Mecca Bingo Andover

Mecca Bingo Andover sits at the heart of British bingo culture, transforming the historic Palace Cinema into a beloved bingo hall. The site welcomed up to 250 guests at a time, creating an exciting social atmosphere.

With bingo games starting from just £2, you could enjoy quality entertainment alongside refreshments from the bar and snacks area. The hall featured modern slot machines and excellent facilities that made every visit special.

Daily sessions (except Wednesdays) offered plenty of chances to play, with prices reaching £21 for premium events. Though the doors closed in August 2022, this Mecca Bingo site created countless winning moments and friendships.

Want to discover more about this iconic British bingo hall’s history? Keep reading to uncover the full story of Mecca Bingo Andover and its transformation from the Palace Cinema to a social hotspot.

Club Details

Mecca Bingo Andover was a popular entertainment venue located in the heart of Andover before its permanent closure in August 2022. Known for hosting vibrant bingo sessions, it also offered diverse facilities and amenities to ensure an enjoyable experience for its patrons. Situated in the old Palace cinema building, it combined historical charm with modern leisure offerings. The venue provided seating for 250 players, included food and beverage options, and ensured access for disabled visitors.

Although Mecca Bingo Andover is now closed, its history continues to resonate with its patrons who enjoyed its facilities and lively atmosphere. For those seeking similar experiences, alternative bingo venues are available nearby.

Opening Times

Mecca Bingo Andover followed distinct timing schedules before its permanent closure. The site opened at 11:45 am from Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; 11 am on Saturday; and 5 pm on Sunday. It remained closed on Wednesdays.

The timings showcase a structured schedule, catering to various player preferences. Refer to the table below for the details:

Mecca Bingo Andover structured its schedule to provide players with flexible entries and gaming options throughout the week.

Session Times

Mecca Bingo Andover offered bingo games during afternoon and evening sessions from Monday to Sunday, except Wednesday when the location was closed. Morning games were unavailable throughout the week, giving a concise schedule for players seeking flexible visiting hours.

This schedule provided a consistent pattern for afternoon and evening players, ensuring easy planning. Since Mecca Bingo Andover is permanently closed, these session timings now serve as historical reference for its previous offerings.

Pricing Information

Mecca Bingo Andover has tickets starting from £2. The main session costs £19 on Saturdays, while afternoon sessions cost between £5 and £8.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening sessions range from £19 to £21 for main events. Other evening slots cost between £2 and £14, offering options for various budgets.

The Andover bingo hall welcomes players with affordable prices that suit different spending levels. While this site has closed, you can find similar prices at other Mecca Bingo locations in nearby areas.

History Of Mecca Bingo Andover

Mecca Bingo Andover began as the Palace Cinema, which later transitioned into a mixed-use facility for both films and bingo under Odeon’s management. By 1967, the building was repurposed to solely cater to bingo players, significantly expanding its size and features under Mecca’s ownership.

Situated in the town centre, the club became an integral part of Andover’s social life, offering bingo games, slot machines, and amenities such as a bar and disabled facilities. Despite its popularity, Mecca Bingo Andover permanently ceased operations in August 2022, leaving nostalgic memories for the local community.

Available Games

Mecca Bingo Andover offered traditional 90-ball bingo alongside electronic bingo sessions, attracting players with both afternoon and evening schedules. Special link games and national bingo events provided opportunities for participants to win larger prizes by joining wider, interconnected games.

Players could also enjoy slot machines, featuring a variety of modern and exciting options. These games, combined with the inviting atmosphere, made the site a hub for entertainment.

Food & Beverages

The menu at Mecca Bingo Andover included a diverse selection of meals and snacks. Lite bites such as halloumi fries and nachos or lunch deals like jacket potatoes with drinks catered to those seeking a quick indulgence. Full-sized dishes ranged from steak pie to chicken tikka curry, while a variety of burgers and loaded fries added to the offerings.

Desserts like sticky toffee pudding provided a sweet conclusion to meals, complemented by a bar serving cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages. These offerings created a satisfying addition to the overall entertainment.

How Do You Get to Mecca Bingo Andover?

To visit Mecca Bingo Andover, you would have used the following methods for travel before its closure:

By Car

• By Car: Input postcode SP10 3QT into your GPS to locate the site easily.
• By Car: The bingo hall was on Junction Road, near the town’s main shopping hub.
• By Car: Parking wasn’t available on-site, so alternative options were required nearby.

By Public Transport

• By Public Transport: Travel to Andover Train Station, served by frequent rail links.
• By Public Transport: From the station, take a taxi or walk to Junction Road, Andover.
• By Public Transport: Nearby bus routes, such as the 10 and 85, stopped close to the entrance.

On Foot

• On Foot: If in the Andover town centre, walk westward toward Junction Road.
• On Foot: The building’s cinema-style exterior made it easy to identify.
• On Foot: Its central location ensured convenient access for local pedestrians.

Although Mecca Bingo Andover is now permanently closed, other nearby bingo halls, such as Buzz Bingo Salisbury or Buzz Bingo Basingstoke, can serve as alternatives for a bingo outing.

What Is the Best Time To Visit Mecca Bingo Andover To Avoid Crowds?

Mecca Bingo Andover has permanently closed its doors, but historical data shows weekday afternoons and late evenings were the optimal times for avoiding crowds. Players found quieter sessions during Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon slots starting at 12 pm.

The bingo hall typically saw lower attendance during off peak periods, while weekends attracted larger groups of visitors. Special events and promotional periods drew significant crowds, so visiting outside these times provided a more relaxed setting for players. Late evening sessions offered another excellent opportunity for those seeking a less crowded setting to enjoy their bingo games.

The quieter periods allowed visitors to freely move around the venue and interact with other players without feeling overwhelmed. While this information is now historical since the site has closed, these timing patterns typically apply to other bingo halls in the Andover area.

What Other Bingo Halls Are Near Mecca Bingo Andover?

Several bingo halls operate near the former Mecca Bingo Andover location, providing alternative options for local players. The closest alternatives are all Buzz Bingo sites, which offer similar bingo games and facilities.

Here are the nearest bingo halls to Andover:

• Buzz Bingo Basingstoke: Located at West Ham Leisure Park on Worting Road, approximately 16.4 miles from Andover
• Buzz Bingo Salisbury: Found on Endless Street in Salisbury, roughly 16.5 miles away
• Buzz Bingo Southampton Lordshill: Situated at Greenbridge Retail Park, about 18.4 miles from Andover

These nearby Buzz Bingo locations serve the local community with traditional paper bingo and electronic options. Each site maintains high standards of service and provides social spaces for bingo players in the region.

What Other Activities Are Available Nearby?

Andover offers several engaging activities near the bingo site. You’ll find various entertainment and cultural spots that complement your playing sessions.

• The Lights Theatre: A modern entertainment site featuring professional performances, dance studios, and craft workshops
• Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age: Historical exhibits showcasing local artifacts and Danebury hillfort discoveries
• Rooksbury Mill: A restored historical flour mill offering insights into local heritage
• Town Mills Riverside Park: Scenic outdoor space perfect for relaxing walks and nature appreciation

The Lights Theatre serves as the cultural heart of Andover, hosting professional artists throughout the year in its fully raked auditorium. The venue includes a business suite and specialized studios for various artistic pursuits.

The Andover Museum occupies the former John Hanson Free School building, presenting fascinating historical displays. Visitors discover local history through carefully curated exhibits and archaeological findings from the region.

Rooksbury Mill and Town Mills Riverside Park provide peaceful outdoor alternatives. The restored mill stands as a testament to Andover’s industrial heritage, while the riverside park offers tranquil walking paths and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Mecca Bingo Andover transformed from the historic Palace Cinema into a beloved social hub where 250 players gathered for quality entertainment and memorable wins. The site provided affordable bingo games starting at £2, alongside excellent facilities including a bar, snacks, and slot machines.

Though the doors closed in August 2022, this Mecca Bingo location left an enduring legacy in Andover’s community. Players seeking similar social atmospheres can visit nearby alternatives like Buzz Bingo Salisbury or Buzz Bingo Basingstoke, which offer comparable amenities and playing options.