5 old London cinemas worth visiting
1. The Ritzy cinema - Brixton
Located in the heart of South London, iconic Ritzy cinema is the symbol of the vibrant Brixton neighbourhood. The Ritzy cinema is not only one of the oldest picture houses in London - it opened its doors in 1911 - but also well know for its lively, multicultural atmosphere.
Originally called the "Electric Pavilion," the cinema’s first screenings were silent films. It moved to sound in 1929, and went through periods of ups and downs that finally led to its closure in 1976.
The space ended up in the hands of Pat Foster, a young film enthusiast who brought back to life the old cinema, reinventing it and laying the foundations of Ritzy cinema as Brixtonians know it today.
Mirroring the evolution of the neighbourhood that saw its birth, the Ritzy’s story has always been intertwined with Brixton’s local issues: it's been the centre of strikes, pickets and all kind of social movements.
Ritzy offers the perfect balance between independent and mainstream films, its much loved by the Brixtonians and still keeps some of the grandeur from the old times. Worth visiting.
Where: Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London SW2 1JG
By Tube: Brixton Station
Official site: https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/Ritzy_Picturehouse
2. The Screen-On-the-Green - Islington
Widely known for hosting a live performance of British bands The Clash,The Sex Pistols and Buzzcocks, this iconic 100-year-old-cinema was first named Empress Electric Theatre in 1911. It became the Rex in 1951 and was finally named the Screen-On-The-Green in 1970.
Back then, it seated 293 and was an independent club cinema that screened new and old films.
Despite having undergone many refurbishments, this London one-screen landmark has maintained its characteristic neon façade and original barrel vault ceiling by architects Boreham & Gladding.
Located in the north London district of Islington, The Screen-on-The-Green's charm is hard to miss when the sun sets in London and its characteristic neon lights illuminate the whole area.
Where: 83 Upper St, London N1 0NP
By tube: Angel Station
Official site: https://www.everymancinema.com/screen-on-the-green
3. The Electric Cinema - Notting Hill
The Electric Cinema, designed by architect Gerald Seymour Valentine, opened in 1911. Its exterior has since remained the same: brick with terracotta facing, pilasters and a tower and dome of galvanised zinc. In contrast with its shell, the interior has been redeveloped and adapted to the current times, making the Electric a classic but user-friendly cinema.
Known as one of London's resilient cinemas, the Electric’s screen stayed on during the war, weathering the order for cinemas to close. Postwar austerity didn’t impact its audience either; on the contrary, many servicemen chose Portobello Road and its cinema to be entertained.
In the early 20th century, admission to Portobello Road’s most famous cinema included an orange and a bun, and the first film to be shown on its screen was the silent drama Henry VIII starring Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree. Now, its programme features, among others, Fifty Shades Darker and thriller A Cure for Wellness. New films, old flavours.
Where: 191 Portobello Rd, London W11 2ED
By Tube: Ladbroke Grove Station
Official site: https://www.electriccinema.co.uk
4. The Phoenix Cinema - East Finchley
Driven by 1900s laws to make cinemas safer, the first wave of cinema-building in London happened, and this iconic single-screen cinema was built. It opened in 1912 as “The East Finchley Picturedrome” and the first screenings shown were about the Titanic sinkage.
The seats were different prices and divided into various blocks. The layout of the room also was different to the current one, following a £1.1 million refurb completed in 2010.
This Art Deco inspired cinema is run by the Phoenix Cinema Trust, and among its patrons are British stars like Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Loach, Maureen Lipman, Mike Leigh, Mark Kermode, Victoria Wood and Bill Paterson.
Some of the interesting events going on at the venue include the Cinememories dementia-friendly screenings and a kids club that allows children to enjoy a free activity and a meal before the film.
Where: 52 High Road East Finchley N2 9PJ
By Tube: East Finchley Station
Official site: http://phoenixcinema.co.uk/PhoenixCinema.dll/Home
The Coronet - Notting Hill
Widely known among Britons for its cameo in the film Notting Hill and for being the cinema where David Cameron watched Brokeback Mountain on its premiere, this famous venue has been open to the public since 1898. First as a theatre, then as a two screen cinema and now as a cultural venue, the Notting Hill cinema is a lasting symbol of London’s culture.
During the Victorian times, members from all walks of society, included King Edward VII, gathered at the Coronet theatre to watch Shakespearian plays. In the 21st century, it became popular for its cheap tickets and its vibrant atmosphere.
Located in the heart of Notting Hill, the Coronet has been restored and reinvented as a theatre and artistic hub and it is currently run by The Printing Group.
A must-visit venue in London.
Where: 103 Notting Hill Gate
By Tube: Notting Hill Gate Station Official site:
