Carrying on in the cinema vein (see earlier review from today) I thought I'd turn my attention to the electric cinema. This wonderful art deco cinema is (I believe) the oldest working cinema in the country. Small but oh so perfectly formed, it sits nestled away round the back of New Street station and shows everything from the latest releases to cult classics and offerings from all over the globe. As you enter you receive your tickets from the tiny box office, and it doesn't seem like they've changed their tickets since it opened. Nostalgia filled tiny red or blue (depending on your seating choice) tickets are just the tip of the fantastic iceberg that is the electric. Once you've received your tickets it's on to the bar which serves a selection of cocktails, often developed to represent the films they are screening, as well as beers, wines, spirits and snacks. As an aside this is one of only two places where you can buy Electric Ale which is a bespoke beer developed for the electric in partnership with Two Towers brewery. Inside the screens the fun doesn't stop. There's plenty of leg room in the standard seating but if you splash out on one of the sofa seats you won't be disappointed. You'll be presented with a menu so you can text the bar during the film and have drinks and snacks brought straight to your seat. Also worth noting that if you're a fan of films of the scarier persuasion the electric is home to the Shock & Gore film festival where indie horror movies collide with extra special film screenings such as the Dracula wine tasting experience. There's so much more I could add but don't take my word for it go and check it out yourself! read more

The Electric Cinema - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

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The Electric, is probably a must see on any visit to this humble city. As any proud Brummie will tell you, it's the oldest working picture house in the UK. These days both of the two screens are digital. If you're after a massive (or Giant ;)) screen to watch the latest blockbuster with a huge tub of popcorn then this is the wrong place! The Electric has a more personal service level. Serving drinks, showing art house films alongside latest Hollywood releases and holding special film nights and weekends. Everyone talks about the sofas. For that added bit of luxury you can book sofas at the back of the theatre where they will bring drinks to you throughout the film. The sofas do get booked up very quickly, especially if they're screening a hotly anticipated film. They often create special themed cocktails based around the characters in the film they're showing. An example being, when Alpha-Papa was screening they served cocktails called 'The Ladyboy', and 'Mug of Beans'. It's great to be able to go to the cinema, and feel that you're supporting an independent, local company as well as the posterity of a historical building and working museum. It's also in the heart of the city, right by the (soon to be) main entrance to New Street Station, so it's great for a pre-film meal and post-film drinks. A top tip is to visit daysoutguide.co.uk where you can download a voucher for 2for1 tickets, available Mon-Fri if you travel by train to the cinema. Although to use this offer you can't book in advance, nor take advantage of the sofas. read more

comfy seats / sofas, nice staff , good sound, good picture. A proper cinema! read more

Since my last review in 2013, I have visited the Electric Cinema on many occasion... From events as part of film festivals to showings of small independent films, many a lovely evening has been spent sitting on the comfortable sofas with a beer in hand. It still hosts many an event as part of the film festivals in Birmingham (with more to come in 2015) and has a varied line up including film screenings which incorporate food and drink elements (wine tasting along to Dracula, anyone?) and many flicks which may not be shown at some of the larger chain cinema venues in the city. A private sofa seat at the back of the venue is £13.90 and is subject to a minimum booking dependant on the number of seats. This comes with the added perk of being handed a full menu of drinks and snacks on entry and you can "Text a waiter" to bring you your chosen treat. You can also book front sofas (at the cost of £10.20), but they don't come with the text perk. A standard seat is £8.40 and you would be wise to get to the screening early to bag your chosen position in the screening room. The venue was added to the ever growing list of Independent Birmingham card perks late 2014 and if you're ok with chancing it (or calling and stating that you have a IB card), you can grab a 2-4-1 standard seat Sunday to Thursday. I've only ever been subject to "technical difficulties" once in my visits to the Electric. They were eventually dealt with, but it was a little irritating for a period. I don't think that detracts too much from the overall rating as this is great place to catch a film and enjoy a beer. read more

They do great cocktails!! - Always important in my book!;) This great little independent cinema is tucked away behind New Street Station. There are two screens and show both main stream films, as well as a wide range of lower budget films. At the weekend I went to see 'Patema Inverted' for example, as part of Birmingham's Flatpack Festival. The staff at the box office were actually a bit rude, but this is an exception to the rule, as usually as the staff are welcoming and friendly. The price of the ticket was £7.50, which I think is about right. The big double sofas with 'table service' that you can book and the comfy leather chairs with foot stools make it all worth while! The cinema is also available for private bookings (so also great for parties!). Oh, I shouldn't forget, you can also purchase a bottle of the Two Towers Brewery 'Electic' beer - yum! read more

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This little quaint place is just fabulous. One of the oldest working cinemas in the world, the Electric has the charm and coziness that you want and expect from a cinema of it's age; it's thin corridors; art-deco decor; leather sofas; table service - all things that make watching a film here all the more special. The cinema offers you a choice of seating, from old-fashioned single seats, complete with red-velvety covers to a more pricier and relaxing leather sofa - perhaps the choice of couples and lovers (well it did for me and Vicki O!). This venue stands opposite what is now the new New St station, and looks dwarfed in comparison to it's new neighbour John Lewis, but even when the hustle and bustle returns to that end of town, the Electric will never lose it's character. Our film of choice was Pride, which is a wonderfully-humoured British drama about the relationship between the lesbian and gay community and striking miners, and how two minority groups can come together as fine in the face of adversity. A fabulous evening and an even better venue. read more

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I do love The Electric. I went to see a film there yesterday and found the style and decor charming. It was if I was stepping back into the 50s to watch a matinee and that makes me happy. The screens are cosy with about 60 (?) seats with sofas and regular seats too. There is also really good filmbased artwork on the walls. The only groans are the seats are a bit snug so it's not good if you have personal space issues. Also the toilets are too small. read more

The Electric Cinema - Xmas at the electric! - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

Tucked away behind one of Birmimgham's most modern buildings is a truly classic gem! The electric is now hidden behind the mammoth that is Fran central but that does nothing to detract from its charm and appeal! Genuinely the best cinema in the city, it has two screens that show different films the selection is eclectic from blockbusters to indi specials it really does cater for a range of tastes. The cinema had a well stocked bar (not the cheapest) with a wide range of snacks and nibbles (some not the quietest) and the cinema itself has standard seats and then a selection of sofas which are at the front and the back. These are awesome and really comfortable, the sound quality is incredible and the screen is a great size for an intimate venue. Tickets do get booked up so best to do so in advance! read more

The Electric Cinema - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

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What an awesome little place. It really makes something as pedestrian as 'going to a movie' exciting again with a totally unique viewing experience. I highly recommend booking a sofa and going with your significant other. From your 2 seater sofa you can text during the film and food and drink you want which will be delivered silently to your little table during the film, it's genius. The retro styling of the place is charming and the experience is really something. If you're a film connaisseur you owe it to yourself to check this place out. read more

The Electric Cinema - Recording & Rehearsal Studios Near Me - Birmingham, XWM

If you like going to movies, but are a couch potato like me -- this is the place for you. It combines the excitement of big screen projection and home comfort. I wish we had one of those in London. My girlfriend suggested to try something different from big, crowded movie salons. We booked a double couch that came with a cosy blanket (she always gets cold during movies), some puffy cushions and even a footstool. I could never imagine feeling such comfort at the movies. We were watching a romantic one and I almost fell asleep. The place even has a mini bar and they serve tasty popcorn. The underground bar has decent cocktails and I wish I'd tried some more. This is the ideal for dates, but I would take myself on a date too. There are also individual seats, but I guess they aren't that satisfying. read more

I love, love, love the Electric. It's a true character cinema, and you can rely on it to show the best art house films as well as the latest hits. It's cute, you can get tea and cakes and it has a bar. And you can take your drinks in with you. Do I really need to say more? Watching vintage Christmas films with a hot chocolate? Brilliant. Well, since you wanted more, you can hire a sofa (ok, it's not cheap, save it for a special occasion) * and text your food orders to the bar, who will bring it in for you. Particularly good for films in the epic style. We're very lucky to have a venue like this. *although when you think about the price of cinema tickets these days it's totally worth it. read more

I love The Electric! The screens are small but the picture quality and atmosphere is wonderful. They have comfy sofas you can book, and there's a texting service to have food and drink from the bar brought to your seat! The front sofas (around £9) are just as comfortable (in my opinion) as the back sofas and are cheaper. They recline enough that the screen doesn't feel too close-- I experienced no neck strain. The selection of films is awesome, they always play box office hits interspersed with classic, cult, and indie films. They host fun events all the time. Something for everyone. Some people find the 'normal' seats to be a bit uncomfortable but I found them to be just fine. Very friendly and accommodating staff who seem like they love their jobs. I highly recommend checking this place out! read more

It may be cool that you may be able to get to sit on a sofa, or that drinks can be brought to your seat just by sending them a message via social media, but that is where it ends. I have been many times, and always left unhappy. Projector out of focus, seem they have never been calibrated, subtitles on the screen and the projectionist refused to remove them in case he pressed the wrong button (most films are played off Bluray it seems). The sound quality is absolute terrible, played off hi-fi loudspeakers in rooms that should have a PA system. If you want to watch a movie that is showing elsewhere, avoid this cinema. read more

After living in Brum for three years, I finally managed to step over the threshold into the oldest working cinema and it certainly lived up to my expectations. I was transported back in time, with the wonderful decor, old school type tickets, comfy seats and friendly staff. No popcorn is served here but cakes and pretzels instead and an array of snacks and drinks can be bought to your seat for an extra cost. Can't wait to return. Would happily visit this cinema every week! read more

It's hard not to love the Electric. It's the oldest functioning cinema with lots of the original fittings. Book your tickets early to secure the leather sofas or reclining chairs as the traditional chairs can be a bit uncomfortable for long movies. Forget popcorn and hagen dazs, theres none here. But there is a fully stocked bar, tea, coffee and cake! If you manage to book one of the leather sofas at the back of the auditorium then you also get waiter service, you text the bar your order and they scurry in to bring it to you without disturbing the movie! for the latest Hollywood blockbuster go to the local cineplex as sometimes the sound system is a little limited but for cult classics check out the listings, book in and soak up he atmosphere. read more

The Electric Cinema is a Birmingham institution. It's literally the oldest cinema in the UK, so it's got a lot of history behind it. Inside, you have the option of regular seats or individual reclining sofas. If you're coming here, go for the sofa and you'll thank me. They are incredibly comfortable. Not only that, the electric has a bar and sells lots of interesting drinks and snacks. The only downside is that seats here in general cost a bit more than seats at other theaters in the area, and the sofa seats cost extra. So I typically come here as a treat, instead of as a regular. Also, they only show two movies at a time, so the selection is limited. However, I always have a good time. Not only that, because they are a local business they often screen older movies that have long since been out of theaters. For example, I saw Back to the Future 2 here on the 30th anniversary of the first movie. All in all, I highly recommend you go see a movie or two at the Electric Cinema as it's truly a unique experience in Birmingham. read more

booked a sofa at this place for a showing, if and when we wanted anything all we had to do was to text the bar our sofa name and whatever we wanted from the menu. this is an absolutely fantastic service and great way of enjoying a movie. Its like having home comforts! Will definably be coming back again more often! read more

Ever since I found out that the Electric had sofas and a butler service to these amazing sofas, it's been my cinema of choice in Birmingham. Most recently, however, I visited with fellow yelpers Jo D and Simon H to and we sat in the 'normal' seats. These weren't have bad either - comfortable and enough space to stretch out without annoying the people in front or next to you. They could do with cup holders though! The cinema itself is decorated out in a nice retro theme - there's a well-stocked bar that serves up some delicious cocktails which are tailored to each event/movie. The theatre's themselves are smaller than average but this gives a home-away-from-home feel instead of feeling cramped. As previously said, there are sofas as well as the normal cinema seating. Both are comfortable and offer a good view of the screen. The picture quality tends to be good and the sound is just right. I've often been in cinema's where it's just too loud and I've not had a problem here. I'd suggest you head down asap, grab a sofa and enjoy a movie! read more

It's quite a shame to think it took me almost three years, since I have moved to the UK, to visit this fantastic place. The truth is I've planned to visit The Electric before but for a reason or other I never did. The waiting ended having the full experience last weekend. To start with, Birmingham should be proud for being the home of the oldest cinema in activity in the UK. And It`s just amusing to be inside this cosy and elegant place situated in the back of New Street Station, nearby the Chinatown part of the city. The facility is nothing like the multiplex you are used to watch your films nowadays and that is the charming part of being there. The classic display in the entrance says enough. Inside, the Electric cinema is more inviting and I have chosen the Hepburn seat for many reasons. As a small cinema, the use of the space is really interesting. these seats can be booked in advanced and you can indulge yourself in a food & drinks experience that really is really worthy! Cakes, beers and hot chocolates are all available in the menu and with a simple text message you have your orders served during the film in an efficient and really quick service. The Hepburn seat was a lovely choice and it can just be a problem if your choice of film is not a good one because you can really feel like having a nap in this comfy sofa. But there is a fat chance of it happens because the selection of films presented at The Electric is always outstanding. The Electric cinema is a classic cinema and the whole nostalgic experience is something indispensable for art lovers! read more

This was my 3rd visit to The Electric Cinema in Birmingham. Went to watch the subculture movie Northern Soul. What I love about the place is the fact you dont feel like your walking in to watch a movie. It feels like a special night out, a treat to see something at the theatre. The staff are always welcoming and helpful and I really love the waitress service when you have the sofas at the back. Sinking into a cosy sofa enjoying a brandy and watching a good film, you cant beat it. read more

The Electric has always been one of my favorite places in Birmingham, and a sure winner to take people when they come to visit. Being the oldest working cinema in the Uk, it's a bit of a land mark. You have the choice of choosing a standard seat, out if you fancy splashing out you can share a sofa with a friend for a bit extra, which has the added bonus of table service for drinks and nibbles served at the bar (including movie themed cocktails). Although a little pricey, the novelty added to the experience and the sofas were incredibly comfy! If your a bit strapped for cash, the standard seats are very reasonably priced, meaning it's always my first choice of cinema. If your a bit of a cinema buff, the electric does lots of special screenings and also holds events such as the flatpack film festival, giving it that extra edge. Definitely recommended!! read more

If, like me, you hated the old seats at The Electric and found them really uncomfortable then head on down as they've replaced the seats!! Still not as comfy as big multiplex seats but comfy enough (and I'd much rather watch a film in a beautiful Art Deco, independent cinema like this than a faceless multiplex!) This cinema really is the best in Birmingham. its close by New Street station and with the current regeneration of the station i am somewhat worried that this secret jewel in Brum will become too popular - but im just being selfish i guess. Blockbusters as well as many, many independent and smaller type films are shown here as well as specials such as their Gore Fest and there is a Batman weekend coming up soon. Prices are a little bit more than a multiplex but its definitely worth it for the experience and to keep this cinema going. They do accept Orange Wednesday codes and also give student discounts. They also have, for that special occasion, sofa seats (i think they are about £12 per person) and when you have a sofa seat you can text the bar and ask them to bring you drinks and food. So, drinks and food. Alcohol is served as is homemade cake. Whats not to like?? I wish i could give it 4 1/2 stars as im really only knocking a half star off because the seats still aren't comfy enough - leg room is limited and for me the arms arent long or wide enough. read more

Great cinema if you can book a sofa seat. Not worth going to sit in a regular seat in my opinion, as they are cramped and not too comfy. There is usually a great selection of films here (they have two screens). What I love most are when they screen films that we wouldn't find in the big chain cinemas. Fancy something a bit art house? Maybe you're in the mood for something a bit indie? It's worth keeping an eye on the listings here for just that. Also, The Electric Cinema run mini film festivals that are worth a visit for. Brilliant little place. read more

Having heard of the Electric Cinema numerous times I eventually visited to see the latest film on offer called The nice guys. Most of the films on showing is not my kind of films that I would go out my way to watch normally, but this is the cinema to go to for all sorts of films from some new to mostly old and British films mainly if that's what you're into. The cinema inside is nice, cosy, and has a few comfortable seats with sofa. I would recommend this if you are into independent smaller cinema, it's quirky little place, and a it serves food and drinks inside the cinema. read more

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What a completely different experience in cinema. This is more than just watching a film. As we settled into comfy seats on the front row with a nice bottle of Rioja and nachos with hummous, memories of popcorn, vast cups of coca cola dissipated. Ok, it's not cheap by any means, but is a proper evening out, and lesser cinemas these days are hardly a bargain either. Really do try this place, it is a memorable experience. read more

Tucked away behind New Street Station, Birmingham's Electric Cinema is something of a retreat from the bustling Bullring, and a great way to escape from the armageddon multiplex cinemas which litter the city. The UK's oldest working cinema, the Electric only screens top quality mainstream, foreign, independent and classic films. The building oozes class, with original decor and classic seats. The red cushioned chairs transport you back in time and leave you feeling fully immersed in the film. Open since 1909, the Electric has not lost any of its old fashioned decadence. With only two screens, the small size maintains the authenticity of its age. There's also sofas and waiter service if you feel like splashing out. Sofa tickets are £12.80, but more than worth the extra for a special treat. The bar is well stocked with locally sourced drinks and snacks, and the waiter service never fails to be excellent. You certainly won't find any popcorn at his cinema though. By their own admission "it makes the cinema smell of burnt vegetable oil". So swap the popcorn for a delicious slice of homemade cake, and the giant Coke for a large glass of red wine and you're onto a winner. Follow them on twitter (@ElectricBham) for last minute deals and offers. Orange Wednesdays still apply here, as do 2 for 1 on Student Beans, so there's really no excuse not to get yourself down there! The Electric is a refreshingly different cinema experience, and a real must for any lover of quality film. read more

I LOVE The Electric! I'm a cinema snob, so it's right up my street.. but also caters to the teenager in me who wants to see Harry Potter but in the comfort of a sofa with alcohol themed around JK Rowlings books. Yes, this is a cinema for people who are passionate about what they're seeing - and who follow the rules of Mark Kermode when it comes to film watching - no talking, no eating noisy food, no mobiles... just generally common sense! If you pay extra, you can sit in their comfy sofas at the back, but there's also something delightfully old fashioned about the seats up front. They offer unusual snacks and beverages - alcohol is available, cakes and biscuits - and during special events they spruce the place up and even wear fancy dress. Electric Cinema - I salute you! read more

I always feel sad that I don't love the Electric when everything about me shouts I should love the Electric. It's independent, tick. It's a cinema with a bar, tick. It has cakes, tick. It's an old cinema, tick. It shows independent and low distribution movies i want to see, tick. Alas I just can't get comfy here, I know there are super squashy sofas with fab names but I'm not willing to fork out the cost to sit on a sofa. With old red velvet drop down seats with theatre leg room I find it difficult enjoying films here. All the same wherever possible we should champion our independent businesses and support them against the big corporate giants. If you are looking for somewhere more distinct to watch your movies, and a bit more grown-up then this is the place. read more

Not in the mood for the multiplex? The Electric Cinema, which has reached iconic status among locals and cinephiles across the country, offers a unique movie-going experience that is more than worth the price of admission. From the moment you step into the Electric, which is the UK's oldest working cinema, you're in for a different experience entirely to what you'd get at an Odeon - or, in my experience, other independent cinemas. There are two screening rooms, although I've only enjoyed showings in the larger room, and you can shell out for a comfy-as sofa at the back to snuggle up with your Saturday night date. The standard seats are still comfy though and the top-notch waiter service means you can enjoy booze and snacks during the latest indie flick du jour. My top tip is to look out for late night screenings, including the annual Halloween weekend midnight movies - give me the Electric as a nightlife option any Saturday over a mundane dance club. read more

The Electric is a jewel! The oldest working cinema it may be but it is so much more. It is a full experience in its own right. Not only do you get fantastic films, you get food and drink served in cups, jars and dishes, a proper bar. You can even text your order and have it delivered to your seat. I love coming here to watch the films that I cannot see as a Cineworld Card holder, as a treat and as a reminder of how great a proper cinema experience can be. I do wish they show more "indie" films and give longer runs to those films when they are out. I appreciate that they want to show the big releases and that there is a commercial imperative, but I would love it if they could tip the balance more in favour of the indie... ... that's the film snob in me talking. read more

This is the oldest working cinema in the UK. It's worth visiting for the place itself, but sadly the quality of the films is generally lacking. I like my independent cinemas to show cool independent films, but that only happens 50% of the time here, and even then they don't generally choose the coolest. Oh well, there's not many cinemas that serve wine and olives :) read more

The Electric Cinema is great if you are not a fan of squeezing in between strangers and listening to people laughing and giggling at the most inopportune times. The great thing about the Electric Cinema is the movies are hand picked by the owners and they only show one movie at a time. This means that it only attracts a certain type of people, and they certainly are the people you want to sit in a dark room with watching a movie. The bar has a great selection of drinks and snacks and they even change the cocktails to theme with the movie showing at the time. They also have a VIP service. There are leather (comfy) sofas at the top of the screen for only a little extra money and you also get a waitress service to bring your drinks to you. They have thought of everything, as they serve so many delicious cocktails and beers they have an interval in the middle of every film for toilet stops lol. Highly recommended!! *** read more

The Electric Cinema is the tiny, but pristine jewel in the crown of the Birmingham cinema scene. A modest, independent venue tucked away to the side of New Street Station, The Electric caters for fans of more arty, off-kilter entertainment. It has two screens of reasonable size, but the true appeal of the place lies in its spacious, comfy seating and novel approach to cinema snacking, namely swapping traditional popcorn for home-made cake, and litres of cheap soda for fruit juices, wines and even real ale. The Electric tends to get more mainstream films in after the big name cinemas, which means unless you're happy to watch films like Avatar on a smaller screen in the comfort of The Electric, you may be better off going elsewhere. Where this place really shines is in its offering of obscure, arty and foreign films that receive the barest of lip service, if anything, from the large cinema franchises. That said, even with the recent spate of 3D blockbusters The Electric hasn't let itself fall behind: they recently installed a 3D system in the upstairs screen, allowing for what the cinema calls "one of the best 3D experiences in the country". If you love cinema and are forever looking for something a little different to the latest Hollywood snorefest, check out The Electric and you're bound to find something to love. read more

As the oldest cinema in the country, this is a real piece of history and a very cool place to go and watch the odd release for a treat. Kicking back on the comfy leather sofas and sipping a delicious butter beer (it was Harry Potter!) and munching cookies at 9.30am is something you don't get to do that often, but it's a great way to start a Saturday! The Electric Cinema also tends to show movies it's easier to access elsewhere so it's always worth a look if the mainstream cinemas aren't catering to your needs. read more

Fantastic little gem in Birmingham! I was absolutely devastated when it closed down a few years ago, but when it re-opened I was so happy and I promised myself I'd support it as much as I could this time but making sure I went regularly. It's not run quite as it was in those days - I remember the olden days when it was run mainly by volunteers and was a lot more run down - but obviously although that had a certain charm, it wasn't sustainable. They've lovingly restored it now and kept the beautiful Art Deco features intact. They're also reopened the second screen which is great as it allows them to show a better range of films. I still wish they'd show a few more foreign and independent films, as they tend to have very long runs of mainstream films you can see anywhere, but that's the only criticism I have. They serve lovely fresh ground coffee and lovely snacks like olives - no popcorn here! If you've never been - go - you're in a for a real treat. If you have a special occasion, two or more can rent a sofa for £10 instead of standard seating with text waiter service too! read more

The only independent Art House / Cult cinema in the city. Quirky, classy retro/art deco feel. Friendly staff. I personally prefer the regular seats -I found the sofas too far away for the money and the slouching position you adopt when sitting on them for a long period actually uncomfortable! The text-ordering service is a nice touch and great if you've got the munchies but don't want to miss any of the film! I've seen some great films herefilms I would have not been able to see anywhere else but glad I was able to. Certainly not the cheapest cinema in the city but for a bit of independent cinema culture and the experience, it is most certainly worth it. read more

Purportedly the oldest working cinema in the UK, the Electric has been in recent years been lovingly restored to something approximating its past glory though with a modern update. The sound which use to be appalling is now state of the art; there are sofas at the back of the screens so it can be like watching a film in your living room. seats are also lovely, luxurious in fact. It's now a nice place to go and see arthouse films whereas previously it was bit hit and miss plus smelly and cold! The cinema, which happens also to be also art deco in style, is licensed with a waiter/waitress service so quite posh! great selection of cakes, you can also get coffee/teas and nibbles from the front of cinema cafe/hatch. For budding musicians there's also a recording studio/dubbing theatre for hire too read more

If you're after something other than mindless, Hollywood blockbusters then The Electric Cinema is a good place to look. Opened on December 30th 1909, it is the oldest working cinema in the UK. As well as a theatre, the building also houses a recording studio and production house. If you can bare to pay £12 a ticket you get luxury leather sofa seats to sit on. These are great, and the novelty value is undeniable however they are positioned furthest away from the screen so the £6 standard seating is the better option if your eyes aren't so good. The best feature of this arthouse cinema is the waiter service. All you do is text the bar your order, "two 'San-Miguels' please" and moments later they come and kneel beside you with whatever you've asked for. The bill is settled at the end. I really enjoyed my visit yet at £12 each ticket, I don't think the luxury sofa seats are fairly priced considering how far away from the screen they are. The menu is also pretty expensive but if you want to see independant, cult cinema classics on the big screen there aren't many other places to go in Birmingham. read more

Thanks to Qype from now i can say definetly The Electric Cinema, San Carlo Restaurant and Red Bar and Lounge will be in my favourite hangouts in Birmingham City Centre. thanks for introducing me to them. the seats are great and there are great films on. Birmingham is lookin cool! read more

Whilst I must express an overall (and admittedly personal) preference for their old school incarnation as a shabby home for 3-4-1 priced horror triple bills (complete with dog-eared suggestions ledger in the foyer) I'm pleased that Britain's oldest working cinema remains just that: working. With their newly refurbished seats in both screens, cosy sofas with wait service, extensive drinks and nibbles menu, festival tie-ins (Flatpack, Shock and Gore, etc) and a programming ethos as catholic as (insert top Pope gag here), The Electric is arguably the best independent cinema in The Midlands, if not the country. read more