I've been neglecting Yelp... adulting is tough stuff. So we went to a movie ;) The cinema is…read morewithin a convenient walking distance for us, so we can usually make a spur-of-the-moment decision on whether or not to see a movie. The problem is that we haven't seen many movies of late that we were interested in seeing at the cinema. Maybe we are getting old or maybe the movies aren't really that great, so we have not been in awhile. We kept seeing commercials for 'Jurassic World' and of course everyone is posting on FB about it, so we decided it would make for a good Sunday afternoon activity.
This Cineworld is huge with three floors, including an IMAX and 3D screens. They always seem to have a nice variety of options for children, as well as concerts and Bollywood films. We have had some problems trying to collect our tickets from the machines, but on this occasion the machines did work. Once you get through, there is the usual Pick-n-Mix stand, and of course popcorn and other sweets. However, they do have a Baskin Robbins counter with a nice selection of ice cream. On this occasion we stuck to popcorn, but I can say that the Brownie Sundae is wonderful! They do have combos, for example a medium drink and medium popcorn for £6.50. I know everyone has a whinge about prices at cinemas, but let's be honest, concessions is where they make their money, besides, I've never had my purse searched before... a candy bar from ASDA has made it in once or twice.
Anyway, on the next floor up, there is a bar, although I don't know that I have ever seen it open. With as large as the place is, navigating it isn't too bad, but I'm not sure that there are other concession counters, so during peak hours, you may find yourself spending the previews in a queue. We have seen movies in 2D, 3D, and in the IMAX and all of the facilities are well maintained, it is clean (no sticky floors), and the seats are quite comfortable. I know on occasion, when Mr. Snarky has used the app to book tickets, sometimes the seating plan doesn't quite match what is actually there, so just be aware of that. If you are seeing a movie in 3D, you have the option to bring your own 3D glasses with you or purchase them on-site. Just make sure you have the right kind of 3D glasses because, apparently, not all 3D glasses are made the same?! We had purchased some the first time we went and we just use those whenever we go now.
The other bonus is that there are multiple restaurants within walking distance of the cinema, so you can easily make a day/night of it. Parking is free and there is a lot of it! However, watch out if you are parking on the edges of the car park as people who frequent the McDonald's up the road like to dump their rubbish at the edges of the car park. If you are using public transport, buses do stop across the street from the cinema, but only at night, weekends, and bank holidays. And if you are walking, Waters Meeting Road has recently been resurfaced and some of the pavements have been redone and bushes cleared away so you can actually walk on the pavement. There is also a path from Crompton Way just on the left side of the gym next to the cinema, which also makes for a 20-minute walk from the train station. So quite easy access regardless of how you are making your way there. Overall, it is a great facility that has really been well maintained.
