The Savoy, operated by J D Wetherspoon since 1996, is up for sale. The company has confirmed the venue will continue trading as normal until a buyer is found.
The four-storey property occupies the former Savoy cinema and is among the largest commercial buildings in the town centre.
Constructed in the mid-1930s, the cinema originally had seating for almost 2,000 people. It was converted into a Wetherspoon pub around 30 years ago.
The site is being marketed as a public house in a busy high street location, although the asking price has not been disclosed.
The ground floor includes seating for around 224 customers and a terrace overlooking Regent Street. There is also a commercial kitchen, managers’ accommodation, function rooms and a former 300-seat auditorium on the upper floors.
Parts of the building are currently let to commercial tenants, including Citifaith Church, generating rental income. The sale is expected to attract interest due to the size and history of the building, as well as its location in the heart of the town centre.
For nearly three decades, The Savoy has been a popular fixture in central Swindon. Its outdoor seating area is frequently busy throughout the day.
Supporters say the venue provides affordable food and drink and helps drive footfall into the area. However, some business owners and residents have questioned whether the discount-led model aligns with efforts to improve the town centre’s image and attract investment.
Laura James, Chair of the Swindon Shadow BID Board, believes the sale could represent a turning point. She said:
“The Savoy occupies one of the most prominent positions in Swindon town centre, but it has not always reflected the quality of offer that many businesses and residents want to see on Regent Street.
“For many years the venue has operated on a high-volume, discount-led model. While it has undoubtedly brought people into the town centre, there have also been concerns from neighbouring businesses about the type of environment it can create.
“This sale presents an opportunity for a new operator to reimagine the building and create something that attracts a broader range of visitors, supports surrounding businesses and contributes positively to the ongoing regeneration of the town centre.
“The Savoy is a fantastic historic building and it deserves an exciting future that matches Swindon’s ambitions.”
Across the UK, former Wetherspoon sites have been taken on by independent operators, hospitality groups and leisure businesses. Some have been converted into restaurants, live music venues, boutique hotels and premium food and drink destinations.
Given its scale and heritage, The Savoy could offer similar potential. Its former cinema auditorium and central location may allow for a range of future uses.
The sale will also reduce Wetherspoon’s presence in the town centre. Once completed, the company’s only remaining central Swindon pub will be The Sir Daniel Arms on Fleet Street.
A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said:
“We can confirm that The Savoy is on the market. The pub will continue to operate as normal until it is sold.”
