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Riverside Studios

Posted by Katrin on November 16th, 2006 — Posted in Cafés, Bars, Movies

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
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Girl’s Night Out

Posted by Katrin on September 9th, 2006 — Posted in Bars, Movies

Last night a friend asked me to join her for a movie, which I happily did. I am somewhat of a movie adict - having seen loads and always wanting to see more. I even went thorough certain movie phases: There was the Truffaut-phase, the Dogma-phase, the Wong-Kar-Wai-phase… Don’t get me wrong though, I have nothing against a good popcorn-movie and easy entertainment! However the longer lasting pleasure I get out of movies which are a long way away from Hollywood.

One of my favourite directors is Pedro Almodovàr. I have seen his last five films and some older ones, although I like his more recent work better. They all have been so colourful and touching and especially the women portrayed are often very strong despite their circumstances.
For this movie night we chose Volver which has just recently been released and has been highly praised and critically acclaimed already. It is absolutely wonderful and as always Almodovar’s characters are warm-hearted and fighting for what they need most: love, friendship and family. This longing for warmth is always stronger than the tragedys they have experienced along the way. I left the theatre uplifted and happy!

Anne and I had tried the Odeon at Kensinton High Street and we were happy to discover that we have this lovely movie theatre so close by! If you don’t want to make your way into the city this is just the place to go.

Odeon Kensington
263 High Street
London, W8 6NA
0871 426 7067
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The other good thing about this was that we ran into a very cosy little bar called Sopranos. We had been walking up the street to find a Pub after the movie and suddenly we heard live music. We didn’t hesitate long and went down the few steps to be surprised by this comfortable place! There wasn’t an entrance fee and we learned that they have live music every Fridays and Saturdays and sometimes Wednesdays and Thursdays.
It was just a piano player and a male singer but these two were really good! We were lucky to get a table as there were already quite a lot of people there, but it wasn’t too full - just comfortably. It was exactly the right place to go to after you have seen a good film and want to chat a bit before going home.

Sopranos
183 Kensington High Street
London W8 6NA
020 7937 2458
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