Eclectic bar/cinema/cafe located across from the bustling Chinatown in Soho, London. I really…read moreenjoyed the Old Mout Cider and also ordered a passion fruit, kale, mango smoothie. Surprisingly, I left without realizing that they had a whole cinema downstairs. That's not a downside, though. Let that serves as a compliment to the relaxing upstairs bar area is for grabbing a quick coffee or meal. Curzon can do it both.

Rude staff. Sat waiting for service and they kept looking over, until they mentioned that we…read moreneeded to go to the cash to order a drink. Not in a nice way, with an attitude!! WTF?

This is the Curzons art house branch, sitting on the riverside of Richmond. Originally this was the…read moreRichmond Filmhouse, before it was taken over by Curzon. Thankfully they have stayed true to the theme. If this had been turned into an Odeon I think I would have torn my hair out. The Curzon Richmond shows a variety of films that might not get play time in other cinemas. There are many independent films playing, as well as student film projects. They also maintain strong community ties, and give the members special offers and discounts at local businesses. Take a visit here if you are a little bored of Hollywood blockbusters. And afterwards you can go for a stroll along the riverside while you engage in an animated post- film discussion.

A very cool little cinema by the Thames…read more Richmond is full of such delicious restaurants it's nice to make a night of it and finish with a movie. I have seen some fantastic films here! And keep meaning to attend a Q&A session one day! And on Mondays it's only £7 a ticket!

We popped into "Close-Up" late on a weekday evening. We weren't looking for a specific place, but…read morewe decided to grab a cup of coffee and relax. It was fantastic. It a really chill spot, with good music, relaxing vibes, and a good spot for tea, coffee, or an adult beverage as well. If you don't mind venturing off in the night in the neighborhood, it's a cool spot.

This tiny shop carries a fantastic collection of cinema. Upstairs is mostly name-brand movies and…read morenew releases, but downstairs is where the more obscure, foreign, short, and documentary titles are - and where the real gems are to be found. I've never before encountered a video store with so much space dedicated to artists' biographies and retrospectives, nor such a vast collection of short compilations. They also have a cherry picked collection of documentaries - I have trouble not taking the entire shelf home with me when I pay a visit since they've got so many that sound intriguing and got top-marks at film festivals (Sundance, Cannes, Toronto), but for whatever reason, never made it into the popular distribution a la Michael Moore (though they have him too). Oh, and of course, it goes without saying that their classics section is also phenomenal - complete with companion book volumes upstairs on sale to go along with certain particularly notable films - for the true cinephiles. The staff is uber knowledgeable about what's in the store's collection - it's clear to see that these are the types that breathe, sleep, and dream film. And the prices are pretty reasonable - especially if you go for the unlimited rental option, which only costs £20 (otherwise, it's £3 per rental). *Only* complaint is that the films are organized by directors... which I'm sure is totally intuitive for die-hard film lovers... but not always so much for those of us who are a little less erudite - I mean, I appreciate the education I've received on this matter and all as a result... but it's not always the most convenient!

I've been a member at Hackney Picturehouse for a few years now. I go to movies there on a regular…read morebasis and have attended a few events. As far a cinema goes, it's great. The sound system is good, and the seats are comfortable. On Mondays, they have cheap night....£5 for members and £7 for non-members. Also, a few times I've bought a ticket far in advance(as I'm very picky about my cinema seat), and then it turns out my plans change so I can't go. It's never been a problem to get the ticket price refunded(as long as I call before the movie starts). Event-wise...I've been to a couple comedy shows in The Attic, plus to some exclusive member events..like a midnight fancy-dress premiere of Game of Thrones season 5, or a screening of The Graduate which was part of the Disaronno Film Series where every attendee got a goodie bag with a full bottle of Disaronno(among other things). What prompted me to write this review though, was a recent visit where I tried one of their food specials(occasionally they will have specials that are associated with films). On this occasion, it was the Captain American Bucky Burger. OMG...it was massive!! When we ordered, the server looked at me alittle funny and said, "I hope you're hungry...I've never seen anyone finish it". Although not the best burger I've ever had, it was pretty tasty, and worth ordering just to see if I could eat it all(I almost did...left a bit of bun.) Hackney Picturehouse is definitely more than just a movie theatre. It's a decent restaurant, event space, hangout and coffeeshop. A great addition to the Hackney community!

Hot damn, it's my 500th Yelp review, and I'm going to spend this arbitrary landmark on the Hackney…read morePicture House. I live just down the street from this place, and despite how hipstertastic it sounds, I really like being in the vicinity of a cinema that shows its neighborhood a lot of love. The Attic space is amazing, and I first came to it about a month into my London transplanting, and we did Ukelele Karaoke. That set the tone for how amazing this place is, just the four of us crooning like backalley kitties. And yes, we did do Journey's Don't Stop Believing. I've since been back for other screenings, like the recent short film programme by Short Sighted Cinema that focused on Hackney. Lounging on a couch while sipping a Meantime pale ale is not a bad way to spend a Sunday evening. The Picture House goes out of their way to do special screenings for various groups, like the Silver Screen ones are only £3 for people over 60 (and they get free tea and biscuits. They also do kid/parent-friendly screenings, and even autism-friendly ones. In short, lots of love for the Picture House. I'm even going back this weekend for a free Fringe festival film!

As a movie lover, it feels a little blasphemous to rate the British Film Institute at only three…read morestars. It's a really cool space with amazing retro and new screenings. The theaters are small but state-of-the-art, and the gift shop is filled with the most amazing gifts for any cinephile. So why the low rating? On my last visit to London, I was super excited to hear that the BFI would be screening "True Romance, " one of my favorite films of all time. I rode all the way across town on the Tube and when I arrived to buy a ticket, I find out that the film was being screened on -- wait for it -- A DIGITAL FORMAT AND NOT FILM! What? The British FILM Institute was doing a retro screening of a classic film and they weren't even running a 35mm print! This is just insane to me. Why do I want to watch a movie in the digital format, especially at a venue that is dedicated to the preservation of film? Still a cool place to check out if you're in town, but be sure to ask if the film you're going to see is being shown on actual film. Oh, and I totally want the film reel door handles that decorate the front door for my home theater.

Great place to grab a cup of coffee & meet friends before or after a film…read more Wonderful selection of films & books.

I went on a date at The Ritzy once, the man in question turned up late and really, really stoned…read morebut the cinema was lovely and has since become one of my favourite places to watch films. It's a picture house cinema which means that along side blockbusters they show independent and art house films and are often host to international film festivals. Providing your date isn't of complete waste man caliber, it's also very romantic. The main screen is an old theatre with lots of red, plush seats, high ceiling with fancy ornamental gold bits all over it. They also have a fully stocked bar and sell all the best kinds of ice cream and home made cakes which is useful if your date has the munchies.

One of the best cinemas in town…read more The main screen is as good as any multiplex and the other screens from medium to tiny are great too, especially when you're watching independent films they can be really intimate. Add to that the fact that you can buy alcoholic drinks to take in to the film and it's a win/win. The main bar downstairs is really nice, with great outdoor seating which is probably the best for people watching in Brixton. Up-Stairs at the ritzy is a much more intimate space for a drink or coffee and has some great music and performance nights, often linked to film, well worth checking out. The Ritzy also puts on some great film festivals and similar events, has special screenings for parents with young children, the visually-impaired, etc. and really tries to be part of the local community. Finally, if you find yourself here and at any of the other PictureHouse cinemas in London with any degree of regularity then a membership card is WELL worth the 30 odd quid it costs (it's even better value if you are a concession or get a joint membership). It gets you three free tickets (which pretty much pays for the membership alone) plus £2 off every other ticket you buy during the year, the quarterly guide posted to you and 10% off drinks and food at the bar and counter. Add to all that the fact that Brixton is one of the most vibrant parts of London and you have to say that it's pretty hard to beat the Ritzy for an afternoon or evening out.

The customer service here is impeccable! We were told that the movie started at a certain time,…read morecame back.. we were told by someone else the show time was incorrect and that movie had already showcased hours earlier. In response to receiving the incorrect information, the server offered us a free beer and pretzels. It was so nice and we ended up coming back the following evening to see the movie for real this time and I enjoyed how intimate the cinema setting is designed. The chairs are comfy. For a moment, I thought I was in the sitting room. We were also given scratch-offs that allow the viewer to watch the movie two months later for free online.

The Renoir Cinema is my favourite in London. In part this is because it is first where I got into…read morearts cinema, but more so because of the atmosphere. The cinema predates the Brunswick centre's redevelopment, and remains in the same place though slightly spruced up. It is also now a member of the Curzon chain The bar and cinemas are downstairs and they have a slightly moody aged atmosphere. Before the film starts there is a sign that says no smoking which normally seems somewhat moot, but here it feels appropriate. Which is something of shame as I imagine smoke would add to feel of the place. It shows current release arts and indie movies as well as re-releases, retrospectives and occasionally Curzon chain wide seasons.

I hate going to the cinema: its too expensive and I'd rather be in my house where I can talk over…read morethe film, drink tea and smoke cigarettes, but I'll make an exception for the Rio. You can drink tea here, eat homemade cakes and generally remember what the cinema experience used to be like before chain theatres took over the world. They show independent movies, take part in international film festivals, hold screenings specifically for children and parents and clearly try to reflect the diversity of cultures and religions in East London through the films that they programme. The Rio cinema is also a registered charity and offers an annual membership for £20. There is only one screen there, which adds to the snug feel, and the cinema has been refurbished in keeping with its original Art Deco design. It's perfect for a lone outing or a cosy date and I plan to go this week to see new German film, The Baader Meinhof Complex.

Independent cinemas are scattered across London and this is the Jewel of the East - unfortunately…read moreexpensive popcorn and a predictable screenings make this spot a little disappointing. I saw Control here a year or so ago and liked the vibe the place has. f you go to the big cinemas now people just sit there like Zombies! Here you get applause, laughter and cheering to films - great for getting you involved in the movie. This place is definitely worth popping in if there is a movie showing you want to see. Drinks and popcorn will cost your granny but tickets are reasonable!