Archives for “Cinemas” tag

A comfortable alternative to the cavernous, soulless multiplexes in the city, The Grosvenor is more like a private viewing cinema. The two small screening rooms are fitted out with huge leather armchairs and there’s loads of leg room. If you fancy stretching out or snuggling up, book one of the leather couches at the back. They’re a bit dearer than the other seats, but it’s worth paying the extra if you can get one.

I like the fact you can take drinks from the bar next door into the cinema with you. Very civilised.

Films shown are a mix of the latest blockbusters, old classics and cult movies. There are usually four or five daily screenings of the main films. Check the website for details.

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 10.30, they run ‘Watch With Baby’ screenings for parents with children under 18 months. Cost is £5 and includes free tea and coffee and a 20% discount in The Loft restaurant upstairs.

Not only the tallest cinema in Europe but also the busiest in the UK by customer base, Cineworld is the only multiplex in Glasgow city centre. It’s closest competitors are the Odeon at Springfield Quay and the IMAX down by the Science Centre, both a long trek from the main shopping districts. With a whopping 18 screens Cineworld offers a good selection of blockbusters and kids’ films, though little in the way of arthouse, independent or world cinema (if that’s more your style check out the GFT just down the road).

Tickets are expensive, but discounts are available for students as well as for screenings before 17:00 Monday to Thursday. The snacks are also overpriced, but the food in the licensed bar is cheap and cheerful. The selection isn’t huge, but if you’re after some chicken wings or curly fries to munch before your movie, they’ll see you right.

A spectacular panoramic vista awaits you on the 6th floor, looking out over most of the north of the city. There are three elevators to take you to the top, one made of glass and giving an excellent view on the way up, though the sensation can be rather vertiginous.

Sound and picture quality are what you would expect of a modern multiplex: excellent, with both 3D and D-Box motion technology (the first in the UK) on offer. Be warned that Cineworld does get extremely busy at weekends.