Phoenix Cinema's Refurbishment Begins

Good news for the best little cinema in London: the Phoenix in East Finchley has finally got enough money for its long-hoped-for renovation (we swear they were collecting when we lived round the corner, and that was four years ago). Work on the outside of the building starts on Monday, and the cinema itself will be closed between 7th June and late August while the auditorium gets a makeover. We can also expect a new cafe on the first floor, all the better to enjoy those homemade cakes. The overhaul is nicely timed for the picturehouse's 100 year anniversary (it's thought to be the oldest continuously-running cinema in the country), all thanks to the generosity of customers and various heritage funds. (Image / markhillary under a Creative Commons licence)