Ahhh, choosing a venue for that all-important date – first date, second date, it’s a right old conundrum sometimes. You say ‘I don’t mind – you choose!’ and they say ‘Um……’ and you end up in a crowded old men’s pub on stools drinking G&T out of a wine glass like they do in EastEnders. Desperate to impress you rack your brains for a cool experience where the magic can happen – well rack no more.
The movies are a great option because they come with their own timetable, you don’t have to spend hours trying to keep the smalltalk going, and afterwards you’ve both got something to talk about (even if it’s “Remember the terrible time we went to see ‘Sharknado III?’”). But the local fleapit can be a little run-of-the-mill. If you’re a film fan, we reckon your ideal first date could be the Rooftop Film Club.
A rooftop? But I’m looking for love!
Yes indeed, but not since Mary Poppins and Bert the chimney sweep tap danced across the tiles and chimneys has the London skyline seen such romantic action. The Rooftop Film Club – the clue’s in the name – shows new movies and old favourites in the open air, above the city streets and under a cosy blanket. It’s a brilliantly simple and rather romantic idea.
But you know London – it could rain, right?
Three words for you romantic souls – ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’. Who says rain isn’t romantic? We do advise you bring a waterproof and scarf. Rooftop Cinema is a proper romantic setting but we can’t promise it won’t tip it down. But then to quote one of the most successful romcoms of all time: “Is it raining? I hadn’t noticed…”
Ok. So I’ll brave the rain for true love. But how does it work?
There are four locations, at Stratford, Peckham, Ealing and Shoreditch. Comfy chairs are provided and you’ll get wireless headphones to hear the film – handy if you aren’t sure what to say to this new person in your life. Romance can blossom through your raising of eyebrows, or as he passes you a tissue silently across the aisle.
Exciting! What films will I get to see?
Good news for daters – Rooftop’s September schedule is heavy with triple-hanky classics like ‘Casablanca’, ‘Top Gun’, ‘Amelie’, ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Pretty Woman’. (Check individual venue for screening diary). ‘Grease’ and ‘Frozen’ singalongs too (we’re not responsible if you start singing along and your date walks out. Or indeed if he starts singing and you walk out). We’re pretty sure that ‘yawn and put the arm around you’ trick WILL be employed at some point in the evening. And if the chemistry isn’t happening, at least you’ll have seen a movie classic.
Is it all schmaltzy romance stuff?
Don’t worry. If you and your date are “not that type” then ‘The Goonies’, ‘Trainspotting’, ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘True Romance’ are all on the schedule too. One person’s gross-out comedy scene/bloody shoot-em-up is another’s lip-wobbling heartwarmer and if that’s what you bond over, it’s all good. Also ‘Goodfellas’ is always useful for an “Eek! Can I hold your hand I’m scared?!” maneouvre in the dark.
Can we bring nibbles?
You can’t bring your own food and drink in but there’s plenty on sale. Plus there are free blankets so you can wrap up together, enjoy a film without having to make small talk and admire the view as well as the movie. And if you want to go off to discuss its important themes over “coffee” afterwards (hem hem) then that’s a win-win-win situation as far as we’re concerned.
Sound good. I’m in.
You can find out what’s on and get your tickets at rooftopfilmclub.com. Have a great date and remember us at your wedding when you’re naming the tables after the films you saw.
“Where are we sitting, ‘Mean Girls’ or ‘Sexy Beast’…”?
