Overview

The Garden Cinema is delightful. It is a small independent and very accessible cinema, with just 2 screens. It opened in March 2022. It shows new release international films and repertory seasons, which have included Films for the Family, Musical Fridays, Alfred Hitchcock, New Taiwanese Cinema. There is a bar with plenty of seating, including alcove seating. the bar sells alcohol and soft drinks, coffee and tea at reasonable prices. There is also a limited snack menu of olives, pick and mix and gelato. The interior has an attractive art deco décor and cinema themed paintings. The cinema has step free access via a platform lift and accessible toilet. The website has an excellent video about access on its accessibility page, which is very helpful.

Transport & Parking

The cinema is between Holborn and Covent Garden. Both of these tube stations are not step free. The nearest accessible tube station is Tottenham Court Road. The cinema is in Parker Street just off Kingsway, which is served by several bus routes. It is a short level walk to the cinema. Please note if you are coming from Kingsway along Parker Street, the pavement on the left hand side narrows and it was not wide enough for me and my crutch to walk safely. However, if you walk on the right hand side pavement when you come to the junction with Newton Street, there is no drop kerb.

Access

The cinema's entrance is at street level and there are double automatic doors. You can turn left and ascend a short staircase with five steps and handrails on both side to reach the box office. PLATFORM LIFT Alternatively, you can turn right and use the platform lift. There are 3 levels. Upper Ground is the box office, ground is street level and the entrance/ exit and basement is where the 2 screens, bar and accessible toilet are. BOX OFFICE This is on the Upper Ground level and when you arrive you will need to go to the box office to collect your tickets. BAR The bar is in the Basement, so there is no natural light or windows. The bar area has a bar at standing height. The seating is mainly fixed sofas and some back and armless stools. There are a few alcoves, and you may find yourself having an alcove to yourself, which is really nice if you want to have a quiet space. SCREENS There is a manual door to the screens, but this was open when the screens were open. We were in screen 1. This is the larger of the 2 screens. However, I have not been into screen 2 so unable to comment about it. SCREEN 1 The main door into screen 1 opens out into short flight of couple of steps with a handrail on the right hand side only. Then there are steps leading up to the back of the screen and towards the front. There is a single handrail on the side of the wall. There are about 8 rows of seats in total. The end of the rows are against the wall. The step free ramp entrance to screen 1 is on the left hand side and it comes out at row A which is step free. The entire Row A has step free seating and this is the only row which is.

Toilets

In the bar area and near the platform lift is the accessible toilet. It has a manual door. There is a RADAR key already in the lock and secured on a chain, which means you can access it without needing to find the key from a member of staff. The toilet is spacious, clean and well maintained. It has plenty of grab rails and the emergency cord reaches towards the floor. The is no baby changing facilities in the accessible toilet.

Staff

Staff are lovely, friendly and so helpful. There is someone in the box office able to assist. There are other members of staff that serve at the bar and open the screens. I've now been twice and both times I have felt really welcomed.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is a charming cinema. It shows a range of films, so there is something for everyone. The bar area is a nice space to sit and relax. It is only small, and has already gained a loyal group of regulars since it opened, so I would advise pre-booking, to ensure you get a seat. The cinema is extremely good value, at weekends they show pay what you can family films, they also offer some midweek matinees with all seats costing £5, which is a bargain price for a West End cinema. Regular prices are £10 for an adult, £10 for members and free carers seats which can be booked online. However, despite the value prices, the cinema has excellent, very comfortable fixtures and fittings. Now I have discovered it, I will most certainly be returning, as it shows great films, the venue is lovely and accessible and it has a lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend as it is all round superb.

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