The definitive guide to London's best independent and arthouse cinemas.
Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square
Hands down, one of the best places to go for film events. From all-night sleepovers and Harry Potter marathons to your straight-up Q&A, Prince Charles Cinema has some of the most interesting speakers and the most eager audiences. When they play a good ol' Colin Firth flick, everyone's respectful but soon as Ghostbusters II hits the screen, the crowd goes nuts. The only snag is the seating. The seats are huge and the auditoriums sort of dip in the middle so the best seats are at the front. Still, the tickets are cheap for London and the range of new films, documentaries and retro stuff, is unrivalled. Tickets range from £4-10 and around £20 for trilogies. 
Greenwich Picturehouse
Now owned by Cineworld, the Picturehouse cinemas are losing their touch. Forfeiting the oddball arthouse films for safer Hollywood options, their only saving grace are their amenities. Greenwich has some of the best. It's a luxury four screen cinema, that has a smaller basement screening room to boot. There's also the first floor glass-fronted panoramic bar that offers tea and coffee as well as booze and free wifi. If you're after something more interactive, all Picturehouse Cinemas are known for their Director's Q&A sessions as well as music and comedy events. Adult tickets £12
The Phoenix in East Finchley
The Phoenix cinema opened in 1910 and is believed to be the "oldest purpose-built continuously serving cinema in the UK", and despite its age, has managed to retain a lot of its original features. The prices are what you'd expect from an old arthouse cinema (with a few good deals) and it plays a mixture of celebrity-packed films, foreign films, and some retro doublebills (Dr. Who, anyone?). It's East Finchley location is pretty plush. Quiet and slightly residential with a boutique cafe-filled high street. 
Everyman Cinemas all over London
Like Picturehouse cinemas, Everyman presents a mix of independent flicks and blockbusters in more intimate venues. But it's their special events you really want to keep an eye out for. Everyman make a habit of teaming up with brilliant innovators who occupy interesting spaces and explore bizarre themes. They have some very sparkly launches and fantastically weird pop-ups. 
Curzon Cinemas all over London
Want celebrity Q&As? Curzon cinemas are the ones to sign up to. You know how super hot stars sometimes have a need to get out of California so they take 3 months out to shoot some socially-conscious flick by a writer/director no one's ever heard of? Well when it's promo time, this is where they come. With venues in Soho, Mayfair, Richmond, Chelsea and Bloomsbury, there's a fairly predictable crowd but generally great films.
The Ritzy in Brixton
As well as the very impressive range of films The Ritzy has built up a regular community of enthusiasts who frequent the recently refurbished building. What's their secret? Good food. A more than decent breakfast at a cafe that opens at 8am will start your day off and Jamaican curried goat will see you through the evening. With live music and comedy in their events space, yes, there are people who just spend all day here.
Rio Cinema in Dalston
Architecture buffs love the Rio as much as cinephines. This Grade II listed building has good films, good snacks and a community feel. It hosts some great festivals including the annual Turkish Film Festival, London Short Film Festival and Fringe! Which means it draws a diverse crowd over the year they all return for the collection of classic and contemporary films that run as standard. Post Saturday night, their Sunday matinees are exactly what you need. 
The Electric in Notting Hill
Possibly London's cosiest cinema, you can watch films at The Electric from a row of double beds, sofas or indeed an armchair. One of the most distinct cinemas in London, they have four categories on their website: 'House,' 'Cinema,' 'Diner' and 'Donuts'. They have a whole page dedicated solely to donuts, spelt the American way. Electric Donuts serves hot coffee and donuts from 2pm on Wednesday and 10am on Saturdays.
Rio image: markhillary via Compfight cc
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