Going to see a film in the City doesn’t have to mean a trip to one of the faceless mega-chains. Why not try one of London’s ‘boutique’ cinemas? One of the best is the ‘Electric Cinema’, on London’s Portobello Road, which offers great films and good food in a uniquely comfortable environment. It was lovingly restored to it’s early 20th Century glory in 2002, with cream walls, red and gold trim, and only 98 plush-leather armchairs and a few couches filling the interior. Each chair has its own side-table for food and drink, and a footstool, so you can relax in style. No sticky floors or spilled popcorn here!
From June 29th, the Electric will be showing ‘La Vie en Rose’ – a compelling biopic of Edith Piaf, starring Marion Cotillard - and ‘Shrek the Third’ – more fairytale fun with the green ogre and his friends.
For parents with babies and young children, there are special ‘Electric Scream’ screenings, so you needn’t worry about disturbing anyone, or finding a babysitter. There are also ‘Sunday Screeners’ of world cinema, classics, and cult and independent films for those who like a break from the mainstream.
To match the luxury seating, the cinema serves up snacks like mushroom risotto, breaded prawns with sweet chilli sauce; and mini fish and chips in small tubs with wooden knives and forks. A far cry from the Odeon’s cardboard nachos and week-old hot-dogs! The bar is open before the film starts, and has a vast range of cocktails, wine, beer and champagne to enhance your viewing pleasure.
Tickets are £12.50 (Tuesday – Sunday), £7.50 on Mondays and ‘Sunday Screeners’, and £30 for two-seated sofas. The area is served by a number of buses and the nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park. The cinema is also a short walk from Portobello Market – famous for its antiques and second-hand bargains. There are excellent fruit and veg stalls in the week and a new Arts and Crafts section every weekend.
If antiques aren’t your thing, the Hummingbird bakery (133 Portobello road) is bound to have something that will tickle your fancy. Using traditional American recipes and the highest-quality ingredients; their cupcakes, cookies, cakes and pies are delicious. Also worth a visit, and just a short walk away at 177 Portobello road, is the ‘Trailer H’ cocktail bar. Their powerful cocktails, mixed with fresh tropical fruit and served in cool ‘Tiki’ mugs, are a great end to any evening. Just don’t have one too many before the film!
