According to the Rank Group, which owns Mecca Bingo, the hall has not been profitable for some time. Additionally, the building requires extensive repairs and maintenance, making its continued operation unsustainable.
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As one of only two remaining Mecca Bingo sites in Birmingham—the other being in Acocks Green—the closure is a notable blow for local bingo enthusiasts. Staff are currently being consulted about their future, and the company is communicating closely with both employees and customers during this transition.
A spokesperson for Rank Group commented, “It is with a heavy heart that we propose to close our Kingstanding club. The financial challenges and necessary repairs have made it difficult to keep the venue running. We currently anticipate the final day of trading to be Sunday, June 7, pending final decisions next month.”
The former Odeon building, once part of Oscar Deutsch’s iconic cinema chain, has seen many transformations over nearly nine decades—from film screenings to banqueting suites and bingo halls—reflecting the shifting entertainment landscape of Birmingham.