Visitors to Newport can now enjoy their own private mini-cinema experience, thanks to a new luxury pod business which has opened in Newport city centre.
Cosy Cinema was started by former Newport RFC player John Colderley and his wife Sian when they opened a cinema pod at their home in Dinas Powys in 2020. They went on to open to a multi-pod site at a caravan park in Pontcanna, Cardiff in 2022. The new venue in Newport is their third location.
Their venues offer customers access to glamping-style luxury pods fitted with large screens, allowing them to watch streams or play videogames in a stylish, comfortable and private setting. Cosy Cinema Newport will provide 15 pods in an empty unit in Chartist Tower, offering daytime viewing sessions or overnight stays.
The new venue was opened with the support of a six-figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales, following two earlier micro loans. Work on the Newport venue was also supported by a grant from Newport City Council.
John and Sian plan to open similar venues elsewhere in the UK, including in Coventry and Swansea, in the coming year.
John Colderley, owner of Cosy Cinema, said: “Seeing the business go from a single pod in our own back garden to multiple pods over several venues has been an amazing journey, and we’re massively grateful to the Development Bank of Wales for supporting us not just with this new site in Newport, but over the last few years.
“Our existing venues have proven really popular on social media, with customers keen to experience the cool comfort and atmosphere of the pods for themselves because of the footage and photos they’ve seen posted online. That reputation is all down to the sort of experience we’re able to offer, and we’re really happy we can now extend that offer to visitors to Newport.”
Kelly Jones, Portfolio Executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said “It was an absolute pleasure to work with John and Sian and to support their plans for Cosy Cinema. What they’re providing is a unique leisure activity, and the sort of experience they’re offering is really important in city centres like Newport, where consumers are increasingly looking for new and exciting things to do, and businesses want to attract more people to the high street.
“We’re pleased that our support has not only helped them to bring their expansion to fruition, but also brought new life to a prominent site in the heart of the city. We wish John and Sian the best of luck as they continue with their plans for the business.”
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, said: “It’s great to see Cosy Cinema open its doors to residents and visitors to the city who are able to enjoy a fresh and different experience.
“We were pleased to be able to support this innovative addition to the city’s leisure and entertainment offer, and it again demonstrates our commitment to regenerating the city centre.
“Our city centre must evolve to meet the continuing opportunities and challenges of modern life. Cosy Cinema adds a welcome new element to our mix of excellent independent traders, shops, music and hospitality venues and homes.”
