The best cinemas in London for a date

It’s one of London’s oldest and most charming cinemas. The Screen on the Green is also date perfect, with cosy sofas, footrests and waiter service to your seat. It’s only got one screen, so check the programme first.   

The gorgeous Electric is officially London’s most romantic cinema. It’s been renovated in red velvet perfection by the Soho House chain. And best of all, the Electric has got six smooch-tastic double beds instead of a front row (£25–£30 per bed for two). If getting into bed sounds a bit wrong for a first date, the regular seating is comfy armchairs with cashmere rugs, footstools and little side tables for your wine. If you’re peckish, they’ve got a posh donut stand. The Shoreditch branch is lovely too. 

It’s not especially romantic – no sofas or cashmere blankets. But what the Hackney Picturehouse has got going for it is a buzzy atmosphere. It’s a great for a first date, relaxed and friendly, with great food in the downstairs bar (nice beer, too). There are lots of sofas dotted about upstairs too, for no-pressure pre- and post-movie chats.

Serious movie buffs love the BFI’s impressive film programme, but it’s also a thoughtful date cinema. Not only can you impress your beloved with your superior knowledge of film, you can stroll along the South Bank afterwards. Or take your post-movie debrief to the BFI’s heated outdoor bar, nestled under Waterloo Bridge, with a view of the Thames. There’s also a snug Drawing Room bar. Ask staff for the secret door behind a bookcase for access.

The Everyman chain of boutique cinemas pioneered the sofa-and-a-nice-glass-of-wine approach to movies. And the Everyman in Hampstead is the most friendly and welcoming of the lot, with plush armchairs and two-seater deluxe sofas. There’s also waiter service to your cinema seat, or you can grab a burger at the cinema’s wittily named Spielburger restaurant next door. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon (walk on Hampstead Heath optional).

The newest addition to London’s cinema scene is this gleaming two-screener up in the eaves of the new Battersea Power Station. It has the kind of hidden-secret vibes that lend themselves to a romantic liaison, state-of-the-art sound and an array of mood-enhancing home-made snacks and cocktails on sale. And if you want to really push the boat out – ie you’ve forgotten a key anniversary – there’s loggia-style private members boxes with fully-stocked minibars and snack drawers. Now, that’s amore. 

This cute cinema in the heart of Crouch End, housed in a former Salvation Army Hall, was voted London’s best cinema by Time Out readers in 2014. It’s quirky, independent and boasts two tiny screens. There’s also a bar serving cocktails, beers and wine, plus an intimate mezzanine level snug – ideal for cosying down with a glass of wine and a sweetheart.