Easily one of the swankiest venues in the city, the Electric Cinema on Portobello Road in Notting Hill has an eclectic program, from classics, cult films and festival favorites to current blockbusters. The most impressive thing about it, though, is its interior. Featuring a bar, leather seating, ottomans, tables for food and drink, and even two-seater sofas, the Electric is more like a first-class airplane cabin than an average movie theatre—only with better in-flight entertainment.
Another great space is the Rio Cinema in Dalston. A survivor from the age of art deco in 1913, the Rio has been restored to its original sleek lines and sumptuous interior. Alongside mainstream releases, the Rio screens classic matinees and hosts gay and lesbian, Spanish, Turkish and Kurdish film festivals.
The Rich Mix in Bethnal Green, Hackney, is a versatile venue, consisting of a cinema, gallery, café and studio space. Its program features everything from dance, music and workshops and its plush cinema screens a diverse selection of independent, art house, world films and documentaries.
Near South Kensington’s museum mile is the Institut Français, a French cultural center that is home to the Ciné Lumière, launched by none other than Catherine Deneuve. Featuring modern and classic French, European and world cinema (all with English subtitles), the Lumière often attracts actors and directors for Q&A sessions. The best part? Instead of popcorn and soda, feast on patisseries and French wine in Le Bistro.
Special mention must be made of the Curzon Soho, conveniently located on Shaftesbury Avenue near the West End theatre district. The Curzon is the cutting edge in comfort and chic. Yet despite its three levels featuring a fully licensed bar, a Konditor and Cook café, three screens and a very cool loo, the Curzon deserves most credit for hosting the excellent, annual and free Soho Shorts Film Festival.
No list of London cinemas would be complete without the British Film Institute in Lambeth, on the South Bank. As much a museum, gallery, archive and bookstore as a cinema, the BFI is known for its innovative programs, in-depth repertoires and extensive free exhibits—not to mention a location that looks like it came straight out of a movie scene.
While London movie theatres are your ticket to some great visual experiences and entertainment around the city, the best seat in the house can always be found in your New York Habitat flat rental in London. Consider:
• A bright and clean studio in Bayswater, Westminster (LN-472) in a six-story building just yards away from Hyde Park. This rental features a double bed, laundry/dryer, power shower, heated towel rack, oak wooden floors and central heating.
• A modern, spacious 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in Vauxhall, Lambeth (LN-874) near the Albert Embankment, overlooking Westminster. This flat comes complete with a king-sized bed, double bed and double sofa bed, laundry/dryer, bathtub and shower, weekly cleaning service, twenty-four-hour concierge and some amazing views.
• A cheerful and comfortable studio in City-Islington (LN-880) in a modern elevator building conveniently located just off Fleet Street, within easy walking distance of the City and the West End. This accommodation comes with a double sofa bed, laundry/dryer, flat-screen TV and twenty-four-hour doorman.
New York Habitat has vacation rentals so close to some of London’s top cinemas that you can almost smell the popcorn from there.
Let us know your favorite London movie theatre with a comment below.
I love going to the movies!! I always make a point to go to movie theaters no matter what city I am in, and I will definitely go when in London.
Love the Curzon Soho for the Soho Shorts each summer, and the BFI has excellent programmes and location.
The Electric Cinema is a London institution. On a rainy night, also check out the Coronet in Notting Hill (especially the balcony), the Rio in Hackney or the Ritzy in Brixton — all brilliant!