Love London’s independent cinemas

There really nothing like the intimate romance of the cinema. Luckily in London we’re blessed with some real beauties.

Whether you want to check out the competition in this year’s film award season or indulge in an old classic. This Valentine’s cosy up with your loved one, share some popcorn, support London’s amazing independent cinemas and enjoy film the way it’s supposed to be seen, on the big screen.

A film lover's paradise, BFI Southbank is a world-renowned, four-cinema film centre. Featuring exclusive film previews alongside a huge selection of classics and one-off events. There’s also the brilliant BFI Mediatheque which offers free access to hundreds of film and TV titles from the BFI National Archives.

Located in the heart of the West End, this cinema is infamous for its move marathons, cheap tickets (£2.50 for members) and wonderful event nights like 'Sing-a-long Rocky Horror Picture Show'. 

Cinema going doesn’t get more luxurious than this. The lush interior of the Electric Portobello features 65 leather armchairs and footstools, and the front row is covered with double beds. You even get a cashmere blanket to make you extra cosy. 

If you like your cinema steeped in history, check out Genesis. Entertaining the East End since 1848, the building has hosted Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy when it was the ‘Paragon Theatre of Varieties’. Nowadays you can catch the best new and classic films (and the worst at its ‘Bar Trash’ nights), along with live music, poetry slams and swing dancing. A firm favourite in the London film scene. 

The Phoenix is London’s longest-running cinema, open continuously since 1910. Entering the interior of this single-screened cinema feels like you’ve stepped back in time and is regularly used as a TV and film location. There are also delicious homemade cakes or hearty soups from the bar upstairs. 

London's oldest community run cinema and one of the most iconic looking buildings in east London to boot. This grade-II listed independent Art Deco Cinema in Dalston hosts festivals, classic matinees for over 60’s (with Hard of Hearing subtitled screenings), plus parent and baby screenings. 

Open since 1911, The Ritzy was one of England’s earliest purpose built cinemas with 750 seats in a single auditorium. A much-loved destination for film-lovers at the heart of a bright and bustling Brixton. There’s also home-cooked Indian-inspired, vegan street-food served in the downstairs restaurant.