Prince Charles Cinema Movie Theater in London

Reviews

1. Adam Bevington ★★★★★

   Wonderfully charming throwback cinema, it's no frills when compared to the modern multiplexes but that's part of the appeal. It's shows a regular selection of older films and it feels welcoming to just settle in to a cinema how I remember them being as a kid and soaking up the nostalgia. Full range of drinks and suitable cinema snacks are available so you won't go without treats.

   almost 7 months ago
2. S J ★★★★★

   This is one of my favorite cinemas to visit in London. It has a lovely old-school charm that makes it stand out from the usual modern multiplexes. The atmosphere feels relaxed and nostalgic, perfect for anyone who enjoys cinema in its classic form. One small thing to note is the seating. If you are on the shorter side, it can be tricky to find a spot where your view is not blocked by the person in front of you. I would recommend sitting somewhere in the middle, closer to the front rather than too far back, because the screen is smaller than you might expect for a large cinema. Once you find the right seat, though, it is a comfortable and enjoyable experience. I once attended their Lord of the Rings marathon they do them every month and it’s a full house with a fun vibe, which started at 9 p.m. and went through the night until 9 a.m. They played the extended cuts, which was impressive but quite a challenge to sit through. I made it to about 1 a.m. before calling it a night, but it was still a fun experience and shows how much effort they put into curating special events. What I like most about this cinema is its variety. They regularly screen older films, interesting independent titles, and classics that you might not have had the chance to see on the big screen before. It is a refreshing change from the mainstream cinemas nearby in Leicester Square, which often all show the same new releases. They also offer a membership that brings the ticket price down, which is a great option if you plan to visit often. Overall, it is a charming, character-filled cinema that keeps film-going special, especially for those who appreciate timeless and unique screenings.

   almost 8 months ago
3. Awandja Ebhodaghe ★★★★★

   This cinema hosted the best sing a long event I've ever attended! Will definitely attend more if they host other musicals of interest. The staff were also really lovely

   almost 8 months ago

1. Rania Hadid (Rania Hadid) ★★★★★

   I love this cinema. The staff are so friendly and accommodating! Nothing is too much trouble for them. They even offered store my mother's electric wheelchair in the staff room and I have made friends who have been able to safely store valuables too. The staff make it a very warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels very safe. There are rules but they are for the safety and enjoyment of others. I had a great experience at the wicked sing a long as they turned it into an interactive experience too. I love going to the occasional marathon and think it's great that they send someone out for security during the breaks or even if my friend wants a cigarette break during the film and lock the doors during the films. It attracts a lot of friendly people and I have made good friends there that I now go with to other films and marathon. Even strangers offer to help my mother up and down the stairs and try and buy her drinks and snacks from the bar so she is comfortable. I fully recommend.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Will Hawkins ★★★★★

   Quite possibly the best cinema around. Main draw is the stellar lineup of films from all decades and nations, that aside even the prices for food and drinks are far better than the main cinema chains. The membership options are excellent if you can frequently visit. Screen2 is easily the best, viewings angles great from anywhere bar the very edge, prices are great too. The ceiling has a stary sky sort of style which is really neat

   1 year ago
3. Donna Kelly ★★★★★

   Great independent cinema. I'm a member here and love it. On my last visit, the usher came in to tell some people to stop talking which was amazing! Good snack choices and they have a great range of films. Members get weekly £1 viewings and there are special seasons / movie marathons. Last year I saw Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure and Alex Winter presented it.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Dim Bob ★★★★☆

   Based on a visit 1st January 2023 to see a 70mm film downstairs. Personally I love this cinema. I have membership and have been around 5 times now. I always enjoy visiting. The location is great, right in the heart of Leicester Square but just out the way so it is a bit quieter than the other cinemas around. It can get quite busy outside and just before the start of a film though to be aware of. It is usually well organised though so that's nothing much to worry about. Staff always seem friendly and helpful. Prices - for snacks etc the prices are high. Quite expensive but in comparison to all the other cinemas in Leicester Square, they aren't any higher than them. Quality of picture - downstairs I have seen digital, 35mm and 70mm. All look as I'd expected but the 70mm is by far my favourite. I watched 2001: Space Odyssey and for a film that was released 55 years ago, it looked amazing! Quality of sound - I am quite into big loud spectacular cinema and always look forward to my visits to Imax and Dolby cinemas. This however does not compete and form my experience seems to lack the surround sound you'd get from most premium cinemas. Saying that the majority of movies I have seen I did not find a problem with the sound and the most recent film I watched there sounded really nice. So maybe depending on the film and the source. Seating - seating is a funny one because I personally find the downstairs seating quite uncomfortable for long periods of time. They are nice looking but maybe I'm just used to the "Luxe" seating nowadays. Also the viewing angles are quite strict and the middle of the seating area seems as though it dips and the middle isn't the prime location for seating if anyone is sitting infront of you. And isn't short. Upstairs - I have not been yet. Toilets - mostly clean. When the cinema becomes really busy you can get the toilet get a little abused but most times I have been they were clean and well looked after. Bar - to my knowledge there is a bar type kiosk on the ground flood and downstairs. Both sell interesting selection of alcohol if that is what you are into, ales, beers, wine etc that I rarely see in your standard places. They also sell a caffeine based drink that's made out of mate tea, it's fizzy and tastes a bit like a cigarette. Iike this in small doses. Also a selection of sweets, popcorn, soft drinks etc. Extras - So, as this cinema is an independent cinema, which seems not to be connected to any chain corporation, they provide viewings of old movies, b movies, foreign movies and they don't tend to play out the Blockbusters the other cinemas are playing. They have some original posters (not for the taking but used by the cinema) which is a really nice touch and just the aesthetics of the place is very nostalgic and feels like you have been warped back in time. There is also a large chalk board full of requests by anyone for movies to be shown there. And it seems they are taken on the whole quite seriously and not just there for reasons. On the whole, I really like this place and think they do a fantastic job. I reckon 8/10, if they somehow fix the seating issue and upgrade the sound slightly, reconsider the pricing of snacks, it would be a 10/10. Still they have to make enough money to stay alive and cutting prices and rebuilding the floor may not be viable at the moment, so I say give this place a few visits, see some old films and if you can 70mm ones (if they have some at the time) and just enjoy. Pictures added from 1st Jan 2023

   almost 3 years ago
2. Angelo Edades ★★★★★

   A hidden gem of a cinema in Leicester square. Only went to the downstairs cinema as part of the BFI London Film Festival 2022. Get seats towards the front for a great view of the screen. Well ventilated.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Lin Cheng ★★★★☆

   This cinema is the perfect place to go if you want a quick snack before or after your movie. The location is very central and the ground floor has a great selection of popcorn and other snacks. The cinema and bar are both downstairs, which is perfect if you want to grab a drink before or after your film. The seats are comfortable overall, but there is little legroom. When people pass by, everyone in that row has to stand. The toilet is more or less clean, but it could be better.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Hollie Palmer ★★★★★

   What a cinema! I love film and always want to see my favourite classics on the big screen. Prince Charles cinema is a cracking independent cinema with great attention to detail from the classic red velvet seats and walls to the film announcement at the beginning of your movie. Recently I saw Pulp fiction, something worth seeing on the large screen as the soundtrack fills the room. You can see many cult films here too, Tommy wiseau's The Room is definitely not something you want to miss! It's so reasonably priced, especially if you become a member and the food and drinks don't cost the earth. The cinema draws in a good audience and when full creates a fantastic environment!

   almost 4 years ago

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