The Castle Cinema, Clapton
64 – 66 Brooksby’s Walk, E9 6DA
Recently renovated over a century after it first opened its doors, the Castle Cinema is an independent, crowd-funded cinema on Clapton’s Chatsworth Road. Bonus: the bar and restaurant are inspired by the cinema’s original curved ceiling, and channel a 1920s vibe with velvet, beads and ornate bar lamps.
The Rio, Dalston
107 Kingsland High St, E8 2PB
A fixture on Dalston’s High Street long before all the trendy bars and restaurants, The Rio is another cinema that dates back over a century. Housed within a Grade II listed Art Deco building, it’s still going strong today – showing a mixture of offbeat documentaries and blockbusters.
Plex, Peckham
95A Rye Ln, SE15 4ST
It might not be the most glamorous of cinemas, but Peckham Plex has an old school charm, and it’s housed right underneath London’s hottest rooftop spot Franks Bar. But most importantly, tickets are 4.99 all day every day.
Screen on the Green, Islington
83 Upper St, London N1 0NP
One of oldest cinemas in the UK, you won’t miss the Screen on the Green thanks to its huge red neon sign. This is one to take your indecisive friends to, because there’s only one screen showing a few films per day.
The Electric, Notting Hill
191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, W11 2ED
One for when you’re way out west, the Electric is a true classic. With huge red velvet seats (or beds at the front), side tables and lamps, this must be London’s comfiest cinema. It was recently taken over by Soho House Group, so members can get access to previews.
Lifestyle: Lists
Top 5: Cinemas
Here’s where to head next time it’s movie night
