Fiesta De Cuba Swindon reacts after Empire Cinema shuts

Fiesta De Cuba opened at the Greenbridge Retail Park in 2022 just a few doors away from the Empire Cinema.

The cinema, which originally opened as a Cineworld, unexpectedly closed earlier this month, making the unaware staff redundant.

With no concrete plans in place for the cinema to be replaced as of yet, the Fiesta De Cuba general manager has allayed fears of business plummeting as a result.

“I think business might drop a little bit but nothing to be concerned about as we are looking forward to the new bowling place coming in which opens next year,” he said.

“That will bring in more business than the cinema did and I feel that another cinema may come in anyway which I would definitely welcome as it is beneficial for everyone.

The restaurant is located at Greenbridge Retail Park. (Image: Espinosa Studios)

“It is annoying to see empty units as it is the first time in ages that every shop in Greenbridge is full and that is lovely to see it thriving.”

The 30-year-old Swindonian, who wished to remain anonymous, believes the cinema was doomed for quite some time with fewer people visiting.

“I personally haven’t gone to the cinema in a while but unfortunately due to pricing and streaming, I feel like it’s not surprising,” he said.

“I feel more for the employees who were made redundant with no warning and that’s definitely the saddest part for me.

The manager is optimistic for the future of the restaurant given it offers a variety of South American cuisine which is fairly unique in Swindon.

“Surprisingly since the cinema closed it has actually been very busy and trade has been steady this year overall,” he said.

The Fiesta De Cuba manager believes that the cinema's closure will not affect business greatly. (Image: Espinosa Studios)

“We do good fresh food and there is no restaurant like us in Swindon so we will keep attracting people.

“I am optimistic that we are not relying on any other business at Greenbridge to keep going.”

Fiesta De Cuba is showing no signs of slowing down with live music planned for as early as this week to those visiting the restaurant.

“We are really proud of what we have achieved and the branding in creating something different in the town,” said the manager.

“We have got a South American band called Zambalando playing on Friday evening from 7pm while people are eating.

“If people want good food and a different kind of atmosphere, they should check us out, especially this week with the live music.”