The Gate Cinema in Notting Hill might look a bit bland from the outside but inside it's gorgeous - the plasterwork is grade-II listed. Comfortable, too - there's [more...]

Wilton's is the world's last remaining Grand Music Hall. Hidden away in the heart of the city, it's now home to a whole range of musical events, talks, and a cinema [more...]

More than just a cinema showing first run and classic films, the Ritzy in Brixton is part of its community, offering Watch With Baby showings, schools screenings and events and a kids' club. There's a great cafe that boasts live jazz, [more...]

One of west London's premiere arts venues, the Riverside Studios offers performance, music, cinema and the visual arts. The programme is eclectic and always worth a look - for instance, the movies on offer include Hollywood classics [more...]

Great local theatre with a rep for hard-hitting political plays along with the good contemporary drama. Also has a cosy first-run cinema, an interesting gallery, and great kids events.

Tricycle

The best of world cinema and early previews of mainstream films, plus talks and discussions.

London Film Festival

Even more Caribbean fun in Hyde Park, timed to complement the Notting Hill Carnival.

Short film comes to Soho in this festival of free film. See some of the most creative work being done in short films by newcomers and established practitioners.
More info: Soho Short Film Festival.

An eclectic mix of shorts and feature films, special events, discussions and talks by gay and lesbian film makers - serious, political or just fun and interesting.
London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

Take a look at the most out-there films of all during the yearly London Sci Fi Film Festival. This has it all, from big budget cgi-ed to death blockbusters to made-it-in-my-garage-for-tuppence extravaganzas. Can you pick the next Steven [more...]

A gorgeous independent local cinema showing first run films in lovely surroundings. Perfect date fodder - but if you're on a tight budget check out Half Price Tuesdays. Half price for students on Monday nights, too!
Notting Hill Coronet

Why settle for holding your date's hand at the movies when you can go to the Electric Cinema in Portobello Road and have a leather sofa all to yourselves? [more...]

If you love film but blockbusters aren't your thing, check out the annual Raindance Film Festival - it brings the best of indie film making to London. There's loads for aspiring film makers and writers too.
Raindance

Missed a great movie? Check out the Prince Charles Cinema near Leicester Square for reruns. So cheap it's ridiculous - and cheaper still if you take out a year's membership.