Few Frenchmen in London know more about films than Julien Planté. The former head of Programmes at Ciné-Lumière in South Kensington has become Operations Director and Head of Programmes of Cinémoi, the first and only UK TV channel dedicated to French cinema, launched in London last January. Here, he presents his selection of the Top Five movie theatres in London.
Ciné Lumière at the French InstituteCiné Lumière « This is my favourite movie theatre, not only because of its unparalleled selection of French movies, but also because it is a truly arty cinema, in the Parisian tradition, showing films that one wouldn’t normally find in the UK. On top of French new releases and classics, the management has chosen to concentrate on World cinema at its best, with a selection that includes a Spanish film festival and the Mosaiques festival, celebrating foreign directors from Africa and Asia.” 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 (South Kensington)
The Electric « With its leather armchairs and footstools, and very elegant bar, this movie theatre offers a completely unique experience, which is much more than just watching a movie. The tickets are expensive but the place is definitely worth it, as it is so comfortable. It is the perfect place for a date, especially if you can manage to book the love seats at the back. The special screenings for parents with babies on Mondays and kids clubs on Saturday mornings are also great. » 191 Portobello Road, W11 (Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate)
Curzon Soho « This is undoubtedly the most practical and central movie theatre is all London, which explains in part why this place is so popular with film distributors, who fight to show their films here. By coming to this place, one is guaranteed to see the best new releases and to enjoy a great quality surround sound. The staff is absolutely lovely and the café offers a nice place to meet, which is obviously a plus.” 93-107 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus)
Ritzy « This cinema is very convenient for people who live south of the River and is a really nice place, to the extent where I sometime gothere without even watching a movie. The café is great, with a selection of Latin specialties and a great terrace in summer. And this is one of the few places in London where one can find Bonzini babyfoots, which are great ! The cinema itself is very big, with more than 300 seats, and offers a good selection of films. »Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 (Brixton)
BFI Southbank « Formally known as the National Film Theatre and recently refurbished, this is the perfect films buff’s cinema. It hosts the London film Festival every year and presents some great restrospectives, with the best selections : actresses Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche have presented their films there. They also have some interesting Q&As, including a recent evening with singer Nick Cave. I also recommend the Benugo Bar, which is brilliant, as well as the refurbished Film Café, by the Thames. » Belvedere Road, SE1 (Embankment, Waterloo)
Chic-Londres also recommends:
Everyman Cinema Club5 Holly Bush Vale, NW3 (Hampstead)
Renoir CinemaBrunswick Shopping centre, Marchmont Street, WC1 (Russell Square)
Tricycle Cinema269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 (Kilburn)
Science Museum ImaxExhibition Road, SW7 (South Kensington)
Cinémoi is currently available on Sky via subscription (Sky channel 343). For more information, go towww.cinemoi.tv
Inside the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill
