Odeon customers are left disgusted after their screening is disturbed by rats eating popcorn on the floor and are now demanding cinema closes over half term

A group of cinema-goers were disgusted when they arrived early to watch a film and found rats gnawing on popcorn all around them.

Claire Bermingham had travelled to the Odeon Luxe in Maidstone, Kent, to see The Colour Purple with her friends.

But the 47-year-old was shocked to discover ‘lots’ of rodents in the cinema, sitting in cup holders in the seats and gnawing on dropped popcorn.

The mother-of-one left the screening to complain to a manager and ask if she and her friends could watch another film, but was told the rat problem was not exclusive to one screen.

Mrs Bermingham, who has worked in health and safety herself, complained that the cinema shouldn’t be open if rodents were common there.

A spokesman for Odeon suggested the problem was equally impacting other businesses at the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, where the cinema is based, possibly due to its proximity to the River Medway and the complex’s abundance of food outlets.

However, a council spokesman hit back at these claims – saying there was ‘no indication’ of problems elsewhere in the site.

Rats were found at the Odeon Luxe cinema in Maidstone, Kent, nibbling on the popcorn

Claire Bermingham, 47, said she was told it was a problem with all of the screens

Mrs Bermingham said: ‘There were lots of rats…. it was quite surreal.

‘We arrived a bit early so we opened the doors and saw them all over the chairs and in the cup holders.

‘We could see rats tails sticking out and traps everywhere. We left and spoke to a manager as I didn’t want to stay in there.

‘I asked if we could watch another film if one hadn’t started but we were told the problem is with all the screens.’

Another concerned visitor told MailOnline that she had seen rats at the cinema on multiple occasions.

Rebecca Kemp said: ‘During a screening in July 2023, my partner and I witnessed a rat scurry past a ledge in front of our seats whilst watching Asteroid City – rather close to the viewers’ heads in front of us! 

‘A couple of us in our row instinctively raised our feet, so I know at least one other couple witnessed it. 

‘I complained shortly after and, after no response from ODEON Maidstone’s Facebook account, I attempted the blue-tick ODEON Cinemas’ Facebook account. 

‘They responded to me saying that comments had been passed back to the branch’s cinema management team and offered me two free tickets – a pretty measly reply if you ask me, but I thought I’d give them the benefit of the doubt.

‘I returned to the venue Monday just gone (February 12) and, while waiting for two friends outside the ODEON foyer, I saw a mouse scurry past and bury itself into a small hole in the entrance of the Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park. 

‘I have complained to Lockmeadow yesterday, this time via Instagram; however, I’ve had no response.

‘It seems the entire venue’s attempts at pest control have not been successful since last summer. It’s concerning that so many food and drink venues are on site as well as children’s activity centres. If this is what we’re seeing in public, high-traffic areas, I dread to picture the behind-the-scenes spaces.’

A spokesperson for Odeon said: ‘We are aware of the issue at Odeon Maidstone, which has impacted the cinema alongside other units in the Lockmeadow Leisure Complex.

‘The cinema holds a five-star hygiene rating and carries out extensive and regular cleaning tasks.

‘We are working with the site manager of the Complex and local services to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.’

But Mrs Bermingham insisted the cinema should remain shut until its rat problem is dealt with.

‘I’ve worked in health and safety, so I know the diseases they carry,’ she added.

‘They shouldn’t be open, especially with the school holidays and half-term coming up. I’m still a bit shocked by it all.’

A locals who visited the complex said:  ‘Just look at the amount of junk food lobbed out of the Lockmeadow Complex. It’s a gourmet selection for any rodent.’

While another added: ‘I worked in the Lockmeadow Complex a few years ago and there was a rat problem then.’

Despite Odeon’s comments that the problem was not specific just to its cinema, Maidstone Council begged to differ.

‘The council takes this issue with upmost severity and has engaged with Odeon regarding these reports,’ a spokesman said.

‘The council knows that Odeon has a pest control system in place which is regularly reviewed and is industry compliant.

‘Odeon has also been taking specific measures to deal with the issue.

‘This report is confirmed to be confined to the areas that are managed by Odeon, and there has been no indication of problems elsewhere on the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre site.

‘As the owners of Lockmeadow, the council ensures that its managing agents have stringent measures in place to maintain high standards and to minimise the risk of infestation.’

A spokesperson added today: ‘Maidstone Borough Council has no evidence of rodents elsewhere in the Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre complex.

‘We have carried out a detailed check which corroborates this.’