Closed Wetherspoons pub once named the UK’s ‘most beautiful’ to be turned into huge indoor soft play attraction
A CLOSED Wetherspoons once labelled as the most beautiful in the UK is set to be turned into a huge indoor soft play attraction.
The pub closed down back in 2023 after more than two decades in business.
The Capitol Pub on London Road in Forest Hill was often regarded as the grandest or most beautiful in the range of budget pubs.
It was housed in a former 1920’s Art Deco building that used to serve as a cinema.
The picture house showed its last film in 1978 then opened as a bingo hall before JD Wetherspoons snapped it up in 1996.
But, new life is set to be breathed into the Grade II listed building as developers have revealed plans to transform it into a soft play, according to News Shopper.
Planning permission was approved back in January, with developers now working through a series of conditions to ensure the original features in the building are protected.
A multi-level play structure, party rooms, café facilities and an on-site manager’s flat is set to feature in the building.
Meanwhile, accessible toilets, buggy parking and areas for staff are also set to be built.
However, fans of the building need not worry as its original cinema entrance and distinct features will be protected.
No opening date has been confirmed for the soft play area, but works continue to be underway.