London’s Loveliest Independent Cinemas

There’s nothing quite like seeing a brilliant film on a big screen. And if it’s independent cinemas with colourful histories, design quirks, luxe features and plenty of character that float your boat, you’re in luck. The capital is blessed with a flourishing indie picture house scene, and we’ve scouted out the best independent cinemas in London – the best places to watch 2023’s hottest releases – plus a few luxury screening rooms to boot. 

The Best Independent Cinemas In London

1. ArtHouse Cinema

Where? 159A Tottenham Lane, London N8 9BT

The former Salvation Army base in Crouch End has been transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic arts and film centres. As well as catching a flick, you can also check out workshops, comedy nights and dance performances. And if you have a little one coming between you and a good movie, join the ‘babe in arms’ club every midday at Saturday and enjoy a parent and baby screening. arthousecrouchend.co.uk

2. The Chiswick Cinema

Where? 94-96 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London W4 1SH

For the first time since 1934, Chiswick locals don’t have to travel to catch a movie thanks to the launch of a new boutique independent cinema. Situated on Chiswick High Road, The Chiswick Cinema has five screens, as well as its own private members’ club and a dining room available for exclusive bookings. The venue screens a mix of big blockbusters and smaller independent films. chiswickcinema.co.uk

3. The Cinema at Selfridges

Where? 40 Duke Street, London W1U 1AT

The Cinema at Selfridges is a three-screen film hub complete with exceptional sound and vision. A collaboration between Selfridges and independent cinema specialists Olympic Studios, the futuristic film destination screens a spectacular range of independent and blockbuster movies with a food and drinks menu to envy all others – think delicious snacks from lobster rolls with lemon and chive mayonnaise to classic hot dogs with tasty toppings or popcorn chicken. If you’re feeling extra fancy, book out the whole cinema for a group of friends – check out the various different packages available here. thecinemaatselfridges.com

4. Electric Cinema White City

Where? 2, Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, London W12 7FR

Having opened its doors to the film enthusiasts of White City and beyond, Electric Cinema’s latest venue (BBC’s former home at Television Centre) boasts 44 luxurious mohair armchairs with cosy cashmere blankets and footstalls, fascinating artwork and an auditorium bar for all those crucial cinema snacks. Sit down to a brand new film release with a cocktail or glass of bubbles and enjoy this venue’s fantastic fusion of contemporary and decadent independent cinema. electriccinema.co.uk

5. BFI Southbank

Where? Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XT

Why not take yourself straight to the heart of the action and take in a film at the BFI Southbank? The four-screen cinema shows a wide range of classic and contemporary films, and you can also check out an exhibition or two from the BFI archive. whatson.bfi.org.uk

6. Ritzy Cinema & Cafe

Where? Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London SW2 1JG

Open since 1911, Brixton’s ‘Electric Pavillion’ was one of England’s earliest purpose built cinemas with 750 seats in a single auditorium. After a host of name changes, it is now commonly known as the ‘Ritzy’. Since 2009 the interiors have been restored to the original style, and a live music offering has been added upstairs. picturehouses.com

7. Ciné Lumière

Where? 17 Queensberry Place, South Kensington, London SW7 2DW

Popular with the hip young London crowd, this South Kensington cinema, named for the Lumiere brothers (and part of the Institute Francais), does a ‘film for a fiver’ deal for Under 25s. Known for its French, European and world cinema offering, it’s a London mecca for foreign film buffs (and those looking to brush up on their French). institut-francais.org.uk

8. Electric Cinema Portobello

Where? 191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED

Independent cinemas don’t come more luxurious than this. The interior of Electric Portobello features 65 leather armchairs and footstools, a handful of two-seater sofas at the back and (for the really tired) the front row is covered with double beds. The kind folks at Electric even throw in a cashmere blanket to ensure you can get really cosy. eletriccinema.co.uk

9. Genesis Cinema

Where? 93-95 Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, London E1 4UJ

If you like your cinema with a side-helping of history, check out Genesis. Entertaining the East End since 1848, Charlie Chaplin was a regular at the ‘Paragon Theatre of Varieties’ before becoming a Hollywood star. The building was converted to a cinema in 1912, and despite a closure in 1989, the latest incarnation of the picture house is a firm favourite in the London film scene. genesiscinema.co.uk

10. Regent Street Cinema

Where? 307 Regent Street, London W1B 2HW

The birthplace of British Cinema, despite only reopening in 2015, this cinema has a rich history. Built in 1848 and housed within the Polytechnic Institution on London’s Regent Street, the screening rooms were the first in the country to show moving pictures. With grand interiors and a daily changing film schedule, it’s always worth a visit. regentstreetcinema.com

11. The Lexi Cinema

Where? 194b Chamberlayne Road, London NW10 3JU

A very different offering in the capital. This independent cinema is run by volunteers, with all proceeds going to charity. Choose between indie flicks and blockbuster hits, or rent out this impressive space for a private party or a wedding. Either way, you can enjoy your slice of the London film scene knowing you’re serving the greater good. That’s our kind of Friday night. thelexicinema.co.uk

12. Everyman Cinema

Where? 5 Holly Bush Vale, London NW3 6TX

The original Everyman Cinema is found in Hampstead, with two screens and staff serving food and drinks to a luxe sofa – you cant go wrong. The films on show are a mix of mainstream and independent, meaning that you can change it up between a blockbuster and an arts number. There are others dotted around London, everywhere from Chelsea to Belsize Park and King’s Cross. everymancinema.com

13. Picture House Central

Where? Piccadilly Circus, Corner of Great Windmill Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7DH

Situated on top of the old Cineworld in Piccadilly, this revamped independent cinema has more to offer than popcorn and a blockbuster. Aside from the comfy screening rooms, there’s a super café and rooftop members bar with excellent views, making it an unbeatable date venue. picturehouses.com

14. The Phoenix Cinema

Where? 52 High Road, London N2 9PJ

The Phoenix is London’s longest-running cinema, open continuously since 1910. The interior of this single-screened cinema a sight to behold; whether or not the film you’re watching floats your boat. Don’t leave without sampling the homemade cakes or hearty soups from the bar upstairs. phoenixcinema.co.uk

15. Curzon Mayfair

Where? 38 Curzon Street, London W1J 7TY

This cinema, whose four walls have seen over 80 years of film, has two of its original royal boxes in Screen One, which seats 307 people. The Grade II listed building is a luxurious treat for movie-goers with its originally fitted Art Deco cafe that boasts fabric covered walls, vintage furniture and a healthy dose of 1960s class. curzon.com

16. The Rio

Where? 107 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB

The grade-II listed independent Art Deco Cinema in Dalston has weekend matinees plus subtitled screenings for parents and loud children. riocinema.org.uk

17. The Cinema Suite

Where? Suites and Residencies, 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF

This is, perhaps, not one for someone to complain about spending more than a tenner to see a film. The Cinema Suite in St James’s is, however, the answer to a special occasion for a cinephile who is feeling flush. The interiors are inspired by Hollywood and Indian cinema – that is 1,832 square feet of journey into film, equipped with an 85-inch high-definition 3D TV and a surround sound system from Steinway Lyngdorf. A butler serves cinematic dishes, the bar is fully stocked and there are two bedrooms, a dining room, study, kitchen and living room. taj51buckinghamgate.co.uk