This building was put up in Victorian times 1880s as the Assembly Rooms. Hence the air vents on the roof line often seen on ridges where heat needs to be dispersed.
"AMBLESIDE Westmorland
Pavilion f., Thos. Taylor (1907)
ZEFFIRELLI'S / ASSEMBLY ROOMS Compston Road f., Edward Tyson (1907) Converted to cinema. Mgr. J.R. Fowkes.
To Windermere & Ambleside Cinemas Ltd., (Leonard Clegg). c.1929
To Frank Townson. c.1956 MBC circuit Workington.
Early 1970s different proprietors.
To Derek Hook & re-named. 1982: 163 seats"
from
The GOULD GAZETTEER of Provincial Cinemas, Music Halls, and Theatres
From this entry we can see that Mr E Tyson changed the hall to show this new form of entertainment in 1907. Making Ambleside one of the earliest adopters and this picture house over one hundred years old.
"In about 1930 the cinema in Bowness was renamed the Royalty and came under the control of Windermere and Ambleside Cinemas Ltd, which operated the Windermere cinema, the Supreme, Old Colwyn and previously the Assembly Rooms, Ambleside."
From Royalty Cinema history, Bowness.
Which dates there being a cinema here
in 1930.
Shortly after WW2 there was a cinema here as there are pictures and books quoting famous people watching films here. Kurt Schwitters was a regular patron in 1947-8. The screen has been in continuous use once the cinema opened.
In 1980s the current owner bought the building and renamed the cinema. Zeffirellis have expanded with two more screens 'down by the park' and a new venue called Fellinis offering food and one more screen. Ambleside now has 5 screens.
The main screen has the latest design of digital projectors, allowing audiences to experience the latest 3D films. As well as theatre going, there are an extremely popular vegetarian restaurant and jazz bar. There is a concession stand for all your popcorn and sweets and drinks needs.