Private Cinemas for Hire in London

Your Guide to Hiring Private Cinemas in London

Binge-watching at home is excellent for a lazy weekend, but you can't beat the big screen in a private cinema room when it comes to a movie night. Whether you're hosting a film screening, corporate presentation, or a movie night, our roundup of the best cinemas for hire in London will surely come in handy. Perhaps you're after an old-school theatre for a Hollywood-themed birthday party, or you're looking for a modern cinema with excellent audio-visual facilities for a glam film premiere? Whatever your plan, we can help you find an excellent London cinema that suits you. And the best part? We'll do the legwork for you, so you'll be kicking back with an oversized bucket of popcorn in no time! Here are the most important things to consider when choosing a private cinema venue in London:

How to find the best private cinema for hire in London?

• Location of the venue - Where will you carry out your screening session? Private cinemas are abundant all over central London. Still, if you live in the suburbs, you can check if there's a cinema room for hire in your area. You can opt for one of the iconic, independent cinemas to add a pleasant atmosphere to your screening.
• Means of transport - How are you going to get to your cinema? If you usually commute by public transport, hiring a screening space near a bus or tube station would be your best bet. When browsing Tagvenue, you can find the name of a nearby station under the name of each venue.
• Parking facilities - Are you going to get there by car instead? You should check if the private cinema venue has free parking nearby. You can either message the space manager or check the venue page for more details.
• Accessibility - Will someone attending your private screening need a fully accessible venue? Many of the cinemas and theatres in London are on the ground floor. Still, it's always best to ensure you won't encounter any issues beforehand.
• Amount of seats - How many guests do you plan for your screening? Private cinemas in London are available in all sizes - from small sofa cinemas for up to 20 people to huge screening rooms fit for movie premieres. Smaller venues are usually the cheapest private cinemas, so it's best to know your final headcount before signing your contract.
• Screen size - Do you want a big-screen experience from your cinema hire? Sofa cinemas are nice and cheap, but industrial-grade projectors and giant screens are usually reserved for fully-fledged cinemas. You can easily judge what kind of space you want by looking at the photos.
• Hire costs - What is your budget? When looking for an affordable private cinema near you, you have to consider both the price and the pricing model of the venue. Most cinemas for hire in London follow a 'dry hire' model - meaning you get charged a flat fee per hour or 4-hour screening session. However, some other spaces could set their price based on how many people will attend the screening or have you set a minimum spend, just like in some bars or restaurants. If you have a set budget, you can filter your screening room search results by minimal price so that you can find the best cinema deal quickly.
• Snacks - What's a movie night without popcorn and snacks? Different private cinemas have different policies on that. While smaller cinemas could allow you to bring in your foodstuffs, cinemas with their snack bar will usually have you purchase everything you bring into the screening room. If you have any questions, it's always better to ask the venue manager instead of being surprised on the hire day.

Why should I hire a private cinema in London?

There are many different reasons you would want to organise a private screening. First, it's just a great way to hang out with friends. While you could arrange a movie night at home, watching movies or videos with your friends on a big screen will make the event more enjoyable and memorable. If you've just finished your film, doing an open screening would encourage indie movie enthusiasts to check out your work. If your private cinema venue allows for this, you can even sell tickets for the screening to raise funds for your next project or a charity of your choice. If you have movie critics or producers you want to impress, it's usually expected to carry out the screening in a dedicated space to give them the ultimate experience.

First Time Hiring a Private Cinema? Here's What You Need to Know.

Are you planning a movie night for a special occasion or just looking for a unique experience? Hiring a private cinema can be an incredible experience, but navigating the process for the first time can raise questions. Fear not, film lovers! This guide will address your concerns and walk you through the booking process, ensuring your private cinema debut is a smash hit.

Common Concerns

• Is it expensive? Costs vary depending on venue size, duration, day of the week, and additional services. However, you can expect private screening rooms in London starting around £120 per hour. Budgeting begins with defining your must-haves and researching venues within your range. Remember, the unique experience often justifies the price tag!
• What's included? Each venue with screening rooms offers different packages. Be sure to clarify what's included in the base price, such as the sound system, projector, seating capacity, and basic concessions.
• What can I show? Most venues allow licensed content (DVDs, Blu-rays, streaming services) with permission. Some offer in-house libraries or partnerships with distributors. Discuss your options with the venue to ensure smooth content delivery.
• What about food and drinks? Catering options vary by venue. Some offer snacks like popcorn and crisps, while others allow external catering or BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle). Discuss your preferences and dietary needs with the venue to find the best fit.
• How many people can I invite? Explore your options for screening rooms, from a small space that comfortably accommodates 20 guests, like Exhibit in Balham, to a large theatre with over 1,000 seats, such as Lighthouse Venue in Southwark. Consider your guest list and pick a spot with enough space to move around and enjoy the event without feeling crowded.

The Booking Process Step-by-Step

1. Define your needs - Start by outlining your ideal event, including the occasion, guest count, budget, and desired features (catering, tech, etc.). This will help narrow down your venue search.
2. Research and compare - Explore our platform and read reviews. Look for event locations with positive feedback that match your requirements. Compare prices, amenities, and locations to find the best fit for your event.
3. Contact venues - Contact the cinema spaces you are interested in and inquire about availability, packages, and any additional details you may need. If necessary, ask for a site visit to ensure the space meets your expectations!
4. Finalise details - Once you've chosen your venue, confirm critical information with the venue manager: date, time, duration, headcount, catering, equipment needs, etc.
5. Prepare your content - Ensure you have the permissions, files, or streaming subscriptions for your chosen film or presentation. Test tech compatibility if bringing your own content.
6. Relax and enjoy! With everything planned, arrive early, settle in, and prepare to be wowed by your private cinema experience!

Hiring a private cinema may sound overwhelming at first. Still, with our platform, it can be hassle-free and enjoyable. Embrace the planning process, enjoy the unique atmosphere, and create lasting memories for you and your guests. Now, go grab your popcorn and get ready to roll the credits on a successful first-time experience!

Unique Event Ideas for Private Cinemas

While we typically associate private theatres with dim lighting and popcorn buckets, their potential goes beyond movie nights! These immersive spaces offer a versatile canvas for various creative and impactful events. Ready to unlock the possibilities? Let's explore some unique ways to utilise private film theatres in London:

Product Launches

Imagine unveiling your latest product not on a traditional stage but on a giant screen, surrounded by captivated attendees. Private cinemas create an impactful setting for your product launches. Invite influencers, media personnel, or key stakeholders for an exclusive preview followed by a Q&A session, fostering meaningful engagement and generating buzz.

Business Presentations

Are you tired of the same old PowerPoint presentations? Take your corporate training sessions, conferences, or workshops to the next level with a big screen. Your audience will be fully immersed in the content, making it easier for them to absorb information and focus on the key takeaways. Additionally, interactive elements such as live polling can be incorporated to enhance audience participation.

Gaming Tournaments

Private cinemas can transform into the best gaming arena—Organise tournaments for popular esports titles or classic video game competitions. Project the action onto the big screen, amplifying the excitement for players and spectators alike. These tournaments can attract dedicated gamers and sponsors, so you can even generate revenue through streaming or ticket sales! Use the filter search on our platform to discover screening rooms where promoted events can host gaming tournaments.

Live Performances

Private cinemas can also be utilised as show venues for live performances, such as stand-up comedy shows, small-scale concerts, or plays. The cinematic setting adds an element of grandeur to these events while providing excellent acoustics and visibility for both performers and audience members.

Acting Class

Private cinemas can also serve as ideal spaces for acting classes. The large screen and comfortable seating allow students to observe and analyse performances from various films easily. Additionally, you can organise practical exercises and rehearsals to help students develop their acting skills in a realistic and immersive environment.

Virtual Reality Experiences on the Big Screen

Combine the power of virtual reality (VR) with the immersive environment of a private cinema. Prepare VR headsets and compatible content to transport your guests to new worlds. Everyone can experience thrilling adventures, explore fantastical landscapes, or interact with virtual characters in a larger-than-life setting. This unique combination of VR technology and the big screen creates a truly interactive experience for your guests.

Additional Tips

• Tailor your event to the audience. When choosing the theme and activities, consider the audience's interests, age group, and purpose.
• Utilise the technology: Leverage the audio-visual capabilities of the space to create an immersive and engaging experience.
• Partner with experts: Collaborate with event planners, technology providers, or content creators to ensure a seamless and successful event.

Tagvenue will help you take your film-watching experience to the next level. If you still have any doubts or questions, check out the FAQ section below!

FAQs about Private Cinemas in London

Can I hire a private cinema in London on a budget?

You can hire venues for private screenings in London for as little as £120 per hour. If you’re looking for a larger cinema event space, you should expect prices anywhere from £300 to £2000 per hour and beyond. Hire costs will vary depending on the time of day, size and location of the venue. (All data from Tagvenue.)

Where can I find private cinemas for hire in London?

Private cinemas and theatres are especially abundant in Central London. For more intimate screening spaces, you should start your search around Soho Square Gardens. Covent Garden and St. Giles also have some medium sized cinema rooms you could be interested in. If you’re looking for the best of the best, there are some huge cinema spaces for hire right by Leicester Square.

At which time frames can I schedule private screenings in London's cinemas?

In London you can hire a private cinema for any time of the day. While most of them will be available between 8:00 and 18:00, you can find cinemas that will allow screening for as late as 1:00 am.

What can I watch in a private cinema in London?

Modern cinemas in the city allow for the consumption of any digital media. You can watch one of the movies from the cinema’s library, give them a CD or USB drive with a private recording of yours, or even watch YouTube videos! When it comes to analog means of video, such as roll film or VHS, not every cinema venue in London may have these available. Remember to check the venue page for more details and ask its manager about the terms of service.