Clacton-on-Sea, a popular coastal town in Essex, is a great destination for entertainment, with its sandy beaches and bustling pier. Among the various leisure activities available in the area, bingo is a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Gala Bingo, located at 129 Pier Avenue, is one of the most popular bingo halls in the town, offering a fun and exciting gaming experience for all ages.
A Brief History of Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea
Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea is situated in a historic building that has undergone several transformations over the years. The building originally opened as the Century Cinema on 25th July 1936, with the film "When Knights Were Bold" starring Jack Buchanan and Fay Wray. The cinema was designed in a splendid Art Deco style by local Clacton architect G.H.B. Gould and had seating for 1,743 (1,428 in the stalls and 486 in the circle). There was a cafe/ballroom located on the mezzanine floor level above the entrance.
The Century Cinema was taken over by the Essoldo chain in 1946 and re-named Essoldo. In 1967, the building was twinned, with a Bingo club operating downstairs in the former stalls area and a cinema converted out of the former circle upstairs. Classic Cinemas took control in 1967, and Mecca Ltd. were the next operators of both the cinema & bingo club.
The building has gone through several other changes of ownership through the years and was operated by Gala Bingo Clubs, who operate the bingo hall downstairs and the cinemas upstairs.
In June 2018, the Gala Bingo Club was re-named Buzz Bingo Club.
Location and Accessibility
Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea is located at 129 Pier Avenue, just a short walk from the town center and Clacton's famous pier. The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus routes passing nearby, and Clacton railway station is just a 10-minute walk away.
There are several car parks in the vicinity, including one owned by Gala Bingo. However, this car park is primarily for Gala Bingo customers, so it may be necessary to park in one of the nearby public car parks if visiting the cinema.
Gaming Options and Facilities
Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea offers an extensive range of bingo games, with both traditional 90-ball bingo and more modern variants available. The main gaming hall is spacious and comfortable, with seating for up to 500 players.
In addition to bingo, Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea also offers a selection of electronic gaming machines, allowing players to enjoy various slot games and other electronic gaming options.
The venue provides a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable gaming experience, including a bar and cafe serving a variety of refreshments and snacks.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea has received generally positive reviews from customers, praising the venue's value for money, comfortable seating, and friendly staff. Some customers have also shared their experiences of winning prizes at the bingo hall, further enhancing the venue's reputation as a popular gaming destination.
However, some customers have highlighted areas for improvement, such as a limited variety of snacks and a lack of dedicated parking spaces for cinema-goers due to the shared car park with the bingo hall.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea is situated close to several other entertainment options and local amenities, making it an ideal destination for a day out in the town. The Century Cinema is located in the same building as the bingo hall, offering a range of films for movie enthusiasts.
There are also several restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance of the venue, providing a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets.
For those looking to explore the local area further, Clacton's famous pier is just a short stroll away, offering a range of attractions, including amusement arcades, a funfair, and the town's iconic seafront.
Responsible Gaming
As a responsible gaming operator, Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea is committed to ensuring that its customers enjoy a safe and responsible gaming environment. Staff at the venue are trained to identify and assist customers who may be experiencing problem gambling behavior.
The venue also provides information and resources on responsible gaming, including contact details for support organizations such as GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous.
Final Thoughts
Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea is an excellent destination for bingo enthusiasts, offering a range of gaming options in a comfortable and welcoming environment. With its convenient location and proximity to other local attractions, it's an ideal choice for a fun day out in Clacton-on-Sea.
However, if you are planning a visit to the cinema or bingo hall, it's worth considering the parking situation and the availability of snacks in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Regardless of these minor inconveniences, Gala Bingo Clacton-on-Sea remains a popular gaming destination in the town, providing hours of entertainment for both locals and visitors alike.