The Savoy Garage – circa 1980

The Savoy Service Station and Garage, on Cropston Road, opened in the 1960s on the site of The Savoy Cinema and remained a village focal point until it closed in 1988.

The Savoy Cinema was originally called The Coronet and the building of the cinema was completed in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

It was one of two cinemas in Anstey. The other being The Regent in Ellis Street.

They were known locally as ‘up top’ and ‘down bottom’. This one being ‘down bottom’

It was built by local businessman and entrepreneur Mr. Albert (Bert) Baum and was owned by him and Jack Fisher. Mr. Baum travelled to Birmingham on his motorbike, three times a week, to get new films and news reels.

By 1950 the Coronet Cinema had been renamed the Savoy Cinema, and was owned by Mr G.T. Ball of Blaby.

It closed on December 31st 1957.