The Garden Cinema

In March 2022 central London's film scene welcomed a new jewel in this independently owned cinema found in a side street on the edge of Covent Garden where it brushes up against Holborn. In short, this is a mini, north-of-the-river version of the National Film Theatre— an old-school arthouse movie theatre with programming marked by both new and recent releases, themed seasons and retrospectives. And it's certainly not without added gay appeal; Marlene Dietrich was among the first to be feted, and a queer cinema season ran in 2023. Seating is red and plush, decor takes its cue from the 1920s and 30s, and there's a bar. Two screens: a 40-seater and a 70-seater, with a third pending. Located just off Kingsway, minutes from both Holborn and Covent Garden Tube stations, though closer to the former.