Like your cinemas small, cosy, experimental, and smart?
Try one of these: here are 51 excellent indie cinemas from around the UK.
But that doesnt really tell the whole story.
While they may be a little harder to find, there are incredible indie cinemas all across the country.
Many are part of larger arts centres, some are beloved local institutions saved from closure by campaigns.
A few are even owned and operated by the civic authorities.
All though, are unique places to enjoy a wide variety of films.
Below Ive named 51 of my favourites.
Ive tried to encompass the huge range of independent cinemas and how they operate.
Ive excluded Picturehouse Cinemas, as they are now owned by Cineworld.
For now though, here are 51 cinemas well, well worth your support.
Oh, and you might also get married there!
Case in point is The Rex, It has been called luxurious.
Its also host to Viva!
Spanish, one of the best film festivals in the UK.
The Electric, Birmingham
Is this the oldest cinema in the UK?
It certainly has a good claim to it.
Also, do check out the filmThe Last Projectionist, which tells the story of a really wonderful picturehouse.
Oh, and it also still shows newsreels the only cinema in the UK to do so.
Its immediately iconic, and exactly the pop in of cinema you want to find yourself stumbling into.
grosvenorcinema.co.uk
The Orion, Burgess Hill
Tiny, pokey, and old-fashioned.
Everything I want from a local cinema.
Its reviews like these that show just why independent cinemas become much more than just screening rooms for communities.
The Orion is the punch in of cinema you forget exists.
), and instead concentrating on providing a film watching service for the town.
But that doesnt mean they neglect the programming.
With a concentration on arthouse and world-cinema, they also eschew any films considered to have gratuitous violence.
Its probably the most middle-class place on this list, but its definitely cinema with style.
The Prince Charles is all this and more.
Watershed, Bristol
Opened in 1982, the Watershed was the UKs first dedicated media centre.
), the BFI Southbank is one of my favourite places in the whole country.
Watermans in Brentford is almost the definitive hidden gem.
What more could you ask for?
Which means that maybe I shouldnt put it on here.
Surely there should be a case for our cinema history to be preserved by bodies such as English Heritage?
If atmosphere is what you go to a cinema for, then look no further.
Successive councils have kept the cinema, and reinvigorated it as a true hub for the community.
For genre bending cinema you wont see anywhere else, the Horse Hospital is second to none.
But the cinema remains the heart of Taliesin, with a 300 seat auditorium regularly sold out.
These include numerous talks from industry professionals, educational screenings, and a youth takeover film festival weekend.
Opened in 1912, its one of the oldest structurally unaltered cinemas in the country.
At just 5, with free tea and biscuits, its a steal.
The website also includes appearing on Film 94 as a history highlight, which I absolutely love.
So no small aim then.
Its pretty good at succeeding in this mission to, as thousands of supporters will attest.
So why does it make it in while hundreds of other incredibly brilliant film societies dont?
Because its the best one there is, thats why.
Shut up and take my money.
For me, they just get the edge over Curzon due to the slightly more low key business model.
But thats exactly what you get with this little beauty, housed in the Armley Mills Industrial Museum.
Star & Shadow, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Sometimes indie cinemas cant catch a break.
Which I really hope it gets, as its a truly brilliant place.
As much as they bring cinema to the masses, the chains simply dont make that emotional connection.
But somewhere like The Picture House I would fight tooth and nail for.
Peckhamplex, London
Quite simply an institution.
Films for a fiver in London?
Yes, and its all the latest releases too.
A true independent multiplex, this rarity is definitely not a beautiful cinema beloved by architecture fans.
Who doesnt want that in a cinema?
A non-profit co-operative, its 108 seat screen is served by local and ethical products.
So no Coca-Cola or Nescafe here, instead own recicpe cola and feral free trade coffee from Central America.
Staffed by volunteers, the Cube sent people over to Haiti to screen films for earthquake survivors.
), and plays a great mix of art-house and documentary.
It warms your heart just thinking about it.
Heres to its success!
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow
The Glasgow Film Theatre has an illustrious history.
It survived until 1973, when it was forced to close.
A charity, it prides itself on friendly staff who really care about the films theyre putting on.
This is 21 million well spent.
Showroom Workstation is one of these.
It also played a part in this years inaugural and highly successful Eastleigh Film Festival.
They also provide candle-lit tables and operate a bring your own policy.
In short, this is cinema heaven in some of the most gorgeous scenery in Britain.
A great example of how a local independent cinema can really help define an area.
shortwavecinema.com
The Plaza, Truro
Finally, were off to Cornwall, for the four-screen Plaza.
Now, the Plaza is a regular awards-magnet, and boasts a varied, interesting programme.
Its also run and staffed by people from the local area.
