Today, I had the privilege of attending the much-anticipated Grand Opening of Swansea’s Albert Hall, an event that beautifully melded history with modern vibrance. Nestled in the heart of the city, this iconic venue has stood as a cultural cornerstone for over 150 years, and after years of renovations, its doors were reopened to a new era, brimming with life and possibility.
Albert Hall, first built in 1864, has been lovingly restored to maintain its architectural splendour while evolving into a space that meets the diverse needs of our bustling city in 2024. Today’s opening of the new Food Hall and bar area was a celebration of this transformation, and I was fortunate enough to have Celyn, Head of Marketing, guide me through the experience.
The Food Hall itself is an eclectic feast for the senses, offering an incredible variety of flavours from innovative and passionate vendors. I started with an indulgent treat from Who Cult Donuts, whose insane creations will leave you both awestruck and hungry for more. From there, I sampled Italian classics with a twist at The Italian Job, where the fusion of tradition and creativity shone through every bite. Local legends Burger Boyz delivered burgers that are simply to die for, while The Indian Street Kitchen offered a vibrant array of modern Indian street food that packed a punch of flavour.
But the highlights didn’t stop there. XO Noodles brought a tantalising bao burger to the table, thanks to Larkin Chen’s flair for Asian fusion.
The Mediterranean flavours of Olive & Oregano brought a burst of sunshine to a rainy Swansea afternoon, and the familiar faces at The Pizza Boyz transported us straight to Napoli with their perfectly crafted pizza bases. Finally, The Academy proved to be the perfect spot for all-day indulgence, serving everything from a velvety decaf oat flat white to a robust, well-rounded Malbec – ensuring there’s truly something for everyone.
As I sat in the central dining hall, bathed in the warm and welcoming atmosphere, I couldn’t help but marvel at how the space echoed with history. The hall itself is a Grade 1 listed gem, and its heritage is woven into the fabric of the renovation. The walls still seem to whisper tales of the past – did you know that Oscar Wilde once graced its halls?
Or that the legendary opera singer Madame Patti performed here? The thoughtful decor bridges these historic moments with modern flair, honouring the past while looking firmly to the future. And with Wales’ second-largest screen towering above, you know you’ve stepped into something truly special.
This is just the first phase of Albert Hall’s reopening. In the coming months, we can look forward to new workspaces, rooms, and even a jungle play gym for the little ones in the adjacent building. Upstairs, where the old projector room once hummed, there is now a sleek cocktail bar, complete with balcony seating that overlooks the vibrant scene below. As I sipped on a cocktail, Celyn spoke with real pride about the future of Albert Hall, painting a picture of a space that Swansea will truly call its own. From early morning coffees to late-night suppers, Albert Hall promises to be a hub for all.
During my visit, I was lucky enough to chat with Jean, a lovely local lady who had first visited Albert Hall as a child in the late 1930s. She and her husband John were there for the Grand Opening, and it was a joy to hear her fond memories of visiting the cinema in its golden age. Jean spoke about sitting in the coveted 1/9 seats in the middle row, watching the stars of the day light up the screen. She reminisced with a twinkle in her eye about a day when she and her friend, fresh from seeing Elizabeth Taylor on the big screen, rushed to the nearest salon to replicate her famous hairstyle – much to the dismay of their mothers! As we chatted over coffee, Jean told me that sitting in the hall today made her feel like she was right back in the 1940s, watching the flicker of the projector as if no time had passed. It was a real privilege to be able to chat with Jean and her husband John, and I thank them for taking the time to share their memories with me.
I also loved meeting Leon Lewis, a former Masterchef contender and all round foodie, along with his wife Amy, who were also visiting the venue for the first time. So great to chat over food, whilst listening to their plans for the future. Watch this space – there are big things coming from this extraordinary chef.
As I left the Albert Hall, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride for our city. The Albert Hall isn’t just a place to eat, drink, and socialise – it’s a living part of Swansea’s history, a place where new memories are waiting to be made. From Jean’s recollections of cinema’s golden age to Celyn’s hopes for the venue’s future, it’s clear that this iconic venue is ready to write its next chapter, and I, for one, can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
Whether you’re popping in for a coffee, gathering with friends for a meal, or taking part in the many community events planned, Albert Hall is a place where Swansea’s past and future come together, and it’s a place that will continue to shape the stories of our city for years to come.
Natalie.
