The theatre was closed in 1976 and faced demolition, but the local council came to the rescue and re-opened it as an arts cinema a few years later.

The cinema is now part of the well-known Picturehouse Group, and the film offerings are also a nice mix of old and new. You will see new releases here, but also foreign films, independent and experimental cinema, and special events like Q&A evenings with directors and actors.

Thankfully, no one every thought to “improve” the structure at the Ritzy, so the lovely bits of architectural flourish and detail are largely intact. The main screen is the most delightful, with high ceilings and mood lighting that are sure to transport you back to a time when going to the cinema was a very special happening.

The area around the cinema has been recently done over and is very pleasant and inviting; we can thank the local council for that bit of magic as well.

Seeing a film is just one of the possible things to do here at the Ritzy; there are several other options here to make your night even better.

Inside the cinema, the old box office area has been converted into a café that serves meals, drinks, and snacks every day from 8:00 AM onwards. You can breakfast on Eggs Benedict or stop in at lunch for a famous Ritzy Burger.

Upstairs is the rather smart and stylish bar and performance music venue located in a space above the cinema. Open every day, they showcase a wide variety of live music, everything from reggae to jazz and world music, as well as comedy productions and performance workshops.

The Ritzy certainly lives up to its name.

Address: Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG

Telephone: 0870 755 0062

Photo courtesy: Ewan-M

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