Vintage Birmingham - The Electric Cinema

I have noticed in my numerous internet searches recently that there are many vintage guides to various cities in the country.  You can find out about events, cafes, shops, historical places to visit etc. They are really useful and interesting if you are into that sort of thing and don't want to spend hours aimlessly looking for somewhere unique and special to retreat to.  There aren't many such guides for Birmingham.  Like anything, if you are looking you can certainly find places, but I thought I would do a bit of research and unify some of those places in one spot!

I thought I would start with one of my most favourite places in the world, let alone in Birmingham. It represents all that is fantastic in independent cinema, and has so much more to offer to the giant starry lights of some of the larger enterprises that screen our films: Ladies and Gents... The Electric Cinema.

'The Electric Cinema' by Tony Hisgett CC2.0

First of all, I know some people who live in Birmingham who have NEVER been here.  I have to say I think these people should feel ashamed of themselves! Well not really... but we are seriously privileged to have this place and we should bestow lots of praise and money upon it.  The Electric is the oldest working cinema in the UK.  That's amazing in itself.  If you are thinking that the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill is older, you would be wrong.  The one in Brum is actually two months older. Screw you London!  It actually opened in 1909.

The brilliant thing about the Electric is that it shows mainstream films, classics, foreign and independent films.  Not only this but the setting is magical and reminiscent of the Art Deco Era (originating in the 1920's).  The screens are small enough to have an inclusive feeling but large enough that you don't feel like half the population is kicking the back of your chair, munching food in your face and generally placing their large alien sized heads in front of you.  Forgive me, but I am only 5"2 and this happens to me a loooot.  Standard seating costs £7.80 compared with £7.25 at the Odeon.  I really think this is an easy choice to make for the sake of an extra few pence.  I have saved the best till last though.  If you pay a bit more you can hire out a whole (very comfy) couch and access the 'text waiter' service.  You then text the bar and they will bring you whatever you order from the menu. They have a license as well, which means you can get all sorts of goodies bought to you whilst you sit back and relax.  The nibbles and snacks are really delicious, I have sampled many of them and long may this continue.

'My week with Marilyn' - Pratachai CC2.0

Two of my favourite experiences here were watching 'My Week With Marilyn' and 'The Great Gatsby'.  It really does feel like a special occasion.  People even get married here, it's that well loved and treasured and I for one don't blame them.

Photo used with permission -  Anna Hardy

Please support the Electric and all independent businesses.  

Disclaimer: this is not a sponsored post and all opinions are my own.