London is home to some of the best independent cinemas in the UK – including us, of course! Here are some of the things that make them so special:

THE LEXI CINEMA

A unique venue that absolutely deserves your love, the Lexi owes its existence to a freak tornado back in 2006. The Kensal Rise community came together in the wake of the storm, which led to the creation of a community-focused independent cinema. Now, it’s a cosy two-screen picture palace: run entirely by volunteers, it donates all of its profits to a sustainable farming initiative in South Africa. That’s cinema with a heart.

GENESIS CINEMA

Named for the destructive terraforming device from  Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan , the Genesis opened in 1999, on the site of the former Paragon Theatre of Varieties. And the spirit of variety performances lives on: as well as screening films, the Genesis also hosts quizzes, slam poetry nights, lindy hop classes, and jazz nights. How many other venues can lay claim to such an eclectic programme?

CINÉ LUMIÈRE

Tucked away inside the French Cultural Institute, the Ciné Lumière is named after the Lumière brother. It specialises in world cinema – particularly French language cinema – but with English subtitles, so non-Francophones won’t be left out. What makes this independent cinema extra special is how striking the building is, from its unique art deco exterior to its breath-taking foyer (complete with Rodin statue).

OLYMPIC STUDIOS

How many cinemas can say artists like the Rolling Stones, Queen, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Madonna have recorded there? Although it was originally a cinema, Olympic Studios was converted into a recording studio in 1966, and operated until 2009. Now, it’s back to being a cinema, with two screens boasting some of the best quality sound in town.

REGENT STREET CINEMA

Finally, we’re going to have to talk about ourselves. Regent Street Cinema is the birthplace of British cinema, having hosted the very first screening of a motion picture for a paying audience all the way back in 1896. We also have an original Compton organ, dating from 1936, which still works and which still gets played regularly – like before our Monday Classic Matinee screenings. That’s definitely not something you see every day.