A Night at the Electric Cinema, Notting Hill

There are cinemas, and then there's the Electric.

One of the oldest working picture houses in Britain, it's been sitting on Portobello Road since 1910, and it's still one of the best evenings you can have in London.

If you're staying with us at Pocket Apartments this summer, it's practically on your doorstep. Here's everything you need to know to make a proper night of it.

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🎬 About the Electric

The Electric Cinema is tucked into Portobello Road at number 191, a beautiful Edwardian building that's been showing films for well over a hundred years.

It only seats 83 people, which is part of what makes it so special. It feels intimate in a way that bigger cinemas simply can't replicate.

Inside, you'll find leather armchairs, two-seat sofas, and, the thing people come back for, a row of actual double beds at the front. Blankets provided. Footrests. A fully licensed bar.

It sounds decadent because it is, a little, and that's entirely the point.

The Electric is managed by Soho House, which means it's well run, reliably good, and slightly more grown-up than your average multiplex.

It draws a mix of locals, date-nighters, film lovers, and visitors who've heard about it and made it a specific reason to come to this part of London. Most of them leave happy.

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🍿 What's On This Summer

The Electric programmes a brilliant mix of new releases and curated seasons. It's not just a mainstream cinema, and that's what makes it worth paying attention to.

This summer they're running a musicals season, with sing-alongs and beloved classics on the big screen in an intimate setting. It's the kind of thing that sounds a bit silly until you're actually there, at which point it becomes one of the better evenings you've had in a while.

They also regularly screen Notting Hill which sells out every time and feels genuinely magical given you're watching it just a few hundred metres from where it was filmed. If it's on during your stay, it's worth booking immediately.

Beyond the seasonal programming, the Electric shows a thoughtful mix of current releases and all-time classics. Check the full programme before you arrive, as the schedule changes regularly and the best seats disappear quickly.

A Few Other Things Worth Knowing

Baby screenings
Monday afternoons with slightly raised lighting and lower volume for parents with infants under two.

Captioned screenings
Regular screenings for hearing-impaired guests. Check the schedule for upcoming dates.

Cult classics and special events
These come and go throughout the year, so it's always worth checking what's on, even if you've visited before.

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🛋️ How to Book (and What Seat to Choose)

Book online in advance.

The beds and double sofas sell out quickly, especially at weekends and for popular screenings. Don't assume you'll be able to walk in.

If you want one of the beds, book as early as possible and choose the front rows.

If you'd rather sit upright and enjoy a more traditional cinema experience, the leather armchairs are excellent.

Whichever you choose, arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the film starts. The bar gets busy, and you'll want time to settle in before the lights go down.

The cinema is fully licensed, so cocktails, wine, and beer are all available, alongside snacks and treats.

It's one of those rare places where having a drink in your hand feels like part of the experience rather than an afterthought.

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🍜 Where to Eat Before (or After)

Speedboat Bar

The old Electric Diner next door has become Speedboat Bar, the second outpost of one of London's most celebrated Thai restaurants.

Inspired by Bangkok's late-night dining scene, it's lively, flavour-packed, and open until midnight most nights, and even later at weekends.

The green mango chicken salad and crispy pork with black pepper curry are both excellent.

It's the obvious choice because it's right there. Dinner and a film without moving more than a few steps.

Permit Room

Dishoom's all-day Bombay café, located inside a Victorian pub on Portobello Road.

Relaxed, lively, and well-priced, it's perfect for an early evening meal before a later screening.

The crispy spinach chaat is particularly good.

Gold

A stylish modern European restaurant known for open-fire cooking.

This is more of a sit-down dinner destination, ideal if you're planning an earlier meal before heading to the cinema.

The Fat Badger

A neighbourhood pub with a set menu upstairs that's earned a loyal following.

You eat whatever they're cooking that day, which is part of the appeal. It's simple, local, and consistently good.

Los Mochis

A short walk away and one of the most interesting restaurants in the area.

The Japanese-Mexican menu makes it a great option if you're looking for something a little different before your screening.

For something more casual, Portobello Road Market is full of fantastic food stalls on Saturdays. If you're catching a weekend matinee, grabbing lunch from the market beforehand is a very good idea.

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⏰ Timing Tips

For a relaxed evening, the sweet spot is dinner at Speedboat Bar or Permit Room around 6:30pm, followed by an 8:30pm or 9pm screening.

You'll have plenty of time to enjoy both without feeling rushed.

If you'd rather turn it into a full day out, catch a late afternoon film and spend the evening wandering Portobello Road afterwards.

The street at dusk in summer, walking back towards your studio, is one of those simple London moments that visitors remember long after they've gone home.

One final tip: don't arrive on a Friday or Saturday evening expecting tickets to be available. Popular screenings regularly sell out.

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🏠 Staying With Us? You're Closer Than You Think

The Electric Cinema is an easy walk from both our Notting Hill and Kensington studios.

No Tube journey. No taxi. Just step outside and head towards Portobello Road.

Before a big evening out, start the day at Pocket Coffee for breakfast and a great cup of coffee.

And if you're checking out but still have plans, our bag drop service means you can leave your luggage safely with us and enjoy the rest of your day without dragging suitcases around London.

Catch a film, explore the neighbourhood, grab dinner, then head straight to the station when you're ready.

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🎬 The Perfect Notting Hill Evening

A great film. A comfortable seat (or bed). Dinner on Portobello Road. A short walk home through one of London's most beautiful neighborhoods.

That's the Electric Cinema experience.

If you're planning a stay in Notting Hill or Kensington, it's one of those London experiences that's absolutely worth making time for.