London's cinematic journey began in the late 19th century, with the first public film screenings in Britain taking place at the Polytechnic on Upper Regent Street in 1896. The advent of ‘talkies’ in 1927 ushered in a golden age, leading to a boom in cinema construction and by the 1930s, it had soon swept through the city with velvet-curtained Art Deco cinemas.
Fast forward to 2025 and London's cinema landscape has continuously evolved to meet contemporary tastes, where cashmere blankets, gourmet menus and lay-flat beds are all becoming part of the standard offering.
In this guide, we spotlight some of the best boutique cinemas across London that prove the silver screen is still the gold standard.
Hampstead Everyman Cinema
Rapidly expanding its cinematic empire, Everyman has become the go-to destination in London for those seeking the pinnacle of comfort and hospitality. Housed within some of the city’s most iconic and architecturally rich venues, from Canary Wharf to Borough and Crystal Palace, this flagship location still retains its appeal.
With plush two-seaters, soft blankets and thoughtfully placed side tables, the experience leans more toward boutique hospitality than traditional cinema. Yet, this sense of refinement extends beyond the furnishings – staff are attuned to the art of making you feel more guest than customer and the food menu reads more like a gastropub than a snack bar.
The Cinema in the Power Station, Battersea
Housed in the revitalised Battersea Power Station, this venue fuses raw brick, steel and luxury design with Dolby Cinema technology – the first of its kind for an independent UK cinema. Every detail is considered, with hallways lined with vintage Hollywood portraits and features like reclining seats, snacks and a modern lounge bar making pre- or post-film drinks feel like an occasion in themselves.
Curzon
Set within the landmark Sea Containers hotel on the South Bank, the Curzon Cinema brings a cinematic edge to one of London’s most distinctive riverside locations. The mood is set from the moment of arrival, thanks to a strikingly designed lobby that feels more like a high-concept hotel than a traditional cinema. A well-crafted food menu, that extends far beyond the usual cinema fare, adds to the sense of occasion and makes it a destination as much for the atmosphere as for what’s on screen.
The Cinema at Selfridges
Inside London’s most famous department store is one of its highly unexpected pleasures, The Cinema at Selfridges. This venue is a cocoon of glossy interiors, high-tech screens and leather seats, ideal for slipping away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.
Across its three intimate screens, reclining seats, laser projection and immersive surround sound, viewers can enjoy a cutting-edge cinema experience. For those lingering in the post-film glow, the Brasserie of Light, set beneath striking Damien Hirst artwork, offers all-day dining after the film ends.
Olympic Studios
Luxury takes a turn at Olympic Studios, located in the Barnes neighbourhood of West London. Known for sourcing reclining seats from as far as Norway and commissioning custom-built tables sized precisely for a bottle of wine, the attention to detail is unmistakable. Both of its two screens are lined with plush carpets and feature cosy seats, to offer viewers an experience that truly balances comfort, elegance and a hint of escapism.
Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
Few cinemas capture London’s old-world glamour quite like the Electric Cinema. Found on Portobello Road and first opened in 1910, it’s one of the city’s oldest picture houses. With a collection of 65 leather armchairs, cashmere blankets, elegant side tables and six double beds, it completely redefines modern cinema. A fully equipped bar and in-house diner elevate the viewing experience and offer everything from crisp fries to fine wine.
One Aldwych
Tucked within the refined surrounds of One Aldwych, this intimate 30-seat screening room offers a stylish ‘Film & Fizz’ cinema experience, which makes an ideal setting for a date night. The cinema delivers on atmosphere, with each ticket including a glass of chilled champagne and a three-course dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Indigo. Screenings run regularly throughout the week, spanning everything from recent releases to timeless romcoms and seasonal classics.
The Screen on the Green
Operating in Islington since 1913, the Everyman Screen on the Green is one of the UK's oldest continuously operating cinemas. Its iconic neon-lit façade and single-screen auditorium deliver luxury on a super small scale. Inside, the cinema offers a private setting with a blend of plush armchairs and cosy sofas, featuring an in-auditorium bar that serves cocktails and gourmet snacks. The venue's rich history includes hosting a legendary 1976 punk gig featuring the Sex Pistols, The Clash and Buzzcocks, which firmly cements its place in London's cultural tapestry.
Regent Street Cinema
A cornerstone of British film heritage, Regent Street Cinema holds the title of being the first venue in the UK to screen moving pictures to a paying audience. This historic event took place in 1896 when the Lumière brothers showcased their Cinématographe to the public, marking the birth of British cinema.
Originally opened in 1848 as part of the Royal Polytechnic Institution, the cinema was purpose-built for 'optical exhibitions' and after serving various roles over the years – including a period as a lecture hall – it underwent a significant restoration and reopened in 2015, preserving its Art Deco features. Today, Regent Street Cinema offers a curated selection of independent films, documentaries and classic cinema – all within its elegantly restored auditorium.
In a world of binge-watching and on-demand streaming, London’s boutique cinemas offer something irreplaceable. These fancy cinemas aren’t just about seeing a film - they’re about experiencing one, serving as a reminder that the way we watch matters just as much as what we watch. And in a city where everything is always on the move, they invite us to take a break and allow ourselves to be fully immersed in the world of cinema.
