Phoenix Cinema

The Phoenix Cinema sits in East London territory, a proper independent cinema that actually shows films worth watching rather than just the blockbuster grind. Walking in feels like stepping back into what cinemas used to be - there's a genuine sense of care in how it's run, and it shows in everything from the programming to the condition of the screens.

You get a solid mix here. Art house films, documentaries, classics on the big screen - the kind of stuff multiplexes won't touch. The staff know their stuff and won't try to flog you a twenty-quid bucket of popcorn with a grin. It's not flashy, but that's rather the point.

If you're staying at Elstree Park or anywhere in Hertfordshire, this makes a cracking evening out when the weather turns sour. Pop into nearby Hertfordshire towns first if you want a proper dinner - Phoenix Cinema's location means you've got plenty of options within striking distance. Allow two to three hours all in, depending on what film's on and how leisurely you fancy your pre-film wander.

Not for blockbuster fanatics or anyone expecting reclining seats and table service. But if you actually care about cinema as cinema, this is where locals go. Worth the trip.