I love going to the cinema. It’s consistent. The films may change, the technology they’re made with continually more advance and the seats, with time, perhaps a little more plush – but it still feels old school. It’s two to three hours, totally immersed in something with a collection of strangers. No phone, no social media. Just film. It’s the ultimate indulgence in everyday escapism – and also the only time at which it seems legitimate to snack so enthusiastically. What’s not to love?
Sadly, if you visited your local multiplex recently, probably a fair bit. Combining sticky carpets, overcrowded studios, eye-wateringly expensive tickets and frisky teens in the back row, it’s unsurprising a few of us have fallen out of love with cinema. Plus – with the rise of Netflix and plethora of entertainment available to us at the touch of a button, why go out?
Now, as much as we love nothing more than yoga pants and a series-binge, it’s no longer good reason to shun a Friday night at the movies. There is a selection of independent picture houses capturing and totally reimagining the romance of cinema, that really give bang for your buck. Whether you’re looking for something intimate, vintage or otherworldly, these are the names you need to know in independent cinema. Say goodbye to sticky carpets…
Electric Cinema, Shoreditch: Two words: cashmere blankets. But that’s not the only thing this Soho House owned haunt has going for it. Attached to the group’s Barber & Parlour, the Electric has the perfect cinema snacks for clean eaters – think salads, granola and House Press juices. Alternatively, rock up a little earlier and sit down to aubergine parmagiana or a deli board – the staff will get you served quickly if you’re booked in for the showing. Just take the rest of your drinks (and a gluten-free brownie, might we suggest) into the cinema afterwards. Perfection.
Everyman Cinema, Hampstead: Everyman is a bit of a mogul these days, with venues across London and surrounding suburbs, but we love the Hampstead branch – its size really has that hole-in-the-wall, quaint vibe we like. With a kitchen serving pizza and antipasti, retro candy for nibbling on and honeyroasted cashews as a popcorn alternative, Everyman is the ultimate choice for those who take their cinema snacking seriously – and their generous armchairs offer plenty of room to digest.
Curzon Cinema, Mayfair: There is something incredibly chic about the Curzon in Mayfair. It has a real sense of glamour about it, but then that’s probably down its heritage – it turned 80 last year. There’s a great bar, cosy, intimate and perfect for sipping a pre-showing Old Fashioned in, Don Draper style. Don’t expect blockbusters though – film enthusiast’s head here for the latest indie, fashion and cultural films, alongside screenings of opera. Just visiting is an education in itself.
Rooftop Film Club, Shoreditch: We can’t get enough of this concept, and it’s going to be a regular feature in our summer diaries. Rooftop Film Club takes over the (you guessed it) roofs of various locations throughout London, including the go-to pub, Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch. Picture deck chairs, film themed cocktails, and – at the Kensington Roof Gardens venue – complimentary BBQ snacks. You’ll find us at the Clueless showing.
Secret Cinema, Secret: If you haven’t heard of Secret Cinema, consider us doing you a huge favour. Showing both retro and new releases (Dirty Dancing, Back to The Future & Grand Budapest Hotel to name a few) your ticket grants you access to a completely immersive experience. After finding out the secret location, head over for drinks and food within the world of the film on show, before watching it. The best part? It’s dress up, and for this summer’s Star Wars theme, get ready to do your best Princess Leia impression.
Roxy Bar & Screen, Borough: The Roxy offers cocktails and cult genres old and new, in a relaxed but luxury space. The menu is all comfort food, so it makes for the perfect date destination of choice – just pay in advance, have your cocktail mixed, dig into you favourite dish and settle into their cosy armchairs. They also show sport here, so the next time your other half wants to watch the rugby, suggest a cool little place you know in Borough…
ArtHouse, Crouch End: Voted the best cinema in London at the end of last year, ArtHouse offers the latest releases, but is also committed to what they call, ‘Alternative Content’ – think opera, ballet, music concerts and theatre, some of which are screened live. This picture house also has a gallery though, exhibiting whatever they think is pretty cool right now, and their café also hosts exhibitions, live music and comedy. Not you’re average cinema, then.
Phoenix, East Finchley: Managed entirely by women (we love this), Phoenix in East Finchley is a hidden gem. They only show a couple of films at a time, but you can be sure it’s a fine edit, and you’ll also find live screenings of National Theatre productions, alongside what they call, ‘Film Studies’. This sees a termly curation of film showings based on particular themes and eras, with discussion groups after the showing, over beer from a local Hackney brewery – we’re on board.
Prince Charles, Leicester Square: A far cry from the blockbuster cinema it neighbours, the Prince Charles shows films, the way you’ve always wanted to watch them. Imagine a Bitch-A-Long Mean Girls, Sing-A-Long’s of Grease, Moulin Rouge and Spice World, all nighters of your favourite trilogies and 007 retrospectives. It’s all very tongue in cheek, a tonne of fun, and, frankly, pretty cool.
Rio, Dalston: We’re not going to lie – Rio isn’t much to look at from the outside. But then, what is when you get that far down the Kingsland Road? Like the rest of Dalston, it’s once you look behind corners and get past the front door that the magic happens – and Rio is pretty special. They do only show a small edit of film, not many of which you would have heard of, but all of which you should definitely see. The studio too, is spectacularly traditional. It’s the perfect place to start an evening, before heading to neighbouring Voodoo Ray’s for pizza and frozen margaritas.