Close-up London

A Gem for Film Lovers in Shoreditch

Sarra from London

"Close-Up, a cinephile’s haven since 2005! It offers a vast film archive, a cozy café, and a 40-seat cinema showcasing rare and art house films in London."

With a vision to promote independent cinema, Close-Up was established in 2005. Its original film rental store on Brick Lane was a proper treasure for cinephiles. Since 2014, they moved to a new larger space just off Brick Lane which allowed its expansion. Retaining its extensive film archive, the new venue is also home to a coffee shop and an intimate 40-seat cinema that hosts art house film screenings.

Boasting over 26,000 titles, their collection includes books on anything related to cinema, from film theory and criticism to filmmaker biographies, and an impressive selection of DVDs/Blue Ray that cover a broad spectrum of experimental films, video art, world cinema, and art house films. Memberships (starting from £10 per month) grant access to this vast collection, allowing members to borrow books and DVDs to take home, while most books are also available to read in the café without a membership. Whether you are interested in spaghetti Westerns, Anime or Spanish cinema, there is a book to browse and a few comfy Chesterfield leather sofas to perch and kill time.

Check out their film program for a chance to watch films that rarely make it to the big screen. If you are lucky, you might even catch a bonus Q&A session with the filmmaker. A true gem in London’s cinematic landscape, Close-Up is a must-visit for anyone passionate about film beyond their mainstream.

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London Spotter Sarra

I was born and raised in Greece before moving to London in 2004. What was meant to be a temporary adventure turned into nearly 20 years of calling one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals my home. These days, I work as a freelance researcher and writer, loving the flexibility that remote working brings. When London feels a bit too much, I escape back to Athens or set off to explore new corners of the world. I am all about walking, discovering, and soaking in the little details that make a place special. Whether it is searching for hidden gems on backstreets, meeting new people, or tr...

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97 Sclater Street

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Feb 18, 2025

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