Phoenix Cinema

Everyone knows the Phoenix is the Best Cinema in London, a minute's walk away from East Finchley tube station (Northern Line). It is one of Mark Kermode's favourite cinemas, and one which he often frequented in his youth. If that means anything to you. Which it should. I think he saw Eraserhead there, when it came out.

But in case you didn't, I'll give you the quick rundown:

Oldest continuously-running cinema in London (since the 1910s)

Single screen, which shows a mixture of arthouse and mainstream, as well as some classics and your standard NT Live fare

Lovely cafe upstairs next to the entrance to the screen, which does soup, sandwiches, craft beer, coffee

Basically, if you're in north London, you have no reason not to go here. It's so much nicer (and cheaper) than Vue/Cineworld/Odeon. It doesn't have the pretentiousness of an Everyman, but retains the special feel of an independent cinema.

I myself have had many formative cinema-going experiences here - to name but a few, this is the cinema where I first saw Etre et Avoir, Control, and The Great Beauty.

This place is AMAZING. It is like stepping back into time. The seats and (single) theater were clean and comfortable to sit and watch the movie. Even when the occasional person (you know who you are!) got up to go to...wherever, the view was not blocked.

There is a small candy/soda counter where they sell the tickets. The bath rooms (suprisingly) are on the ground level, as is the disabled one. This theater is really (REALLY) disabled friendly in a big way. As a disabled person I found that not only was there an elevator to take you up to the theater level, there was also a wheel chair lift to to help you get to the coffee store on the top level. There is also a wheel chair ramp to get you from the sidewalk into the theater (which most theaters don't have in this city).

The staff are extremely helpful, and they are not pushy...as in trying to make you buy their membership.

This was one of the first movie theaters to open in the UK. The building has remained (pretty much) unchanged since the 1930's...so it's really retro (yay!).

Come for the popcorn if nothing else. When I crave popcorn I go to the theater. Weird? Sure but that's how I do things. The popcorn here is fresh and cheap! A large was less than £4. Sah-weet. And if popcorn isn't what you're after they have a cafe upstairs, across from their single screening room.

The theatre has been around for over 100 years and there's a sense of community there. People queue up when waiting to be seated and EVERYONE seems to know each other.

The screening room is huge and very charming, as old buildings tend to be. Very glad this place is a short walk from my place. Especially when those popcorn cravings kick in.

First off - I need to stress that all the reviews about this cinema are spot on. It does show an amazing array of movies, from unusual to the obscure. All the staff are brilliantly friendly and love their jobs. It is an incredibly beautiful cinema and does deserve all the praise lauded upon it for the recent renovation of the foyer, even if it shortened the length of the cinema area (yep! Next time you go, check out the ceiling at the back of the cinema and the upstairs of the foyer). I recently went to see Black Swan and was amazed at the plastic cups of bar drinks and the involvement of the crowd to certain nail biting scenes; I felt like I was watching the film with a load of pals, not a trip to the cinema.


However, there is a gripe that I can't abide and that is terrible toilets. I understand the pressures of running a small local business but a toilet that smells of stale unmentionables and has a cistern leak meaning that you're loath to get any part of your trousers touching the floor; bothers me greatly. Love the cinema, will avoid the smallest room forever.

ooh I just love this place. Sometimes it's just lovely to go to a cinema that isn't just a big chain and that doesn't look like ever other cinema.
The Phoenix is an independent cinema and one of the oldest in the UK. It has a programme of new releases, independent, foreign-language and specialist films, plus a repertoire of old and new classics. The art deco decor is endearing, and the plush maroon chairs make you feel like you've stepped back in time. This is a great place to take someone on a date that's a little more original than the local Vue or Odeon.

What a wonderful cinema, and also one of the oldest in London. Really glad to hear that money is being invested back into this cinema. Work starts next January. Always good to support local.

One of my favourite places to go and see a film in London is the very charming Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley.


Built in 1910, making it one of the first cinemas in the UK, The Phoenix has survived two World Wars, several recessions and the introduction of the corporate multiplexes.


Over the years it has also attracted many loyal and notable fans including Mike Leigh, Judi Dench and Ken Loach.


Now, after 100 years of continued operation as a cinema, the Grade II building has been brought back to its early 20th century glory in a £1.1million restoration.One of the notable differences, is a lovely little bar and seating area upstairs, opposite the main screening room. It is such a relaxing space, it is worth turning up a little early for your chosen film showing and having a glass of wine or one of their lovely homemade snacks.


There is such a noticeable charm to The Phoenix that you can't help feeling you've stepped back in time and are watching a film somewhere where your parents or grandparents may have had their first date.


Having said that, there are some modern comforts, which include comfortable seats, impressive sound and a perfectly sized screen.


With prices being competitive to the other large cinema chains, if you are a huge fan of film, The Phoenix Cinema in East Finchley is the ultimate cinema going experience.


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Wow. The hype about the Phoenix is completely true!
I was having a down day and decided to treat myself to an indie film (they do Hollywood films, too! And old documentaries; all sorts.). I got there early and bought my tickets, although you can book online too, and went upstairs to the cute lofty cafe, with a big window letting in lots of light. I could overhear the staff there and could tell they make all the food onsite (and also really enjoyed their job); the coffee was just mediocre sadly.
I was confused about where the actual screen was, as I saw a couple double doors. Thankfully, a ticket-taker opened the UPSTAIRS door and other movie-goers started going in, so I didn't have to feel dorky asking.
And then I walked in.
WHOA MAMA! Absolutely gorgeous. Original 1910 features, comfy seats, and amazing wall art.
They also have nice loos!
Because they only have one screen, they tend to play the same film all day and it's a reasonable price compared to the rest of London. I can't wait to go back!

It might be rather distant but the Phoenix Cinema is honestly one of the few places in London that I would consider a viable rep cinema. I've only been there a handful of times but each visit was rewarding. Claire Binns - the force behind the Curzon's programming - programmes the Phoenix, and this is obviously a labour of love for her and her team, crafting a thoughtful and occasionally obscure roster of pictures from film history. My most recent visit was for a screening of THE BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN with live piano accompaniment, relatively well attended, totally sublime. If only there was some way for a similar cinema to open up more centrally....

Favourite cinema in London. They always have a great selection of films and the place has an awesome atmosphere about it. It also attracts a great crowd, so you're unlikely to be distracted by the smell of popcorn and the sound of vigorous chewing (or maybe I've been lucky so far?). The prices are also very friendly - £12 for two tickets on a Monday and £9.50 on Weekends, if I'm not mistaken.