shhh! london’s best indie cinemas
grab your popcorn, we're going to the movies 🍿
Growing up, going to the cinema meant visiting Vue in Paignton. I always enjoyed myself, but the tickets and tango ice blasts were overpriced and the ambience was non-existent (aka, exactly what you’d expect from any commercial chain cinema). Needless to say, it wasn’t my number one leisure activity.
However, my feelings changed when I moved to Mile End for uni and realised the neon-clad local cinema, Genesis, offered student tickets for only £5 throughout the week. A bargain! Especially as I was perpetually broke trying to stretch my student loan to the limit by drinking obscene amounts while remaining unemployed.
From here my love affair with London’s indie cinema scene began.
These, often architecturally stunning renovated spaces, are a welcome escape from busy city life. It’s a great way to spend a rainy Sunday, with or without company. If you're feeling fancy and want to turn it into a Friday night event or social activity, many have chic cocktail bars or coffee shops attached to them for a pre-screening treat.
Let the show begin 🎥
Genesis - Stepney Green
My first love, Genesis Cinema in East London dates back to 1848 and now boasts multiple screens including the original theatre stage. The entrance foyer is a coffee shop during the day (a great study/work spot), and then up the mezzanine staircase, you’ll find the cosy cocktail bar. Beyond the blockbusters, Genesis also hosts sports and festival screenings, live events, and re-runs of cult classics. If you’re feeling fancy, you can splash out on one of the sofa seats in studio 4 & 5.
The Castle Cinema - Clapton
I never see The Castle Cinema getting enough love so I’m here to shout about it. Hidden above a convenience shop on Chatsworth Road in Hackney, this community cinema proves that great things do come in small packages. The Castle Electric Theatre opened originally in 1913 as an independent single-screen cinema, today it still boasts that early 20th decor and has even squeezed in another tiny screen. Watching a movie at the castle feels like you’re in somebody’s living room; Each seat is an ultra-comfy armchair, and they opt for local sponsors over corporate adverts for the pre-screening trailer as well as running frequent community events.
The Prince Charles - West End
Home to cult classics, mega movie marathons, and sing-a-longs, The Prince Charles is THE spot for cinephiles. Want to spend the day watching all three Lord of the Rings movies? Or dress up for an evening screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show? No problem. Treat yourself to an annual membership for weekday tickets at only £7.50 and regular £1 screenings.
The Barbican- Finsbury
The cultured among us may already be familiar with The Barbican’s arty cinema scene. The brutalist estate is home to one of the city’s largest arts and culture centres, frequently hosting events, performances, and screenings across a range of genres. Looking to watch a documentary, an art house film or attend a director’s Q&A then I’d recommend checking the Barbican as your first port of call.
I take my popcorn sweet and salty btw.
by, becca mae x