London’s nightlife isn’t just about clubs and cocktails-it’s got a deep cut for film lovers.
If you’ve ever sat through a midnight screening of Blade Runner 2049 and wanted to keep the vibe going, London won’t let you down. The city’s film-savvy crowd has turned pubs, bars, and hidden lounges into living film archives. You won’t find just popcorn and soda here-you’ll find curated screenings, themed cocktails, and walls lined with posters from cult classics you didn’t even know existed.
The Prince Charles Cinema: More than a cinema, it’s a ritual
Leicester Square’s Prince Charles Cinema has been running since 1965, and it’s still the heartbeat of London’s film nights. This isn’t your multiplex. Here, you’ll find double features of Rocky Horror with live shadow casts, midnight showings of Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, and annual Star Wars marathons where fans dress up and bring their own lightsabers. The staff know the crowd. They’ll hand you a program with trivia notes before the lights go down. The popcorn? Buttered fresh. The seats? A little worn, but that’s part of the charm.
The Screen on the Green: Where indie meets late-night
Head to Islington, and you’ll find The Screen on the Green-a cozy, 120-seat arthouse cinema that stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends. They don’t just show new releases. They run weekly film club nights like Reel Noir (classic film noirs) and Foreign Film Friday, where you can sip a glass of Italian wine while watching a 1970s Italian giallo. The bar serves craft beers from local breweries and has a rotating menu of snacks inspired by the film of the night. Last month, after a screening of La Dolce Vita, they served mini cannoli and espresso shots.
Bar 22: A hidden gem for cinephiles who hate crowds
Tucked under a railway arch in Peckham, Bar 22 doesn’t advertise itself. You’ll find it by the flickering projector light glowing through the window. Inside, it’s all velvet booths, 16mm film reels on the shelves, and a wall of VHS tapes from the 80s and 90s. Every Thursday, they host Reel & Rum, where they screen obscure foreign films and pair each one with a custom cocktail. After Stalker, you might get a smoky, herb-infused drink called ‘The Zone.’ After Paris, Texas, it’s a bourbon sour with a salted caramel rim. No one talks during the film. No one needs to. Everyone just knows.
The Electric Cinema: Retro luxury with a side of gin
Not far from Notting Hill, The Electric Cinema has been operating since 1910. It’s the oldest working cinema in London. They’ve kept the original marble floors and plush red seats. But here’s the twist: they now serve cocktails at your seat during the film. Order a Godfather (a mix of bourbon, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters) during a screening of The Godfather Part II. Or go for a Psycho martini-vodka, dry vermouth, and a single olive on a toothpick. The staff wear vintage suits. The projectionist still uses 35mm film for most shows. It’s not just a night out-it’s a time machine.
Movie nights at The Lock Tavern: Pub cinema with attitude
Just off Camden High Street, The Lock Tavern turns its back room into a pop-up cinema every Friday and Saturday. The screens are DIY-sometimes just a white sheet hung behind the bar. The sound? A Bluetooth speaker that occasionally cuts out, but no one cares. They show everything from Reservoir Dogs to Amélie to Donnie Darko. The crowd? Students, filmmakers, old-school cinephiles, and tourists who wandered in looking for a pint. They serve cheap lager, homemade chili dogs, and a drink called the ‘Tarantino Shot’-a spicy tequila with a dash of hot sauce. It’s messy. It’s loud. And it’s exactly what film lovers need after a long week.
How to find the next screening: Apps and local tips
You won’t find all these spots on Google Maps. The best way to stay in the loop? Join the London Film Society newsletter. They send out weekly emails with hidden screenings, guest Q&As with indie directors, and pop-up events in bookshops and warehouses. Follow Instagram accounts like @londonfilmnights and @cinemalondon-these are run by real people who go to every show and post the exact times, dress codes, and drink specials. Some venues require you to RSVP a day ahead. Others? Just show up. If you see a line of people holding tickets in hand and wearing vintage jackets, you’ve found it.
What to order: Drinks inspired by iconic films
Many of these spots don’t just serve alcohol-they serve movie magic. Here are a few signature drinks you can’t miss:
- The Bond (at The Electric Cinema): Vodka, dry vermouth, shaken not stirred. Served with a lemon twist and a single olive.
- The Coen Brothers (at The Lock Tavern): A blend of rye whiskey, apple cider, and smoked salt. Named after Fargo and No Country for Old Men.
- The Lynch (at Bar 22): A layered drink with blue curaçao, blackberry liqueur, and absinthe. Comes with a whisper of lavender smoke.
- The Kubrick (at Prince Charles): A dark rum punch with pineapple, nutmeg, and a single maraschino cherry. Served in a glass shaped like a monolith.
When to go: Timing matters
Most film nights start between 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. But the real magic happens after the credits roll. That’s when the conversation starts. You’ll hear someone say, ‘Did you catch the reflection in the mirror?’ or ‘That shot was a nod to Tarkovsky.’ That’s when you know you’re among people who truly get it. Weekends are packed, but Thursdays are quieter-and often feature deeper cuts. If you want to talk to the projectionist or the bartender who programmed the night, go early. They’re usually the ones who know the most.
What to wear: No dress code, just vibe
There’s no strict dress code. But if you show up in a suit to a Reservoir Dogs night at The Lock Tavern, you’ll stand out-for the wrong reason. Most people wear vintage tees, leather jackets, or something with a film quote printed on it. A few even wear costumes. Last Halloween, someone showed up as the Overlook Hotel’s twin girls. No one blinked. The vibe is: come as you are, but come with passion.
Why this matters: Film isn’t just watched-it’s lived
In London, film isn’t a passive experience. It’s a community. It’s the guy who brings his own projector to a park for a summer screening of Wings of Desire. It’s the woman who runs a monthly screening of silent films with live piano accompaniment in a basement near Brixton. It’s the barista who names the daily coffee special after a Hitchcock film. These places don’t just show movies-they keep them alive. And if you’ve ever felt alone in your love for a weird, beautiful, strange film, London will remind you: you’re not alone.
Are these venues expensive?
Most film nights cost between £8 and £15 for a ticket, which usually includes a drink. Some places, like The Lock Tavern, charge as little as £5. Cocktails range from £7 to £12. Compared to regular clubs, it’s a bargain for the experience. You’re not paying for loud music and crowded dance floors-you’re paying for atmosphere, curation, and conversation.
Do I need to book in advance?
It depends. Big venues like the Prince Charles Cinema often sell out, especially for cult classics. Book at least a day ahead. Smaller spots like Bar 22 or The Lock Tavern rarely require bookings-you can just show up. If you’re unsure, check their Instagram or email them. Most respond within hours.
Are these places family-friendly?
Most are 18+. Some, like The Screen on the Green, have family matinees on Sundays, but nighttime screenings are strictly adult. If you’re bringing kids, stick to daytime events. The vibe after 9 p.m. is for film lovers who’ve had a few drinks and want to talk about symbolism, not babysitting.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
No. Most venues have their own bar and snack menu, and they rely on that revenue. Bringing outside food or alcohol is not allowed. But you’ll rarely want to-many of the snacks are designed to match the film. Think Chinatown-themed pretzels or Blade Runner-inspired neon cupcakes.
What if I don’t know much about film?
You don’t need to be a film scholar. These places welcome newcomers. The staff love explaining references. After a screening of Metropolis, someone might hand you a one-pager on its influence on sci-fi. You’ll hear people say, ‘This is my first time seeing this,’ and everyone cheers. It’s not about being an expert-it’s about being curious.
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