Each week we ask a reader to tell us about where they go to watch films. Today, a former theatre-turned-cinema in Notting Hill
This week's Cine-files entry is by Aleona Krechetova. Follow her on Twitter or on her blog here.
Location
Near to London's famous antiques market on Portobello Road, the annual Notting Hill carnival, one of my favourite cinemas stands proudly in the middle of the high street, and a mere 50 metres away from Notting Hill Gate tube station. Be you a proud inhabitant of the "coloured houses neighbourhood", or a wandering tourist in search of the famous Blue Door, the Coronet will undeniably catch your attention.
Building
Initially starting off as a theatre in 1898, the Coronet was later converted into a cinema in the 1920s. Although fully equipped with state-of-the-art surround sound, it also retains its original theatre architecture, and is the perfect historical setting for film fanatics to enjoy a good movie in. During its theatrical glory days, it was a frequent place of interest for King Edward VII, and featured stars like Ellen Terry and Sarah Bernhardt in its productions. The building has taken on many roles in the past; from war-time bomb shelter to London's last smoking cinema.
Clientele
Renowned for its cheap screening days – £3.50 ticket night on Tuesdays, £3.50 student prices on Mondays, and £4.50 weekday matinee tickets. Students of all ages abandon their game consoles and dissertations for their Monday night film fix, while Tuesdays guarantee a full house irrespective of age group; with locals from just around the corner and Londoners coming from afar for the cheap movie deal, all patiently queuing in line for a ticket. Being right next to the station, its central location attracts a lot of tourists, either tired from wandering about Portobello and in need of a relaxing evening ahead, or having purposely searched for the old gem, to tick off another film location landmark off their list. For lo and behold, back in 1999 the then floppy-haired Hugh Grant went to this very cinema to ogle at his "celebrity" crush, Julia Roberts in the classic Richard Curtis romcom, Notting Hill.
Programme
Aside from the regular Hollywood blockbuster here and there, the Coronet also offers a wide range of foreign and art films, and is host to many community-organised events and film festivals. Given its size, it only shows two films at a time, but the experience alone is well worth the wait, so keep an eye out for news on future screenings. Securing tickets for Tuesday nights for instance, is more of a military operation than a simple trip to the box office – make sure to leave well in advance of the screening to guarantee coming away triumphant, with the coveted ticket in hand.
Further comments
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Coronet is its survivor story. The old cinema was previously saved from the clutches of a looming McDonald's franchise project back in the late 1980s, when cinema attendance was at its lowest. In 2004 it was then bought out by the local Pentecostal church, the Kensington Temple, who are now responsible for its running and upkeep. As well as playing its role as the community's beloved independent cinema, the Coronet continues to host film premieres, festivals and charity-centred events.
The Twitter view
The Coronet - not a cinema: an ancient music hall complete with curved gallery, red plush and gilt but with a screen. Love it.
The Coronet is a very well kept traditional cinema, it was nice to watch a modern movie in a wonderful old-fashioned setting.
Went one Feb evening and the heater broke. Rather than cancel the show, they gave free hot bevvies to everybody.
Atmospheric, traditional, comfy seats and respectful other cinema goers make this cinema one of the best in London
Splendid old cinema. Particularly the main screen, which is vast and features original, ornate decoration. Plus it's cheap...
Is there a cinema you love (or hate) that you think our readers should know about? If you're interested in reviewing a cinema, email adam.boult@guardian.co.uk with the subject line "Cine-files".
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2012/oct/02/cine-files-coronet-notting-hill
Alfonso Arau Alfonso Cuarón Alfred Hitchcock Alfred L. Werker
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