Ritzy Cinema

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by Eleanor Wilson (subscribe)

An aspiring journalist currently studying for a BA in International Relations and Modern History. I've lived in South London for all my twenty-one years.

Published July 31st 2012

Recapture the buzz of early cinema in Brixton's centre

This historic cinema is a Brixton landmark, just steps from the tube stop. The building has a rich heritage; opening in 1911, it was at the forefront of the cinema movement as one of the country's first purpose-built venues. This certainly lends a unique twist to a viewing, the setting of the Edwardian gilded screening hall makes watching the latest action movie a far from generic experience.

Every table's full at the Ritzy on a summer evening.

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Despite its definitely trendy vibe, it's refreshingly not exclusively for the art-house crowd and prices more or less match the big name chains. A member of the Picturehouse group, it serves up all the blockbusters and critically acclaimed new releases while squeezing in a few more leftfield offerings, including regular Q&A's with indie directors, National Theatre Live and 'Reminiscence Screenings' of classics every third Tuesday of the month.

The unpretentious atmosphere carries over to the café/bar. A popular destination in its own right, it serves simple but tasty dishes from breakfast to supper. The bar is lively every night of the week. During the summer grab one of the many pavement tables (this may require a hawk-like eye) and absorb the buzz of Brixton life.

Go 'Upstairs at the Ritzy' for another bar and event space sure to satisfy a taste for the non-mainstream. You'll find a showcase of live music from Afro-beat to Vintage-Swing every night of the week, and a comedy show every third Thursday of the month.