Curzon-Bloomsbury

Never having visited the old site I can’t compare. It may be frustrating to buy tickets from the bar, but I’ve noticed a lot of cinemas have gone the same way. They could do with a ticketing machine but you can buy tickets online including on your phone and you don’t need to collect them.
£18 is definitely a lot for a ticket, a lot of central London cinemas are charging a similar price now too. I recommend if you are a big film fan to become a member then you will get value for money.
I like the seating here, there is a bit more leg room than some cinemas and there are couch seats and they recline slightly, yes it could be a bit more comfy but not the worst. What is annoying is that they haven’t thought to allow anywhere to put food or drinks, this seems a bit strange when they have a fully licensed bar and a good selection of food including cakes on offer.
My favourite thing about this venue is they have a screen dedicated to documentaries, which I love. On the way in I’ve noticed they have three TVs screens with headphones, I presume you can come here and watch things; will have to come back to check it out.

The customer service here is impeccable! We were told that the movie started at a certain time, came back. we were told by someone else the show time was incorrect and that movie had already showcased hours earlier.
In response to receiving the incorrect information, the server offered us a free beer and pretzels. It was so nice and we ended up coming back the following evening to see the movie for real this time and I enjoyed how intimate the cinema setting is designed. The chairs are comfy. For a moment, I thought I was in the sitting room. We were also given scratch-​offs that allow the viewer to watch the movie two months later for free online.

Ive been going to the Renoir for years when it was a gem of a cinema set within a wasteland.
I have just come back from seeing a film and was very very disappointed with the whole experience apart from the staff who are lovely.
It does not look that much different from the original on the ground and lower ground floors just lots of same old concrete and some new chairs.
The worse thing is trying to buy a ticket which took 20 minutes as the tickets are sold at the bar. Whoever had that stupid idea should be fired.
It is very expensive. The Renoir was always a bit more that other places but not this much. We were told it was because the film was in the Renoir cinema and it has some amazing sound system. We did not notice apart from the fact the adverts for all the films coming up were really really loud… everyone was saying so.
Then there are the seats… well they slide down but are not particularly comfortable. I would rather have more comfy seats that do nothing and pay less. Also be aware. Only about half of the seats have suitable sight lines. You cannot see from the side seats and considering they have a lot of subtitled films to pay £18 for them is daylight robbery.
I am very sorry to see this and I wont be going back. Maybe tourists from places like the US think this is cheap but its not for the normal person.
Well its back to the Barbican and goodbye Renoir. I hope you survive but I do fear the worse

I’ve experienced better, for sure — but I tend to frequent theatres like the Everyman chain, which are very comfortable and have unique food offerings. Curzon is unique in the sense that it has a bar, but it’s just got ice cream and bagged popcorn/​crisps to eat, and the screen is very small. To be fair, it was very cheap — only £7 for a weekend movie, which I guess makes up for it? The seats aren’t too bad, but are nowhere near on par with the couches at other, quirkier cinemas.

I absolutely love this place. It is right around the corner from my place of stay in Bloomsbury, and I couldn’t be more happy about it. The indie selection of films is great, and the small, eclectic vibe of the place just adds to the magic.
My only complaint is that films are expensive to see. But that goes for every movie theatre, so the Renoir shouldn’t bear the brunt of my constant gripe. Most importantly, there’s a bar with a great selection of beer, wine and spirits!

This small cinema has an ecelectic collection of films. From big blockbuster to indie French films, you will find something you will enjoy. They even broadcast live from the MET sometimes!
Very hot in the summer, and can cost you almost 20 quid including a ticket and something from the bar.

The (Curzon) Renoir is a solid fixture of independent, art house and repertory cinema. They offer a unique selection. London is huge, and the theaters are many, but sometimes Renoir may be the only theater playing a certain film you want to see. There is something to be said for filling a niche market.
Unfortunately, its also one of the more uncomfortable cinemas I have ever visited. Bring an electric blanket, and possibly your own chair. brrr!

The program is unrivalled. The ticket prices are a little too high which means you will always have at least a row to yourself.
The screens are small, and the auditorium is slanted to one side of the screen because it was originally a single screen now split down the middle into two separate. It’s not good unless you sit in the ‘middle’. The screens are on the small and high side for the number/​position of seats.
The major downside are the very noisy seats, sweaking loudly every-​time someone so much as breathes. On my most recent visit the auditorium smelt of stale vomit/​beer.
When buying my ticket I was warned the auditorium didn’t have aircon. I thought this was strange considering it was 9pm and I needed a jacket outside. About halfway though the place was roasting. They tried to counter this with a normal sized desk fan below the screen. Needless to say, the fan had little or no effect other than to be loud.

The location and the programme are the most common reasons for me to go to the Renoir. The location has improved massively in recent years with the Brunswick centre makeover which includes a lot of useful shops including a huge Waitrose.
I really enjoy the bar at the Renoir which has a good selection of drinks and snacks but also its old school glamour feel.
One thing that is not great about the Renoir is the seats and the screening room. Seats are not the most comfortable and due to one screen being split in two, years back to accommodate two screens, viewing can be a little uncomfortable.

Really nice cinema — tucked away underground in the Brunswick Centre with comfy seats and lots of legroom. Almost exclusively shows foreign and art movies, but that’s by no means a bad thing.
Entry is a little on the high side, but the memberships are well worth taking a look at if you’re planning to visit at all regularly. Of course, the big benefit is that the film selection almost completely eliminates any groups of noisy kids with no intention of watching the film!

Admittedly, I don’t come here as often as I use to. But after attending one of tonight’s show for the London International Animated Film Fest (LIAFF), I was reminded of some unique quirks about the place.
Firstly, tickets are super expensive, but it is a small chain. It is quite nice that they mostly show foreign movies though.
They serve wine and beer in the bar, which is a plus. BUT when you get into the theater there are no cup holders, which causes you to nurse your drink. Honestly, I’ve never been tempted by the fancy food options. I usually skip the bar downstairs, and sneak in a snack from the Waitrose though… shhh!

This is a lovely cinema in a quiet location near to Russell Sq.
They put on very, very good films and I’ve always liked the décor. Understated, arty. Bar. Large screen!!!
Good places to eat nearby.
Been coming here for years and years and never tire of it.

If you are in to art house or alternative cinema, this is definitely the venue for you, unpretentious, clean and comfortable, the Renoir simply shows a never ending lineup of fantastic films.
Oh yes, and I’m 6’2″ and never struggle with leg room!
Go and see whatever is on, they simply don’t show bad films!

I prefer to spend my movie-​going pounds on independent and small chains over Vues & Odeons whenever possible, and this was a cute little place to do so. It’s situated in the Brunswick centre so you have the massive Waitrose to provide some pre-​cinema munchies and there’s lots of restaurants around to grab something to eat before or after your show.
The screen wasn’t massive but the floor had a steep pitch so there wasn’t any heads blocking your view. You’ll be trading the typical popcorn and nacho concession stand for a minibar, which for the type of movies they show, you’re better off with a glass of wine or a G&T to get you in the mood. I didn’t really realize how close it was to where I live, I’ll be going back here for sure in the future!

I went here today to see The Class, and was surprised by its construction. The location is good, and the design is very interesting. The theater itself was clean and comfortable with an entrance upstairs that had racks of world cinema staples for sale. The downstairs is the real theater lobby with a bar and some seating. There are two screens that have a very nice classic feel, and the experience was, overall, one that I would like to have again. Matinée tickets were 7, which is average. I’d go again if my wallet wasn’t so empty!

Cute and convenient cinema with retro character in the middle of Bloomsbury.
The cinema has two screens that are rather small in comparison to newer, chain cinemas. The bar downstairs offers a welcome respite to cinema goers, especially on the weekends. The bar also offers organic, health-​conscious, and off-​beat food options, from dried fruit to slices of chocolate cake.
While the cinema generally shows independent, foreign, or other generally unknown movies, it also plays mainstream options (most recently the Wrestler and Slumdog Millionaire).
The Renoir offers concessions to students and OAPs, but not on the weekends.

One my favorite cinema’s showing independent and small budget movies with the best selection of art and foreign films. Located between Russell Square and Kings Cross you can easily walk there from central.
The cinema is rather small with two screens and they usually have just few films on the menu at one time. Very different from the mega super chains so there is no popcorn or online bookings, but instead you will get more authentic environment with true movie lovers as customers.

The Renoir Cinema is my favourite in London. In part this is because it is first where I got into arts cinema, but more so because of the atmosphere. The cinema predates the Brunswick centre’s redevelopment, and remains in the same place though slightly spruced up. It is also now a member of the Curzon chain
The bar and cinemas are downstairs and they have a slightly moody aged atmosphere. Before the film starts there is a sign that says no smoking which normally seems somewhat moot, but here it feels appropriate. Which is something of shame as I imagine smoke would add to feel of the place.
It shows current release arts and indie movies as well as re-​releases, retrospectives and occasionally Curzon chain wide seasons.

This is the one. My favourite Cinema in London. Excellent retrospectives, fantastic atmosphere, great auditoriums. When I caught a Sunday matinée showing of ‘The Double Life of Veronique’ about a year ago I knew it was a moment I wouldn’t forget in a hurry. It’s cosy, intimate and there’s plenty of leg room which being 6ft 4 is important for me! I almost don’t want to tell you about this place In fact don’t go. It’s rubbish. Honest… Ahem.