Ritzy Cinema
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ritzy is a cinema in Brixton, south London, United Kingdom.
The cinema opened on 11 March 1911 as 'the Electric Pavilion'. It was built by E. C. Homer and Lucas for Israel Davis, one of a noted family of cinema developers, and was one of England's earliest purpose built cinemas seating over 750 seats in the single auditorium. Like many cinemas of the period, it was fitted with an organ.
In 1954 it was renamed 'the Pullman' and the organ was removed. It was later renamed 'the Classic' before closure in 1976. A collaboration between Lambeth Council and the management of the time ensured the cinema's survival, with the facade being rebuilt and restored to near-original condition.
Today the cinema is owned by Picturehouse Cinemas, a division of City Screen Limited, and thrives as a multiscreen complex with bar and cafe facilities. Its official name is now Ritzy Picturehouse although it is still commonly known as the Ritzy Cinema.