Prince Charles Cinema, London

When it comes to cinemas in London, you don’t get more popular than Prince Charles Cinema. Currently staring down the barrel of the closure gun, there have been more than 150,000 signatures in favour of keeping the West End Cinema alive, and for good reason. Its affordable prices and catering to film enthusiasts have made it a go-to spot for film fans across the country.

One of Prince Charles Cinema’s regulars is film critic Aaminah Saleem, who appreciates the variety on display. “It’s my favourite in London, because there is nowhere else with the diversity of programming which highlights and showcases gorgeous prints of films that deserve to be seen on the big screen,” she says.

“The experience of seeing the curtains open and being in a venue which stands out as an independent gem amongst the chains of Central London is unrivalled.”

She isn’t the only one who carries this sentiment. Journalist Danny Bremner agrees and also believes that this cinema offers an experience like no other. “You can go get a bit of everything. Pristine remasters of vintage classics, charming 35mm prints of action masterpieces, themed all-nighters, obscure and popular films. They really show everything,” he says.

Regent Street Cinema, London

The Prince Charles Cinema may be a fan favourite in London, but the Regent Street Cinema still also receives love from the city’s film fans. It has been dubbed “The birthplace of British Cinema", opening its doors in 1848 and still standing strong more than 100 years later. It has continued to thrive throughout the years as a piece of history, offering moviegoers a range of new releases as well as showing films which date back earlier than the 1950s.

The Phoenix, Leicester

If you’re looking to be inspired by the arts, a trip to Leicester’s Phoenix Cinema is a great place to do so. Surrounded by artistic venues in the city’s cultural corner, the cinema has been able to stay afloat through uncertain times thanks to its core audience of film lovers and catering to its own fanbase. The staff handpick the films they show exclusively for the Leicester audience, leading to micro-budget indies and movie marathons. Noah Procter is an avid goer to the Phoenix, who values the cinema experience the Phoenix offers in comparison to others. “The frequent events at the Phoenix is what makes me choose them instead of the other cinemas. I’d much rather go watch a film which is more community-led than go to a chain cinema,” he says.

Broadway Cinema, Nottingham

The breeding place for iconic UK filmmaker Shane Meadows, Nottingham’s Broadway cinema is widely respected in the country. It featured in Total Film magazine’s top 10 cinemas in the world. If you’re going to go, make sure you go into screen four, as iconic Nottingham fashion designer Sir Paul Smith designed the inside, featuring a 35-distinctively coloured big strip design.

The Little Theatre, Bath

Bath delivers again on the city’s rich aesthetic with The Little Theatre, located right next to the city’s famous Spa. As the city’s only independent cinema, it offers a cosy, intimate atmosphere in a more classic screening setting. Don’t take my word for it; take Wes Anderson’s, who says it is one of his favourite cinemas and even put it in his 2009 film Fantastic Mr Fox.

It’s for those reasons that film fan Alice Shaw loves watching new film releases at The Little Theatre. “Since moving to Bath for university, I have loved going to The Little Theatre. It is unique in comparison to the other cinemas in the city and is affordable, which, when I was a student, was crucial. It really feels like you are all watching the film together,” she says.

Watershed, Bristol

Located next to the River Avon, Watershed has picked up an array of accolades since its opening. It has been featured on the 100 best movie places in the world by Time Out, and has been a pillar for inclusivity in the city. It has also garnered a reputation for some tasty nachos, which Edward Callow, a former Bristolian, agrees with. “They have no right being as good as they are,” he says, but it’s not the only reason he loves it.

“There are great options in London, but I do still miss going to the Watershed. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but there was something magical about watching a film there next to the river. It’s definitely somewhere I try to go when I’m back home.”

Plaza Community Cinema, Liverpool

Winner of a BAFTA For The Love of Film award, the Plaza Community Cinema has captured the hearts of scousers with its community setting. After nearly being demolished in 1995, the cinema was saved by a campaign which was started by a 12-year-old boy. If nothing else, go and visit it for its cool exterior.

Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh

It’s a family affair in Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh, as it has been owned by the Cameron family since 1938. Greats such as Judi Dench have watched films in this cinema, and it’s clear to see why: It offers in-seat table service with wine, pizza and nachos, which you can get delivered right to your seat, and screens have reclining armchairs and foot stalls. It’s good to know that if the film is bad, you’ll be comfy enough to have a relaxing nap instead.

No.6 Cinema, Portsmouth

If you have ever found yourself annoyed at waiting for the adverts to finish and you’re on the South Coast, No.6 cinema is the place for you. They keep it classic. No adverts, no trailers. All you need to do is arrive on time and watch your film. It’s not the only reason you should give it a go; it has one of the biggest screens on the south coast, and its bar is decorated with origami flowers which have been crafted from recycled film posters. It’s all in the details.