Must-Visit Independent Cinemas Near Paddington

When staying in accommodation around Paddington London, you are in the prime spot for exploring restaurants, bars and museums in the local vicinity and it’s easy to travel around the city thanks to excellent transport links. This area also boasts a wonderful selection of independent cinemas, which are the perfect alternative option for nightlife or a lazy Sunday in the city if you have booked London hotels deals over a winter weekend.

Independent cinemas ooze glamour and a certain charm, which can be lacking from some of the mainstream chains. They bring together film fanatics and as well creating a sense of community in their local area.

Here are our favourite 7 independent cinemas that you can find near Paddington. We encourage you to check out at least one during your stay at the Park Grand Paddington Court Hotel.

1) Ciné Lumière

17 Queensberry Place, South Kensington SW7 2DT 

Whether you’re looking to brush up on your language skills or a native speaker, you can catch up the latest French releases at the Ciné Lumière. This small cinema is located with the Institut Francais. Besides from showing new films, the cinema also collaborates with festivals including the French Film Festival, UK Iranian Film Festival and Russian Film Week, so Ciné Lumière offers a great opportunity to engage with other cultures (and sometimes, languages!). For those aged 25 and under, the Ciné Lumière only charge £5 per ticket which is a steal! Ciné Lumière is the cinema furthest away from your accommodation in Paddington London but you won’t find a chicer cinematic experience!

Best cinema for: Francophiles!

2) Curzon Mayfair

38 Curzon Street, Mayfair W1J 7TY

The Mayfair venue was the very first site of what is now the Curzon cinema empire, an independent chain of thirteen cinemas found within London and in some other English cities. The Mayfair building was constructed in 1934 from a commission by the Marques de Casa Maury and is a Grade II listed structure. After the Second World War, the Wingate family leased the building and begun importing foreign language films. The Curzon Mayfair contains two screens, including the prestigious ‘royal box’ seats. The cinema is flooded with character and retains an old-fashioned charisma. They show a variety of new releases and arthouse films.

Best cinema for: New releases in style and comfort.

3) Electric Cinema

191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill W11 2ED 

This decadent cinema is an absolute gem and has a fantastic history behind it too. Having opened its doors over a century ago, the Electric Cinema is one of the oldest cinemas in the whole of the UK and it has survived two World Wars. The cinema is kitted out with red leather armchairs and luxurious velvet beds draped in cashmere blankets. There are small side tables with just enough space for a mood-enhancing vintage lamp and a bottle of wine. Thoroughly vintage, utterly unique – the cinema shows all the latest releases and blockbusters – book London hotels deals and see it for yourself.

Best cinema for: A romantic date night.

4) Everyman Baker Street & Maida Vale

96-98, Baker Street, Marylebone W1U 6TJ 
215 Sutherland Ave, Little Venice W9 1RU

Everyman Cinemas is a boutique independent chain of nine cinemas throughout London and their Baker Street and Maida Vale venues each feature two screens showing the latest releases. There is a cafe, cocktail bar and lounge for winding down before or after your film. Everyman’s mission is to reinvigorate old sites and breath fresh life into derelict cinemas, which means that each cinema has a unique vibe. Screens at Baker Street and Maida Vale are equipped with plush armchairs and sofas for a comfortable viewing experience. Both cinemas are very close to the Park Grand Paddington Court and make for a pleasant stroll if you wish to stretch your legs before settling down to your chosen film.

Best cinema for: New releases in style with an excellent bar.

5) The Gate Picturehouse

87 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington W11 3JZ 

In the heart of Notting Hill, the Gate Picturehouse dates back to 1911 when it opened as the Electric Palace, having been converted from an 1861 restaurant by architect William Hancock. Housed in a Grade II listed building, the cinema has a single screen which shows classic and independent films as well as previews and Q&As. The auditorium is stunning and vintage, maintaining its Edwardian heritage. The comfortable seats recline and the ornate ceiling and plush curtains add to the sophistication of the venue.

Best cinema for: A vintage cinema experience.

6) Prince Charles Cinema

7 Leicester Place, Covent Garden WC2H 7BY 

The Prince Charles Cinema is the last remaining independent cinema in the heart of London’s West End. The cinema shows a variety of blockbusters, classics, arthouse, cult films as well as retrospectives. They have seasonal specials including a stellar Christmas programme and there are frequent, themed movie marathons and pyjama parties throughout the year. You can watch the NT Live series if you can’t decide between cinema and theatre when booking hotel deals in London. You can even join a sing-along and show off your best ABBA or rendition with sing-along Mama Mia!

Best cinema for: Something a little bit different.

7) Regent Street Cinema

307 Regent Street, Marylebone W1B 2HW 

Some regard the Regent Street Cinema as ‘the birthplace of British cinema’ as the first motion picture in the UK was in fact screened here! The cinema opened in 1848, although it was closed between 1980 to 2015 and used instead as a lecture theatre. The University of Westminster restored the building in order to reopen it in 2015, maintaining its Art Deco features, dome ceiling and a refurnished 1936 Compton organ. The cinema screens arthouse films and documentaries. It also partners with numerous film festivals and shows theatrical performances. This quirky cinema is worth the short commute you’re your accommodation in Paddington.

Best cinema for: A film experience to make you ponder.