What’s On at the Cinema: Alternative Screenings

Foreign films, secret hotel screenings, cult classics...

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

Don’t you just love how London seems to have something to satisfy everyone’s tastes? Cinema is no exception. London is home to a host of independent cinemas and champions outdoor cinema, especially in summer.

If you’re looking for an alternative cinematic experience, wave goodbye to your local Odeon or Vue, grab the popcorn and get ready for something unique and new.

The Best Independent London Cinemas

What’s On at the Cinema: Alternative Screenings

Film & Fizz

Covent Garden’s fizz-filled cinema experience offers an exciting programme of brand new films, including Sam Mendes’ 1917 and the highly-anticipated Bombshell movie. Privately located at the luxury One Aldwych hotel, dine at Indigo or Eneko Basque Kitchen & Bar before sitting down with a delicious bag of popcorn and a glass of champagne for the perfect movie moment.

What’s On: 1917 – 7-10 February | Joker – 15 February | Bombshell – 21-22 February

TT Cinema

TT Cinema is a vintage-style, 52-seat cinema space hidden behind the liquor store in TT Liquor’s multi-faceted venue in Dalston. The venue is known for its crafty cocktails, so grab one before heading downstairs to the Cellar Bar to enjoy a cult classic.

What’s On: Cactus Flower – 11 February | About a Boy – 18 February | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind – 25 February

The Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch

Every Sunday at 3pm, Shoreditch’s The Courthouse Hotel hosts a cocktail and cinema experience: screenings of classic films such as Notting Hill, A Fish Called Wanda, Pretty Women and more, plus a cocktail. Each month has it’s own theme – September’s theme is Back to School, October’s is Horror Month, November is Bonfires, and December, Christmas. The Grade II 5-star hotel makes for a pretty grand cinematic experience and offers an interesting and fun way to wave goodbye to the weekend and welcome in the new week.

What’s On: Whiplash – 9 February | The Shape of Water – 16 February | Bohemian Rhapsody – 23 February

Cine Lumiere

Cine Lumiere was created in 1910 by the Institut français worldwide network in a bid to embed French culture into London and encourage cultural diversity. Naturally, it’s the best spot in town to catch a French flick.

What’s On: Mr Jones – 7 – 13 February | La Petite Fabrique De Nuages – until 28 March | Parasite – 7 – 20 February

Royal Albert Hall: Films in Concert

Classics and film favourites are brought to life in live screenings at the Royal Albert Hall: the scores of a diverse range of films are performed by a live orchestral accompaniment. Make an evening of it by booking out a box with family or friends.

What’s On: Brassed Off – 15 April | The Terminator – 28 May | Titanic – 30 May