Newly sprouting in the ever fertile virtual soil of the internet, I Know This Great Little Place In London, is a great site for those looking to sniff out the otherwise hidden gems of our fair capital. They’ve just published this list of the best cinemas in London which, I’m slightly shocked to say, contains a couple I’d not heard of…

1. Everyman Cinema – Hampstead (or Belsize Park if that’s closer because, as Adam Davison said, ‘Everyman Belsize is a luxury transatlantic cruise ship to Hampstead’s cosy steamer’. Adam you travel in style). The word luxury cinema doesn’t even do the Everyman Hampstead justice. This is the Tom Ford of the cinema world. There are two screening rooms, which seat 142 and 72. The smaller one is almost entirely sofas – perfect for snuggle time in a back-row-at-fourteen-years-old kind of way. Order champagne. Order beer. Order chocolate truffles if you’re a little bit fancy.
http://bit.ly/dn9tlW
Thanks for the tipoff: Adam Davison

2. Shortwave cinema – Bermondsey
Art house meets independent movies at Shortwave cinema. Their screen has a capacity of 52 (so properly intimate) and the café/bar serves up all the alcohol, soft drinks, coffee and snacks you need to keep you on the edge of your seat.
http://bit.ly/9LnVeb
Thanks for the tipoff: Ashish Patel.

3. The Phoenix Cinema – East Finchley
If an old cinema is your bag, try this one. Set up in 1910, it doesn’t get much older. Under its modern skin, lies an historic auditorium with unique Edwardian and art deco features. It’s even been listed Grade II, so you know it’s good.
http://bit.ly/9Za0Cr
Thanks for the tipoff: Louise Stapley.

4. The Electric – Notting Hill
Cinema sleepers beware: if you have a tendency to nod off, this place will only make your condition worse. Plush leather armchairs, sofas for couples and comfy footstools are the order of the day.
http://bit.ly/cVz5Nh
Thanks for the tipoff: Anton Bell.

5. The Garrison – London Bridge
Not a cinema. But, beneath this quaint gastropub, you’ll find your own little screening room for you and Mr/Mrs. Special. Your evening is down to you and your excellent choice in film. So choose wisely.
http://bit.ly/9XXgyz
Thanks for the tipoff: Tassanie Johnston.

6. Lexi Cinema – Kensal Rise
Cosy 80-seater venue in North-West London. It’s the city’s first “social enterprise” art house cinema, where all profits go to charity. So you can be entertained and feel good at the same time. There tend to be chic parties going on around that area so keep your ears to the ground if you fancy venturing off into the night post-flic.
http://bit.ly/aVrORD
Thanks for the tip off: Leloly Lukki.

Plus here are four recommendations from our GLP back pocket:

7. One Aldwych Hotel – Covent Garden
This little number got quite a lot of attention on our wall/twitter. If you really want to impress your special someone, take them here to ‘Moet on the menu’ at the weekend. Champagne + Three Course Meal + Movie = Gold Dust.
http://bit.ly/d3Gyld

8. Soho Hotel – Soho
There’s a small sumptuous screening room that snuggly fits 45 (i.e. 22 couples and 1 gooseberry I’m afraid) downstairs at the Soho Hotel. The cow skin seats are a sight to be seen.
Their Film Club takes place every Sunday, and includes a Champagne Afternoon Tea or a three course lunch or dinner, and the movie (which starts at 3.30pm). The damage: £35.00 per special someone.
http://bit.ly/b6e8WY

9. The Exhibit – Balham
This little gem is a filmic concoction of cinema, restaurant and bar. The cinema room seats 56 on leather sofas for two. What more could you want?
http://bit.ly/aDPPt7

10. It was going to be the Rex Cinema – Westminster, but it’s closed down. Boo. Thanks to Jas and Anne for pointing that out. So instead, by popular demand, it’s… Screen on the Green in Islington. Go go go!
http://bit.ly/cNmecp

Which is great but can you really miss out the Curzon? The Soho Curzon is still the cinema I’m most likely to be found in and still strikes me as the best balance between art house hang-out and cared for screening room and the Mayfair branch is posh enough to be impressive for high class nights without teetering over into being more about the interior design and bar facilities. But that’s just my opinion…

I took this picture in cafe of the Curzon soho one night…