The Ritzy in Brixton is a cinema experience like no other. Located in the heart of Brixton, moments from Brixton’s bustling arcade full of cafes and just up from the famous electric avenue.
No only is it just a delight to look at the Ritzy offers so much more than just a cinema. So where to begin?
The Ritzy has a trendy little bar serving hot drinks, cold drinks, long drinks and short drinks. It also has classic bar food, including exactly what you would expect but done with love. You’ve got burgers, stone baked pizzas, hot dogs, things to snack on and even seasonal sandwiches.
Like the saying goes if it’s not broken don’t fix it, and you can enjoy this menu and a cold one out in the sun. The Ritzy is blessed with a gorgeous outside space, which in the summer months you can find street performers or just enjoy a good old-fashioned spot of people watching.
With the summer here what more could you ask for?
Now to the main event, the Picture house. The Ritzy is run by Picturehouse London who have other cinemas throughout the city, and they know what they’re doing.
They don’t give you the same experience as other big cinema chains, they give you it better and when I say better I mean it.
The Ritzy show all the big blockbuster hits, the ones that have the million pound budgets, big explosions and the Hollywood stars you want to enjoy on the big screen and booming sound system. But they also show films that go under the radar the ones that people should watch like the gritty indie films, the beautifully crafted animations and the groundbreaking documentaries. The experience itself is right up my street and I’m sure it will be for you too.
You get all the usual trimmings like sweets, soft drinks or even something of the alcoholic variety. The staff always have a smile on their face and go that extra mile for you. It has that personal touch which big chains just can’t provide and its such a laid back atmosphere, I don’t know whether that’s just Brixton on a whole or something Picturehouse encourages at all their venues but I like it!
The Ritzy is well priced, and of course advance bookings are recommended to guarantee the best seats. They also have £7 tickets on a Monday, say what!? Perfect, my new cinema night is Monday, what a coincidence!
If you live locally you might also want to think about a membership. With a membership you get 4 free tickets, £2 off tickets, 10% off food and drink, and also money off at other establishments like Gourmet Burger Kitchen. The membership is extended to every Picturehouse venue.
Now just hold on a minute, I’m not finished with the Ritzy yet, not without talking about Upstairs At The Ritzy. There is a great space upstairs which also has a balcony with an incredible view across South West London.
Upstairs At The Ritzy hosts some fantastic events such as themed club nights, live music and DJ’s, and special events like The Streets Original Pirate Material album anniversary party (which I was lucky enough to attend, and what a night!).
So there you have it guys, the Ritzy in all its glory! Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
WORDS BY STUART GRAHAME
Stuart is one of our regular hosts and over the years has become something of an expert in dating. Watch out for his regular posts full of dating tips and advice.