A plush little cinema with vintage velvet cinema seats plus - and this is either great or dangerous…read more- a licenced bar. They do special cinema nights, such as Ghostbusters on Halloween (genius) and an up-coming David Lynch night. Find out what's on by joining their Facebook group and also influence what films you want to see. They also have a lot of stand up comedy here - it has moved up to four nights a week. I have yet to go to one of these but the line ups are impressive. Let's hope the Jester's crowd don't find out about it.... Recently they also had a Playstation night with Pro Evo competition. Are you getting the idea of the lovely fantastic geeks that own this place are up to yet? Join in and have fun!

This is a pretty bog standard multiplex, though be warned, it's located in a fairly chavy area…read morewhich has two implications: a) you may find yourself having to ask your fellow patrons to stop talking/not answer their phones during the film (believe it or not, the second exchange actually happened to me a few months back); and the selection of films on offer rarely threatens to excite the judges at Cannes. However, I go on an all too regular basis due to one fact: they run an 'Unlimited' scheme where you pay £13.50 a month which allows you to go as often as you want. This is very much a double-edged sword, as I often drag myself to see something I don't really fancy and get a pleasant surprise (Coco Before Chanel), but I also regularly convince myself to give something a go and it turns out to be utter shit (The Time Traveller's Wife). Still it's a bargain either way, though if you're not prepared for that kind of commitment, you may wish to know that Tuesday offers reduced entry all day, and Wednesday is, of course, an Orange affair.

This is a chain cinema in the mould of a Showcase or an Odeon so expect very large screening rooms…read moreplaying big budget Hollywood flicks to your casual cinema goer. You won't find anything alternative or off what would be widely regarded as mainstream. This one in Hengrove is particularly dodgy as firstly and foremost, it is in Hengrove and therefore frequented by local chavs who seem to go to the cinema purely to see how annoying they can be. And secondly, this one is in need of a makeover. I'm not entirely sure how long it has been here, but some of the screening rooms have dodgy sound and thread bare seats. If you can watch the film you want to see someplace else, then by all means do.

The Watershed cinema has three screens showing smaller and independent film releases. They are…read moreoften chosen when a film gets a limited release across the country (I saw the UK premiere of Loud Quiet Loud here, with a talk from the director beforehand). You get the chance to see more foreign releases here (I saw Thirst here the other week, definitely the only chance to see a Chan-wook film on screen), and they also are hosts of the short film and animation festivals. For every film there is an A4 sheet you can pick up in the corridor to the screens which has background information on the film and an interview with the filmmakers. Films are often only on for a week so keep an eye out for their monthly guides - free in the foyer or look online. They do also have the odd mainstream release but considering the small size of the screens you may prefer to go to a larger chain cinema for that (plus they don't do the Orange Wednesday offers here). The best thing about this cinema is that people who go here love films, and they know to shut the f. up during the film. A rare thing these days.

With the Arnolfini progressively showing less and less films, and the Cube's output sporadic and…read moreoffered up on archaic equipment, it's probably fair to say that the Watershed leads the way when it comes to local art house cinema. Indeed, such is their dominance that they've got three screens (practically a multiplex in this domain!). Their output varies from fairly well-known new releases, some of which may also get screened at the multiplexes, to truly baffling stuff that would leave even Mark Kermode slightly confused. It's a bit pricey - they obviously don't have Orange Wednesdays - though the flipside of this is that you get to watch your film with a respectful audience without the constant interruption of chatting and mobiles going off. One tip: it's worth booking in advance for bigger releases as this popular cinema often sells out in advance. Oh, and look out for quirky special events such as directors' Q&As and film festivals.

I have to admit that I'm not a big fan of going to the cinema. I've become a bit of an old far WAY…read morebefore my time but I get annoyed by other people eating loudly, over priced tickets and uncomfortable seats. So when my friends wanted to check out the new Showcase Cinema in Cabot Circus I always cringed with defiance. I judged it was before my bum was in the seat or the ticket was in my hand. The overall experience (ticket, drink, obligatory sugary snack) will probably set you back around £15 - 20 which the scrooge in me really disapproved of. The cinema itself did have comfy seats, great sound and massive screen but at the end of the day it's just a trip to the cinema. If you're going to the movies, this cinema is probably your best bet in the city centre to watch mainstream blockbusters.

An identi-kit cinema to go with the many chains of Cabot Circus. Expensive popcorn and the latest…read moreblockbuster releases are to be expected here. With that said, they've got more screens than the Odeon, which does bring a bit more choice, always a good thing, and food offerings include cheesy chips. So a chain place, but still bringing a few new things to Bristol. The 'de lux' tag seems to mean comfier seats, another good thing. I think the screens are bigger at Vue out at Cribbs Causway, so if you're the sort of person to take your cinema going experience seriously maybe make the trip out there. Their prices aren't too bad (you can pay as little as £5.50 if you're a student), and they've driven down the cost of the Odeon, Bristol's other city centre cinema. Slightly worrying that they tell you the staff will be surveying you with night vision goggles to combat piracy, but I can live with it.

Always good value and not looking to rip you off. Highly recommend every time. Good seats and soundread more

I've been to Vue at Cribbs a fair few times over the years but it had been a while before I went…read moreagain on Saturday. I took my girls hot on the heels of our successful family day out the previous weekend to our local, single screen cinema. What a contrast! The entrance was fancy, the door to each screen had a great big number and star handle entrance. The screen was big and the seats were laid out well but that's as good as it got. The snacks area was deserted and having spent quite a few minutes looking for the prices of popcorn I reluctantly approached the counter to ask the price. Unsurprisingly the popcorn was very expensive but what bugged me was Vue's reluctance to clearly state what their prices were. The only thing across the top signs (like the ones you get in McDonalds) was their combo meal. Pointing this out to the member of staff who served me I was told it wasn't him who chose what goes up there. True but he could have passed on my feedback or at least act like he hasn't been told that a million times. There were two options of sizes of popcorn, 30p difference in cost between the two. So no one is going to choose the smaller size. What a choice you offer Vue. The price of the ticket was gobsmacking after my local cinema, especially for a Dad taking two young children. Going in, the cinema was empty, I would guess 10% full. Why not reduce tickets for children during the day for certain young children films. Get kids in to going to the cinema and then you can make money out of them later. Sell small children portion snacks and you'll make some of that money back. Oh and my seat was dirty. Even the VIP seats looked average compared to other places I've been. Well I won't be returning if I have a choice but I'm not turning my back on going to the cinema, there are cheaper and better options out there. Start thinking about your customer experience Vue because that's the difference between sitting at home, watching illegally downloaded films and going to the cinema.

The Watershed is a welcome break on that row of bars and clubs by the waterside. Where all the…read moreother venues simply exist to be a bar where the rowdy Saturday crowd revel in, the Watershed is more focused on socialising, good food, and screenings of movies with depth and intelligence. Much like the Little Theatre is to Bath, the Watershed is a must -go for more alternative, independent films. I love coming here to watch films because you are ensured that every film being shown is a good film, and not something brainless that you might waste your money on. The cinema rooms are a fraction of the size of a big cinema like the Odeon, which just adds more charm to the movie watching. It feels much more intimate, comfortable and private. Much like you're watching a good secret. Prices are good too, if you come here for a film before 4pm, rates are £4.50 (£3.50 concessions), which is a real good price for a good film. After 4pm, prices go up to £7 (£5.50 concessions). They have movies and documentaries for children too, during their Cinekids days, where kids pay £2 for a movie, and £3.50 for accompanying adults. Plus their Cinebabies days (which I think is such an amazing idea), where parents can bring their under 12 month old babies to watch a movie! The Watershed provides great facilities like a place to change nappies, and even a bottle warming service! This is super for parents to enjoy a film with their newborns, and get to know other new mom's around. The watershed is such a great place, all the years I've been going here, it's never disappointed me in terms of the films they screen, or the friendly service they give you when you're here.

The Watershed function spaces are great for small to medium conference events. They are…read moremultifunctional; the three cinema rooms (seating 43, 102 and 198 respectively) offer comfortable, air conditioned lecture spaces and the watershed 1, 2 and 3 rooms can be used individually or joined together to create a large space. The cafe/bar/restaurant sits between the cinemas and function rooms, offering food, drink and free wireless Internet. The staff are extremely hospitable; catering for all of your needs throughout the running of the event; from setting up spaces, to catering and even running last minute photocopying or printing. The Watershed is newly refurbished, clean and welcoming and in an ideal central location.

The Cube microplex cinema is a volunteer run venue that is part of the bedrock of Bristol…read moresubculture. In a world of multiplexes, and corporate sponsored music events, this entirely independent entity makes a really refreshing change from the spoon-fed, plastic-fantastic, candy-coated mediocrity that is so prevalent within mainstream entertainment. The Cube is keeping it real! With showings of cult classics and new indie films, with a sprinkling of blockbusters every now and then, the film programme has always got something to offer everyone. Music nights are always a real treat too. They have great bands on really regularly; it's worth going even if you haven't heard of them before, the standard is always exceptional. It's better to book tickets as the auditorium only has a 105 seat capacity. I wonder if they're going to show live matches of the World Cup like they did four years ago? I'm no football supporter, but enjoy the buzz I get from watching the occasional international match. I went to quite a few of the World Cup screenings last time, and it was a real laugh! I'll be there again soon if they do it again. Tangent Books Tangent Books is a quintessentially English business that produces eccentric and innovative non-fiction titles. With offices at Paintworks, it is a mainstay of the creative quarter - an ideal location for Richard Jones, (Director), who has lived in Totterdown for many years. Older titles like Bash The Rich by author and Class War founder Ian Bone, have earned cult status, but it's newer titles like Home Sweet Home, that have propelled Tangent to a more high profile position within the publishing industry. Home Sweet Home, researched and written by Steve Wright, probably offers the best insight available into the emergence of graffiti in the UK. It charts a fascinating journey of a handful of Bristol born artists that, through their prolific and skilled renderings, have inspired a nation to create some incredible works of public art! Newer titles like Wild Dayz and Art and Sound of the Bristol Underground offer more insight into Bristolian subculture, and the inspirational influences that it has been responsible for over the decades. I am deeply enamoured by the entirely exceptional Cheo Colouring Book. What a fantastic idea! It's so profoundly imaginative! (Cheo is one of the most renowned Bristol graffiti artists). Brilliant!

The Cube Cinema you may or may not know is an independent establishment run totally by volunteers…read moreand has a strict not for profit policy. This small and quirky site exists purely for the love of independent, underground and subversive film as well as live music of the kooky kind. I went to see a film called 'Moon' by Duncan Jones, a thought provoking, existentialist space thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed. The program for the Cube is always diverse, often featuring films themed to current events or relevant social topics. One can subscribe to receive the program of events via email. Just visit: www.cubecinema.com. What I love about this place is the complete lack of pretention. The site is tucked around a corner from Jamaica street so somewhat off the beaten track. It survives very much on word of mouth so you will notice the absence of advertisement and visual barrage of 'buy buy buy' that you get with mainstream cinemas. There is a little bar (bonus) and one can enjoy their beverage in the theatre. I would like to make special mention of the welcoming atmosphere of the friendly staff. One can immediately sense the fun and chilled out work ethic. There is also a mini garden out the front, all ramshackle bricks and overgrown foliage. There is art and movie memorabilia scattered around the front room and bar area lending a dusty type charm to the place. I would describe the Cube Cinema as small yet mighty. To the discerning film goer it is an absolute haven from mainstream schlock. To anyone seeking an alternative experience, something to get the little gray cells ticking, it's a must. I challenge anyone not to be won over by the delightful and quirky charm that this place embodies. On a practical note there is ample parking available around the site. Those coming by bus alight at the bottom of stokes croft road and it is a 2 minute walk from there. Tickets are £4, not bad really I think and those with children might be interested in the baby cinema day time matinees on offer.

Back in the old days, when the idea of an out of town 'multiplex' was the stuff of a madman's…read moredreams, the Odeon ruled over a quaking Bristolian public with an iron fist. Now we have more than enough of the American multiscreen complexes, the Odeon has lost its way a bit. The location is one plus, it's now one of only two cinemas in the city centre, but the facilities are very outdated. It only has three screens and, unlike the Orpheus which has chosen to screen some more leftfield fare to distinguish itself, it continues churning out regulation Hollywood crap. The only plus is the Saturday Kids' Club, where an adult and a child get in for a grand total of £1 (that's 50p each!), unlike most others where the grown up pays full whack. It's also opposite a Tesco Metro which is handy for stocking up on cheaper, less sugary munchies.

The Odeon is one of the first places I think of when someone says 'Let's go watch a film!'. In…read moreother cities, the Odeons are big and overbearing in their city centers, but this one really fits in. It certainly looks like it needs some TLC on the exterior, and interior, but weirdly, that is what I really like about it, and think that, aside from a little scrub up, they shouldn't do anything else to the building! The cinema rooms are huge, and can get very very warm in the summer and too cold in the winter, but that still doesn't deter me from liking it here. It gives you the feeling like you're a teenager again, somehow. Prices have kept relatively quite low too, and they have various discounts if you're a senior citizen, a student, a kid and even a family. I would say that this is the most low key, friendly, unpretentious cinema in Bristol. Thumbs up.

I went to see 'Finding your Feet' with friends. I like being able to choose my seats and there is…read moreplenty of leg room. The seats are comfortable and the sound is good. Staff were friendly and altogether it was a good evening out. I bought most of my ticket on my Nectar points, which made it good value. I do not buy food or drink at the cinema as it is too expensive and I imagine if it were cheaper a lot more would be sold.

Blue Reef Aquarium is a brand new attraction (opening in November 2009) in Bristol. It is located…read morenear the centre of Bristol at the Harbour Side so really accessible by bus. It is, however a roughly 20 minute walk from Temple Meads Station, so if you are visiting Bristol for the day it might be worth researching bus timetables. Inside, the place is really plush and exciting! It brought be right back to being a kid again, seeing a huge aquarium for the first time! The layout is well designed, taking you slowly through the different tanks with different things to see in each aquarium. I especially liked the large underwater walk-through tunnel. The staff are lovely and really helpful. Once inside, there isn't really any need to talk to any staff as there is more than enough information dotted around, meaning its a good education ploy for parents. Prices are a little expensive, with an adult ticket costing £13.50, and a child £9.20. They do take student discount. A ticket for the IMAX 3D dolphin experience is also included in the price of your ticket, which is well worth it, and the kids will LOVE it!

I have recently set up a small tropical fish tank so when I found out about the Blue Reef Aquarium,…read morenear the Harbour Side, I thought I'd really like to go and see some big fish! Rumour is it cost 4 million pounds to develop the relatively new point on the Bristol to-do map, I guess that's why the ticket prices feel slightly on the high side, it'll take them a few years to clear £4 million! On the plus side, you really could spend hours here to get your moneys worth! The variety and just pure number of fishy friends is quite breath taking, even if your not usually impressed by fish it's difficult not to become a little entrances by them. The 3D cinema was great, a really good idea. Perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon...