Gift cards and memberships to buy for London's best cinemas

Across the city: Everyman

One of our favourites for a luxe date night, boutique chain Everyman has venues all over London. From Screen on the Green in Islington to the Everyman on Baker Street, there's one for everyone.

Take a chance on Everyman for a night of knockout entertainment, but also fresh food, bespoke cocktails and some of the most comfortable seats in London (sofas or otherwise). With a £50 gift card, you'll certainly be in your significant other's good books for quite some time.

East (Bethnal Green): Genesis

An independent cinema housed within a renovated 19th century building, Genesis has gathered a loyal following thanks to its comfortable screening rooms. In them, you can lie back on sofas and armchairs, whilst drinks are brought directly to you from the bar.

In terms of the programme? Underseen gems, always championing independent voices. With prices starting at £9.50, it's better value for money than ODEON Luxe. With a voucher or even a membership (starting at £15/month for unlimited films), the next screening could be in your hands.

East (Hackney): The Castle

A crowdfunded, independent, community cinema in Hackney, The Castle has a single screen with 80 comfortable armchairs. Originally opened in 1913 as the Electric Theatre, the venue has been through many changes over the years.

In March 2016, the team behind pop-up cinema events Hot Tub Cinema and Pillow Cinema ran a Kickstarter campaign to gauge interest in a renovation and reopening.

An overwhelming response saw their goal reached, with the cinema now open to members of the public. Membership starts at just £14.50 per year, to safeguard one of the longest running cinemas in London.

East (Shoreditch): Rich Mix

A cultural centre in Shoreditch, Rich Mix hosts film screenings as well as live music and theatre. The boutique designs of its three screens have seen it ranked amongst the city’s most attractive cinemas.

Variety is key to Rich Mix, and its film programme follows suit by showcasing a range of releases from blockbusters to independents. The cinema is currently accepting one-off donations and welcoming new members, who can enjoy discounts, free tickets and exclusives for just £35 per year.

East (Dalston): The Rio

An independent cinema in Dalston, the Rio has a long history. Run as a not-for-profit charity, the cinema holds such communal value that the bus stop outside it was renamed Rio Cinema by TFL. Architecturally, the Rio is renowned for the neon blue lights of its exterior and Art Deco design.

In 2013, the Rio faced financial difficulties and locals responded by raising over £4,000 to keep the cinema afloat. The Rio then hit a £125,000 fundraising target to add a second screen to its basement space, which opened on December 29th 2017.

There aren't gift cards available, but one perk of the Rio's membership – beyond the usual discounts – is 90 free days of MUBI, one of our favourite film streaming services. Rude not to, right?

East (Shoreditch): Close-Up

Close-Up prioritises the mission of making film culture and history more accessible, which it achieves through its film programmes and well-supplied mediatheque – free to access for members.

It’s not a place to go for the latest blockbusters, as the film programming tends to focus on foreign language and independent films. However, its mediatheque consists of over 20,000 films, books and online publications.

With more time indoors now, Close-Up's mediatheque feels like a more vital resource than ever.

West (Kensal Green): The Lexi

The Lexi proclaims itself to be ‘the UK’s first social enterprise independent boutique digital cinema’. In practice, this means that 100% of their profits go to charity, whilst the staff is made up out of local volunteers.

This independent operation doesn’t come at the expense of the films, however, as this charming cinema shows all the latest blockbuster releases and screens live theatre performances. As a member, you'd receive free tickets and discounts.

North (East Finchley): The Phoenix

The Phoenix in East Finchley is one of the oldest cinemas in the country. Owned by the Phoenix Cinema Trust, it is now run as a not-for-profit community cinema. Patrons include Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judi Dench and Michael Palin.

The cinema’s grand single screen has an Art Deco-style design, perfect for a romantic evening with a twist. Alongside the latest releases, the Phoenix also shows screenings of live opera and ballet. While there aren't membership or gift card options, you can always donate to the Phoenix Rising project.

North (Crouch End): ArtHouse

Located in a former Salvation Army Hall, ArtHouse is an independent two-screen cinema and arts space that has become a favourite amongst locals. Their programme prioritizes critically acclaimed titles, and shines a light on foreign and independent films.

The venue includes a bar and café and also hosts live music, comedy and theatre. There are no gift card options, but membership options are attractive: free tickets, free MUBI, discount off local food and drink as well as a gym.

Central (Leicester Square): The Prince Charles Cinema

Located just off Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema has become the go-to venue for screenings of cult classics such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Room. Its showings of the latter have seen regular visits from stars Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero.

This mix of marathon and sing-a-long screenings has seen it become a favourite for films fans, with Quentin Tarantino considering it the best cinema not just in London, but the country. The Prince Charles shows the latest releases as well, usually a couple of months after they've stopped playing at the nearby multiplexes.

Gift cards are an option, while membership gives access to exclusive screening as well as offering discount off every ticket. While annual is £10 – get lifetime membership for just £50.

Central (Marylebone): The Regent Street Cinema

On 20 February 1896, Regent Street Cinema became the first place in the UK to show motion pictures, as the Lumière brothers unveiled their Cinématographe machine to the public.

After a 35-year closure between 1980 and 2015, the cinema was reopened thanks to a renovation project. The restoration maintained the cinema’s original grandeur, whilst equipping it with the necessary technology to show digital 4k films, alongside 16mm and 35mm film projections.

With no gift cards, membership options give discounts on tickets, free screenings for members, and also discounts from food and drink partners.

South (Brixton): Whirled Cinema

Tucked under the railway arches of Loughborough Junction, Whirled Cinema offers a members-only experience to remember. By purchasing a membership (£9.99/month or £99/year), Whirled opens its doors for as many films as you want, with no ads or trailers, a fully stocked bar with everything from cocktails to hot snacks.

Members can bring a guest for free, too – so you can treat your other half (or friend you haven't seen in too long) to a particularly special screening, far from the bustling crowds. Perfect to plan ahead for a winter full of movies.

South (Barnes): Olympic Studios

In the 1960s, the Olympic Sound Studios welcomed the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Queen to make new music, with room enough to house a 70-piece orchestra. The legendary recording studio began as a a cinema when it opened in 1906, and returned to its origins in the 2010s, reopened as the Olympic Cinema.

The cinema is now bedecked with wool felt seats, bespoke brass tables and powerful Dolby Atmos speakers, to honour the history of the venue. Impress your date with a bit of pop culture trivia – the film music for The Rocky Horror Picture Show was recorded in Studio Two in 1975, while the final act to record was U2, in 2009.

Gift voucher options abound: Admit one? Champagne and a movie for two? How about a Film Club membership? It's all a click away.