Cosy Nights In: London’s Best Independent Cinemas for Winter
Winter‘s chill is in full force this week and there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a cosy night at the movies.
Tucked away in unexplored corners of our city, or in the heart of local neighbourhoods, London’s eclectic independent cinemas offer an inviting escape from the cold, where you can enjoy the latest films, classics or family movies.
In this week’s blog post, we take you on a cinematic journey through some of the city’s best independent cinemas, each with its own unique charm and character.
Whether you’re a film buff, a casual moviegoer, or simply looking for a night out with friends or family, these venues are sure to make your winter evenings more enjoyable.
So, grab your popcorn, find your favourite seat, and prepare to be entertained!
ActOne Cinema: Nestled in Acton, this community cinema not only screens the latest films but also acts as a cozy meetup spot with a café run by local business Bears Ice Cream. It's quickly become a heartwarming addition to Acton's cultural scene.
Website: ActOne Cinema
Address: The Old Library, High St W3 6NA
ArtHouse Cinema: Located in Crouch End, the ArtHouse Cinema is more than just a movie theater. It blends film with art, live music, theater, and more in a community-serving arts venue. It's a perfect spot for a cozy cinematic experience.
Website: ArtHouse Crouch End
Address: 159A Tottenham Lane, N8 9BT
BFI Southbank: The BFI Southbank isn't just a cinema; it's a haven for cinephiles. With four screens showcasing classic, independent, and foreign films, it also hosts the annual BFI London Film Festival. Don't miss the on-site Reuben Library and Mediatheque.
Website: BFI Southbank
Address: South Block, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT
Cine Lumiere: Part of the Institut Français, Cine Lumiere specialises in contemporary French, European, and world cinema. Located near the V&A and the Natural History Museum, it's a cultural gem for international film enthusiasts.
Website: Cine Lumiere
Address: 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT
Electric Cinema: One of the oldest working cinemas in the UK, the Electric Cinema offers a luxurious movie-watching experience. With plush seating, including double beds in the front row, it's like watching films from the comfort of your home, but better.
Website: Electric Cinema
Address: 191 Portobello Road, W11 2ED
Second Location: Inside the former BBC Television Centre in White City.
Genesis: Housed in a building with a rich history dating back to 1848, Genesis offers five screens of cinematic delights, from mainstream to arthouse. Treat yourself to a luxurious experience in Studio 4 or Studio 5.
Website: Genesis Cinema
Address: 93-95 Mile End Road, E1 4UJ
The Lexi Cinema: This boutique cinema inside a renovated Edwardian theatre is also a charitable social enterprise. With a single screen, it offers a mix of blockbusters, arthouse films, special events, and baby screenings.
Website: The Lexi Cinema
Address: 194B Chamberlayne Road, NW10 3JU
Peckhamplex: Known for its affordable ticket prices, Peckhamplex is London's only independent multiplex. While it mainly screens blockbusters, it has committed to showing independent and foreign language films regularly.
Website: Peckhamplex
Address: 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Phoenix Cinema: One of the UK's oldest continuously running cinemas, the Phoenix on Finchley Road offers a blend of new releases, arthouse films, and live streams. Its charitable status is supported by notable patrons.
Website: Phoenix Cinema
Address: 52 High Road, N2 9P
Prince Charles Cinema: The last independent cinema in the West End, the Prince Charles offers a diverse range of film screenings, from quirky classics to sing-along sessions. Check out its creative use of the canopy.
Website: Prince Charles Cinema
Address: 7 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BY
Regent Street Cinema: The birthplace of British cinema, Regent Street Cinema offers a rich cinematic history. Following a restoration project, it now hosts premieres, retrospectives, and indulgent double-bills.
Website: Regent Street Cinema
Address: 309 Regent Street, W1B 2UW
Rio Cinema: Located in Dalston, the Rio Cinema is a not-for-profit venue offering a single screen with a range of films. It's known for special screenings, including discounted tickets for Hackney library cardholders.
Website: Rio Cinema
Address: 107 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB
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Happy watching!
