PUNTERS have mourned the loss of a “gorgeous venue” as a bingo hall closes its doors for good today.
Fuss Bingo's traditional bingo hall in Borehamwood, Hertfordshirewill pull down the hatches for the last time.
The 26,000 sq ft premises on Shenley Road were popular with players in the area.
The move comes as Buzz Bingo starts testing many smaller bingo boutiques for use on the high street, the report says the times.
And it's not all bad news for bingo enthusiasts in Borehamwood with a new bingo hall opening in the same area on May 28, replacing the old establishment.
But the “new and improved” 3,000 square meter site has a capacity of only 150 players.
However, the new hall is described as a 'major' Glowing” with plenty in store for players to enjoy and see for themselves during the reopening.
Members can expect a fresh, modern atmosphere with stylish decor and comfortable new seating in a more contemporary, ultra-modern “bingo lounge” layout.
In the Slots Room you will find the latest fun games and slot machines.
Punters can also enjoy a new menu including a delicious range of paninis and halloumi fries.
Dinesh Pandithurai, General Manager at Buzz Bingo Borehamwood, said: “We are so excited to bring our wonderful community the bingo they know and love, with extra sparkle.”
A Facebook user praised the new development, saying: “Looks stunning. Well done everyone. Looking forward to seeing it soon.”
Another added: “Good luck to all the staff and management, I'm sure you'll beat it.”
While many were excited about the potential “glow-up,” others were apprehensive about the change.
Social media was buzzing with people giving their opinions about the new site.
One wrote: “It doesn't look like many places to sit and play.”
Another said: “I feel sorry for anyone who turns up on a busy night and is turned away.”
While a third said the original 'gorgeous location' would be missed by many.
Buzz Bingo – then Gala Bingo – was acquired by Caledonia Innvestments in 2015 for £241 million.
It is now owned by ICG, which bought a majority stake in the company company from Caledonia in 2021.
In 2015 it had 130 clubs, but has been reduced to 83 as leases have expired, venues have been redeveloped and underperforming venues have closed.
Dominic Mansour, 47, CEO of Buzz Bingo, said new, smaller bingo venues had been “at the heart of their community for more than 25 years [with] a focus on a low stakes bingo offering with frequent winners”.
Mansour told The Times: “Last year saw a renaissance where we saw an interesting adoption of bingo among a younger demographic.
“Historically, this company has always been known for its middle-aged female demographic. Last year we saw an increase in the number of younger customers looking for a different night out.
“The risk is low. It's a very good experience. It's the gentlest form of it gamble and the price is very good.”
He said bingo still “represents a very, very safe place for women of a certain demographic to go out and have some fun.”
Buzz is buying a company that welcomed 410,000 visitors last year and has recorded a 5 percent increase in visitor numbers to date.
On average they pay out winnings of over £1 million per month.
What happens to the main street?
The pandemic was a heavy blow because many shops had to close lockdown.
Since energy costs have increased and more shoppers than ever are choosing to order online instead of going to the store.
This has left some remaining retailers struggling with budgets and having no choice but to close stores to cut costs.
The Body Shop is currently going into administration and announced plans to close half of its 198 stores, seven of which have already closed.
Boots revealed that this would be so closure of 300 stores next year as part of plans to do so develop its brand.
WHSmith told The Sun it has no plans to open any more high street stores as it wants to focus on the travel side of its business.
Major banks have also announced the closure of several branches.
Halifax is closing several locations this month and more will close later this year.
Even thrift stores are having a hard time Oxfam confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.