Bermondsey is a little block of creative ventures skewed through by its own eponymous street. There are high-class steak restaurants, quality gastro pubs, the White Cube Gallery and its very own independent small screen cinema. The Short Wave Cinema and Bar is a great little venue that brings a little independent spirit to Bermondsey Square itself. In fact it is one of our favourite new screens in London.
Unlike some cinema bars, the Shortwave seems to give the beverage side of things equal billing. We recently came for the cinema and stayed for the beer. Sitting out on the square as the sun sets before heading inside the minimal space for a movie is as appealing at Shortwave as it sounds. It screens new films as well as the odd cult classic and art house release. The 50-seater screen doesn’t offer the experience you’ll get in a proper big cinema – the sound wasn’t as good as it can be – but the intimate environment makes a good change.
Outside the screen, the bar is sprinkled with tables and attracts a crowd not necessarily pulled in by the day’s feature presentation. There is a small range of pastries, cakes and sandwiches and a range of local brewery beers on draught and by the bottle. Nestled in its own Bermondsey bubble, the Shortwave Cinema and Bar is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for a change of nightlife and cinematic scenery.