The Best Luxury Cinemas in London

We latched onto the Oscar buzz and found some luxury cinemas in which to watch the contenders for 2015.
The Best Luxury Cinemas in London picture

If you’re like us, the movie awards season culminating with the Oscars, is guaranteed to get you out to the cinema. But multiplexes can be off-putting, ill-curated and uninspiring. There is something to be said for a cinema that mimics a little of the romance of cinema itself. So don’t settle for a supersized coke and extra-large popcorn, pay a visit to one of these luxury cinemas in London.

The Electric
Closed due to fire damage in 2012, The Electric was refurbished and reopened looking better than ever. At over 100 years old, the Notting Hill cinema is quite likely London’s oldest luxury film den. The beautiful red leather armchairs in the auditorium come with matching footstools, blankets and side tables to hold any beer, wine or champagne you might want from the in-screen bar. And if individual leather armchairs aren’t enough then there’s always a double bed in the front row to have a go on – have a go at watching a movie that is.

Screen on the Green
Cinema exteriors aren’t generally a factor in the film watching experience but Islington’s Screen on the Green is an exception. In our opinion, there are few better sights in London than seeing those fluorescent lights shining as the sun sets behind it. It’s almost ethereal… Inside, Screen on the Green is equally attractive. Expect luxury sofas, footrests and a bar at the rear of the screen for accessible mid-film drinking. And let’s face it, no matter how luxurious the cinema there are always films that can be improved with a drink.

Aubin Cinema
Forget the links to the uber preppy Jack Wills brand; the Aubin Cinema is a Shoreditch gem buried in a basement off Redchurch Street. Comfort comes in the way of plush armchairs, cushions and plenty of velvet and size limits the venue to one film per night. Further sizing issues manifest themselves in the form of a selection of seats with an angled view – although these come for a bargain £8.00, which is close to a 50% discount.

The ICA
It may not be as luxurious as the others but it sure is the most interesting. Plus, there’s more to luxury than plump cushions and cashmere blankets. As far from a multiplex as you can get, the Institute of Contemporary Arts is all about the experience of cinema itself. If you want art house films then this is for you – and there’s a chic bar for before and after.


Also, check out of list of London's Best Cinemas

Published Mar 20, 2014