The Phoenix Cinema

This gorgeous single-screen cinema in East Finchley can fairly claim to be London’s oldest continuously-open cinema: it was completed in 1910 and opened its doors in 1912. Since 1985 it has been run as a charitable trust and the local community is heavily involved in keeping it going. Programme-wise, the Phoenix shows a mix of independent and foreign films, and its auditorium is rightly prized as one of the most beautiful places to watch a film in London. This is also a great cinema to catch directors introducing their work, late night films and special events.