From historic and cosy to ultra-modern and stylish, the UK and Ireland are home to some of the best places to unwind and watch a film in a unique style and setting. Here’s a selection of spots that are reinventing the cinema experience.
Located in London’s West End a short distance from the better known Odeon multiplex (which hosts London’s glitzy premieres) PCC is an institution in independent cinema, popular as much for the funny messages on the canopy outside as for its showings of retro classics, all-night movie marathons and sing-a-long screenings. The cinema was built in the 60s and has since welcomed everyone from Kevin Smith to Quentin Tarantino (who says it’s his favourite cinema in the UK) through its doors.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Croydon
Recently named one of the World’s Coolest Cinemas by Blouin Artinfo, Light House shows a mix of art-house, cult classics and mainsteam blockbusters. Also worth a visit for its beautiful design, the work of DTA Architects. Each screen has its own colour scheme and patrons can enjoy a game of ping-pong in the ground-floor bar or chill-out on a beanbag in one of its various nooks and crannies between films.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Dublin Christchurch
In June 2009 Bradford was named the world’s first and only UNESCO city of film. Bradford’s National Media Museum is across the road from Leonardo Hotel with 6 floors of interactive fun and exhibitions devoted to film, photography, radio, television and the internet. The museum also houses the largest permanent 3D screen in the world. We offer a special package for guests who wish to explore Bradford’s rich film-making history.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Bradford
The Electric is the UK’s oldest working cinema, celebrating its centenary in 2009. The cinema is treasured by locals for its sofas and waiter service, but also its history and programme – an eclectic mix of indie, Hollywood and world cinema. It also houses its own post-production facility Electric Flix and is a popular wedding venue.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Birmingham
A fully-licensed cinema in Glasgow’s bustling West-End, who pride themselves on doing things ‘a bit differently’. The attached Lane Bar has a ‘vinyl only’ music policy while the cinema itself has a beautiful café patio and plays host to quirky events and screenings, as well as giving Hollywood’s finest some screen-time.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Glasgow
Edinburgh’s Dominion, an independent theatre located in the suburb of Morningside, is the place to go for an old-school style cinema experience complete with a scattering of leather armchairs and an extensive wine menu to work your way through while you watch. First opened in January 1938, the cinema is notable for its Art Deco design, the work of architect Thomas Bowhill Gibson.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Edinburgh
Image courtesy of The Dominion Cinema
The cultural hub of Newcastle was built by Dixon Scott, great uncle of directors Ridley Scott and Tony Scott in 1937. With the goal being to ‘Give a trip to the pictures the sense of occasion it deserves’ this cinema certainly aims to please, ensuring that you enjoy your film in the comfiest possible surroundings. Enjoy a cocktail as you sink into a soft leather sofa and take in an old or modern classic.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Newcastle
Located in the city centre, the Hyde Park recently celebrated its 100th anniversary having first opened for business on November 7th, 1914. With wonderful old-world touches such as gas lighting, a box-office outdoors, and balcony seating, it is the perfect escape from the busy city outside but also a chance to experience cinema-going as it was in the Edwardian era, except with the latest advancements in cutting-edge screen and sound technology.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Leeds
Image by Betty Longbottom/CC-BY-SA-2.0 (image size has been modified)Located a stone’s throw from Queen’s University, QFT has been championing indie and world cinema since 1968, and was the first cinema in Northern Ireland to upgrade to digital projection. The cinema actually forms part of QUB’s Drama and Film Centre, which means it boasts the latest in state of art digital projection in both of its screens, plus a modem, spacious area to hang with the students (and future filmmakers) of Belfast, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a post-film chat over coffee.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Belfast
Located in Hockley area on the site of a former church, The Broadway was named one of the ‘Best in the World’ by Total Film magazine in 2009. That’s one of many reasons to visit; others being to sit in a screen (the first and only in the world) designed by fashion mogul Paul Smith and to sample
Broadway Reel Ale, its very own home-brewed beer.Nearest Leonardo Hotels: https://www.LeonardoHotels.co.uk/hotels/nottingham
Image by David Hallam-Jones/CC-BY-SA-2.0 (image size has been modified)Probably the most immersive cinema experience in the UK, this 4-dimensional auditorium is designed to stimulate all five senses in-sync with the movie. Feel the effects of wind, fog, lightning, bubbles, water, rain and scents as they appear on screen, all from the comfort of your cinema seat.
Nearest Leonardo Hotel: Milton Keynes
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