Top 5: Pub Cinemas

If you're looking for an intimate, fun alternative to the standard megaplexes, enjoy a picture and pint in one of these hidden gem pub cinemas.

By Stephanie Brandhuber | Updated Mar 21 2023

Are you sick of hearing those two teenagers’ running commentary while you’re trying to enjoy your film at the cinema? Does your blood boil when you see the glowing light of someone’s phone when you’re busy trying to get lost in the movie you’ve paid good money to watch? If you’ve answered yes to these two questions and if the thought of these awful scenarios makes you want to pour yourself a drink, then read on as we give you our top picks for alternative cinema screenings in local pubs and bars across London.

The Garrison

This gorgeous gastro-pub is a true Bermondsey institution. With a wonderful rustic décor and mouth-watering dishes, The Garrison is a friendly, welcoming, and delicious spot to visit. And, as an added bonus, there’s a hidden cinema in the basement! This adorable little screening room looks much like a country cottage with its bare brick walls adorned with antique plates, and its wall of old glass bottles, backlit for a magical, twinkly effect. The space seats about 20-30 people and is used for Sunday night film screenings (every Sunday at 7:30pm) or for private hire.

99 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XB

The Cellar Door

Every Sunday at 5pm, the Cellar Door in Aldwych hosts its Kinema and Cocktails night, an evening of classic film and drinks. The atmosphere is part Weimar Berlin, part New York factory in this intimate underground venue that once used to be a gents’ public toilet. It is rumoured that Wilde, Orton, and Gielgud once “frequented” this subterranean spot in London’s theatre district, which now stages evenings of cabaret, burlesque, comedy, and music, as well as the Sunday film night. Cellar Door is definitely not your average bar.

Aldwych, London WC2E 7DN

The Chelsea Pensioner

Beat the Monday blues by heading down to this fun, Fulham Road haunt and enjoy reasonably priced drinks (shock!), good food, and Monday movie nights. Owned by the same people who run the eccentric bar Simmons in King’s Cross, The Chelsea Pensioner has the same kitschy vibe as its North London counterpart. In the upcoming weeks, the bar will be screening Pulp Fiction, The Breakfast Club, and Clueless on their 150-inch screen. For just £5 you get a great movie, free nachos (yes you read that correctly), comfy beanbags to sit on, and a wide selection of food and drink to purchase for your ultimate movie experience.

358 Fulham Rd, London SW10 9UU

The Gorringe Park

Not only does this fine pub boast two quirky dining rooms, a sizeable beer garden and a fantastic array of food and drink, but it also has a charming, hidden boutique cinema room. Screening movies for kids during the day, and films for grown-ups every night, this hidden gem in Tooting is a great place to unwind day or night. The cinema room is a haven of comfort with funky retro seating, squishy beanbags and of course a wide and varied selection of movies being screened.

29 London Rd, London SW17 9HW

The Montpelier

This independent pub in the heart of Peckham Rye is a much-loved haunt for local South Londoners. With a wide selection of beers and lagers and with locally sourced and organically produced food, The Montpelier is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Besides great food and drink, the thing that really sets this pub apart is its newly refurbished Back Room Cinema, which seats about 30 people. The Montpelier is dedicated to providing the local community with the best in independent cinema for less than the price of a pint.

43 Choumert Road, Peckham, London SE15 4AR