London has a cinema for every occasion, as proved here by Nigel Smith, author of new book, An Opinionated Guide to Film London.
1. Budding cinephiles: Barbican Cinemas
While the Barbican is well-known for its distinctive and adventurous screenings for grown-ups, on Saturday mornings you'll also find a packed-out Family Film Club introducing kids to some of the best children's films from around the world. Activities like draw-alongs and crafting sessions complement the wide-ranging programme. Barbican
2. Celluloid magic: Ciné-Real, Hackney
Ümit & Son is a one-of-a-kind shop overflowing with 16mm film canisters. At the back of the store is a snug, 15-seat micro-cinema where anything from their varied collection of reels is available for your own private screening. The irrepressible Ümit introduces each showing before cranking up the whirring projector. You'll struggle to find a more charming film night. Ciné-Real
3. Cinematic weirdness: Token Homo's Bar Trash, various locations
Every week Token Homo’s Bar Trash presents pop-up screenings at the Genesis Mile End, Finsbury Park Picturehouse and Beer Merchants Tap in Hackney Wick that embrace queer, cult and curious cinema to a devoted audience. Wash down this heady diet of sensational schlock and campy classics with custom cocktails and a large side order of showmanship. Token Homo's Bar Trash
4. Dinner and a movie: Ciné Lumière, South Kensington
Walk through Ciné Lumière’s doors at the Institut Français in South Kensington and you can imagine being a cinéphile on Paris' Left Bank. It’s not just what's on screen that leans towards France; the on-site Gazette brasserie is open all day for delicious Gallic staples like croque monsieur, escargot and tarte au pomme. A combination that's quite magnifique — and perfect for dates. Ciné Lumière
5. Edwardian elegance: the Gate, Notting Hill
Opened in 1911 as the Electric Palace, the Gate is one of London's rare surviving early picture houses. Its Grade II-listed auditorium bursts with characterful details on baroque columns and cornices; look up, and you'll see fruit carved from plaster on the ceiling. For a detox from the multiplex, there are few better options than this. The Gate
6. Floating films: Theatreship, Canary Wharf
Every Wednesday night Theatreship hosts free Mystery Screenings on board what is an old Dutch cargo boat. Guess the movie from the clues provided, and a free round of drinks is yours. Surrounded by modern skyscrapers, these serendipitous screenings on a century-old ship are a joyous and evocative connection to the docks' fading past. Theatreship
7. Letterboxd completists: Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square
All those classic and cult movies on your watchlist? With more than 850 different films showing each year, the newly-saved Prince Charles probably has you covered. And if your favourite isn't scheduled, grab some chalk and add it to the request board by the bar. Nowhere else in London celebrates the experience of watching movies with hundreds of strangers quite so well. Prince Charles Cinema
8. Selfies with the stars: Odeon Leicester Square
The flagship Odeon lives up to its self-declared slogan as the 'Home of Premieres' with dozens of red-carpet events taking place here each year. Its historic, 800-seat auditorium — unusual for a modern cinema — still has upstairs seating in the circle and if you're very lucky, on special occasions, you may even hear the original 1930s organ being played. Odeon Leicester Square
Nigel Smith is a tour guide specialising in the history of London's cinemas and is the co-founder of the long-running Tufnell Park Film Club. Visit Memory Palaces to find out more, and follow him on instagram @nigelsmithwalks.
An Opinionated Guide to Film London by Nigel Smith, published by Hoxton Mini Press.
