Spare Time

Pictures of Hollywood glamour goddesses and geometric mirrors still adorn the walls of the Troxy Cinema on Commercial Road in Tower Hamlets, which was originally opened in 1933.

Today the venue is closed to the public and used only for private functions, such as dance contests and weddings. The new owners have helped to restore the building to its former glory.

The original space seated more than 3,000 people, all of which entered through a magnificent reception. After fewer people came to watch films there, it closed in 1960 and was later turned into a bingo hall.

'As good as the West End'

Local historian, Ray Newton, has lived in Stepney for more than sixty years and has fond memories of the Troxy.

"The motto of the place was 'East was best', and it was as good as the West End," he said.

"I went to the Troxy every week. It had an organ that came up during the interval. It was a sumptuous place, especially since most of the people who went there lived in the slums.

"They had air raid shelters down there during the war."

For a peek of the stunning Art Deco interior of the Troxy click on the link at the top right of this page.

angela.saini@bbc.co.uk