Whirled Cinema

Times have changed since the first review. Whirled Cinema now is a kind of cinema club which entitles members to two entrance tickets. My friend is such a member and brought me here on my last visit to London. What an awesome place: interesting international movies, a well-​stocked inexpensive bar, pizza to order and comfy old-​school cinema benches. If you live in the neighbourhood do become a member and take everyone you know here!

I came across this place during a random web search for art galleries in my area — it’s not a gallery though. Whirledart is a collection of artists studios that opens its doors from time to time to allow the general public in to see the best of the work produced within.
I saw that I’d missed the latest open weekend but was intrigued by the mention of Whirled Cinema, offering interesting and unusual films to view for free on Friday and Saturday nights. The site told me they were open to their artists and friends, so after emailing to check that I, a random stranger, was also welcome (they said I was) I mosied on down there one Friday night with my boyfriend.
We were pleased to find everyone was really friendly and welcoming to newcomers. The films are shown in a really cool space under the railway arch on a big screen with excellent sound, and there are some very comfy bench seats to recline on. A small bar at the back of the room is a welcome addition to an already vibey place.
It’s sometimes hard to believe that independent places like Whirled exist in this town, surrounded as we are by Odeons and Vues charging £8 and more for a cinema ticket. The friendly, open attitude and generosity of the guys who run the place is to be applauded, and they seemed keen for more people to show up to the screenings. If you treat the place with respect you’ll be welcome — just make sure you buy a drink at the bar to say thank you.
Check out the website (
) and sign up to their mailing list to keep informed about what films are showing each week.