Electric Cinema
Experience cinematic magic in one of London's oldest cinemas, featuring plush sofas, beds, and in-seat waiter service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Electric Cinema
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience cinematic magic in one of London's oldest cinemas, featuring plush sofas, beds, and in-seat waiter service.
"Brilliant experience, like no other cinema I've been to!"
🎯 Book Sofa/Bed Seats Early
These unique spots sell out fast! Book online in advance for the ultimate cozy movie night.
🍸 Cocktails & Snacks Delivered
Text your order from your seat for drinks and food. Perfect for a relaxed experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Sofa & Bed Seating
Various screens
Experience movies from the comfort of plush sofas or even beds, offering an unparalleled cozy viewing.

The Electric Diner Experience
Adjacent diner
Enjoy milkshakes, cocktails, and food delivered directly to your seat via text service.

Historic Architecture & Vibe
Throughout the cinema
Immerse yourself in the charm of one of the UK's oldest working cinemas, with vintage decor and a unique atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Seating
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Sofa/Bed Seats Early
These unique spots sell out fast! Book online in advance for the ultimate cozy movie night.
🍸 Cocktails & Snacks Delivered
Text your order from your seat for drinks and food. Perfect for a relaxed experience.
✨ Embrace the Vintage Vibe
It's one of the UK's oldest cinemas! Enjoy the retro charm and intimate setting.
🎟️ Check for Special Screenings
They often show cult classics and themed movie nights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Sofa/Bed Seats Early
These unique spots sell out fast! Book online in advance for the ultimate cozy movie night.
🍸 Cocktails & Snacks Delivered
Text your order from your seat for drinks and food. Perfect for a relaxed experience.
✨ Embrace the Vintage Vibe
It's one of the UK's oldest cinemas! Enjoy the retro charm and intimate setting.
🎟️ Check for Special Screenings
They often show cult classics and themed movie nights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Electric Cinema's unique, cozy atmosphere and luxurious seating options like sofas and beds. The in-seat waiter service for food and drinks is a standout feature, enhancing the overall pampered experience. While the historic charm is a major draw, some find the ticket prices and food costs to be on the higher side for a cinema outing.
"What a fantastic place. I never knew it was there. This not like any other cinema that I have been before. You seat in sofas then you text you drinks and snacks order to a number and then your order turns up. Brilliant experience."
Jonathan Collins
"We did the behind the scenes tour today. What an amazing place! One of the best bits of Birmingham history that we should all know about and definitely fight to preserve. It was so good to hear the origin story of the Electric and to think about all it's gone through since 1909... and it was particularly brilliant to see original features and equipment and poke around in the basement... If you love cinema and love Birmingham then the Electric tour is a must"
Graham Woods
"Oldest working cinema in England, showing the best of recent releases and classic movies and cult favourites. Great cake and cocktails too."
Carl Joesbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill is located at 191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED. It's easily accessible via public transport. The nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove, both within walking distance.
Parking in Notting Hill can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to reach the cinema.
Electric Cinema White City is located within Television Centre. The nearest tube station is Wood Lane, which is on the Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.
The historic Electric Cinema in Birmingham was located on Station Street. However, it closed in February 2023 and its future is uncertain, with campaigners fighting to save it.
Accessibility can vary. For specific needs, it's best to contact the cinema directly regarding wheelchair access and facilities for the London locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the seating choice. Standard seats typically start around £20 per person, with premium options like beds costing more.
Yes, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular screenings and premium seating options like sofas and beds.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, keep an eye on their website or social media for any special offers or promotions. Vouchers may be available for purchase.
Opening hours vary depending on the screening schedule. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date showtimes and opening hours for both London locations.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted, as the cinema offers its own selection of snacks, meals, and beverages.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
The Electric Cinema is famous for its unique seating, including plush sofas at the back and comfortable beds at the front, offering a luxurious movie-watching experience.
Yes, you can order food and drinks directly from your seat via a text service, which will then be delivered to you.
The atmosphere is intimate, cozy, and vintage, reminiscent of classic cinemas. It's often described as romantic and perfect for a special night out.
The Electric Cinema screens a mix of new releases, classic films, and cult favorites, catering to a diverse range of film enthusiasts.
Yes, the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill has two screens, offering a more intimate viewing experience compared to larger multiplexes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Electric Cinema offers a range of food, including meals from the Electric Diner, chicken bites, mozzarella sticks, and other late-night menu items.
Absolutely! The Electric Cinema is known for its great cocktails, which you can enjoy during your film.
While specific menus can change, cinemas often have a variety of options. It's advisable to check the current menu on their website or inquire upon arrival.
Prices are comparable to other premium cinema experiences in London. For example, chicken bites are around £7 and mozzarella sticks are £9.
Yes, you can grab milkshakes and food at the diner before heading into your screening for a complete experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography during the film is generally discouraged to respect other patrons. However, taking photos of the beautiful interior before or after the screening is usually fine.
The plush seating, vintage decor, and unique architectural details make the entire cinema a photogenic spot. The beds and sofas are particularly popular for photos.
While general photography is allowed, it's always good practice to be mindful of other guests and avoid flash photography during screenings.
Its status as one of London's oldest cinemas, combined with its cozy, retro interiors and unique seating arrangements, creates a visually rich environment.
Yes, behind-the-scenes tours often allow for photography, giving you a great opportunity to capture the history and unique features of the cinema.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the cinema primarily shows a mix of new releases and classics, check the schedule for age-appropriate films. The ability to order snacks and drinks to your seat can also be a convenient perk for families.
💖 Couples & Date Nights
Consider booking the front beds for the ultimate cozy experience. Enjoying a film together in such a unique and comfortable setting, with the option of cocktails, creates a memorable and intimate evening.
✨ Film Buffs & History Enthusiasts
Beyond its history, the cinema's programming often includes cult classics and independent films, appealing to discerning movie lovers. Experiencing a film in such an iconic setting adds an extra layer of appreciation for the art of cinema.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Electric Cinema
Tragically, the Birmingham Electric Cinema, which opened even earlier in 1909, faced closure in February 2023. Campaigners have been fighting to save this historic venue from developers, highlighting its importance as a cultural landmark. The uncertainty surrounding its future underscores the challenges faced by heritage cinemas in the modern era.
Despite these challenges, the concept of the Electric Cinema—offering a more intimate, comfortable, and luxurious movie-going experience—continues to resonate. The focus on premium seating and attentive service sets it apart from mainstream multiplexes, appealing to those seeking a special night out.
Unique Seating and Service
Complementing the unique seating is the waiter text service. Instead of leaving your seat to queue at the bar, you can simply text your order for food and drinks, which are then delivered directly to you. This seamless service enhances the overall comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the film.
This combination of comfortable, unconventional seating and attentive in-seat service transforms a simple movie outing into a pampered experience. It’s this dedication to comfort and customer care that draws patrons back time and again, seeking that special blend of cinematic magic and luxurious relaxation.
Beyond the Screen: The Electric Diner
From classic milkshakes to more substantial meal options, the diner menu is designed to complement the cinema's vintage charm. It’s an ideal spot to meet friends, enjoy a date night, or simply soak in the atmosphere of Notting Hill before the main event.
This integrated approach, where dining and cinema are seamlessly connected, enhances the overall outing. It allows visitors to enjoy a complete entertainment experience without the need to travel between venues, making the Electric Cinema a destination in itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit