Watching a film under the stars with a glass of something chilled in one hand makes a simply brilliant summer date. With pop-up cinemas, er, popping up over the summer this year on boats, rooftops and in parks, here is our pick of the best outdoor cinemas in the capital:
Rooftop Film Club: Queen of Hoxton and other venues
Running from now until September 30, The Rooftop Film Club are hosting a series of film nights on the roof of the Queen of Hoxton pub in Spitalfields, Bussey building in Peckham, Roof East in Stratford and the Roof Gardens in Kensington. There are plenty of comfy chairs to sit on and blankets for when it gets a bit chilly and there is a delicious food and drinks menu to enjoy. The rooftop bars in Peckham and Stratford are open early during the summer so you can start early before your screening and after the film, to carry on the rooftop fun!
Film4 Summer Screen at Somerset House
Running from August 6-19, Somerset House hosts its annual film festival, teaming up with Film4 for a programme of cult, classic and contemporary films, alongside some new premieres. This is London’s largest outdoor screen and it has full surround sound. As the sun goes down, live DJs will play soundtracks inspired by the upcoming film, so you can kick back with your picnic, date and some drinks. The films directors and stars will introduce some of the films. Highlights include the opening night premiere of Madame Bovary starring Gemma Arterton, a showing of the classic flick Silence of the Lambs and the closing premiere screening, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl.
This travelling pop-up cinema continues its summer extravaganza until September 27 and stops at a host of venues in the capital over the summer, Grosvenor Square, Coram Secret Garden, Brompton Cemetery, Hyde Park Lido, among others. Highlights this year include screenings of The Breakfast Club at Grosvenor Square, Labyrinth in Queen’s Park and West Side Story at Middle Temple Gardens. Remember to take your picnic, rug and some food or enjoy some on-site catering!
Another cool pop-up, runs from July 9 until September 30 and is the little sister of the Nomad Cinema, with films showing at venues across the country, including Tooting Common, Brockwell Lido and Crystal Palace Park in London. Expect classic like The Lost Boys, Dirty Dancing, Grease and Top Gun, alongside newer releases. Sip on Estrella the cinema’s exclusive beer partner, while food is from Gastrocircus. Push the boat out and treat your date to a Posh three-course pop-up pre-film dinner and drinks in a ’67 Bedford van or ’82 Californian Linen van.
Taking place for the third year at the Vauxhall pleasure Gardens from July 7 to July 28, Vauxhall one Summer Screen is showing the best in feel-good cult classics, like Clueless, Zoolander and Dazed and Confused. Bring a blanket or rent a Vauxhall Village deck chair. Street food on offer includes Grill My Cheese, Busan BBQ and Rotli Crew.
Started by a group of mates in someone’s back garden with a BBQ, this outdoor Camden Lock venue is open all summer until September. Rock up and bag a deckchair or beanbag, listen to live DJs and enjoy a film. This summer’s programme includes Whiplash, Clueless and Pretty Woman and 1950s usherettes serve you fresh popcorn in your seat. What’s not to love?
Kicking off on July 24 and running through until September 26, Pop Up Screens aims to cater for people who want decent films in London parks. For three months, the screen will be showing films at a different venue every weekend, including Ravenscourt Park, Manor House Gardens and South Park. At just £10 or £25 for a weekend ticket, it’s great value for money and cinemagoers are promised a fully stocked bar and plenty of Kettle Popcorn.
Fancy watching a film aboard a boat, from now until August 2, the Floating Cinema aboard a 60-foot long canal boat will be showing a programme of films and hosting on-board events including talks and workshops. They moor for screenings of more than 500 people.
Do you know of any other open-air cinema venues that you want to recommend?
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