The Electric Cinema - Portobello Road, opened in 1910. This Notting Hill picture house was one of the first buildings in the country to be designed specifically for showing films (movies - my American friends). The small 600 seat cinema was soon dwarfed by the palaces of the 1930's, but remained open (on and off) until the 1990s, when it finally closed its doors.

In 2001, the Electric Cinema was restored and reopened after a £2m refurbishment. A local resident, Peter Simon, funded the restoration, upgrading both the technical equipment and the soft furnishings. Seating now consists of 98 luxurious leather armchairs with tables, ample leg-room and 2 two-seater leather sofas at the rear. (No, not much of that goes on...)

A bar is open half an hour prior to screenings, serving cocktails, wine, beer and champagne. Substantial cinema snacks are also available prior to each screening: the focus is on quality. Both food and drink stop five minutes before the main feature starts.

Frequently voted the most comfortable cinema experience in the UK, you should be aware that it's booked fairly swiftly, so turning up at the door will lead to disappointment. If you're after a cut-price night out at the movies, perhaps look elsewhere (like the Prince Charles Cinema, just off Leicester Square). Entry, food and drink can add up to a wallet-bothering night. If you feel you deserve the pampering however, make a booking.

Second only to BAFTA, for celeb spotting, since Notting Hill is after all - their home turf.

The Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Road London W11 2ED

Call:     020 7908 9696

Tube: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate.

 

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