The 11 Best Luxury Cinemas in London

Not only is Notting Hill the backdrop for its eponymous film, but one of the city's best cinemas, too. Step into the Electric Cinema, Notting Hill, and be transported back to a bygone era. Opened in 1910, its Edwardian elegance whispers tales of silent films and flickering projectors. Leather seats cradle you in nostalgia, while intimate screening rooms feel like hidden sanctuaries.

Hampstead, with its rolling green heath and leafy streets, invites you to Everyman Cinema, a boutique haven for filmophiles with a penchant for extravagance. Atop the roof terrace, panoramic views of the London skyline are a cinematic delight in themselves. However, here you’ll find in-seat dining redefines the usual Revels and popcorn; swap your soft drinks for a lovely glass of wine, and your bland nachos for a slice of freshly made sourdough pizza. Not only that, but its well-designed interiors are so comfortable, that you’ll feel like you've stepped into a private screening hosted just for you.

For those who worship cinema as an art form, Curzon Mayfair is a pilgrimage to sophistication. Nestled in the lap of Mayfair's luxury, it's a stage for exclusive premieres, attracting a discerning audience, from celebrities to those who want to watch a movie in style. Here, the VIP treatment extends beyond comfortable seats. Private lounges lined with antique paintings become sanctuaries for pre-screening discussions and a personalised service, where anything you fancy is pretty much catered to with discreet elegance.

In the heart of Leicester Square, Odeon Luxe has redefined what the cinema is all about. A multi-million-pound refurbishment has transformed this venue into a masterpiece - think pitch-black screening rooms and cutting-edge technology. Beautiful marble staircases lead to VIP boxes, which are tucked away with dedicated seating and food, and where every detail - from the comfortable setting to the attentive staff - means going to the movies becomes an incredibly glamorous experience. Not only that, but if you’re still feeling peckish after the in-movie snacks, Chinatown is just around the corner, to grab some late-night salty noodles on the way home - and no one need know.

If you’ve ever spent any time in Bayswater, you’ll know about Whiteleys. Bayswater's historic shopping centre has had a bit of a facelift in recent years and is now home to the rather glam The Lounge. A plethora of seating options, from expansive sofas to comfortable recliners, invite you to sink in and surrender to the story unfolding on the screen. State-of-the-art audiovisual technology elevates the atmosphere, while VIP patrons indulge in absolutely delicious food and a huge selection of drinks, transforming a night at the flicks into a multi-sensory feast.

In the pulsating heart of Soho, amid its neon signs and old boozers, The Soho Hotel Cinema emerges as a paragon of modern luxury. This jewel in the Firmdale Hotels group's crown seamlessly makes avant-garde design the main character, yet somehow, doesn’t detract from the cinematic experience. Sumptuous seating and cutting-edge facilities transform the screening room into a realm of sensory delight, while pre-screening cocktails at the hotel bar add an extra layer of sophistication.

Venturing into the eclectic streets of Shoreditch, Electric Cinema presents its trendier sibling. This contemporary hub seamlessly blends the district's artistic energy with cinematic allure. Giant sofas are paired with some of the best projectors out there to create something truly immersive systems, while VIPs get bespoke screenings and curated events tailored to their very own taste - what more could you want?

The second in Notting Hill on the list, the iconic Coronet Theatre is an architectural marvel that has stood since 1898. Its Victorian facade is the perfect setting to take in a period drama or see something all the more theatrical, with seats in a dress circle set-up, an amazing vantage point offering an unparalleled view of the screen.

The Stratford Rooftop Cinema elevates the cinematic experience to new heights - literally. Perched atop a multi-storey car park, right across from Westfield Stratford City, Roof East has everything you could dream of - plenty of bars, street food sellers, a mini-golf course and lawn bowls. The cherry on top is the open-air cinema, curated by the expert Rooftop Film Club. Cosy into comfortable deck chairs and a vast selection of films, all while enjoying the fresh air.

Whitechapel welcomes cinephiles to The Genesis Cinema, a famous venue with a rich history dating back to 1848. The allure of this cinema lies in its unique ability to blend tradition and modernity. Lavish seating draped in classic crimson velvet evokes a feeling of old-world charm, while vintage aesthetics like the ornate balcony and gilded proscenium arch hark back to Whitechapel’s Jack the Ripper past. But don’t be fooled, the old setting belies the freshest sound system and an eclectic film selection, encompassing everything from foreign arthouse to cult classics. A private lounge has echoes of an old gentleman's club - there is even a personalised concierge service.

The Filmhouse, a haven for artist souls in Soho's labyrinthine streets, adds a touch of bohemia to this list. The venue stands out with its unapologetically independent spirit, showcasing a diverse repertoire that champions indie gems and international releases, hard to find in the rest of London. The interiors, a vibrant tapestry of eclectic furnishings and artwork curated by local artists are coupled with intimate screening rooms decked with worn armchairs and vintage posters. Not only that, The Filmhouse involves curated film discussions led by renowned critics and exclusive access to directorial Q&A sessions - one for the edgy among us.