Riverside Studios
Luckily in the area where I live are quite a few venues. That means getting bored is not an option, there are too many theatres, cinemas, shopping possibilities, cafes and restaurants.
The other day we decided to try the Riverside Studios. I walked past it once and it looked like a nice place for the evening. They have a movie theatre, changing shows and a bar, but you can also go there just to grab a coffee or have lunch. It sounded like a good mixture!
We met for a drink at the bar which turned out to be a bit dissapointing. I think it is meant to be industrial style but there could have been more effort put into the design of the place. So far it looks a bit unfinished. The lack of windows (none…) doesn’t make it very comforting and it has the feeling of a university-cafeteria.
However the wine was good and it was fun watching the dancers of the show running by to get to their stage.
I had picked The Queen as the movie for the night. I figured it is a must-see when you live in Britain. The movie theatre is all the way up the stairs and the room was huge with a very big screen (you never know when you try out the smaller places…). In front of the screen was a stage and in the corner stood a piano. It looked like there were dance lessons to take place as well. All in all a quirky kind of place, but in the nice, comfortable way.
I should mention that the movie was fabulous! Me being a Helen Mirren Fan I enjoyed seeing her in that role. Much has been written about her appearance in the film so I’ll spear you that part. However I need to mention that the Blairs were fantastic as well. It was very interesting how you start noticing that your feelings towards everybody shifts throughout the movie. In the beginning you think you have it all figured out but then you have second thoughts. Just in real life I guess…
One thing I would recommend is the movie double bill which is offered on a regular basis at the Riverside Studios. They show two movies somehow related to each other (theme, director, etc.) on one evening. I am a bit of a movie addict so that’s just my kind of thing! Unfortunately I haven’t found the time yet to try it out. The seats in the theatre are definitely comfortable enough!
They are also currently featuring a Festival of Central and Eastern European Arts!
Riverside Studios
Crisp Road
London W6 9RL
OPENING TIMES
Building: Mon-Fri 08.30-23.00, Sat 12.00-23.00, Sun 12.00-22.30
Café Bar: Mon-Fri 10.00-23.00, Sat 12.30-23.00, Sun 12.30-22.30
Espresso Bar: Mon-Fri 08.30-14.30
Box Office: Daily 12.00-21.00
Look it up on the map