Cinema

Rich Mix, like the Barbican, is one of those art centres that caters for pretty much everybody. It’s my local cinema, but at the same time is a gig venue, bar, café and art gallery – it’s a big red cultural hub.

The building has three cinema screens – two large, one intimate. They screen mainstream movies and anticipated Oscar winners alongside independent releases and archival films. It’s much cheaper than those horrid West End cinemas that charge you a fortune and much nicer, too. The cinema screens have walls decorated with contemporary geometric patterns that create the illusion, when the lights are low, of Rococo architecture.

As a gig venue, Rich Mix has played host to a huge range of international musicians, from UK-based classical pianists to Bollywood bands. There’s always something on (and I really should start going more myself) and some events are even free. The centre also hosts a rolling schedule of performing arts, comedy, spoken word events and and exhibitions. It’s enough to render you breathless.

The cinema screenings sell out quickly at weekends and on Wednesdays (when there’s the Orange deal on) so I tend to pop by in the day to buy tickets. When you’ve seen your film, why not pop around the corner for a cocktail in LoungeLover? There’s nothing nicer.

Film fans won’t want to miss out on a trip to the Horse Hospital – independent cinema at its best. The building’s origins are pretty obvious from the name – it’s the only remaining example of a two-floor purpose-built stable in London (or at least, that we know about and can access).

Its beautiful red brick structure is a classic example of architecture from the turn of the 19th century and inside it remains mostly unspoiled, save a bit of black paint here and there. The screening room, located underground, only holds about 40 seats, so its advisable to book as films soon sell out. I always get there early because the front four seats are the comfiest.

With a rolling screening schedule, there’s something for everyone. I tend to see fashion films and independent screenings. Classic films from the golden age of cinema are shown alongside cult classics and films you never knew existed. The venue also hosts regular art exhibitions on the upper floors, and there is a bar to enjoy a drink while you view your chosen film. Wrap up in the winter months, though – it’s absolutely freezing (I tend to have a cup of tea, but there is alcohol if you prefer!)

Brixton is known to be an area in London that is a bit rough after suffering several riots in the past. Nowadays the area is somewhat transformed with swanky new places popping up. But Ritzy Cinema has always been there. It is an iconic venue in Brixton towering over the regenerated square in front of the Lambeth town hall. Inside is a multi-screen cinema showing the latest blockbusters along with independent films.

After you’ve seen your chosen film, there is no need to rush away. Head to the bar, order some food and drinks and relax in the café where you can catch up with friends or discuss the film you’ve just seen. You can also head upstairs where regular events such as open mic and jazz, swing and reggae nights happen all week long. At times, the Ritzy hosts special screenings of certain films and invite the director for a small Q&A session.

At the top of China Town is London’s best cinema. The prices are less than the outrageously priced Hollywood junk shown in Leicester square and the venue is so welcoming people hang out here without even watching a film. The Soho Curzon is part of a chain of five similar cinemas, though my personal favourite is the Soho edition as it’s the most central and the layout is most inviting.

At street level a retro-styled café has over 20 different pastries and cakes and serves hot soup, coffees and organic wines. Downstairs a spacious bar is adorned with brown leather sofas you sink down into and tables where you can find people having pre-movie drinks, post-movie chats or just enjoying the artsy atmosphere.

The three cinemas in the basement show a selection of art house independent and less commercial titles. The Soho Curzon regularly hosts Q&A sessions with film directors and script writers along with special previews. Film festivals and a monthly quiz are also on the agenda.

One of the first things you’d find out if you met me, the fairytale dream about beaches in Spain, jumping around in the waves, surfing and skinny dipping at night is a no-no. However, realising I am a little weird, I have to live with it and adjust. And even if London seems to be a perfect place for trying to avoid the water, the one water experience I was a part of last year, just has to be shared.

Since July 2012 showed a ray or two of sunshine in the city of rain, the most creative souls of Hackney did not take long to adjust and turn casual summer nights into something special. Imagine a night cinema, on the roof, east-end view and a hot bath. Doesn’t sound like London? Exactly my point.

Several hot tubs, a film that is selected according to popular Facebook requests, a drink and a lovely view. All this made its impression even on me, the eternal hater of water. Playful people, a bikini fashion-show and a nice film is really all you can wish for after a tiring day at work or exploring. So, grab your towel, pick up a couple of the nicest swimsuits to show off, cool people to hang out with and book a place when the weather spoils us with sunshine!