Buzz Bingo has announced the acquisition of the Astoria bingo club on Holderness Road. With Buzz Bingo’s existing site on Oslo Road set to become a new McDonald’s drive-thru, the operator has been searching for a new location.
The Oslo Road site is set to close on Sunday, October 5, and the move ensures the continued presence of a bingo venue in the community. The Astoria club will also close on October 5 and relaunch as ‘Buzz Bingo Hull Astoria’ just two days later on Tuesday, October 7.
In December 2024, Hull City Council’s Planning Committee approved plans for the McDonald’s at Buzz Bingo’s Oslo Road site. At the committee meeting, councillors unanimously in favour of demolishing the bingo hall in order for the new drive-thru fast-food restaurant to be constructed.
At the meeting a representative from McDonald’s agent, Lichfields, a planning and development consultancy firm, said: “Since 2022 and prior to McDonald’s acquisition of the site, Buzz Bingo has occupied the building on a short-term lease that is due to expire next year. McDonald’s has kept Buzz Bingo informed in relation to its plans for the site whilst they have been looking for their own new premises.”
Buzz Bingo has now committed a £25 million investment to a five-year refurbishment program, with the newly Astoria set for a makeover in 2026. The company is committed to a smooth integration of the two teams and operations, with no job losses. From October 8 the new Buzz Bingo Astoria will extend opening hours to 11am – 11pm daily, seven days a week, to provide more bingo sessions for the local community.
“This is a good news story for our community in Hull,” said Chris Colebrooke, Regional manager at Buzz Bingo. “While it’s sad to leave our current home, we’re incredibly excited to welcome the Astoria team and its customers into the Buzz Bingo family.
“Buzz Bingo remains dedicated to providing an exceptional and accessible bingo experience for its customers in Hull. By acquiring Astoria, we can keep our dedicated teams together and continue offering a vibrant, welcoming place for the community to play bingo.”
Lisa Jordan, general manager at Buzz Bingo in Oslo Road has said: “My team are delighted to have found a new home in Hull and be joining forces with the team from the Astoria to strengthen the bingo community in Hull.” Whilst Dave Jackson, general manager at Astoria Bingo club said “The investment from Buzz to give the club a glow up next year will ensure we have an exciting future for bingo in Hull and a chance to appeal to new customers in the city, we’re excited for this new chapter in our story and becoming part of the Buzz Bingo family.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
