The show must go on! London’s best cinemas are beginning to re-open, says Sarah Riches
Your hotel TV or laptop wasn’t made for blockbusters – so why not watch the latest hit film on a big screen?
Luxury cinemas are re-opening across London. But if you’re not sure which one you should you book, here’s my pick of the best.
Electric Cinema Portobello
London’s original luxury cinema, Electric Cinema Portobello, has originally opened in 1911 and it has survived two world wars and Covid-19. It still features historical touches such as old fire buckets on the walls.
It has modern touches, too, including velvet sofas at the back and double beds at the front.
You can order hot food and draught beer, wine and cocktails.
It’s currently screening Tenet and the children’s animation 100% Wolf and Dreambuilders.
There is another branch in White City.
Odeon Luxe & Dine
This six-screen cinema has re-opened in Islington Square off Upper Street.
Go early to order a cocktail or hot food such as Wagyu beef, vegan burgers and wild boar hotdogs.
You can dine on velvet chairs and powder blue leather banquettes in the cinema bar.
Alternatively, wait staff will deliver your order to your cinema seat, which has a table attached to it. All seats recline.
Odeon has other luxury cinemas with bars, hot food and reclining seats. The most central are Leicester Square and Haymarket.
Alternatively you can visit the Holloway, Lee Valley, Putney and Swiss Cottage branches.
Safety measures include socially distanced seating, sanitising stations and contactless payments.
The Cinema at Selfridges
Like Odeon Luxe & Dine, this cinema on the ground floor of Selfridges & Co has a cocktail bar which also serves hot drinks. Its sweetshop sells sweets, popcorn and ice cream.
It’s currently screening the action flick Tenet, starring Robert Pattison, Michael Caine and Kenneth Branagh (to 10 Sep).
The latest James Bond, No Time to Die, will be screened from 12 November.
Safety measures include a one-way system, staggered start times, allocated seating and screens at the box office.
