Scott Cinemas
Scott Cinemas
3.5
About
HISTORY This cinema was built on the site of the former Theatre Royal by a subsidiary company (Albany- Ward) of the Gaumont British Corporation, at that time the largest cinema operator in the country. Gaumont itself had Parisian origins but the British and French divisions split as a result of first world war difficulties. Gaumont France still exists. It opened on 3rd August 1931, as The Gaumont Palace, and was designed by the Bristol based architectural practice of W.H.Watkins who designed a number of significant cinemas for Gaumont in Coventry, Plymouth , Bristol and Exeter as well as many others in the Bristol and South Western area. As a single screen cinema it had 1124 seats with an elaborate 3 cove illuminated proscenium surround and cove in the ceiling. With sunburst effects over the doorways, silk panelling on the side walls and its' green cloister-tiled front elevation it had a somewhat Oriental-Art-Deco appearance. The main staircase and upper foyer/bar area retain many original, restored features and screen one particularly still impresses by its size and scale.By 1942 Gaumont and Odeon Cinemas were controlled by J.Arthur Rank and in the 60's it was decided to replace the "Gaumont" name with "Odeon" in places where they did not operate two or more cinemas. By the end of that decade ownership had passed to The Classic Cinemas ( which ultimately were acquired by Cannon Cinemas ) and thence to an independent operator based in Surrey. By this time the auditorium had been laterally split to form a Bingo club in the former stalls and a 435 seat cinema in the balcony area. For further information see "Gaumont British Cinemas" by Allen Eyles, BFI Publishing. CURRENT Scott Cinemas bought the building in late 1999, and embarked on an extensive programme of work to convert the ground floor into 3 auditoria. Two cinemas were constructed under the rear balcony, with a fourth cinema added in the former front stalls, with seating in a stadium configuration. Unlike most conversions of older buildings, care was taken to ensure complete symmetry in the design ensuring perfect sightlines. In 2008, the cinema was named RAAM "Independent Cinema of the Year." A further complete refurbishment took place during 2010-11 which included the complete redecoration of all front of house areas, installation of Digital 3D in Screen 1, revised decoration and lighting in all screens, and Digital sound in Screen 4. A Cafe Bar was provided in the upper foyer and all screens are licensed. At the end of 2011, all screens were converted to Digital Projection with 6-channel Digital sound. The construction additional screens on adjacent land is still a desirable project.
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3.5
118 reviews
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Montgomery, UK922 contributions
May 2022
It seemed quite fitting that we visited Scotts Cinema to see Downton Abbey - elegant and exhuberant - and the cinema rather fitted in with that; everything that you would expect from a modern cinema, but in a more intimate and traditional environment.
Staff were friendly and helpful, drinks and snacks available (at modern day cinema prices unfortunately!) and whilst the screen was full size, the theatre itself was relatively small and cosy. Comfortable seats, slightly reclined, with a cup holder in the arm rest.
Toilets could be accessed directly from the theatre and were well maintained, clean and modern.
So much more of a personal experience than some of the huge multiplexes.
Staff were friendly and helpful, drinks and snacks available (at modern day cinema prices unfortunately!) and whilst the screen was full size, the theatre itself was relatively small and cosy. Comfortable seats, slightly reclined, with a cup holder in the arm rest.
Toilets could be accessed directly from the theatre and were well maintained, clean and modern.
So much more of a personal experience than some of the huge multiplexes.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tabitha D
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Friends
i am very upset and confused. me and my friends where sitting waching the new spider man movie and there were two people sitting next to us, as it is a comedy movie we where laughing and these ladies told me to “shut up” which I did. After that about 20 minutes later my friend asked me to give her soemthing out of my bag quietly and respectfully i went through my bag to find it and the 2 ladies told us to then “shut the f**k up” and then they walked out to complain, as we are young teenage kids about 13 they took the 2 people’s word for it and kicked us out without even listening to our side of the story, they then told us to leave wich we did, terrible customer service do not go if you are not with adults or they will kick us out.
Written June 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jph-halcyon
Bristol20 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
Beats the big chain cinemas. Obviously smaller choice of films, but just showing the best.
Screen 1 was a great screen and sound was nicely balanced. Reclining chairs were very comfortable. Also, appreciated the cooler temperature and no ‘stuffy’ feeling you sometimes get at other places.
Snacks reasonable priced.
Perhaps the main highlight were the staff, who seemed to be film enthusiasts and talked through the films on offer and helped me to decide.
Wish I had a cinema like this in my town!
Screen 1 was a great screen and sound was nicely balanced. Reclining chairs were very comfortable. Also, appreciated the cooler temperature and no ‘stuffy’ feeling you sometimes get at other places.
Snacks reasonable priced.
Perhaps the main highlight were the staff, who seemed to be film enthusiasts and talked through the films on offer and helped me to decide.
Wish I had a cinema like this in my town!
Written March 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LJGourlay
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
My 21 year old son is a disabled wheelchair user. Was told by very rude staff. That we should have gone during daytime if we wanted him to be able to have access to that particular film. My husband had to carry our son up three flights of stairs. Staff unhelpful through and watched us struggle. The two young girls on the reception desk area not interested extremely rude. Will never put my disabled son through the that type of undignified entrance again. Disgusting throughout further disabled access needed and staff training.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Triops
Lynton, UK9 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
On Sunday 10th October a friend and I went to this cinema to watch the latest bond film. We took our seats to watch the 2030 show. However the screen didn’t work so we sat and waited after having been told the projector was being ‘rebooted’ . This was repeated three times. Half an hour later we were offered a full refund. At the cashier’s booth I was reminded of an occasion in America when the last 30 seconds of the film failed. There we were offered our money back and a free film of our choice by way of compensation. Not here! I told the representative that I had made a round trip of 40 miles and said that there should be some sort of compensation other than a refund and lightheartedly said perhaps we should be offered a bag of free popcorn. “I can’t do that” was the reply, contact Customer Care. This was done and we were informed.
“The manager also advised that your party was rude towards her so in this instance we will not be offering any kind of compensation “
No one from the company bothered to contact us to discuss the apparent rudeness they decided to accuse me of until we asked for some sort of compensation. Interesting….
I can only say that this report of rudeness was and is completely untrue and ultimate quite upsetting given the actual tone of what went on. I accept problems will arise, I am not an unreasonable person, but I have to class this interaction with customer service as one of the poorest experiences I have had.
Unfortunately if you want to watch a film in Barnstaple it has to be Scott Cinemas, maybe their customer service responses are driven by the fact that they have no competition in this town.
“The manager also advised that your party was rude towards her so in this instance we will not be offering any kind of compensation “
No one from the company bothered to contact us to discuss the apparent rudeness they decided to accuse me of until we asked for some sort of compensation. Interesting….
I can only say that this report of rudeness was and is completely untrue and ultimate quite upsetting given the actual tone of what went on. I accept problems will arise, I am not an unreasonable person, but I have to class this interaction with customer service as one of the poorest experiences I have had.
Unfortunately if you want to watch a film in Barnstaple it has to be Scott Cinemas, maybe their customer service responses are driven by the fact that they have no competition in this town.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kud
41 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The staff on the day of visit were more interested in chatting with each other than dealing with customers' questions or issues. We had a family sit in front of us that had already been shown to their seats and decided they wanted to sit in a better position. The staff didn't do anything. The customer complaints on the email were less than useful. Throughout the entire showing, people were on their phone and taking pictures of the screen (with flash enabled). Now, this happens up and down the land and not just here, but this is just my experience on this visit. It's not the list time a viewing has been ruined at this cinema location.
Written August 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KenDevon
Braunton, UK81 contributions
Nov 2012 • Couples
Now they have changed the system you can not choose seats online, what a massive backward step, when other cinemas are switching over to online seat bookings.
Went to watch a 3D film and for the second time found it an uncomfortable experience. The 3D glasses were next to useless. Despite the film only being on for a second night the glasses were battererd and useless. I will not go to watch a 3D film again.
Went to watch a 3D film and for the second time found it an uncomfortable experience. The 3D glasses were next to useless. Despite the film only being on for a second night the glasses were battererd and useless. I will not go to watch a 3D film again.
Written May 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gimmick4Life
United Kingdom250 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
The food/popcorn/hot crisps are stale, left on heat with the bar closed.
I was unwell partl into the move i left. thos damn crisps.
3d glasses broken, cannot use them for 3D movies, no refund given even got barred for no reason.
I was unwell partl into the move i left. thos damn crisps.
3d glasses broken, cannot use them for 3D movies, no refund given even got barred for no reason.
Written November 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissa b
Barnstaple, UK303 contributions
Visited here for a screening of the inbetweeners 2. It was very busy and chaotic. Food line was huge. The cinema inside needs a major refurb. Uncomfortable seats, a lot were ripped and worn. Dirty cinema, and staff that don't want to be there. I wouldn't go here!!
Written October 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissa b
Barnstaple, UK303 contributions
Feb 2017
Visited here with two adults and two children aged 6 and 9. We were seeing a recently released movie so I opted to come in earlier in the day and purchase a family ticket to save the disappointed of missing out on tickets if it was over booked. We arrived for the film and had a long and somewhat chaotic wait for food as there was no clear order for queue and was very busy. We went upstairs and again had to queue for entrance to the cinema to see the film. After waiting and waiting and the customers in front of us also a bit miffed as the lady was taking people to their seats we were finally seen. I was told the wrong tickets had been purchased as hey were for the following day- much to my dismay. I was told to leave my family there and take my tickets down stairs to ask if there was the possibility of exchanging the tickets (the woman wasn't sympathetic or particularly friendly). When I approached the ticket desk I explained the situation to a young gentlemen who looked and dressed as though he was the manager. Instead of apologising for the error he was rude and abrupt and did not try at all to rectify the situation in a professional manner. We were allowed to exchange the tickets for the correct viewing but I must say the gentlemen who served me (quite young, 20s, brown hair) was not at all what you would expect in customer service. An apology would have been enough since I had two very flustered children!
Written February 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Plenty of council parking 3 minute walk
Written January 10, 2018
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