In London there is no excuse to not go to the cinema, no excuse at all, unless you want to make one. I don’t go to the mainstream cinema chains due to the prevelance of audience members talking to each other, looking at their phones, talking on their phones causing a commotion with endless rustling and slurping and generally being uncouth. There is also the issue of limited choice and exorbitant pricing This in itself may seem at odds with my opening statement but kindly bear with me gentle reader.
Alternatives do exist in the shape of smaller independent cinemas, case in point, the wonderful Prince Charles off Leicester Square, a haven for those that love the movies and want a bit of variety. Entrance is cheap as chips, and a lifetime membership is only £60.00. This entitles you to discount, free films and films for £1.00. and is, as stated, for life. The range of films they show is breathtaking and every taste is catered for with an ever-changing programme of rare and under seen gems, some in 70mm, 35mm or 4k restoration. It is an institution that was recently saved from closure by a vast number of loyal patrons who supplied a petition that simply could not be ignored.
Another great little cinema is The Covent Garden Cinema, adjacent to Covent Garden but nearer to Holborn tube station. A beautiful art deco cinema with a range of obscure films and rarities with an option for members to choose films to be shown. Tickets can be as little as £8.50, and you are guaranteed none of those pesky multiplex antics. And They serve Timothy Taylors Ale. They have quiz nights and discussion meetings it's hidden gem on the bustling west end
The Arthouse Crouch End is a bijou and wonderful cinema that feels like a café with a cinema attached. Again, variety and very reasonable pricing are the order of the day and if there’s nothing you fancy then the Crouch End Picturehouse is a few doors down.
Picturehouses are a chain that doesn’t feel like a chain and places independent cinema alongside current box office fare. They offer good value memberships, and the Crouch End branch has two nice bar areas, and they have Silver Screen viewings for those over 60, subtitled screenings and free tea and biscuits. I recommend also the Finsbury Park Branch which offers the same choices and is easier to get to as it’s stone’s throw from Finsbury Park Station
There was no way I was not going to mention the Everyman, there are a number of branches and the standout feature of this group of cinemas is the seating and the food both top notch. Reasonable pricing, great choice of films and great service distinguish these cinemas. I probably go more often to an Everyman than any other cinema and I would recommend them to anyone.
I spent many happy hours in the original Scala cinema on Tottenham Street near Goodge Street Station so I have had a natural affinity with independent cinema and it has never let me down
So, there you go, if you live in London there are a plethora of cinemas to visit (and I’ve not even mentioned the Curzon, The ICA, The Phoenix the Rio, the BFI and many others that are popping up across the capital). I would urge you to pay a visit to your local independent cinema as this will help more independent films to be made. At this moment when Hollywood is churning out either bland or bombastic product independent cinema is needed more than ever. The many excellent foreign language movies that put Hollywood to shame need the independent scene so that they can be seen and enjoyed. Do yourself a favour and support your local independent
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