First date cinema couple 'relieved' at takeover

A couple who had their first date at a Cineworld branch in Nottingham city centre say they are "relieved" to hear that a new cinema will take its place.

On Monday, Cineworld said it would leave the 14-screen cinema in The Cornerhouse after screening its final film on Sunday 2 February.

Fellow cinema chain Vue confirmed on Tuesday that it would be taking over the site, which will reopen later this year after a temporary closure and refurbishment.

Megan Wilde, 26, and Daniel Murphy, 27, were among many movie fans initially "disappointed" at the closure, but said they hoped the new cinema "lives up to what Cineworld provided".

Daniel said he and Megan, from Mapperley, went on their first date at Cineworld in September after meeting online, and have been together ever since.

He added: "As we met online, we thought seeing a movie together would be a great way of breaking the ice.

"We saw a re-run of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and it was great. The two of us visit the cinema all the time now, it's our favourite.

"There's something special about going to the cinema rather than using streaming services at home.

"Lots of childhood memories here too - going to watch a film and then heading to Pizza Hut afterwards."

Megan has owned an unlimited membership card at Cineworld for about two years.

She said: "I was devastated to hear the news. They've given us the option to have [the card] extended, but I'm probably going to cancel it as there's no Cineworld nearby.

"Last year, there was a time when I was unemployed, and this ended up being a place where I spent a lot of time.

"There's other cinemas in the city centre, but they don't always play all the typical blockbuster movies.

"This was our local... and we're booking as many movies as we can before it closes."

In a statement, Cineworld previously said: "After years of providing movie lovers with a place to feel more, we regret to inform you that, following the landlord's decision to reject our proposals, we will be closing 2nd February 2025.

"If you are an Unlimited member, please check your emails for more details specific to your Unlimited membership."

Vue told the BBC that it was "looking forward to bringing guests the ultimate big screen experience later this year, and will share more information in due course".

Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.