If the change of season is confusing you and you need an evening in a dark place to help you adjust, then BarChick has the perfect solution – hit the movies! Sure, it’s an obvious choice, but step it up and go to one of London’s finer screens, no 10 quid popcorn or super sized sodas here. This lot come with a little bit more, so snuggle up, eat, drink and be merry whilst enjoying some great action on the big screen (or just get touched up in the back row, sexy)!
For the remainder of March these guys are setting up shop in a few unique venues across London. Think A Clockwork Orange and Reservoir Dogs not Shreck, Cupcakes and cocktails not popcorn, and a disused warehouse not the corner of a busy high street. Plus come the Summer the ‘drive-in’ season is upon us so get your Cadillac on the road… watch this space.
Probably one of the best cinemas in town, it’s located in the heart of Leicester square and if you haven’t been then you’ve got to. Firstly it’s cheap, because those high street cinemas are seriously taking the p*ss. Secondly they show a wicked selection of old films both old and new, and if you want them to show your favourite, just email them and they’ll see what they can do. It gets better… they have sing-along-screenings like the Lion King and the Sound of Music, and even some funny takes like swear-along with South Park. We love. Oh and on Sundays you get a free beer and slice of pizza with every ticket – we’ll see you there.
6 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7BX
This place is famous amongst Londoners for being the last cinema you can smoke in, and even more famous for featuring in ‘Notting Hill’…so rest assured if you can’t find your glasses, you can wear your prescription goggles and pretend you are Hugh Grant for the night. This place is great, and you can drink while you watch so it doesn’t get much better, also it’s apparently haunted which on the plus side means you can get even closer to your date for protection (or as close as the big chairs let you). Go on cheap Tuesday and it’s only £3.50. Who needs Orange Wednesdays?
103 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3LB
This place has had a major revamp and it’s now the king of the cinemas. Probably the best date spot imaginable you can actually recline in a bed at the front of the cinema complete with bed socks, pillows and cashmere throws, so it’s perfect for a bit of kissing (forget the back row). There’s also sofas and red velvet arm chairs as standard and you can bring in cocktails and food (try their freshly baked donuts, they’re dreamy).
If you haven’t been to an edible screening yet, then you have got to. Withnail& I has just finished and it was a wicked success (think when he’s covering himself in Deep Heat, you squirt a little toothpaste tube on to your tongue and it tastes exactly like what you are watching). When Harry Met Sally is up next, so who knows what surprises they have got in store…
191 Portobello Rd, London, W11 2ED
This is the Daddy of all ODEONs. Firstly, it’s strictly over 18s which hopefully means that you won’t have too many people throwing popcorn at you. Secondly, the chairs fully recline at the touch of a button, and they have double the leg room, which is perfect if you have massive cankles. It gets better; delicious food and cocktails delivered straight to the comfort of your seat simply by pushing a button…so give yourself a break and sit back with hot dog flavoured popcorn and a Blackberry Gin Fizz and enjoy the movie.
Whiteleys of Bayswater, Queensway, London, W2 4YL
Forget the Daddy, this is the rich Godfather. If you get off on crystal clear sound, impeccable clarity and want to feel like you’re actually in the film, then this is the one for you. Alternatively, if like BarChick, you care more about the drinks, the food and copping off with some guy in the big seats then this also ticks all the right boxes. Get your drink on at AMBAR bar and restaurant then sink into one of the club chairs…and if you’re really going for it, hit the IMAX screen.
96 Finchley Road, NW3 5EL
Why not go all out and rent a cinema for 30 of your mates, that way you can choose the crowd and the film. Enjoy a delicious supper in the private dining room then relax in your chair with a Champagne cocktail…and if you really want to then why not play a couple of home movies instead of adverts, no not those types.
One Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BZ
It’s like being in your own living room, only you have a massive screen. Sink into a sofa, feet on a footstool with a bottle of vino by your side and get stuck in…BarChick has been in her PJ’s before. Plus with a bar directly behind you, life there is nice n easy.
5 London Locations
Firstly there is an all day menu… plus the Attic Bar is amazing. Secondly, if you are earth aware then all the ingredients are responsibly resourced, so you can rest assured as you tuck into your cured meats. Also they’re big on cake, so get stuck in, stay for dinner and waddle into the movie with a goblet of wine… now all you have to do is try and keep your eyes open.
270 Mare Street, London, E8 1HE & 5 other London locations
SCENE, Vue Westfield (opening 12 Feb)
With the opening of this place delayed by a year, its got to be good, and it is. Out of the 14 screens, three take the sexier ‘boutique-cinema’ approach, so you can escape the crowds and the kids (strict over 18s policy). The seats recline, there is a private bar and you can booze at your seat. Cinematic heaven.
Westfield Shopping Town, White City, London, W12 7GF
With six locations in London, all with fully licensed screens it’s a yes from BarChick, so find your nearest one and check out what’s showing. Plus if you feel like dressing up, hit the Mayfair one where they frequently host red carpet premieres…if your imagination’s good enough / your h*gh, then wait at the bar in your finest clothes and I’m sure some hot date will join you.
6 London Locations
If you wanna go then you’ve got to become a member otherwise you can’t reserve a sofa / a table for a film screening, and this is key. There’s a good cocktail menu to sink into plus a decent wine and beer list, so there’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout an entire movie. Plus if you feel like it why not rent the whole place, Sir Paul McCartney did, so if it’s good enough for him, it should be just fine.
128-132 Borough High Street, SE1 1LB
Forget the big guns, this cinema is just perfect. Run by a handful of managers and local volunteers, 100% of its profits go to charity so you can be safe in the knowledge that as you relax and enjoy yourself, someone else will be benefitting. Handily located at the back of the room is the Josh on the Rocks bar so you can enjoy the movie with the company of your favourite tipple… so with everything from a kid’s club to a license for civil partnerships there’s something for everyone! Get involved.
194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3JU
If you are looking for comfort, then look no further. With 45 velvet seats and sofas all complete with Aubin & Wills cushions, sit back with a bottle of vino or your favourite spirit and chill. Plus the bar snacks rock, from honeycombe to wasabi peas hit them all. Enjoy!
64-66 Redchurch Street, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DP
