New 1930s style Covent Garden cinema opens doors to ‘celebrate art of film’

A new 1930s inspired cinema has opened its doors in Covent Garden for movie-goers to “celebrate the art of film”.

The Garden Cinema, which features art deco décor inspired by the glamour of the 1930s, is set to begin screenings later today (Friday, March 25).

Manager Richard Vitora-Jones said he plans for the independent venue, which boasts a 76-seat and a 40-seat screen, to be an accessible place for film-lovers to enjoy the art of cinema.

He told LondonWorld: “We’re here for people who love and want to celebrate the art of film.

“We are offering a repertoire of films that we’ve chosen that we feel deserve to be screened.”

And he added: “We’re not another luxury cinema despite the pictures.

“We believe strongly that cinema should be an accessible place for people to come, like the cinemas in the 1930s.”

After three years in the making, films are being shown at the Parker Street venue from tonight, starting with The Worst Person in the World.

The 2021 Norwegian dark romantic comedy-drama was directed by Joachim Trier and saw star Renate Reinsve win best actress at the Cannes film festival.

Mr Vitora-Jones hopes the cinema will become “a hub for film appreciation and discussion”.

Garden Cinema features a cinema bar serving snacks and drinks to be enjoyed before, during or after a showing.

It will feature repertory seasons and new releases from around the world, with a focus on global and foreign-language cinema.

A third screen with 60 seats is set to open later this year.

For more information, follow Garden Cinema on Instagram or visit their website.