Our favourite indie cinemas in Kent 2023
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.
Cosy, quaint and a must-visit.
Image from @sidcupstoryteller
SIDCUP STORYTELLER
The new kid on the block, Sidcup Storyteller opened its doors in June 2023, and features several screens, as well as a café, library, bar area and even a co-working space.
Built on the site of a former Blockbuster Video, the cinema is a partnership between London Borough of Bexley and independent operators Really Local Group who have previously had success with projects including Catford Mews, Reading Biscuit Factory and Peckham Levels.
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.
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.
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’.
Curzon Canterbury Riverside
With five spacious screens inspired by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, a cocktail bar and a pizzeria, the new Curzon Canterbury (@curzoncinemas) Riverside is designed to offer a holistic cinema experience that you can’t get at home.
With dedicated Dolby Atmos screens for peerless surround sound, the venue has a striking exterior, modern decor and deep-orange colour palette. It is a luxurious place to spend an evening, whether watching a film, sipping on a cocktail, wine or craft beer or tucking into some Italian goodness from a menu of stone-baked sourdough pizzas and small plates. See pictures from our visit HERE
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 as well as having that traditional cinema feel.
Ahead of its reopening 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.
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.
Empire Cinema, Sandwich
This art-deco @empiresandwich 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.