Vue Islington

Vue Islington is a proper multiplex cinema bang in the heart of North London, just off Upper Street where you can barely move for restaurants and bars. It's got the usual array of screens showing mainstream blockbusters and the occasional art-house film, depending on what's on that week. The place itself is functional rather than fancy - decent seats, decent sound, and you won't feel like you're sitting in someone's front room like you do at some of the smaller venues.

It's the sort of cinema that works best if you're already in the area anyway. If you're staying at Lovat Parks just three miles south and fancying a night out in Islington, this fits the bill nicely enough. You get your popcorn fix, catch whatever Marvel film or rom-com is doing the rounds, and then spill out onto Upper Street to carry on the evening. Opens at 9.30am on weekdays and 10.30 at weekends, stays open till midnight, so plenty of flexibility for timing.

Theatre-goers and cinephiles after something truly special might find it a bit basic. But for families wanting to keep the kids occupied on a rainy day, or couples after an easy night out during a park holiday, Vue does what it says on the tin without fuss. Ticket prices vary depending on the film and time, so check their website before you go. The location is your biggest selling point here - surrounded by decent pubs and restaurants, you could make a proper evening of it.