Where are the best independent cinemas in Kent?
As cinemas begin to re-open after Lockdown, we take a look at some of the independent venues around the county
The Palace Cinema, Broadstairs
Small but mighty springs to mind when you think of @PalaceCinemaBroadstairs.
In fact, stood outside the entrance in Harbour Street, you’ll be questioning whether there is actually a cinema inside.
But there is. Seating 111 - 23 on the balcony and 88 in the stalls - this cosy Grade II listed venue brings you quite a different experience to the multiplex.
First opened in 1965, it has changed hands a few times, most recently in 2016 to Corrina Downing and Simon Ward, who bring some of the most thought-provoking films on offer, from award-winners to independents, audiences’ favourites to critics’ choices.
The Palace Cinema is due to reopen on June 11.
Kino Hawkhurst
Opened in 2006, @KinoHawkhurst was the first ‘purely digital’ cinema in the UK and has established itself as a boutique venue, constructed within the Victoria Hall, which is owned by Hawkhurst Parish Council, and includes a cafe-bar.
The Kino concept? To provide the most comfortable, convivial and stylish venue in which to enjoy the cinema experience.
Since its launch in Hawkhurst, two more have been opened - in Rye and Bermondsey.
Kino’s cinema programme includes the latest blockbusters, kids’ movies, foreign-language films, documentaries and live events broadcast from the National Theatre, the Royal Opera House and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Kino Hawkhurst reopens on May 28.
Curzon, Canterbury
Showcasing a renowned programme of independent films from all over the world since 2014 is the Curzon Canterbury @CurzonCanterbury.
This three-screen bijoux, boutique cinema also hosts events including live opera, ballet and theatre broadcasts from its home in Westgate Hall Road in Canterbury.
It all goes towards Curzon’s aim of ‘fostering a community of film enthusiasts’ which it aims to continue when it opens its new five-screen cinema at the new Riverside at Canterbury development.
But don’t worry, the original Curzon will remain open in the city, too.
New Century Cinema, Sheerness
First opening as the Odeon in 1937, this cinema has over the years been a bingo club, restaurant, a cinema again (renamed New Century Cinema in 2000), almost converted for church use and then community use, before being shut in 2009.
A planning application for it to become a nightclub was then submitted in 2010 and - thankfully - refused.
It reopened as a cinema in December 2014 with state-of-the-art digital projectors and bigger screens, holding 200 people across the venue and bringing the latest films and classics to the town.
The Royal Cinema, Faversham
Located on the corner of Market Place, @royalcinemafav2019 is an independent picturehouse showing art house films and major releases.
Home to the Faversham Film Society, it was formerly an Odeon built in 1936 and is now a Grade II listed building, with one screen and 440 seats.
It was reopened in 1994 and is loved by the locals.
Carlton Cinema, Westgate-on-Sea
The three-screen @CarltonCinema was built in 1910 and was originally the town hall.
It’s a firm favourite with Thanet’s residents with affordable tickets - just £3.50 for standard and £4.50 for lounge seats even for the major releases - as well as having that traditional cinema feel.
Ahead of its reopening last year it had a bit of a refresh including a refurbed ticket booth and a new pre-order food and drink service brought in.
Gulbenkian, Canterbury
The Gulbenkian @TheGulbenkian at the University of Kent boasts a cinema at its dynamic arts centre on campus, offering the latest blockbusters alongside independent films and talks, student movie events and festival films.
For the full line up see https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/
Kavanagh Cinema, Herne Bay
Kavanagh @kavanaghcinema is a two-screen community cinema, which almost shut down a decade ago before being saved by current owner Robert Johnson, who took it on.
The cinema offers the latest films as well as dementia screenings, parent and baby showings, and relaxed/autism screenings on the last Saturday of every month.
Every Wednesday is the Classic Film Club at 11am, and the venue also screens live events from the Royal Opera House and National Theatre.
Silver Screen Folkestone
For a traditional cinema experience try @FolkestoneCinema at the Town Hall in Guildhall Street, with its antique ticket machines in the box office and classical auditoriums.
There are two screens at this independent cinema and it is due to reopen on May 28.
Silver Screen Dover
This 77-seat, one-screen cinema @SilverScreenDover has been open for 30 years in Gaol Lane in Dover so if you’re looking for that classic cinema feel, this is your place.
You can also hire out the whole place for a party and have it all to yourselves.
Confectionery and drinks are available, but the venue is alcohol-free.
Empire Cinema, Sandwich
It’s not open yet but we’re waiting and hoping @empiresandwich will be soon.
This art-deco venue was first opened in 1937 and then reopened in 1993. Over the years it’s been refurbed with comfy seats, has a fully licensed bar and runs classic cinema presentations.
It shut last year but we’re keeping our fingers crossed it will reopen.
Keep an eye out on https://empiresandwich.co.uk/