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Going to the movies is usually a simple and casual thing to do. Grab the popcorn and pick a film you’d like to watch. However, there’s always the option to upgrade your experience in London. The city has dozens of elegant and unique cinemas to explore. Of all the possible options, some are the best Luxury Cinemas in London.
Snack on refined foods and bring cocktails and wine bottles into the screening room. Indulge in impeccable service. Relax on oversized and comfortable sofa-like chairs. Enjoy some of the best sound systems in the world and immerse yourself in the reality of the movie you’re watching.
Everyman’s Cinemas
We’ll kickstart our list with Everyman’s Cinemas. This is a single venue and a collection of 14 units spread across London. Every single movie theatre from Everyman’s has its original design. They are all in different buildings with intriguing architecture and layouts, so it will be a new experience each time. Find big, comfortable sofas and armchairs, delicious food and drinks, and impeccable service inside. Out of all the venues, the Screen on the Green in Islington is one of everyone’s favourite.
Blankets, pillows, and velvety seating await you. Order a glass of wine or warm tea to relax and enjoy those dramas. If hungry, go for the juicy burgers or build your sundae. You will be so impressed by the service, wine coolers, and architecture that you may miss some movie scenes. Laying back on those cosy sofas will transport you to a new world of comfort and luxury.
The first Everyman’s Cinema opened over 100 years ago, and it is still a reference for luxury in the cinematic world.
Website: Everyman’s Cinemas
Address: Multiple Locations
Curzon
Curzon is, by far, one of the best luxury cinemas in London. It is probably the finest cinema building of the post-war period, with an intricate and elaborate interior. Built-in 1912, the theatre is a reference for quality art films; you will always enjoy what is on display. It has one of the most giant screens in the UK and even two royal boxes.
Here, you can watch art films, like imported dramas from France and indie movies by artists worldwide. Indulge on 19th-century classics. It is ideal for those who like to merge culture and class. Sit at a Royal Box and order champagne. Lounge by the bar while you wait for the movie to begin and order drinks and snacks. Enjoy the public wifi as well.
The mood lighting and evocative decor make this a unique experience. The seats are super comfortable and spacious. Watch comedy shows and music performances aside from the films. You can become a member of Curzon and access movie previews, talks from some industry experts, and exclusive screenings of the newest movies available to the public.
Website: Curzon
Address: Multiple Locations
Electric Cinema
Electric Cinema feels like you’ve just entered a fancy theatre. It opened its doors in 1910, and up to this day, it still retains its retro vibe. Although the technology and service have adapted, the theatre holds an old-fashioned aura. The oval ceiling has Victorian decor and red elements that ornament it. Red curtains cover the screen in the front of the room. Once you’re seated, they will open, and you can enjoy the show.
The movie theatre is on Portobello Road, probably one of the oldest ones in London. They also opened a unit in White City, carrying the same extravagance as the original. Here, you can relax on spacious leather chairs with footstalls or lay on one of the six double beds in the front. It is the perfect spot for a classy first date. Extravagance is part of service, food, and drinks—order cocktails from the bar and a full-on dinner. We’re talking crispy duck leg with lentils, for example.
You can also book the entire venue for a private event. Up to 103 people can fit in the space, which includes a lounge with food and drinks.
Website: Electric Cinema
Address: 191 Portobello Rd, London W11 2ED
BFI Southbank
The BFI Southbank is one of those luxury cinemas in London offering a healthy mix of options. While you can still enjoy the latest hits in the cinematic world, you can also find cult and indie movies here. Enjoy classics like The Godfather and watch Marlon Brando in other exceptional performances. Aside from film, they also host festivals, retrospective events, and Q&As with essential people in the film industry.
You can follow their season’s program and learn about cultures and film. Each month, they explore a different genre or culture and how they are represented on the screen. From Indian women to Reggae in Jamaica, here you will learn about the universe of cinema and how it portrays the world.
The BFI Bar and Restaurant is also perfect for a bite before or after the film. During the summer, you can enjoy their terrace and cool off with cocktails and refreshing foods. The theatre has unique views of the Thames River and the Waterloo Bridge. There’s also the theatre’s library, where you can learn about the moving image through their extensive collection of materials.
Website: The BFI Southbank
Address: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT
Film & Fizz One Aldwych
Whenever we travel, there are always those days when we are too tired to leave the hotel and do anything touristy. That’s why the Film & Fizz cinema is so unique. Located inside the 5-star One Aldwych hotel, this theatre is ideal for exhausted people who can find quality entertainment without going out on the street. Enjoy the latest hits in the cinematic world, or go for seasonal classics like Frozen during Christmas.
A small movie theatre that only seats thirty people, Film & Fizz by One Aldwych is an exclusive experience. In addition to the movie, the ticket includes a chilled glass of Grand-Cru Champagne, sweet or salty popcorn, and a three-course meal at Indigo, the hotel’s restaurant. Let the sommelier suggest wine pairings and enjoy an after-movie dinner. It is the perfect date night for those who want a romantic and entertaining evening.
You can opt for the Film & Fizz One Aldwych Overnight experience, which includes a screening and dinner, a night at the hotel, and breakfast the following morning. Talk about a romantic escapade, huh?
Website: Film & Fizz
Address: One Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Archlight Cinema
One of Archlight Cinema’s main aspects is its high-tech sound system. Inside Dolby Atmos surround-sound theatres, you will immerse yourself in the experience of the movie you’re watching, with sound-proof design on the walls. The theatre is located in the Battersea Power Station district. Overground trains will travel above you, and you won’t hear a thing.
The theatre is strategically placed in one of the most intriguing areas of London right now. This urban project is packed with exciting restaurants, architecture, and art—there are many things to do and see before and after the movie. Once inside, indulge in food and drinks from the snack bar—cocktails, like negronis and old-fashioneds, come in small bottles. Wine and champagne bottles, homemade popcorn, and sweets are also available. Relax on the reclining seats and place your snacks on the tables before you.
During July and August, Archlight Cinema hosts outdoor screenings for those who want to enjoy the fresh summer breeze at night. An opened, six-acre space in Power Station Park, right in front of the Battersea Power Station building.
Website: Archlight Cinema
Address: Battersea Power Station, 22 Arches Ln, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AB
Backyard Cinema
The Backyard Cinema is a whole experience within itself. Maybe you don’t even need to watch the movie to have the time of your life. Firstly, they have bean bag seats, and you can’t get much more comfortable. Secondly, the theatre is always themed – find old curiosity shops and Christmas lights at the end of the year. Maybe feel like you’re walking on the sanded floor at the beach in the summer. Sip refreshing cocktails while you do that in the Miami Beach theme. Soak under sunlight while watching one of the latest hits in the theatres. Each time, a whole new experience.
After the movie, enjoy the street food and bars in Backyard Cinema’s courtyard. Immerse yourself in the place’s themes. Taste the Backyard Pizza, grab a cocktail at the Studio Bar, or try an Argentinian sandwich.
In some of the themes, live performances precede the movie, and you embark on a unique adventure until you arrive at your assigned seat before the screen. Instagramable and interactive sets are always part of the deal.
Website: Backyard Cinema
Address: 2-4 Armoury Way, London SW18 1SH
Bulgari Private Cinema
A few things speak luxury more fluently than the Bulgari brand. The Italian brand for jewellery, watches, and other extravagant products defines elegance. So, when the brand opened its hotel in London, it needed to go the extra mile to stand out as an exclusive experience.
The Bulgari Hotel Private Cinema has a single screen and 47 seats inside a private room. It displays many movies with modern and advanced sound and vision systems. The hotel’s film library, which contains over 300 titles, allows you to choose anything from an old classic like Casablanca to a modern film still in theatres.
Designer walls surround comfortable leather chairs. Velvet floors allow for the perfect acoustics of the place. One can host business presentations, press announcements, and movie premiers here. 4K resolution takes over the screen, and potent capabilities power up video conferencing. You can also watch sports and play video games. Grab a cocktail at the outside bar and relax into a luxurious experience at the movies.
Website: Bulgari Hotel Private Cinema
Address: 171 Knightsbridge, London SW7 1DW
Genesis
Genesis first opened its doors in 1848 as a music hall. After much remodelling and repurposing, today it is one of the best luxury cinemas in London. Aside from screening some of the most popular movies today, the theatre also holds many events and seasons. The Fragments season explores inclusivity in film, showcasing movies by underrepresented and marginalized voices. There are also Q&A sessions with influential voices in the film industry, where you can learn more about their work and style.
Upstairs from the movies, you can find the Kitchen. It serves pizzas, nachos, and sweet potato fries—perfect for snacking during the movie. The Bar Paragon, right next to it, offers cocktails and hosts events. Live music performances, poetry readings, and free movie screenings are available. There’s also the Grindhouse Café, where you can grab a hot cup of coffee or tea, munch on a freshly baked pastry or panini, and chat with friends before the day begins.
Genesis has a bar inside the theatre room, so you can get up anytime during the movie and top your wine glass. Here, you will find large and cosy sofas with blankets and small tables in front for you to place your snacks.
Website: Genesis
Address: 93-95 Mile End Rd, Bethnal Green, London E1 4UJ
Picturehouse Central
Picturehouse Cinemas has movie theatres spread all around the UK. In London, you can find many different units, all with their unique design, movie schedules, and many events, festivals, and Q&As with influential people from the film industry. Out of all the Picturehouse theatres, we decided to focus on one of the most beautiful ones in design.
Picturehouse Central is more about the hall and outside amenities than the screening rooms. Walk in and find a red-veled staircase leading you downstairs. The theatre rooms have comfortable red chairs that face a large screen. On the ceiling, lightbulbs hang low and shine a golden light over your head. On the way down the stairs, you can pass by a small convenience shop and purchase snacks for the movie. Aside from screening today’s popular movies, they also have special events with international, independent, or artistic films.
Stop by the first-floor restaurant and savour modern and Western Korean foods. Grab pre-movie snacks, taste the sweet and spicy Bao buns with bulgogi pork or jackfruit, and sip a cocktail. There’s also the exclusive member’s bar for those who want to enjoy the most premier experience possible.
Website: Picturehouse Central
Address: 15 Great Windmill Street, Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7DH
Odeon Luxe
Odeon Luxe cinemas represent the pinnacle of luxury cinema experiences, combining ultra-modern technology with unparalleled comfort. The Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, one of the flagship venues, is a prime example of this blend. This iconic cinema has a rich history, originally opening in 1937 in London’s West End. Over the years, it has hosted numerous film premieres, including major releases like “Mary Poppins” and “Casino Royale”.
The cinema underwent a significant refurbishment in 2018, transforming it into a luxurious venue with reduced seating capacity for more spacious, fully reclining seats. It also became the first commercial cinema in the UK to feature a Dolby Cinema screen, offering an immersive viewing experience with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology. This enhancement allows for stunning visuals and exceptional sound quality, making every movie a captivating experience.
Odeon Luxe cinemas also feature an upgraded food and drink menu, including gourmet snacks and a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails available through Order & Collect services. The luxurious recliners come with extended legroom and personal retractable tables. This blend of historical significance and modern luxury makes Odeon Luxe Leicester Square a standout destination for film enthusiasts and casual moviegoers.
Website: Odeon Luxe
Address: Multiple Locations
The Cinema at Selfridges
Located within the iconic Selfridges department store on Oxford Street, The Cinema at Selfridges offers a luxurious movie-going experience. This three-screen cinema opened in November 2019 and quickly became a favourite destination for locals and visitors seeking an upscale environment to enjoy the latest blockbusters and independent films.
Designed by FDArchitects in collaboration with Selfridges’ in-house team, the cinema features state-of-the-art sound and vision technology. The three screens vary in size: Screen 1 has 70 seats, Screen 2 has 59 seats, and the exclusive Members’ Screening Room offers 28 seats. Each screen has plush reclining seats and individual tables, providing maximum comfort and convenience for all guests.
The cinema’s intimate and luxurious foyer enhances the experience, offering a range of gourmet snacks and crafted cocktails. Patrons can enjoy these refreshments in the stylish lounge before or after their movie. The Cinema at Selfridges also offers private hire options. Overall, it combines the elegance of a high-end boutique with the cutting-edge technology of a modern cinema.
Website: The Cinema at Selfridges
Address: 40 Duke St, London W1U 1AT
Regent Street Cinema
Regent Street Cinema is often called the “birthplace of British cinema.” First opened in 1848 as a theatre within the Royal Polytechnic Institution, it became the first venue in the UK to screen moving pictures to a paying audience, courtesy of the Lumière brothers in 1896. This historical cinema has played a significant role in the evolution of British film, including being the first in the UK to show an X-rated movie in 1951.
After its closure in 1980, the cinema was repurposed for other uses until the University of Westminster undertook a significant restoration project in 2012. The restoration, completed in 2015 for £6.1 million, returned the cinema to its former glory while adding modern amenities. Today, it features 187 luxurious seats, a restored Compton organ from 1936, and the capability to screen films in various formats, including 16mm, 35mm, Super 8, and 4K digital.
Regent Street Cinema now showcases independent films, classic movies, and new releases. It continues to serve as a cultural hub, hosting special events, film festivals, and educational screenings, maintaining its status as a landmark venue in London’s film scene.
Website: Regent Street Cinema
Address: 307 Regent St., London W1B 2HW
Castle Cinema
The Castle Cinema has a rich history dating back to its original opening in 1913. Initially a famous local picture house, it experienced various transformations, including a stint as a bingo hall, before closing its doors in the late 1950s. In 2016, following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the cinema was lovingly restored and reopened, bringing back its original charm while updating its facilities for modern audiences.
The Castle Cinema features two screens with luxurious seating, state-of-the-art projection, and sound systems, creating an intimate, high-quality viewing experience. The design pays homage to its historical roots, with Art Deco elements and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a standout venue.
The cinema’s bar and café offer a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and artisanal snacks. The programming includes a diverse mix of independent films, classic movies, and the latest releases, catering to a wide range of cinematic tastes.
Website: Castle Cinema
Address: First Floor, 64 – 66 Brooksby’s Walk, London E9 6DA
Olympic Cinema
The Olympic Cinema, located in Barnes, South West London, has a history as a world-famous recording studio before transforming into a luxury cinema. The venue hosted legendary musicians such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. In 2013, it was restored and reopened as a cinema, retaining much of its musical heritage while providing a high-end film experience.
The cinema features two screens, each with modern projection and sound systems, including Dolby Atmos. The seating is designed for ultimate comfort, with luxurious reclining chairs and ample legroom. The décor reflects its rich history, combining elements of its past with contemporary elegance.
The Olympic Cinema also boasts a stylish café and dining area, offering a menu that includes seasonal dishes, gourmet snacks, and a curated selection of wines and cocktails. This makes it an ideal spot for a pre-movie meal or a post-film discussion. The cinema regularly hosts special events, including live music performances, film festivals, and director Q&As, making it a cultural hotspot in London.
Website: Olympic Cinema
Address: Olympic Studios, Church Rd, London SW13 9HL
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