As a heatwave arrived in the UK, bathing the capital in golden sunshine and temperatures up to 30C, I was finding every excuse to get outside and enjoy the summer days while they last. For me, the cinema is more of a rainy day activity, so on a hot summer’s day, it’s the last thing on my mind. That is, of course, until I heard about Rooftop Film Club.
Outdoor cinemas aren’t anything new, with drive-in movies dating all the way back to the 1930s. But Rooftop Film Club is an outdoor cinema with a twist – the difference being patrons are seated soaring high above the bustling streets below. Marketing itself as “London’s original outdoor cinema in the sky”, Rooftop Film Club has locations at the Bussey Building in Peckham and at Roof East in Stratford.
This summer, in partnership with British Airways, the cinema is showing an array of destination movies such as Mamma Mia! And Gladiator, along with kid-friendly films for families to enjoy, a selection of summer thrill-themed movies such as Midsummer and The First Omen, plus BRAT summer films inspired by the recent CharliXCX album (think 1990s indie classics and chick flicks galore).
We headed along to the Bussey Building location one balmy summer evening to watch the Rose Glass-directed Love Lies Bleeding, a Neo-noir romantic thriller starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brien.
From the ground, Rooftop Film Club is signposted, with a red movie-premier style carpet rolled out for guests. Head up the stairs (or hop in the lift) to the top floor of the former car park, which is shared with a rooftop bar.
If you get there early, you can always head over to the Bussey Building bar for a drink, which is opposite the cinema box offic. But, even if you don’t have time, one of the great things about the cinema is that you can order drinks, pizza and an array of snacks right to your seat.
Box Office staff are friendly and will talk you through everything before handing you your headphones and directing you to your seats.
There’s a selection of deckchair seating to choose from, including sofa-style chairs if you’re bringing the family or hoping for a romantic cinema date.
There are also dedicated areas for wheelchair users. And, to top it off, you don’t need to leave your four-legged friends at home. Several well-behaved dogs also came along to watch the film during our viewing.
While we waited for the film to begin, we soaked up the panoramic views of south London, with the sparkling lights of the London Eye and The Shard in the distance. It’s really something to be able to witness the colours of day bleed into the sunset while watching the film. A thunderstorm broke out during our viewing too which only added to the atmosphere of what was a pretty tense film at times.
Rooftop Film Club is an all-weather occasion, but even the flashing bolts of lightning and sudden downpours didn’t dampen our experience. Staff are on hand to offer ponchos and waterproof blankets, to ensure you’re cosy and dry throughout the film. But, if the forecast is putting you off, the good news is that you can swap your ticket to a different viewing if the weather isn’t looking the best.
The headphones are easy to use and completely block out any of the surrounding city noise. Unlike in your typical cinema, even a rogue mobile phone ringing won’t kill the mood.
There is the option to add unlimited popcorn to your ticket – but if you fancy a cocktail, cocktail or even a whole pizza, you don’t need to miss a second of the film. QR codes are conveniently located at every seat so that you can order a drink or a pizza (or snack) from Share-A-Slice straight to your chair.
Rooftop Film Club isn’t your average cinema trip, it’s really more of an experience – but that does come with a price tag. Though tickets start from £12.95 for adults and £5.95 for kids, additional extras do cost more.
For a lounge seat with popcorn, our tickets cost £20.95 each. Pizza, snacks and drinks, naturally, will add on more.
However, that does promise you a unique summer cinema trip like no other. Whether it’s a romantic film watching the sunset or a family day out where the kids can ogle the impressive views of the city, I think it offers a special experience that you won’t forget in a hurry.