Electric Cinema
One of the UK's oldest cinemas, opened 1911 on Portobello Road, with luxury leather armchairs, double beds and cashmere blankets
One of the UK's oldest cinemas, opened 1911 on Portobello Road, with luxury leather armchairs, double beds and cashmere blankets
The Electric Cinema on Portobello Road is one of Britain's oldest working cinemas — a Grade II listed picture house showing films since 1911. With leather armchairs, cashmere blankets and double beds in the front row, it is also one of London's most luxurious.
Open to everyone despite its Soho House ownership, the Electric combines a century-old auditorium with the comfort of a private screening room. It shows mainstream releases, independent films and classics, with table service delivering drinks and food to your seat.
The Electric Cinema was designed by Gerald Seymour Valentin and built in 1910 at 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill. One of the first buildings in Britain designed specifically for showing motion pictures, it opened on 27 February 1911 with a 20-minute silent film of Henry VIII and originally seated 564.
Over the following century, the Electric lived many lives — a soldiers' entertainment venue during the First World War, a repertory cinema in the 1960s and 70s, and periods of near-closure. In 2001, Gebler Tooth Architects oversaw a refurbishment that preserved the Edwardian Baroque facade while transforming the interior into the luxury cinema visitors see today.
What sets the Electric apart is the quality of seating and service. Standard seats are wide leather armchairs, each with a footstool and side table. Cashmere blankets are draped over every chair. In the front row, six double beds with pillows and blankets offer the most indulgent way to watch a film in London. The back rows feature two-seater leather sofas.
Table service runs throughout every screening — order cocktails, wine, beer and snacks from a menu and have them delivered by waitstaff. The combination of historic architecture, comfortable seating and attentive service creates an atmosphere closer to a private club than a commercial cinema, though the Electric is open to everyone.
The Electric sits in the heart of Portobello Road, one of London's most famous streets. On Saturdays, the market stretches for over a mile with antiques, vintage clothing, street food and fresh produce. The cinema makes an ideal pit stop — catch a matinee between browsing the stalls, or end the day with an evening screening.
A second Electric Cinema operates at White City, inside the Television Centre development in Shepherd's Bush, offering the same luxury seating and table service in a more modern setting. Both venues show mainstream releases and independent films, with occasional classics and special events.
Prices vary by day and time — Monday and weekday matinee screenings are significantly cheaper. The cinema does not accept cash; card, contactless and mobile payments only. No booking fees when booked directly.
Armchair tickets drop to just £10 for screenings Monday to Friday before 5pm. This is one of the best cinema deals in London, especially given the luxury experience.
There are only six double beds and they sell out quickly, especially on weekends. Book well in advance if a bed is what you are after — they are the most popular seats in the house.
The Saturday market on Portobello Road is at its busiest from 9am to 1pm. Browse the stalls in the morning and catch an afternoon screening at the Electric for a perfect Notting Hill day out.
The Electric has a small bar near the entrance. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your screening to settle in with a drink before taking your seat.
The Electric does not accept cash. Bring a card, or use Apple Pay, Google Pay or another contactless payment method for tickets, food and drinks.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 5, 2026
