We all love a good film, even more so when the cinema itself is state of the art comfort. From waiter service, to large leather sofas, eating cupcakes, raisins, and drinking beer or wine. Everyone likes to experience something different - a cinema that feels like home.
I have travelled through Britain and have stopped at some of the best cinema's to enjoy a truly memorable experience. Follow me on my journey and experience a cinematic adventure to remember.
1. The Tyneside, 10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6QG
1. The Tyneside, 10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 6QG
Scour the modern streets of Newcastle Upon Tyne, united by seven bridges across a spectacular river-scape, Newcastle forms a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination. Here I came across The Tyneside Cinema. Before hand I heard people talk about how it's a surreal feeling, almost feels like you're in the comfort of your front room, so I thought why not check it out. Tyneside has four large rooms: The Classic, The Electra, The Roxy and The Digital Lounge. Classic room is where I watched Love Actually, still a favourite of mine. The screen was of a large size, not like something you'd find at a Vue Cinema, it was much more swanky, I felt I was at a film premier. Exclusive handmade seats, provided with nibbles and a glass of wine for each paid guest. For food and drink, there is one bar and two cafes to choose from. I liked Tyneside because of the large seats, the selection of food and drink and the staff were really friendly, and upbeat.
2. The Electric Cinema, 47-49 Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DY 0121 643 7879
One of the oldest working cinemas in the UK: The Electric Cinema, Birmingham. It used to be a sound recording facility, and also home for film buffs. It opened in 1909 and the first movie to be shown was a silent film on 27 December with piano backings, they were mostly American and mostly short, just one or two reels in length. It had a transformation and now like any state of the art cinema, it is equipped with sofas, a bar and waiter service. The Electric sells pretty much all types of food and drink, but popcorn, they said 'it makes the cinema smell of 'burnt vegetable oil' I was lucky enough to sit on the big sofa, I watched Insidious, it was so good to be able to relax, put my feet up and enjoy. If at any point I ran out of food or drink, I could easily text the bar my order, how cool is that! No need to run over and queue up to get a drink in a plastic cup. With a fully licensed bar the choices were at my fingertips. Also on offer is the beautifully hand-made ice cream by Just Rachel, I opted for Strawberry Champagne, the burst of flavour exploded into my mouth, imagine you are drinking champers with strawberry, but licking the back of a spoon instead - that's how good it is. The staff were really helpful when it came to choosing a film, and oh nachos are no longer, its tortilla - a much posher, nicer take on the average cinema snack.
3. Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG 0871 902 5739
Ritzy glitzy?... The Ritzy Picturehous (Credit: PA)
Ritzy glitzy?... The Ritzy Picturehous (Credit: PA)
Situated smack bang in the centre of South London, Brixton has become a go-to haunt for foodies, clubbers, artists and rockers alike. This cultural mecca is filled with a sense of community, which is evident for anyone who has shopped in Brixton Village or enjoyed a drink with local residents outside the Ritzy cinema. The Ritzy is an independent venue owned by Picturehouse Cinemas. The building was designed as the Electric Pavilion in 1910 by E.C Homer and Lucas, one of England's first purpose-built cinemas. The cinema is contemporary with a Grade II listing just like The Electric on Portobello Road. It has four screens, a bar and a cafe. Making it the largest independent specialist cinema in the country. It's not just a cinema, upstairs there is a lovely bar, open 7 days a week, playing host to some of the well-known and well-loved cultural music hub of Brixton. Did I mention they serve the best Ice Cream, take your pick from orange and mascapone, two refreshing sorbets of lemon and mango made by London's own Marine Ices, based in Chalk Farm. Currently showing the latest releases and independent films, why don't you pop down and live a new experience.
4. Cornerhouse Manchester, 70 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 5NH 0161 200 1500
For a quarter of a century, Cornerhouse has championed independent art and film in the city, with a cinema and festivals programme that is arguably the best in town. As a result, its slightly cramped galleries, art-house cinemas, bookshop and chichi café-bars are regularly packed out, particularly in the evenings and at weekends - a situation that should be alleviated by its move, in 2014, to a purpose-built new home just up the road. Located on Oxford Road, Cornerhouse houses three floors of contemporary art galleries, three screens showing the best independent films, a bar, cafe and bookshop, what more could you ask for! I visited last year, initially I just wanted to eat somewhere but then once I explored the art galleries, I was impressed. I've not seen a connection between art and films like I experienced at Cornerhouse, the film which was showing, also had artwork related to it. The food alone is mouth-watering, why not go early and have a bite to eat, the menu is so vast you will be spoilt for choice. I went straight for the mains of Lamb Burger with tomato and chilli jam and a bowl of chips, lined my stomach quite perfectly. [Manchester to Heathrow taxi Transport]
5. Somerset House, Strand London, WC2R 1LA 0207 845 4600
Sunny-set House... Somerset House (Credit: PA)
Sunny-set House... Somerset House (Credit: PA)
Watching a film in spring or summer is always a pleasure, especially when its an open outdoor theatre. What a better way to spend the evenings, meeting new like minded people who share the same love for film as you do. Every year Somerset House: The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court pays homage to a twelve day series to brilliant films, shown on their big screen with complete surround sound, sponsored by Film4 and American Express. All genres from cult action thrillers, to romantic comedies and film classics are on top of the list. Look out for the listings this year on their website. A mesmerising experience you will never forget, and you will keep going back every year.
6. Everyman Cinema, 5 Holly Bush Vale, Hampstead, London, NW3 6TX
The first time I came across Everyman Theatre was in Hampstead. My friend kept telling me about this place but I never seemed to listen, till last year I actually went to see what the fuss was all about. Am I glad I did? Hell yeah! To some it may be the same ole cinema, although it is similar to The Electric in Birmingham, but hey Everyman is in London itself. There are 4 venues available, but Belsize Park and Hampstead are my favourite. These two venues offer the best cinema food, choose from a range of quiches, or indulge in some fancy Mediterranean finger foods like sundried tomatoes, or mild chilli peppers stuffed with feta cheese. If you have a sweet tooth why not order a tub of chocolate-covered orange peel, white chocolate raspberries and if you are a fan of Edamame, why not try their latest invention: chocolate covered Edamame. Fine dining in a cinema, who would've thought of it? A good day to go is a Sunday, instead of lazing at home, laze-in at the Everyman.
7. BFI IMAX, 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank, Waterloo, London, SE1 8XR
Towering... BFI Waterloo (Credit: REX)
Towering... BFI Waterloo (Credit: REX)
Are you a fan of 3D films? Do you like the surreal reality jumping right in front of your eyes, creating your own fantasy. I first went to the BFI IMAX to watch Avatar. London's biggest screen mixes made for IMAX fare and scenery-heavy documentaries with mainstream blockbusters. Avatar was presented on a 75-ft screen, I could literally touch the flying objects, made me jump a bit. The thrill and excitement was beyond what I had felt before. 3D films are superb specially when the graphics are equally super-bad. If you are looking for the ultimate 3D experience, the IMAX is the only cinema that will provide it. Yes tickets are slightly expensive, but its worth paying that extra pound to live a special experience, the highest quality of picture and sound.
8. Apollo Cinemas, 19 Lower Regent Street, London, SW1Y 4LR
Situated in the hustle & bustle of Piccadilly Circus, Apollo West End is a five-screen venue which is big on comfort and style and has plenty of indie cred. The Apollo is built on the site of the old Plaza Cinema, which opened in 1926. The Apollo has big, cushy reclining armchairs, as well as the important in house bar. Hollywood blockbusters are shown here alongside independent films, and the cinema hosts festivals throughout the year. I came to watch Pirates of the Caribbean, I was amazed to see the reclining armchairs, and in red too, my favourite colour. The fully stocked bar is at your fingertips, buzz the waiter to your seat and he will happily take your order. Not your conventional take on food, no popcorn but olives instead, foreign beer and your favourite wine. Take a sip, sit back, relax and enjoy the film.
9. Phoenix Cinema, 52 High Road, East Finchely, London N2 9PJ
Special... Phoenix Cinema (Credit: REX)
Special... Phoenix Cinema (Credit: REX)
In East Finchely lays the oldest purpose-built, continuously working cinema, Phoenix. The history of film has been shared with millions of audience members, from silent films with live music and the digital projection of today. Phoenix has undergone many changes and refurbishments to bring it up-to-date for today's audience. The cinema is run by the local community as its part of a charitable trust. The cinema has a cafe serving home cooked meals, snacks and cakes, and a pre-film menu, a nice stop to enjoy a glass of wine with friends or eat something before the film. Free Wi-Fi is available for all paying customers. Currently showing: In Darkness, The Maid (La Nana) and The Kid With a Bike.
10. The Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 3JU 0871 704 2069
I really love this little place, its a cinema where all profits are donated to charity and the staff are local passionate volunteers. Situated in a little corner of North West London, The Lexi Cinema is making a difference to the quality of life for a very different community on the other side of the world. What a better way to see your money making a difference to the families at Lynedoch Village in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Current films showing: A Separation, The Woman in the Fifth, The Artist, and Rampart. Get yourselves down there and make a difference.
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