A Guide to London's Best Independent Cinemas

Cinema is so much more than just the film on the screen. It’s about the entire experience: the plush seats, the draped red curtains, the atmosphere that transforms a simple viewing into a cherished memory. 

So if you didn't manage to snag a ticket to a BFI screening, fear not. We've curated a list of some of the most iconic independent cinemas around London, beloved by loyal film fanatics. Supporting these independent cinemas is more important now than ever, given the operational challenges they face. From historic venues steeped in rich heritage to hidden gems offering rare screenings, these cinemas remind us why film is not just watched, but felt.  

Close-Up Film Centre, Shoreditch

Just off Brick Lane resides Close-Up Film Centre, a location that has been kept a secret for all the right reasons. We don't gatekeep here, but if we did, we'd gatekeep the Close-Up Film Centre. Originally established as a library specialising in books on cinema and films, it was later converted into a cinema and transformed into an intimate 40-seat venue. Its size and atmosphere makes any cinema goer know that they’ve discovered the home of repertory and arthouse cinema. So, let’s keep this as our little secret, because if word gets out, your seat might just be taken. 

To visit Close-Up Film Centre, book tickets through closeupfilmcentre.com

The Garden Cinema, Covent Garden

The Garden Cinema, a relative newcomer compared to others on this list, has already left a lasting impression. Opening just three years ago, this venue has quickly brought in ample attention and stands as a beacon of hope to emerging independent businesses, as well as the future of indie cinema. With three screens and a new Atrium Bar that opened this year, this cinema is utterly charming - whether you’re looking to unwind with a film or enjoy a drink, The Garden Cinema is sure to please.  

Tickets can be purchased at thegardencinema.co.uk

The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Place

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Lighting up the corner of Leicester Place, the Prince Charles takes pride in its name as home to cult classics and arthouse cinema. The cinema originally stood as a theatre, and now captures the hearts and eyes of film fanatics, not to mention subject to the affection of renowned directors Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson. What makes the Prince Charles truly special is the rare sense of community it fosters - a union bound together by a shared passion for cinema, deserving of both your attention and support.   

When facing the risk of closure, a petition to ‘save the PCC’ attracted over 100,000 signatures within 72 hours, proving how far the love of this cinema stretches. If Tarantino and Thomas Anderson call it the best cinema in London, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

To buy tickets, visit princecharlescinema.com

Regent Street Cinema, London

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Draped in green velvet and with teal-carpeted steps, Regent Street Cinema is as much a spectacle for the eyes as it is for the soul. With the grandeur and gilded charm, keeping your eyes on the screen can feel like a challenge. Known as the ‘birthplace of British Cinema’, Regent Street Cinema has welcomed dreamers and cinephiles for nearly two centuries and it continues to inspire.  

Recently, the cinema introduced rare film-on-film showings. After a year of tireless work and effort, the restoration of their 35mm projector was a triumph, elevating the experience of cinema. A step closer to living out your very own Cinema Paradiso. 

Tickets can be purchased at regentstreetcinema.com

Barbican Cinema, Beech Street

The Barbican is a true London landmark. So much so, it hardly needs an introduction. In the heart of the brutalist architecture lies three cinema screens which offer some of the city’s most diverse and innovative film programming. From arthouse favourites to new releases, the cinema regularly hosts a range of acclaimed film festivals, including the upcoming Doc'n Roll Film Festival, consolidating its reputation as not just an architectural icon, but a cultural one too. And if your 16 to 25 years old, you’re in luck, Barbican offers a discounted ticket. 

Secure tickets via barbican.org.uk

Ciné Lumière, South Kensington

Situated inside the Art Deco building of the Institut Français in South Kensington, Ciné Lumière is one of London’s most distinctive arthouse cinemas. Since its opening in 1998, its built a reputation for championing French and world cinema through carefully curated festivals and filmmaker Q&As. Its programme blends contemporary releases with classic works from Jacques Deray’s La Piscine to American Classics such as The Sting, offering audiences a chance to rediscover iconic films on the big screen. More than just a cinema, Ciné Lumière acts as a cultural bridge, connecting British audiences with the richness and diversity of international film heritage. 

Tickets can be bought here institut-francais.org.uk

Rio Cinema, Hackney

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One of London’s most treasured independent cinemas, Rio Cinema, has been keeping cinephiles entertained for more than a century now. Originally an auctioneer shop, the building was revamped into a cinema in 1909 and later remodelled into its current Art-Deco form by architect F. E. Bromige.  

As a Grade II listed building, the Rio is a snapshot into the different face's cinema has seen over the years. Registered as a charity since 1976 and run by local community, this beloved venue has stood as a testament to the power of grassroots cultural preservation. 

Tickets for Rio Cinema can be found on riocinema.org.uk

The Castle Cinema, Clapton

At The Castle, it isn't just the movie that drives audiences in, it’s the venue itself. This space in Clapton has lived many lives, from a bingo hall to a shoe factory, a snooker hall, and now the beloved independent cinema run by the local community and registered as a charity. If you want to make the most of the trip, just downstairs resides a small convenience store that adds to the charm. 

Book to see an indie film at thecastlecinema.com