Rio Cinema

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Posted 2014-04-25 by Mike Whyte ⇒ follow

Going all the way to Dalston just to go to the cinema might not seem like an immediate plan, but if you do decide to make the effort to give a chance, you will be bountifully rewarded.

The history of the cinema is quite interesting too, originally an auctioneer's shop, the owner converted it into one of the first full-time cinemas in London all the way back in 1909. Through a number of name and image changes, we have the that we know and love today.

For me, the Rio is one of the best cinemas you can find in London - and not just because of its rather attractive exterior. If you check out the cinema's programme, you will soon see why this is a place to take a risk on a film, even if you have never heard of it before. Responsive to the community in which the cinema sits, the Rio regularly shows films not considered by other cinemas. Expect everything from Turkish to indie movies, A-Listers to B-Movies flashing their way across your screens.

As well as these, there are also regular special events, including programmes of short films, Q&A sessions with artists and directors linked to the films you watched, live transmissions from theatres and events, and previews of movies before they go on general release - all within a cinema that oozes Art Deco charm.

Finally, being a cinema trip, of course you will want to make a stop-off on the way to the screen to pick up popcorn and the like. However, this being no ordinary cinema, it's no surprise to find the foyer being more like a cross between a cafe and a bar than a simple popcorn pickup place. Take your pick from slices of cake or bottles of beer, and enjoy the movie as you see fit.

Now you can see why Rio is the last cinema standing in the area, and why you really should get away from your laptop and go get reaquainted with the big screen once more.