The Forum, Bath

Situated on Saint James’ Parade, amongst the shops and offices of the city’s commercial district, the Forum is one of Bath’s finest 20th century buildings. Built by architects Watkins & Wilmott in the Art Deco style and opened in the 1930s, the Forum was very much the focal point of Depression era Bath. The first super-cinema to open in the city, the Forum’s luxurious surroundings drew in crowds for half a century, closing its doors to the public in 1988. The building is now occupied by Bath City Church group who hold services and conferences there regularly – check the information outside to find details of forthcoming church services.

The Forum’s ornate ground floor auditorium and upstairs ballroom have been extensively restored under the church’s care, with help from esteemed local architects, the Stubbs Rich group. Both venues can be hired for private events. The Grade II* listed building remains closed to the public, although large groups may be able to arrange a tour. An impressive, imposing piece of architecture in the modern surroundings of Bath’s shopping centre, the Forum lies close to department stores, restaurants and Bath’s largest surviving cinema – the Odeon, five minutes’ walk away on Saint James’ Street West.