EMPIRE Cinema Themed Fish & Chip Restaurant, Takeaway and Drive-Thru TUCKIN G into a plate of the finest fish and chips is always something of an occasion – but there’s one local restaurant where it becomes a really special event. That place is the Empire, the former cinema alongside the A61 at Outwood, which even from the outside brings back fond memories of a bygone age of old-fashioned entertainment. Step inside, however, and you’ll be in for a big surprise, for you’ll find yourself in a modern airconditioned restaurant which, at the same time, has preserved much of the character and atmosphere from its cinema days. Proprietors Brian and Sheila Cooper went to great lengths to keep the cinema theme running throughout the restaurant, with memorabilia ranging from the golden age of the cinema up to the modern era. Everywhere you turn there are classic posters, photographs of film stars, even old cinema projectors, while one corner of the restaurant is dominated by a big screen showing classic movies to watch while you eat. As well as loving the food, diners will enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and the fact they can take advantage of the children’s menu and special deals for senior citizens. The extensive menu is divided into curtains up (starter) and main event (main course) sections and offers plenty of choices beyond fish and chips, while the Empire also has a well-stocked licensed bar. Groups and parties looking for a venue with a difference are welcome to make a booking – and don’t forget the Empire’s takeaway and drivethrough service. Fish and chips were never as much fun as at the Empire. Telephone 01924 870002 to book a table.
A Little Bit of History... The Empire Cinema opened in 1921 and was owned and operated by Rothwell Empire Ltd; it offered seating for 750 and bookings were made at the hall. The Empire offered one show nightly and the prices were between 4d and 10d per person. It featured a projector width of 28ft and it's telephone number was Lofthouse Gate 7169. The Empire Cinema also housed a Fish & Chip shop and DIY store at the front of the building, where the takeaway is now. One of the cinema’s original projectionists is still a customer of ours today! The Empire was closed to film in 1964 and was unused until 1967 when it was then opened as a bingo hall. The period of time between The Empire being a bingo hall and becoming the establishment it is now is somewhat sketchy. It is believed to have been a childrens’ nursery for a period of time and has also been a carpet store. In 1995 the idea was conceived to open the first ever drive through Fish & Chip takeaway in the UK, along with a 'themed' restaurant and take away. The idea was born and the Empire Fish & Chip restaurant, takeaway and drive through was opened amongst much hype. The movie themed restaurant was a real talking point and was even featured on the 'Big Breakfast' show for the most amount of Fish & Chips served in an hour. Any history, information and/or pictures can be emailed to: empire@empire-restaurant.com
Curtains Up Combo Starter for 2 - £6.25 Soup of the Day - £1.95 Prawn Cocktail - £3.95 Scampi - £3.25 Chicken Fillet Bites - £3.25
The Main Event Haddock Fillet - £6.95 Large Haddock - £10.60 Haddock & Scampi Combo - £7.65 Jumbo Sausage - £5.25 Prawn Salad - £8.65 Battered Chips - £1.75 Gravy - £1.10
THE
SPECIAL OFFERS 1. 2 for £9.50 Senior Citizens 12pm - 6pm (Fish, chips, tea, bread & butter)* 2. Kids Eat FREE! Buy 1 adult meal and get a kid’s fish & chips meal free* 3. 10% OFF OUR RESTAURANT FOOD MENU* *These offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers Fully licensed bar • Disabled Facilities • Childrens’ & Senior Citizens’ Menu Air Conditioned • Large FREE car park • Coaches Welcome
The Empire 550 Leeds Road, Outwood, Wakefield WF1 2DX
Telephone: 01924 870002 19