Curzon Mayfair

Luxurious and arty cinema built in 1966 (now a Grade II Listed building) following the destruction of a cinema on this corner Mayfair site going back to 1934. For much of the last century this was an art-house mecca, and always a Curzon. In 2002 a second 98-seat theatre was added at the expense of the rear stalls of the original solo auditorium, whose capacity shrank from 530 to 307, though with quality undiminished. Screen 1 is the reason for coming here, affording a plush and comfy experience in a dark and fabulously alien-feeling space, unlike any other in London. The red seats at the very back are strongly recommended. Projection and sound are tiptop. Excellent bar too. In short, a very classy cinema and allegedly Woody Allen's favourite (in London?, Europe?, the world?). This is a great place to slip into a matinee. Mount Street Gardens are not far away, and Soho is about a 15-minute stroll. Tube station: Green Park. Other Curzon movie houses can be found in Bloomsbury (2015 renovation) and Soho [see entries], plus Victoria (opened May 2014), Aldgate (January 2017), Hoxton, Camden Town and beyond. Chelsea has been demolished  and reinvented and will reopen 2022/23?.