 In 1919 the lower floors of the two houses on the north side, known as Hippodrome House since Barrasford made his home there in 1902, was converted into a Palm Court for teas and dances.Its maximum capacity may have been up to 3,000 although an attendance of 4,500 was recorded on one occasion.Further changes of ownership in 1928 and 1932 made the Hippodrome part of the Moss Empires circuit.