Picturehouse Central

Movie theater · Chinatown ·

Picturehouse Central

Movie theater · Chinatown ·

State-of-the-art 7-screen cinema with cafe, restaurant, bar

Information

15 Great Windmill Street, Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7DH, United Kingdom Get directions

@goop

4,111 Postcards · 173 Cities

"Picturehouse is known for taking old movie theaters and jazzing them up with plush decor, all-day cafés, and bars. The newest of the group, right smack in central London in the Trocadero is no exception, with a much more contemporary look that makes you feel like you've walked into a big, clubby bar rather than a movie theater. You sort of have, in that the top floor is an exclusive member's bar with a terrace that provides great views of the bustling surroundings. And oh, there's the seven theaters themselves which have undergone a massive renovation and now have comfier red velvet seats and better screens (with cool retro curtains). "

The Mayfair & Marylebone Guide

Picturehouse Central

@goop

4,111 Postcards · 173 Cities

The Central London Guide

Picturehouse Central

@silverkris

10,054 Postcards · 2,273 Cities

Keep your next date casual at these top spots for coffee dates in London - SilverKris

"Set in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, this stylish cinema channels 1950s movie-star glamour and houses a bustling ground-floor café, a social bar and restaurant on the first floor, plus a private members’ bar with a roof terrace—making it easy to move a date from cappuccino to wine and then to a film screening." - James Wong

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/food-drink/coffee-tea/15-best-coffee-date-spots-london/

Picturehouse Central

@deuxmoi

172 Postcards · 10 Cities

Celeb frequented restaurants in London

Picturehouse Central

Jerry

Google

Great place to catch a movie! It’s quite swanky inside and has a bit of an old school vibe. The screens are pretty big and the reclining seats are comfortable. You can also sign up to be a member for discounts on tickets/food and get free movie tickets.

Ian S.

Google

I went to see Pillion here last week. Excellent experience as always. Good selection of drinks, food and snacks, two lovely bars, mostly friendly and capable staff, clean, good selection of films, good value (for a cinema), comfortable seats with headrests, good screens and good sound. I would say that this is the joint best cinema in London. My only complaint is that it's a pain to order drinks at the moment if you are visiting with a friend that bought the tickets. Having to show your ticket is not practical if your friend has it. I hope you will fix this weird licensing issue soon. Also, seats seem to have disappeared from the main bar. It seems less cozy. It would be nice if the bar stayed open longer. It seems to shut very early.

R D

Google

Only stopped in as it was rainy while waiting for the theatre to open, but am so glad we did. The tea is lovely nice big cups and milk, we had already eaten so didn't go for food but what we saw looked great. There is a vegan salad bar and some sandwiches as well as the usual cakes and pastries you'd expect - no take away option, which is good for the environment. It's the perfect cafe, seats spaced wide enough that you're not on top of each other, gentle music that fades into the background murmur and not rammed full with tourists.

Oo L

Google

The theatre has seats with lots of leg space and no need to make room for people walking in front of you. The members area is really nice. The roof top tables have a fantastic view of London. There are bars and cafes and it is the best cinema in town.

Finbarr M. B.

Google

A superbly comfortable and enjoyable cinema. Loads of leg room and the seats were great. We had some drinks in the bar beforehand and it was a great way to start the cinema evening.

Kasia X

Google

This cinema was such an exciting place when it first opened about 10 years ago. I worked in Soho at the time and would often use the downstairs café for work meetings, as well as the 1st floor bar and cinema to meet with friends after work for a bite and glass of wine. The 1st floor bar especially was a great spot to catch-up with people, without having to go to the noisy pubs nearby. A few years later I also became a member and have now been one for about 3-4 years. Sadly, I won’t be renewing my membership at the end of the year. I had a bad experience at the members bar early this year – first our mojitos came with salt added to them instead of sugar/syrup (I went to return them, and 2nd time they came with salt again – undrinkable), then we ordered wine instead - the person who was working came to our table shortly after and grabbed our still half full glasses (it was 30 mins before closing time) without asking if we’d finished. We were quite shocked! I have been back again recently and now you can’t just grab a drink if you don’t have a cinema ticket for the evening; they seem to have lost their licence. Also, the bar has been looking quite ‘tired’ lately, clearly in need of a refresh. Unless anything changes, I can’t justify the membership anymore. It’s such a pity and it has been a great place to meet friends after work and see films.

Nathan R

Google

Multiscreen cinema showing art house and mainstream releases in luxury surroundings. Hosts film seasons and special events. Bar, café and concession/sweet stand available.

Donna

Google

I love PH Central, but dying for the members bar to reopen properly for members to use all the time. At the moment you have to have a cinema ticket for the day to use it. Update - December 2025 still no update on when (if) the members bar will open again for day to day use. I've emailed and messaged on Instagram but no reply. I hope it's open by the Spring! The actual cinema is great and has amazing events like film quizzes, Q&A's with directors and actors and screenings of old movies. The cafe downstairs serves really good food - salads, quiches, salads and cakes.

Alek H.

Yelp

I'm staying at Zedwell. Just downstairs of it as a picture I was coffee shop and they have amazing coffee and great Wi-Fi. The gentleman working at the front desk were really helpful and it was spacious not crowded with all the people who are your general outside in this area.

Patrick L.

Yelp

Picturehouse Central seems to specialise in creative art-house and independent films. The canteen and bar on the ground floor is decent and very nice. In May 2016, the Picturehouse Central hosted the UK Official film premiere screening of "The Neon Demon" with the film director Nicolas Winding Refn and the lead actress Elle Fanning in attendance with their fans and talking to the press. Enclosed is the video clip (courtesy of Getty Images) - http://www.gettyimages.de/detail/video/at-the-neon-demon-uk-film-premiere-at-nachrichtenfilmmaterial/537579496

Meike B.

Yelp

Everything I wrote in my previous review still stands, and I will always favour this over any of the other generic West End cinemas. The place has been beautifully done up and going to the movies feels a bit special again. It is also nice to have a choice of bars to wait for your friends, rather than standing in a sad foyer. But now for the reason I downgraded my rating to just three stars. Actually nothing to do with the cinema part of the experience (great sound, comfy seats and you are allowed to take in your drinks without having to decant into plastic beakers - a major plus in my books!!). But returning to the bar for a drink after the movie proved tricky ... A friend made a group booking and had the tickets loaded on her mobile. There seemed no need for individual tickets and we were impressed with the smooth process of just scanning the bar code once, then roam freely around the upper floors. However, for some bizarre reason bar staff demand proof of cinema tickets. Without proof of purchase you will not be served. Is this an example of licencing laws gone crazy? It was weird enough to be told that drinks were only sold with food in the ground floor bar, with which we complied before the movie. There is also a members bar that is obviously restricted to VIP cinemagoers - but to be turned away from the main bar on the second (I think) floor was just ridiculous. Be warned!

Amanda M.

Yelp

Excellent movie theatre. Those seats man, those are SEATS! We really enjoyed the movie. When you walk in the whole floor is a cafe and there's plenty of seating, you'll see a large staircase and that leads to a larger sit-down dining area and the movie screens, and a candy bar!!! The theatre itself was amazing and the seats were soooo comfortable. I was totally confused because we paid about the same amount at Odeon... so I felt like this was a great deal- around 15 pounds for a ticket. We'll definitely be back for more movie pleasures.

Kristine T.

Yelp

This cinema makes me want nature about whether I stepped into the future or the past. While it is certainly a step towards reclaiming cinema going as an experience, the atmosphere has a Hollywood golden age vibe that makes you feel you somehow got transported to the 20s and can get to see some of the old school glamour of the era. Also kinda in love with those lightbulbs above the stairs. I want them! There's a cafe downstairs with drinks and cakes, a bar/restaurant on the first floor and a members bar higher up near the screens. Luckily for me I got a membership so I will making the most of that bar for sure. Being in that venue feels like going into a very special place, I can see myself spending whole afternoons there, having some tea and cake while I read a book, write or do some work on my laptop, then going upstairs to watch a good film at one of the screens, where all the seats are very nice and comfy, and finishing the night with some drinks at the bar. That would be a perfect day for me and I can do it all without leaving the building! I have been searching for a favourite place in London and I think I may have just found it!

Samir S.

Yelp

The Short Version - This place makes me want to pay the annual membership fee and THEN also pay £20 to see a movie. Yes, this place is that good. The finest cinema I've been to, no questions asked, no doubts had. This is like stepping back into time. Yes, you may pay a little more but the extra is utterly worth it. The cinemas are clean with huge amounts of leg space and sofas if you're going with a significant other. Whilst the screening rooms are cold the cinema provides blankets (!) and a nice glass of water waiting for you. A typical film is between £15-20 (less if you're a member) going all the way down to £5 for one of the very interesting documentaries. But wait! theres more! The cinema offers autistic friendly nights, nights for pensioners (with lower rates) and nights for kids, even nights exclusively for the disabled. You genuinely get the feeling that the company cares about not only being a great business but also a member of the community. Surely there isn't more, why yes, yes there is. If you're a member here you have access to one of the finest roof terraces and bars in covent garden. Somewhere you can watch over others as you sip on a cocktail following a meal in the cinema restaurant or cafe (yup has those too). There is only one downside to this and that is that you need a cinema ticket to buy alcohol....handy that the documentary tickets are only a fiver then isn't it..... This is a grown up cinema, this a venue, this is a place that is a pleasure to be a member of and a pleasure to take people to. Finally Leicester Square has a place I'd actually want to see a movie in. Welcome home, if you're a movie lover this place is all you'll ever need.

Dominique G.

Yelp

This is my first time in a Picturehouse theatre, and I was really impressed. This is a spacious and interesting building, well designed and nicely decorated. The screens have good leg room and comfortable seats, and the cafe and bar have lots of seating and some tasty food on offer. Definitely will go again! UPDATE We went upstairs to the bar for dinner this time. It filled up very quickly, and although we were quite early, food still took a while to reach us. The wine was nice, and the fries with the burger were very Norwich!

Johannah H.

Yelp

New refit of the awful trocadero cinema and what a surprise! We came here to see Spectre and had a lovely couple of cocktails and food beforehand. The staff did struggle with the pre showing crowd and it got quite hectic but it wasn't such a big deal. The decor is well done it a bit samey to the whole retro meets industrial stylings that are currently in vogue. I'm usually quite anxious about being in the middle of the row. Our seats meant we had to walk up or down a floor to access the toilets. That said once seated in the comfy retro cinema it didn't matter as I was so gripped by Bond I didn't move! I do think that this is a huge improvement on the previous cinema and sets a high standard but the toilet issue would've bothered me and the bar staff need to get better.

Celeste S.

Yelp

I'm not one for fancy movie theatres. Usually pick my movie venue for best deals or cheapest rate. Really wanted to visit Picturehouse Central from the pictures I'd seen of the decor, in partial the fancy light installation on the main stairs. I was really impressed. They have a great cafe on the entry level, loads of choice and heathy options. Plenty of comfortable seating and was a nice little get away from the hustle and bustle of Piccadilly Circus. They have a nice bar on the first floor near the box office and candy bar. Was very impressed with the gourmet snack selection, which include a vegan chocolate bar from my home Australia. Overall very fancy cinema and loved all their little details, to the signs and lights. Fancy couples double seating are really cute even if I sadly had it all to myself. They have a membership that gets you great discounts and saw advertised classic movie Sundays.

Chantee F.

Yelp

I am updating my review to 5 stars after trying various cinemas across the city for the London Film Festival. By far this is the best, with the friendliest service, food and drink selection and comfortable, well designed seats. It's everything you expect from a modern theatre with a rooftop view to boot! ***** I rather like this cinema! It's got a large restaurant and bar downstairs if you fancy something before your movie starts or of you're a member like my movie date, then you have a private bar overlooking the city. Cocktails can be taken in the theatre along with other snacks. I liked the seating, your choice of reclining chairs or a mini sofa to cuddle up with someone special. It was comfortable and who can beat this location? They show a good range of indie and blockbuster films to please everyone. I suggest joining as a member if you're a local or stopping in as a tourist if you want a break from the street.

Nickie C.

Yelp

What a beautiful job they've done on the refit to this cinema! We went last night for a screening of The Visit, with a Q&A with M Night Shyamalan, so we didn't pay for tickets but we did check the prices beforehand and were surprised that it was really quite expensive - plan on £20 a person. Surprisingly though, while expensive, having been to the cinema, I don't think it's as excessive for the area and the quality of the cinema. The seats were so comfy and the back row is seats for 2 - little sofas with no armrest in the middle. There was plenty of leg room and the seats were a good size and reclined a little. The sound quality and and the picture quality were great too. We sat in a sofa in the 2nd to last row all the way to the left, and found that the view was actually perfectly fine! We're always people who choose to sit in the middle of the middle as being off to the side annoys me, but I didn't even notice it here. There are still touches you'll remember if you frequented the old cinema here, like the friezes by the escalator. But otherwise, it's all new. Artisan snacks at the concession stand (they even had Crosstown donuts!). A much better experience than going to the Odeon Leicester Square, and on par with the redone Empire.

Daniel F.

Yelp

Finally managed to visit the new and modernised Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly. Saw the new James Bond movie 'Spectre' on Screen 1 which I must say was most impressive. Great picture quality, seating and sound. Got goosebumps just seeing the Star Wars new spot amongst the trailers! It's a cinema that has lovely little touches dotted around the venue. From artwork in toilets and walls, to a gallery space upstairs to an exclusive members bar to lighting decor and signage. It's all good here. Good to see another cinema centrally compete with one of my favs Curzon cinemas. Not too sure about the actual film itself Spectre. Quite a long film, and sometimes too convenient for its own good. But a great place to watch any film. Will defo be back!

Peter H.

Yelp

As cinema experiences go, this one of the best I've had. The interior is stunning, especially their lights. We ate in the bar which was lovely but jammed with many people wandering around for seats. The food was good but not amazing and their drinks and sweets selection was spot on, including Nanny State Brewdog for those who want a non alcoholic option. Inside the cinema the seats a extremely comfortable. We sat on one of the two seaters closer to the screen but it was still really comfortable and no hassle to see the screen. All in all a great experience. I'm deducting 1/2 a star as they need to better manage their customers at busy periods and another 1/2 star as the food was just ok for what you pay.

Mei S.

Yelp

It's their 1st birthday today! So all tickets for £1. A great selection of films. They have couple seatings. All screens are roomy and comfortable. Best cinema chain overall.

Ryan T.

Yelp

Best cinema in West End. Members Bar a perfect quiet spot in London. General cafe, bar and restaurant are also great places to hang out if you're seeing a film or not.

Jason P.

Yelp

They have a lovely cafe downstairs and a great restaurant on first floor serving a wide selection of dishes, plus you can select your sweet treats on your way to your movie! I would recommend becoming a member, as you can then access a private bar and also can wonder up to the terrace to take in views over London whilst sipping your drinks. Also, the members bar serves tailored snacks that goes well with their sophisticated decor - check out the alcoves on the mezzanine level that have London views too.

Ally H.

Yelp

Brand spanking new cinema just on the corner of Shaftesbury Avenue and it's so so cool. On the ground floor is a cafe with lots of seats. I haven't tried anything from the cafe yet because the lines are usually too long - the cakes look pretty good though. I've only ever been to Screen 3 - which is a medium-ish sized screen. Everything is really new so obviously it's all plush and lovely. The seats are super comfy too. Prices are bit steep - £18 for a 2D film but the cinema is charming, central and lovely so I suppose they can justify the price.

Deric C.

Yelp

Great cinema, comfortable seats, very trendy designed especially the bar and ground floor cafe area. Reasonable price, if I was in central London, I choose to watch a movie here. Self service tickets is great although sometimes it can be broke down. It is clean and comfortable cinema that you would always visit again.

Brian C.

Yelp

This is hands down the finest cinema I've ever been to. Perhaps it is because I'm familiar with how it used to be as a Cineworld, but more because I believe that this sets a new standard in West End cinemas. I'd give this six stars if I could. This is like a proper grown up cinema - they have a bar. Not a tiny fridge with two types of bottled beer and one of those tiny bottles of Jacobs Creek but a full bar. Oh, and a restaurant - and not a fast food restaurant but a proper adult space! The cinemas themselves have been fabulously refurbished with some two person seats installed. This isn't the sort of place you'd take your kids to, but a first date? Totally. This would impress. It's smart, elegant and grown up. Oh and they sell crosstown donuts. Donuts, beer and double sized seats? What more do you need?! Sure it's pricey, but for once it actually feels like you're getting something back rather than those horribly cramped multiplexes at Leicester Square.

David I.

Yelp

Wow what a magical theatre we ended up visiting to see La La Land on the weekend. If you plan on getting some snacks I would suggest arriving about 10 minutes earlier as the lines were fairly long.

Rachael H.

Yelp

Nice, comfy cinema - we used the meerkats so ticket prices not too brutal. The bar and the food within it looked great so will definitely be back to check that out.

Zara L.

Yelp

Wow, this is an oasis off Piccadilly. It initially seemed incongruous to me that Picturehosue set up shop in the Trocadero centre, when the Trocadero to me means tack, arcades and tourist trap. But Picturehouse Central have managed it - it is a fantastic space and none of those things. I didn't think a huge multiscreen could be such a pleasant place to hang out. The cafe space looks very tempting, I can imagine visiting even when not seeing a film. I spotted a members only bar upstairs too. The cinema themselves were modern, clean and comfy. All in all a very impressive, beautiful multiplex cinema. Look forward to visiting again.

Sergio S.

Yelp

A great spot to have a drink and watch a film. Modern, comfy atmosphere. Choose your film well... £18 pounds for a ticket

Chiara P.

Yelp

A beautiful cinema with very comfy seats.They also sell Crosstown doughnuts as well as popcorn and pic n mix, if you can resist the smell of a fresh doughnut you're a stronger person than I am! If you have a members card you can access the private bar which has a fabulous terrace overlooking London.

Nimz P.

Yelp

This used to be the old Cineworld Shaftesbury. Since Cineworld and Picturehouse merged and this became the new Picturehouse Central. Its really nice, Its had a total refurbishment which it was in need of. It has been modernised and now shows documentaries which CIneworld never did. They do accept the CIneworld Unlimited West End card here which is good for Cineworld card holders. I do like this cinema and will try to come back

Carolina V.

Yelp

Favourite central London cinema. Good prices and amazing foodie options, whether you're in their upstairs restaurant or their downstairs cafè. Crosstown doughnuts have a stall there and the restaurant's hummous flatbread is to die for.

Hannah T.

Yelp

Came in from North London to see a showing of the Witch. When we got there it turned out our showing was cancelled due to "technical difficulties" yet hadn't received any email to say this. They issued a refund and we prepared to leave a bit miffed. I decided to get a drink at the bar and have a sit down before traipsing back up to north London and the bar assistant asked to see my cinema ticket. I explained our showing had been cancelled and showed her my refund ticket. Should have been simple but instead she had to have a lengthy discussion with the manager as if I had made a completely bizarre request. Totally ignorant management. I gave up and left. Usually happy with service at the Picturehouse but not this time.

Sue D.

Yelp

Brilliant cinema saw Star Wars here in 3D its got a great members bar that overlooks Piccadilly and a roof top one in summer! Worth joining just for that. Comfy seats and lovely food and drinks.

Nicola J.

Yelp

Lovely brand new cinema that has been converted from the old cineworld that was here. Lower cafe and bar and a bar on the first floor for lots of space to mingle before seeing a film. It has a good range of indies and studio films. The prices are more than cineworld, but it is nicer and obviously in the very center of zone 1 though right now not crowded with tourists.

Katy G.

Yelp

I suppose for 18 quid a ticket, this place had better be quite impressive and it was! The high ceilings and layout, complete with open bar and food choices certainly make going to the movies seem like more of a theatrical event. I was surprised to find the theatres to be quite small and intimate, something to keep in mind when booking tickets - the way the theatre is laid out you can book a seat closer to the front and not be right on top of the screen. We had seats more towards the back and knowing what I know now I would have probably booked a few rows up. The biggest negative here (outside the ridiculous price) was out movie started 20 minutes late due to a technical difficulty. As someone who loves previews, I was upset to see they were never played (though also not sure if they normally play previews as they seemed to be going for an independent movie feel). This would have been alright had we been told at any point what was going on, but finally after 15 minutes my friend ran outside to check and was told this individually. For the price, you would expect better service to match the decor and quality of the theatre itself.

@goop

4,111 Postcards · 173 Cities

The Mayfair & Marylebone Guide

Picturehouse Central

@goop

4,111 Postcards · 173 Cities

The Central London Guide

Picturehouse Central

@silverkris

10,054 Postcards · 2,273 Cities

Keep your next date casual at these top spots for coffee dates in London - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/food-drink/coffee-tea/15-best-coffee-date-spots-london/

Picturehouse Central

@deuxmoi

172 Postcards · 10 Cities

Celeb frequented restaurants in London

Picturehouse Central

Jerry

Google

Ian S.

Google

R D

Google

Oo L

Google

Finbarr M. B.

Google

A superbly comfortable and enjoyable cinema. Loads of leg room and the seats were great. We had some drinks in the bar beforehand and it was a great way to start the cinema evening.

Kasia X

Google

Nathan R

Google

Multiscreen cinema showing art house and mainstream releases in luxury surroundings. Hosts film seasons and special events. Bar, café and concession/sweet stand available.

Donna

Google

Alek H.

Yelp

Patrick L.

Yelp

Meike B.

Yelp

Amanda M.

Yelp

Kristine T.

Yelp

Samir S.

Yelp

Dominique G.

Yelp

Johannah H.

Yelp

Celeste S.

Yelp

Chantee F.

Yelp

Nickie C.

Yelp

Daniel F.

Yelp

Peter H.

Yelp

Mei S.

Yelp

It's their 1st birthday today! So all tickets for £1. A great selection of films. They have couple seatings. All screens are roomy and comfortable. Best cinema chain overall.

Ryan T.

Yelp

Best cinema in West End. Members Bar a perfect quiet spot in London. General cafe, bar and restaurant are also great places to hang out if you're seeing a film or not.

Jason P.

Yelp

Ally H.

Yelp

Deric C.

Yelp

Brian C.

Yelp

David I.

Yelp

Wow what a magical theatre we ended up visiting to see La La Land on the weekend. If you plan on getting some snacks I would suggest arriving about 10 minutes earlier as the lines were fairly long.

Rachael H.

Yelp

Nice, comfy cinema - we used the meerkats so ticket prices not too brutal. The bar and the food within it looked great so will definitely be back to check that out.

Zara L.

Yelp

Sergio S.

Yelp

A great spot to have a drink and watch a film. Modern, comfy atmosphere. Choose your film well... £18 pounds for a ticket

Chiara P.

Yelp

Nimz P.

Yelp

Carolina V.

Yelp

Hannah T.

Yelp

Sue D.

Yelp

Brilliant cinema saw Star Wars here in 3D its got a great members bar that overlooks Piccadilly and a roof top one in summer! Worth joining just for that. Comfy seats and lovely food and drinks.

Nicola J.

Yelp

Katy G.

Yelp

Picturehouse Central

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Keep your next date casual at these top spots for coffee dates in London - SilverKris

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Keep your next date casual at these top spots for coffee dates in London - SilverKris