Scenes run down the best independent cinemas across the UK that you can go and support
Before, if you wanted to go watch a film at the cinema 20 years ago, you would have had plenty of affordable options. You could have gone to a multiplex and not had to spend extortionate amounts on food and drink. Or, you could have gone independent and helped support your local community.
Now, not so much. According to statistics by the Independent Cinema Office, the future is grim. Thanks to the rising costs since COVID and the cost-of-living crisis, many audiences find themselves waiting for the newest films to hit streaming services.
It’s not hard to see why. If you are planning to go on your own, buying a ticket as well as food and drink is going to cost you upwards of £25. If you’re a family, it’s a lot more out of your pocket, with prices sometimes rising upwards of £50
It’s unsustainable, and it is starting to show.
This leaves cinemas in a dangerous spot. According to the same statistics, only 41% of respondents are confident that they could survive in the next three years without capital support. Institutions which have stood for over 100 years now risk being closed down, and hubs for the community threaten to exist no more.
It’s not all doom and gloom. The head of cinema at the Independent Cinema Office has been on record saying there has been a positive rise in young audiences engaging with independent cinema, but they won’t be enough to keep them open.
Independent cinemas across the UK hang in the balance and need help from all age groups to keep them alive. Here are some of the best independent cinemas across the UK which you can go and support
Prince Charles Cinema, London
When it comes to cinemas in London, you don’t get more popular than Prince Charles Cinema. Currently staring down the barrel of closure, there have been more than 150,000 signatures in favour of keeping the West End Cinema alive, and for good reason. Its affordable prices and catering to film enthusiasts have made it a go-to spot for film fans across the country.
One of Prince Charles Cinema’s regulars is film critic Aaminah Saleem, who appreciates the variety on display. “It’s my favourite in London, because there is nowhere else with the diversity of programming which highlights and showcases gorgeous prints of films that deserve to be seen on the big screen,” she says.
“The experience of seeing the curtains open and being in a venue which stands out as an independent gem amongst the chains of Central London is unrivalled.”
She isn’t the only one who carries this sentiment. Journalist Danny Bremner agrees and also believes that this cinema offers an experience like no other. “You can go get a bit of everything. Pristine remasters of vintage classics, charming 35mm prints of action masterpieces, themed all-nighters, obscure and popular films. They really show everything,” he says.
The Little Theatre, Bath
Bath delivers on the city’s rich aesthetic with The Little Theatre, located right next to the city’s famous Spar. As the city’s only independent cinema, it offers a cosy, intimate atmosphere in a more classic screening setting. Don’t take my word for it; take Wes Anderson’s, who says it is one of his favourite cinemas and even put it in his 2009 film Fantastic Mr Fox.
It’s for those reasons that film fan Alice Shaw loves watching new film releases at The Little Theatre. “Since moving to Bath for University, I have loved going to The Little Theatre. It is unique in comparison to the other cinemas in the city and is affordable, which, when I was a student, was crucial. It really feels like you are all watching the film together,” she says.
Plaza Community Centre, Liverpool
BAFTA award winner for The Love of Film award, the Plaza Community Cinema has captured the hearts of scousers to its community setting. After nearly being demolished in 1995, the cinema was saved by a campaign which was started by a 12-year-old boy.vIf nothing else go and visit it for it’s cool exterior.
Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham
Located in the stylishly named Custard Factory cultural quarter, the Mockingbird Cinema is a small but mighty space for film fans to indulge in the medium. It holds frequent Q&A’s of emerging film-makers as well as event throughout the year in its two cinema rooms. Its homely atmosphere is perfect for those looking to watch a film with a close-knit community.
Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
The people of Sheffield have Sir David Attenborough to thank for their independent cinema. He decided to launch an urban revitalisation project to transform what was a derelict 1930s car showroom into the thriving cultural centre and independent cinema. It acts as the home of Sheffield Doc Festival and offers a wide variety of screenings, sometimes partnering with the University of Sheffield to offer family-friendly screenings for parents with newborns. It also made an appearance in an Artic Monkey’s video, Leave before the Lights Come On from 2006.
Regent Street Cinema, London
The Prince Charles Cinema may be a fan favourite in London, but the Regent Street Cinema still receives love from the city’s film fans. It has been dubbed “The birthplace of British Cinema, opening its doors in 1848 and still standing strong over 100 years later. It has continued to thrive throughout the years as a piece of history, offering moviegoers a range of new releases as well as showing films which date back earlier than 1950s.
Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
“Working at Tyneside Cinema means championing the kind of cinema experience that brings people together — not just to watch films, but to connect, question, celebrate and feel part of something bigger,” says Hannah, the head of marketing and engagement at Tyneside Cinema. Standing for nearly 100 years, the Geordie cinema’s historic interior has captured the hearts of the community. It specialises in independent, arthouse and classic films, offering a unique perspective to multiplexes. You will be blasted with nostalgia and be surrounded by fellow passionate film fans, giving the films you are watching that extra bit of excitement.
Phoenix Cinema, Leicester
If you’re looking to be inspired by the arts, a trip to Leicester’s Phoenix Cinema is a great place to do so. Surrounded by the arts in the city’s cultural corner, the cinema has been able to stay afloat through uncertain times thanks to its core audience of film lovers and catering to its own fanbase. The staff handpick the films they show exclusively for the Leicester audience, leading to micro-budget indies and movie marathons. Noah Procter is an avid goer to the Phoenix, who values the cinema experience the phoenix offers in comparison to others. “The frequent events at the Phoenix is what makes me choose them instead of the other cinemas. I’d much rather go watch a film which is more community led than go to a chain cinema,” he says.
Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh
It’s a family affair in Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh, as it has been owned by the Cameron family since 1938. Greats such as Judi Dench have watched films in this cinema, and it’s clear to see why: It offers in-seat table service with wine, pizza and nachos, which you can get delivered right to your seat, and screens have reclining armchairs and footstalls. It’s good to know that if the film is bad, you’ll be comfy enough to have a relaxing nap instead.
CHAPTER, Cardiff
Chapter stands as one of Europe’s largest dynamic art complexes, and it hosts a range of film festivals. Most predominantly, it hosts Cardiff Animation Festival, Kotatsu (Japanese Animation Festival) and SAFAR. It is one of the many extracurricular events the cinema offers, as their first cinema room is used for film talks, premiers, and Q&A’s. Erin McKay, despite being from Neath, loved Chapter on the occasions she went to the cinema. “It just offered a close-knit experience which was hard to find anywhere else. It is also very comfy and cosy, which is an added bonus,” she says.
No.6 Cinema, Portsmouth
If you have ever found yourself annoyed at waiting for the adverts to finish and you’re on the South Coast, No.6 cinema is the place for you. They keep it classic. No adverts, no trailers. All you need to do is arrive on time and watch your film. It’s not the only reason you should give it a go; it has one of the biggest screens on the South Coast, and its bar is decorated with origami flowers which have been crafted from recycled film posters. It’s all in the details.
Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
The breeding place for iconic UK filmmaker Shane Meadows, Nottingham’s Broadway cinema is widely respected in the country. It featured in Total Film magazine’s top 10 cinemas in the world. If you’re going to go, make sure you go into screen four, as iconic Nottingham fashion designer Sir Paul Smith designed the inside, featuring a 35-distinctively coloured big strip design.
HOME, Manchester
Opened by Danny Boyle, the aptly named cinema is Manchester’s home for the best independent experience. Affordable for families and hosting over 6,500 screenings a year, it has become one of the most culturally significant spots in the UK.
Cinema City, Norwich
You can watch a film steeped in history at Norwich’s Cinema City. The building’s origins date back all the way to the 16th century, lending itself to a cosy and mediaeval atmosphere. Its renovation in 2009 won an award for excellence from the Norwich Society. It’s a great place for you to immerse yourself in a historical film.
Watershed, Bristol
Located next to the River Avon, Watershed has picked up an array of accolades since its opening. It has been featured on the 100 best movie places in the world by Time Out, and has been a pillar for inclusivity in the city. It has also garnered a reputation for some tasty nachos, which Edward Callow, a former Bristolian, agrees with. “They have no right being as good as they are,” he says, but it’s not the only reason he loves.
“There are great options in London, but I do still miss going to the Watershed. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but there was something magical about watching a film there next to the river. It’s definitely somewhere I try to go when I’m back home.”
The Ultimate Picture Palace, Oxford
Standing as Oxford’s oldest and only independent cinema, The Ultimate Picture Palace is currently campaigning to stay alive, as fears grow that its lease will not be renewed past 2037. The currently community-owned cinema has been recognised as a community asset by the city council, offering the people of Oxford a place to watch independent films, new releases and classics which you can’t get anywhere else in the city.
Steven Endersby is the marketing & communications manager at the cinema, and his love for the cinema is what led him to the job. “I’m a massive film fan, and I love going to the cinema, and I think that the UPP offers a sense of community, that ability to indulge in passion and experience art, and this is the most affordable way to do so,” he says.
Hyde Park Picture House, Leeds
Standing strong for 112 years, Hyde Park Picture House has survived the evolution of cinema becoming a staple piece for film fans from the Yorkshire city. The cinema prides itself on delivering a more classic and vintage experience being the only cinema in the UK which still uses gas lighting and has a ticket stand. Who doesn’t love a ticket stand? Watch a film here and it’ll be like you’re back watching a film in the 1900s, but with the pristine picture quality of modern era cinema screens.
Many, many more, UK
All cities across the country will have their own independent cinema with its own quirks. Whether its one we have listed or another, go and support your local independant cinema today.
