Cinema-goers at Farnham’s new Reel multiplex will be able to enjoy an alcoholic drink and “late-night refreshment” until as late as 2.30am, if its licence application is granted.

Reel, which hopes to open its six-screen cinema at Farnham’s new Brightwells Yard development in “late 2023”, has also applied for a permit to show films, live sporting events and recorded music 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It will be the first purpose-built cinema in Farnham since the closure of the Regal in East Street in 1985.

Reel Cinemas has set out its planned operating hours in a public notice printed in full on Page 45 of this week's print edition, and its full application can be inspected at Waverley Borough Council ’s Godalming offices or online at www.waverley.gov.uk

It has asked Waverley to permit the supply of alcohol and provision of plays, live music and performances of dance from 10am to 2.30am seven days a week.

The national operator has also asked permission to screen films, live sporting events and recorded music  24 hours a day – as well as “late night refreshment” from 11pm to 2.30am – seven days a week.

Brightwells Yard
A visualisation of Farnham's Brightwells Yard development (Tindle)

Members of the public wishing to make representations on the application are asked to do so in writing to The Licensing Authority, Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1HR, no later than June 29, 2023.

According to Reel’s website, its “state of the art” Farnham cinema “will be a fantastic addition to Farnham with five standard screens and one luxury REEL Lounge, with our signature sofas”.

It adds the cinema will show “all the latest film and event releases and, as with all our cinemas, will be competitively priced for all the family to enjoy”.

Farnham is one of three Reel cinemas scheduled to open in 2023, taking the chain’s portfolio up to 17 cinemas in total.

Its closest current cinema is in Fareham, where tickets for an evening showing of The Little Mermaid cost £5.49 for children and £6.49 for over-12s.

Responding to a Freedom of Information request, Surrey County Council – which has invested a reported £57 million in the retail element of Crest Nicholson’s Brightwells Yard scheme – revealed as of mid-April around 10,000 of Brightwells’ available 30,000 square feet of retail space has now been leased.

Reel and Coppa Club are, however, the only confirmed commercial tenants.

Practical completion of the commercial element of the scheme is expected to be confirmed later this month.