Majestic

Tall clock tower with cupola in Baroque style on the left of the building dominates the handsome façade to Tower Street. From the right, two unequal bays sweep round the gently curving frontage. The first of three two-storey bays is the entrance, set behind triple arches between Ionic pilasters. Corinthian pilasters at second level separate mullioned transom windows, all of stained glass with heraldic motifs. Entablature over. Outer three-storey bay is four windows wide in plainer style with leaded windows over a modern shop front. Originally a cinema theatre, a ballroom and a café.

The steps up to the entrance, entrance and foyer floors are of black and white terrazzo with MAJESTIC in centre panel; entrance doors with stained glass. The foyer has an open mezzanine gallery (in mini Woolwich Granada-style) with panelled plaster ceiling and ornamental ironwork.

The main auditorium was divided horizontally in 1977, retaining the original plasterwork and proscenium with Corinthian columns. Stage, get-in etc survive. The curved plaster ceiling with ornate banding is intact in the upper auditorium. New plasterwork has been introduced in the lower auditorium, where the original balcony can be seen, now a projection box.

The ballroom has sumptuous plasterwork and stained glass windows with musical instruments and was used by King George V for Hunt Balls for his Sandringham guests. Decoration here is said to have been brought from the original Empire, Leicester Square. Since 1992 this ballroom has formed a cinema.