POPSUGAR UK

14 UK Cinemas That Go Above and Beyond the Usual Multiplex

30/12/2018 - 06:10 PM

Whether you're into underrated rom-coms [1] or disturbing horrors [2], you can't beat watching a film on the big screen. Oh wait, you can — by heading to a big screen that offers more than your typical cinema. The UK's coolest cinemas go above and beyond your local multiplex, with luxurious extras like sofas, bar service at your seat, double beds, and themed cocktails. For some, it's all about their unusual setting; for others, it's the fancy drinks and snacks. From independent picture houses to unique screens, we've selected the most interesting places to watch the latest releases across the country. Browse our pick of the best cinemas in the UK, and start dreaming of popcorn in style.

Nottingham: Broadway Cinema

Nottingham's Broadway Cinema [3] has some pretty fashionable credentials — Sir Paul Smith designed screen 4 (pictured). It's housed in a former Wesleyan Chapel, which opened as a regional film theater in the 1960s.

You can go for a Broadway Bites package and get 10 percent off your meal in the cafe bar before or after a screening by presenting your cinema ticket. You can also take alcoholic drinks from the bars into the screens.

London: Olympic Studios

Olympic Studios [4] in Barnes, South West London, was once a recording studio for the greats, so it makes sense that it gives good sound via its Dolby Atmos surround sound. Its two screens have reclining seats from Norway, sofas, and love seats, wrapped in wool felt.

They all have bespoke individual brass tables that are custom made to hold a bottle of wine, cup of coffee, bag of popcorn or sweets. The front rows even have footstools.

Enjoy a meal or a cocktail from the bar, café, and dining room before a mainstream movie or classic film, and eat al fresco on the terrace on warm days.

Birmingham: The Electric

The Electric [5] in Birmingham has the accolade of being the UK's oldest working cinema. It's thoroughly modern now, though, with waiter service, a bar, and sofas. The two digital screens show a mix of classic, foreign, independent, and mainstream films. It's also where the Electric Cinema Film Orchestra started out, playing live performances in sync with specially edited film footage.

It has its own label of bottled ale, offers Absinthe Parisienne using a traditional fountain, and serves Poptails — popcorn flavoured cocktail — along with cocktails themed around the films they're showing.

Swansea: Cinema & Co

Cosy and intimate, Swansea's Cinema & Co [6] is part Indie film house, part coffee shop, part live venue and gallery space. Its seats are cushion-covered wooden crates, bringing Wales' cool crowd together for screenings and regular film and book clubs.

Newcastle: Tyneside Cinema

Billing itself as the North East's leading specialised cinema and digital arts venue, Tyneside Cinema [7] has been entertaining Newcastle with films since 1937. Its four auditoria include the Art Deco splendour of the Classic (pictured) with its Classic Circle balcony seating.

It also has an art exhibition space and three bar-cafes. At these you can enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Movies, themed on the film; a monthly Supper Club, showcasing a five-course themed menu and paired drinks; and the Speakeasy Cinema, where you watch a secret classic film title in a private screening area accompanied by a special menu and cocktail themed to it.

Cardiff: Chapter Cinema

Chapter Cinema [8] is Cardiff's multi-art-form venue that is home to a creative community. The caffi-bar serves quality food and a variety of alcoholic drinks.

The auditorium has theatre-like drapes and upholstered walls, and don't forget to look up — the ceiling's spotlights make it look like the night sky.

Berkhamsted: The Rex

The Rex Berkhamsted [9] in Hertfordshire opened in 1938 and, after a period of closure and bingo nights, its impressive Art Deco proscenium wows today as a one-screen cinema.

There's luxurious seating, a wine list, and snacks on plates. Sit up in the circle or in big red swivel chairs in the stalls around candlelit tables, with white tablecloths to the floor.

Sheffield: Showroom Cinema

Showroom Cinema [10], one of the largest independent cinemas in Europe, is part of a cultural hub in a 1930s Art Deco building in Sheffield. There's a fully licensed café bar where you can go for the Take Two package, with two main courses, two cinema tickets, and a bottle of wine. It has four screens and also hosts film quizzes and discussion groups.

Glasgow: Glasgow Film Theatre

Glasgow Film Theatre [11] is Scotland's original independent cinema. Its three dramatic screens show specialised titles, independent cinema, experimental work, festivals, and live broadcast.

Totnes: Barn Cinema

The Barn Cinema [12] is part of Dartington Hall in Totnes, Devon. Housed in a unique 15th-century venue, it shows independent arthouse, world, and mainstream cinema.

Edinburgh: Cameo Picturehouse

Part of the cool Picturehouse group, the Cameo [13] in Edinburgh features a bar. Chill out and enjoy a coffee, a local gin, a Scottish beer, or 18 different still and sparkling wines. There are strombolis, pizzas, soups, and quiches too.

There are special screenings to cover all bases, whether you want to bring your baby or your pooch — yes, there are dog-friendly screenings — and there's a regular film quiz.

Richmond, Yorkshire: The Station

The Station [14] in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is housed in a Victorian railway building and is home to an art gallery, exhibition space, artisan food makers, and a café alongside its cinema [15].

Falkirk: Hippodrome

Be mesmerized under the star-lit ceiling at The Hippodrome [16] in Falkirk. This restored vintage picture palace is the oldest purpose-built cinema in Scotland, dating back to 1912.

It hosts a Silent Film Festival, HippFest, screening rare or unique silent screenings accompanied by live improvised music.

London: Electric Cinema

Part of private members' club Soho House, Electric Cinema [17] has sites in Portobello and Shoreditch. The Electric Cinema Portobello is London's oldest working cinema. They both screen mainstream, independent and world cinema, with the comfort of armchair seating and cashmere blankets. There are footstools, side tables, and actual beds in the front row.

Fully licensed bars serves "substantial" snacks and drinks, and there's the Electric Diner next door to the Portobello cinema, with booth and bar seating.


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