THE smallest cinema in the UK has officially closed its doors after over a decade in business.

Located in a popular seaside town, the venue included a bar, two cinema rooms, and a private drinks area.

Bournemouth Colosseum Bar & Cinema has officially closed its doors after over a decade in business Credit: Bournemouth Colosseum Bar & Cinema

The cinema heald the title as the smallest in the UK Credit: Bournemouth Colosseum Bar & Cinema

The Colosseum Cinema and Bar first opened in 2016, offering a luxury experience, including large leather seats instead of the standard fold-down seats.

It is located in Westbourne Arcade, Bournemouth, and showed a mix of new releases and classics, as well as foreign flicks, film noir, live sport, comedy, and other performances.

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The two screening rooms seated 27 people, with the main room hosting nineteen and the second smaller room had just eight seats.

Owner Paul Whitehouse announced the cinema’s permanent closure in an emotional statement earlier this month.

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“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who walked through our doors, celebrated milestones, and supported us along the way,” he said.

“Due to the passing of the building’s freeholder, the new people in charge of the building wish to do their own thing here from the time our lease runs out on July 1, 2026.”

Whitehouse added that none of the Colosseum’s success would have been possible without its loyal patrons.

“I would like to thank all the excellent staff and those who have made the bar what it is today, teamwork really is key in a thankless hospitality world,” he said.

He went on to say that the town’s residents made the venue “more than just a place to watch films and have a drink” and instead “made it a local community facility”.

The business-owner revealed his hopes to reopen the cinema at a new location.

“Hopefully this is not the end though,” he told fans of the Colosseum.

“We are searching for a new premises and will look now as an opportunity to come back with a similar establishment that is not only bigger and better but more luxurious with a greater emphasis on catering in an enjoyable atmosphere.”

Whitehouse added: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all, our regulars, visitors, supper club attendees, friends, and families who supported us over the years.”