Some things are most definitely better outdoors: swimming pools, barbecues, games of cricket. Cinemas, London has decided, firmly belong to that list – and while we might not do American style drive-ins, sitting out in the sun (or pretending the rain isn’t that bad) has become a staple of summer in the city.
Rooftop Film Club
The Rooftop Film Club has become something of an institution with screenings across London at the Queen of Hoxton, the Bussey Building and Stratford's Roof East. They play everything from stone cold classics (Grease, Ghostbusters, The Goonies) to modern favourites (Bohemian Rhapsody, Detective Pikachu, BlacKkKlansman). Not all venues are screening until June 30, so check their website for full details.
Info: Now – June 30, across London, rooftopfilmclub.com
The Luna Cinema
The Luna Cinema is a giant of outdoor cinema, with screenings all across London and out into the Home Counties. They’re known for picking tremendous venues: across the capital they’ve showings at everywhere from Alexandra Palace to the Regent’s Park open air theatre (always a favourite). The screenings on the water at Brockwell Lido are always a highlight, and this year they continue the nautical theme with The Meg and Aquaman. They don’t have quite the same variety of films as some places, but there’s still plenty of choice, with everything from Mamma Mia! to Mean Girls, The Big Lebowski to Bohemian Rhapsody.
Info: Now – September 29, across London, thelunacinema.com
The Nomad
The Nomad are the other big player on the outdoor cinema scene, and are best known for roaming around some stunning venues. Screenings this year will take place in Citypoint and LSO St Luke’s. They’ve a stellar line-up, which is frankly all classics, from Blade Runner to Some Like It Hot. They’ve got a few more recent releases, too, like The Favourite and Green Book.
Info: June 16 – Sept 6, across London, whereisthenomad.com
British Summer Time
No-one goes to a music festival just to hear the bands, right? British Summer Time are bringing back their outdoor screenings with a line-up that’s fully family-friendly. The days are themed – Musical Monday has Mama Mia! and Grease – with films showing at 5.30pm and 8.30pm each evening. Our pick of the week is Cult Classics on Wednesday, which boasts Back to the Future and Dirty Dancing.
Info: July 8 – 11, Hyde Park, W2 2UH, bst-hydepark.com
St Katharine Docks Floating Film Festival
Make a splash this summer with St Katharine Docks Floating Film Festival, hosting screenings throughout July. Head down to the waterside spot, and relax on bean bags as the series begins, appropriately, with Aquaman on Tuesday July 16. It’s one of the quirkier settings of the summer, with the likes of Mary Poppins Returns, Stan & Ollie and Green Book also featuring on the programme.
Info: July 16-28, St Katharine's Way, E1W 1LA, skdocks.co.uk
Somerset House
This may be the grandest of all the outdoor cinema venues – though, admittedly, Luna at Hampton Court Palace is fairly spectacular – and the Film4 Summer Screen line-up is first rate, too. There are classics and big hits, certainly, but they’re interesting ones: think Black Panther, The Piano and the Princess Bride.
Info: Aug 8 – 21, Strand, WC2R 1LA, somersethouse.org.uk
